Interview attire for guys

[grunermann]

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So I'm shopping for suits, and I don't know what to get. I've heard that black is too formal, but I thought everyone wore black. Plus, I see a few deals on navy suits with pinstripes. Is it frowned upon to have stripes as long as they are minimal?

I know this seems petty, but I just don't want dress to end up being a negative issue.

 

[madcadaver]

So I'm shopping for suits, and I don't know what to get. I've heard that black is too formal, but I thought everyone wore black. Plus, I see a few deals on navy suits with pinstripes. Is it frowned upon to have stripes as long as they are minimal?

I know this seems petty, but I just don't want dress to end up being a negative issue.

Black is fine, navy with subtle pinstripes is fine. Wear matching socks. Shine your shoes. Knock em dead big guy.

 

[shivalrous]

Anything wrong with wearing a khaki suit, deep blue dress shirt, red tie, and dark brown shoes? 😕

 

[Nick99]

So I'm shopping for suits, and I don't know what to get. I've heard that black is too formal, but I thought everyone wore black. Plus, I see a few deals on navy suits with pinstripes. Is it frowned upon to have stripes as long as they are minimal?

I know this seems petty, but I just don't want dress to end up being a negative issue.

Good point,
suit is very important, it tells a lot about you. Even before you start to talk. And you want your suit to tell a good story about you, right? But please don't take anything with strips, it's not good. Some people think it's sissy. What colors are good? Well first you should know which ones are bad, I guess. Never wear loud ( intensive ) colors. That's no no. Not even too dark or something that looks depressive, like gray. What I would pick up is some worm dirty colors with combination of something dark and casual. What I mean by that? Example1; navy blue pants, black suit jacket, dirty blue shirt, black tie. That's it. Example 2; Black pants, light brown jacket, dirty yellow shirt, color of the tie similar like color of shirt, not big contrast. Fabric is important too, like something light, not heavy, something that makes you feel comfortable. Good luck.

 

[Solideliquid]

Good point,
suit is very important, it tells a lot about you. Even before you start to talk. And you want your suit to tell a good story about you, right? But please don't take anything with strips, it's not good. Some people think it's sissy. What colors are good? Well first you should know which ones are bad, I guess. Never wear loud ( intensive ) colors. That's no no. Not even too dark or something that looks depressive, like gray. What I would pick up is some worm dirty colors with combination of something dark and casual. What I mean by that? Example1; navy blue pants, black suit jacket, dirty blue shirt, black tie. That's it. Example 2; Black pants, light brown jacket, dirty yellow shirt, color of the tie similar like color of shirt, not big contrast. Fabric is important too, like something light, not heavy, something that makes you feel comfortable. Good luck.

?!?!?!?!?!?!?

 

[GrandMasterB]

i will be wearing a very dark navy 3 button suit with faint stripes, a red patterened (but not busy or too shiny "power") tie, black leather belt, comfy black (shined) shoes, black socks, and a silver (not fancy) watch. I will be carrying a black leather portfolio- with info about the school and perhaps interviewer's research, my cv/papers and extra lors (if applicable), a nice (not drug rep) pen, a black wool overcoat in the winter, my wallet, breath strips, and a few tissues, my pda, and cell phone (turned off).

i will be traveling with: a carryon trifold suit carrier- suit, three shirts, one pair of dress pants, four ties, belt, comfy shoes, a backpack/laptop bag, and if traveling longer a checked duffel, travel steamer, lint brush, toiletries, shoe shine wipes, laptop with extra battery, camera, cell phone with charger, copies of my CV, copies of my application and MSPE, extra LOS, extra pictures, headphones, copy of whatever book i am reading, the latest ski mag and car and driver, my portable mouse, a few dvds, aspirin, pepto, and tums.

now that is anal retentive!

 

[(nicedream)]

Good point,
suit is very important, it tells a lot about you. Even before you start to talk. And you want your suit to tell a good story about you, right? But please don't take anything with strips, it's not good. Some people think it's sissy. What colors are good? Well first you should know which ones are bad, I guess. Never wear loud ( intensive ) colors. That's no no. Not even too dark or something that looks depressive, like gray. What I would pick up is some worm dirty colors with combination of something dark and casual. What I mean by that? Example1; navy blue pants, black suit jacket, dirty blue shirt, black tie. That's it. Example 2; Black pants, light brown jacket, dirty yellow shirt, color of the tie similar like color of shirt, not big contrast. Fabric is important too, like something light, not heavy, something that makes you feel comfortable. Good luck.

This is the funniest post I have ever read. Thank you.

 

[mellow yellow]

i will be wearing a very dark navy 3 button suit with faint stripes, a red patterened (but not busy or too shiny "power") tie, black leather belt, comfy black (shined) shoes, black socks, and a silver (not fancy) watch. I will be carrying a black leather portfolio- with info about the school and perhaps interviewer's research, my cv/papers and extra lors (if applicable), a nice (not drug rep) pen, a black wool overcoat in the winter, my wallet, breath strips, and a few tissues, my pda, and cell phone (turned off).

i will be traveling with: a carryon trifold suit carrier- suit, three shirts, one pair of dress pants, four ties, belt, comfy shoes, a backpack/laptop bag, and if traveling longer a checked duffel, travel steamer, lint brush, toiletries, shoe shine wipes, laptop with extra battery, camera, cell phone with charger, copies of my CV, copies of my application and MSPE, extra LOS, extra pictures, headphones, copy of whatever book i am reading, the latest ski mag and car and driver, my portable mouse, a few dvds, aspirin, pepto, and tums.

now that is anal retentive!

I'll be bringing along some metoprolol for anxiety.. Works like a charm and my resting HR is around 48-50. Hopefully I won't have a syncopal episode!

 

[Butch]

Think conservative. Let your application, personality and qualifications speak for you.

1. Suits. Black, charcoal gray, or navy. No sports jacket/khaki combinations on interviews. I would avoid pinstripes, unless they are very subtle.

2. Shirt. Keep it simple. White is good. I would avoid Wall Street Banker blue with white collar.

3. Tie. Don't get too crazy. Red is a power color. Navy and yellow are nice. Save the pink and purple for when you are a resident.

4. Polish your shoes, comb your hair, brush your teeth and trim your fingernails. Interviews are not the time for excessive cologne or jewelry. Yes, all of the things your mother taught you to do.

 

[blue2000]

I will tell you that when I interviewed for general surgery, literally 80-90% of the guys wore blue shirts with a blue/yellow tie. It looked good, no doubt, but if you wear this combination, you will blend in. Whether you want to or not is up to you.

 

[BPD]

I have been looking around for suits and am not sure what I should be willing to fork out. I have seen stuff from 170 to 600. What should I expect to pay for a standard black suit? Also, are there any specific places where I can look for reasonably priced stuff?
Thanks

 

[Blade28]

Black suit, white or blue shirt, conservative tie.

 

[(nicedream)]

I have been looking around for suits and am not sure what I should be willing to fork out. I have seen stuff from 170 to 600. What should I expect to pay for a standard black suit? Also, are there any specific places where I can look for reasonably priced stuff?
Thanks

Reasonably priced = Men's Wearhouse
Nicer = Saks, Neimen Marcuss, Nordstroms

 

[Drlove9701]

Best bet is Men's Warehouse and a $200 suit. Anyone have advise on luggage for travel esp via air. I have been intrigued by the Tri-fold bags, anyone have experience with these. Also, what is the best method to travel with a few ties and not get them wrinkled. Good luck everyone.

 

[Blade28]

I used a garment bag from Target, brought it as carry-on during all my flights, unpacked once I arrived at the hotel. That way it wouldn't be wrinkled, and there wouldn't be the chance that my luggage would get lost. (Also makes for a quicker exit from the airport.)

 

[ThinkFast007]

ya or nay to wearing cufflinks?

 

[(nicedream)]

If You're using a garment bag, hang the ties on the hanger. If not, roll the ties.
Also you can get nice suits at J Crew and Banana Republic for around 300.

 

[NinerNiner999]

I liked to wear my cheetah thong under my suit, and I liked knowing that I was the only one who knew I was wearing it. Grrrrrr.

 

[ThinkFast007]

If You're using a garment bag, hang the ties on the hanger. If not, roll the ties.
Also you can get nice suits at J Crew and Banana Republic for around 300.

shoot....my banana rep suite cost 520. the jacket itself was 320! 😱 😱

i was like WTF..but i mean i guess its a nice suit. but still pretty pissed. but J Crew stuff probably costs even more right?

 

[Idiopathic]

3. Tie. Don't get too crazy. Red is a power color. Navy and yellow are nice. Save the pink and purple for when you are a resident./QUOTE]

I disagree. Pink is the new blue and a nice pink tie goes a long way towards promoting a confident appearance.

 

[Idiopathic]

I have been looking around for suits and am not sure what I should be willing to fork out. I have seen stuff from 170 to 600. What should I expect to pay for a standard black suit? Also, are there any specific places where I can look for reasonably priced stuff?
Thanks

Look for outlet stores also (i.e. Dillards) I picked up two very nice suits from a Dillards outlet for 100 apiece before med school interviews (hope they still fit!!)

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Fashion has always been one of my favorite subjects (too bad they don't teach it in med school!). If you're buying a suit, try to buy one that's double-vented. It's a little more up-to-date than the single vent (I call it the "butt-crack" vent) or even worse, the jacket with NO vents! The pants should be flat-front with no creases (the double-vented suites usually come with flat-front pants). These type of pants look especially good if you're on the slimmer side. If your belly is big enough where you can't see your belt or even worse your feet, STAY AWAY FROM FLAT-FRONT PANTS!

In terms of color of the suit, keep it dark. I would go with a really dark charcoal grey or dark navy blue suit (my favorite!) with subtle pinstrips. I wouldn't exlude pinstrips. I think they make a suit (and you) look really good. However, as the other poster stated, keep the strips sutle. (stay away from bold gangsta-strips). Most "nicer" designers don't make these types of suits. You can find these nicer suits in stores like Nordstorms, Saks, Bloomingdales, etc. A good idea is to try their outlet stores. You'll save sometimes over 50% off the original price.

I would definetly try to wear a french-cuff shirt but keep the cuff-links subtle. No big diamonds or other flashy ornaments. In terms of the color of the shirt, white will obviously work with both combos (charcoal grey/navy blue). If you're doing the navy blue suit with pinstrips, I would throw in a nice french-cuff pink shirt. Try to buy a shirt with a spread color. They look more sophisticated. Just make sure you use the full-windsor knot with a spread color. It's shows confidence. (If you don't know how to tie a full windsor knot, LEARN NOW! Use google and you'll get plenty of info). My absolute favorite shirt store is Thomas Pink. Their shirts are a little pricey ($140+) but if you've got the money/testicular fortitude, buy one. You won't be disappointed. Great pair of cuff-links ($25-35) can be found at Macy's.

Ok, now shoes. They don't have to be $500 Italian shoes but please make sure they're new/look like new. Theres nothing worse than a man with a nice suit on and ugly/dirty/old shoes. What's even worse is when a guy thinks he can get away with wearing his what I call "clunky shoes" (those black shoes with big soles/heals that some guys wear with jeans) with his suit. That should be against the law! Try to buy a nice pair of simple, european-style shoes. Remember, simplicity is the rule with men's dress shoes. Oh yeah, stay away from wing-tips. Your dad should be wearing them. Not you. A good store for men's dress shoes is Aldo, Steve Madden (one of my favorites), and the big department stores.

I think that sums it up. Hope that helps. G'luck.

 

[GrandMasterB]

Doc Saib gives some great advice. I would add that since Pink is so expensive- try the higher line shirts at Brooks Brothers- they have so many outlets and even a different line of clothes they see at the outlets- so you should be able to find a deal. Also, choose the collar that suits you best- if you have a skinny/oblong head- choose a wider collar, and if you are more round faced- choose a pointed collar- you can tell by putting two shirts next to one another and seeing which one has a collar that is a little narrower and points more downwards than the other. I prefer a french collar to a buttoned color- but that is a matter of taste. Also, I would stay away from the pink colored shirts for interviews- stick with white or light blue. I have 4 pink shirts, but think that it is a little too bold of a color for an interview day. Definitely polish your shoes, wear a nice but not flashy watch and a belt with a subtle buckle- don't show off the belt your oil rancher grandpa got you. Barney's has some great suits at reasonable prices at the end of the season- if you are in NYC you can go to their warehouse sale in the summer- or check out one of their outlets. Alternatively you could go there, have their salesman tell you what you should get, then go get it somewhere else.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Also, choose the collar that suits you best- if you have a skinny/oblong head- choose a wider collar, and if you are more round faced- choose a pointed collar

Exactly right! Many of the current styles are geared toward slimmer guys. Over-weight fellas need to take my advice with a grain (or a truck-load) of salt.

 

[Nick99]

Exactly right! Many of the current styles are geared toward slimmer guys. Over-weight fellas need to take my advice with a grain (or a truck-load) of salt.

Hi there,
I see you are fashion literate, so please can you tell me about my taste ( check my post upthere)? Thanks

 

[Buck Strong]

Good advice Doctorsaib, but a few points that I might contend...no right or wrong answers, just opinions

1) Pink or purple shirts, I dig them, but wouldn't wear them on an interview...I'd stick to the more conservative colors
2) Cuff links, great for formal affairs, but I'd go with the traditional cuff or barrell cuff for interviews. My rule is to never wear anything more flashy than anyone interviewing you. Stay away from big shiny watches, jewelry, french cuffs, tie clips, etc.
3) Big fan of Thomas Pink, some other great shirt makers are Charles Tyrwhitt and Turnbull & Asser. I'd definitely get one or two of these shirts for interviews...the brits know what they're doing.
4) Suit color, Brown, I'd stay away from, navy is ok, but I'd go with a black or dark charcoal suit, maybe with subtle pinstripes. From what I've seen so far, suit color often correllates with the conservativeness of the specialty you're interviewing for. Every single one of the ortho guys and girl who interviewed last year here wore black. I think you can figure out the other conservative specialties on your own. Hehe, if you're interviewing for FP, you may get away with wearing a jacket and jeans. Maybe you can pull off cufflinks, diamond crusted watch, sunglasses, and shiny tie if you're interviewing for plastics in LA. Use your personal discretion.
5) When in doubt, go more conservative. What you wear won't get you into a program. However, what you wear can keep you from getting in a program. Your interviewers have varying taste, so even if you wear something that impresses one of your interviewers, you risk turning off another one.
6) Get a manicure if you have nasty chewed up nails

 

[madcadaver]

SmartBargains.com has some good deals on suits from nice brands such as Hugo Boss, DKNY, Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole from $99 to around $500. Many of the nice ones are priced at $169. I have no affiliation with the site, just like to pass on good deals.

You will have to get professionally measured (department stores are happy to do it) to make sure you buy the right size. And you will have to get professional alterations done after you receive it (as you would with any suit). But you would still be saving a lot of money on a nice suit.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Good point,
suit is very important, it tells a lot about you. Even before you start to talk. And you want your suit to tell a good story about you, right? But please don't take anything with strips, it's not good. Some people think it's sissy. What colors are good? Well first you should know which ones are bad, I guess. Never wear loud ( intensive ) colors. That's no no. Not even too dark or something that looks depressive, like gray. What I would pick up is some worm dirty colors with combination of something dark and casual. What I mean by that? Example1; navy blue pants, black suit jacket, dirty blue shirt, black tie. That's it. Example 2; Black pants, light brown jacket, dirty yellow shirt, color of the tie similar like color of shirt, not big contrast. Fabric is important too, like something light, not heavy, something that makes you feel comfortable. Good luck.

If I was in charge, you'd be prosecuted to the fullest extent of fashion law...haha.

Buck Strong makes some good comments. While I do agree that conservative is the safest route, I'll still stand by my word. A pink shirt is not INappropriate for an interview. Just make sure it's a nice light pink, not salmon pink where the interviewers need sunglasses to talk to you.

Cuff-links make any outfit look nice. For those who never wear them, it may be a big deal. For others, cufflinks are a daily thing (since we're still students, that means everytime you dress-up, which isn't everyday), so NOT wearing them is out of the ordinary. Like I said before, do whatever you feel comfortable with during interview day. Did I mention learn how to tie a windsor knot... 😉

The comment about NOT out-dressing your attendings. Lets see, I can count on one hand the number of attendings that I know, worked with, or seen that actually dress nice (I worked for several years before starting med school, so don't reply "thats cause you're only a 2nd year"). For the rest of them, dressing nice is just not a priority. To them, an outfit is a pair of pants, remotely matching shirt, and usually an ugly tie. IMO, if you have any sense of fashion, it'd be kind of hard NOT to out-dress your attendings.

We should have a Fashion Forum on SDN. Where everyone can come and get fashion advice. Heck, competitive residencys should use that as another criteria to evaluate students. No longer will AOA, 240+, and research land you a spot. Now you'll have to dress immaculately as well!

 

[Gut Shot]

I have been intrigued by the Tri-fold bags, anyone have experience with these.

I bought a Skyway Tri-Fold for interviews last year and loved it. It's guaranteed to meet carry-on criteria for all major airlines, which was good to know.

 

[Buck Strong]

No longer will AOA, 240+, and research land you a spot. Now you'll have to dress emaculately as well!

Haha, not to bust your balls, but you edit your post for spelling (which I dig, because poor spelling always ticks me off) but you still seem to have missed the word "immaculately"

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Haha, not to bust your balls, but you edit your post for spelling (which I dig, because poor spelling always ticks me off) but you still seem to have missed the word "immaculately"

****. You're right. But you have to admit the rest of the post was immaculate. 😉

 

[Buck Strong]

Another point, don't wear anything political or controversial on interview day. One attending told me that one interviewee last year wore a AMSA "no free lunches" pin, and a few of the attendings kinda scoffed at the person. From what i gather, the majority of doctors run towards the conservative/republican edge of the spectrum, so if you're going to wear a pin, you might be better off wearing a rush limbaugh or "I love Bush" pin.

 

[tripod]

Be conservative, especially if you are interviewing for surgery. I'd say you should sway more towards blending in than standing out. I know of of some applicants that came in wearing brown suits and one who wore a bolo tie (for you texans out there) and those metrosexual type ties that were basically eliminated from consideration the moment they stepped into the PD's office for an interview. (and i got this from the faculty, not from the unfortunate applicants). So watch out if you are trying to make a fashion statement and show how "hip" you are.

 

[shtarker]

Awesome advice doctorsaib. Spoken like a true East Coaster. Being from Manhattan I share many of the opinions you gave. I however will be taking a slightly riskier approach when I interview for IM positions accross the country. I will be wearing a new light grey three-button suite with a very faint yellow pinstripe. The reason I'm going the "different" route stems back to my experience when I interviewed for medical school. I wore a very stylish, all-be-it, charcoal grey suit. I looked like everyone else at all of the interviews. I hated that. It's not that I wanted to stand out like a sore thumb, but hell, I want to look good. We all looked like clones wearing the same charcoal grey/black/navy. I don't see it as taking a risk, I see it as a strategy to be remembered by the people I interview with - hopefully in a good way!

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Awesome advice doctorsaib. Spoken like a true East Coaster. Being from Manhattan I share many of the opinions you gave. I however will be taking a slightly riskier approach when I interview for IM positions accross the country. I will be wearing a new light grey three-button suite with a very faint yellow pinstripe. The reason I'm going the "different" route stems back to my experience when I interviewed for medical school. I wore a very stylish, all-be-it, charcoal grey suit. I looked like everyone else at all of the interviews. I hated that. It's not that I wanted to stand out like a sore thumb, but hell, I want to look good. We all looked like clones wearing the same charcoal grey/black/navy. I don't see it as taking a risk, I see it as a strategy to be remembered by the people I interview with - hopefully in a good way!

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