Interview Outfit for Girls

[pinkdentist]

I know that this has been talked about before on here, but I am still a little confused about some interview attire. I have read a lot about the attire on the schools websites and stuff, and they all say "professional, dress like you would for an interview, be comfortable" and so forth. I talked to a friend who just started dental school last week and asked her what she wore to hers last year, and she said "everyone wore a suit" "people who dont look out of place", but I REALLY do not want to wear a FORMAL suit because it makes me, at age 22, feel 35, and matronly, which I am definitely not. What are you some of the girls on here planning on wearing? And if possible, maybe posting some links would be helpful.. THanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[AggieDDS]

I know that this has been talked about before on here, but I am still a little confused about some interview attire. I have read a lot about the attire on the schools websites and stuff, and they all say "professional, dress like you would for an interview, be comfortable" and so forth. I talked to a friend who just started dental school last week and asked her what she wore to hers last year, and she said "everyone wore a suit" "people who dont look out of place", but I REALLY do not want to wear a FORMAL suit because it makes me, at age 22, feel 35, and matronly, which I am definitely not. What are you some of the girls on here planning on wearing? And if possible, maybe posting some links would be helpful.. THanks!

I completely agree with you. Therefore, you should go naked. You gotta show off that 22 yr old body. 😍

 

[drpsuedonym]

I don't want to wear the formal business suit either, it makes me feel all weird and old and for some reason, fat. I've always avoided wearing one, but I don't know what to do about the interviews. I think I'm going to have to suck it up and just wear it because I don't want them to think I'm an unprofessional slacker, although I totally am.

 

[zebrafish]

there we people at my interviews last year that wore dresses, just be conservative. Don't show cleavage. You can be stylish, just think buisness.

 

[haisha ni narou]

Dress like Jan from The Office and you'll be alright.

 

[pinkdentist]

I went to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and White House Black Market yesterday and I saw very FEW "formal suits"... They are all selling separate pieces and are not quite as "formal" as they used to be... I really really liked some of the stuff at White House Black Market (Which has a really nice website for those of you who want to check it out), and their clothes were still very professional, but more age appropriate I thought. I feel like wearing a pant/skirt suit is NOT NECESSARY by all means, I mean these admissions people know our age and should see us dressed appropriately. I feel like "falling back" and being like EVERYONE ELSE, is not required, and we should not have to wear a suit. But that's just my opinion.

 

[dentstd]

This is the age of Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls. Business casual or anything that doesn't reveal cleavage will always feel awkward. Suck it up and get a suit. You're not trying to get a man, you're trying to get into school. Personal expression belongs on other days, not interview days.

 

[lemoncurry]

I completely agree with you. Therefore, you should go naked. You gotta show off that 22 yr old body. 😍

why is it that every thread about female interview attire features at least one post to this effect? If I were a woman, I would probably be very offended at such sexist remarks.

 

[pinkdentist]

This is the age of Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls. Business casual or anything that doesn't reveal cleavage will always feel awkward. Suck it up and get a suit. You're not trying to get a man, you're trying to get into school. Personal expression belongs on other days, not interview days.

I don't think anyone is trying to dress like Britney or the Pussycat Dolls, I know I'm not, I'm not trying to be a skank. Just saying that there is business wear out there that LOOKS PROFESSIONAL & DOESN'T SHOW CLEAVAGE.

 

[AggieDDS]

why is it that every thread about female interview attire features at least one post to this effect? If I were a woman, I would probably be very offended at such sexist remarks.

Lol, im surprised you found my comment offensive while dentstd post wasn't.

 

[drpsuedonym]

I went to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and White House Black Market yesterday and I saw very FEW "formal suits"... They are all selling separate pieces and are not quite as "formal" as they used to be... I really really liked some of the stuff at White House Black Market (Which has a really nice website for those of you who want to check it out), and their clothes were still very professional, but more age appropriate I thought. I feel like wearing a pant/skirt suit is NOT NECESSARY by all means, I mean these admissions people know our age and should see us dressed appropriately. I feel like "falling back" and being like EVERYONE ELSE, is not required, and we should not have to wear a suit. But that's just my opinion.

Keeping in mind that I respect the fact that it's your opinion and you're perfectly entitled to it, I disagree. I think our age doesn't have much to do with it and that we have to be professional in the way we dress, whether or not we're used to it. And we don't have to look dowdy and nasty, but I don't think it has much to do with being like everyone else. I think the norm is the norm and for my interview, I think I'd rather look like everyone else that stick out as the underdressed one. Assuming of course that I can tamp down my paranoia that a pant/skirt suit is overdressed. 🙂

 

[dentstd]

Lol, im surprised you found my comment offensive while dentstd post wasn't.

What's offensive about it? All I'm sayin's that business casual feels awkward to most people in this day and age, because we tend to dress flashy or provocatively.

Or was it offensive because I used the word "cleavage." Or does the idea of boobies offend you?

 

[aquafreshlovin]

Ehhh...boys will be boys...

 

[klutzy1987]

If the adcom is composed of mostly male members, why is cleavage such a bad idea. It seams to work by driving tickets, and those cops are some of the most stuck up jerks in the world. Women are good at getting men to do what they want and it may work in their favor to dress like they would on a date???
Just my opinion, could be I am wrong, esp as I know nothing about interviewing.

 

[219122]

That logic only works if you know you have male adcoms who are not the sort who think women shouldn't be in dentistry (old fashioned men) and would not take your cleavage as another proof that women aren't professional enough for dentistry. Also that backfires if you have a female interviewer. Cleavage is not professional, we're not trying to get out of a ticket or get a drink, we're trying to get admission to school. Find a suit.

 

[lemoncurry]

Assuming of course that I can tamp down my paranoia that a pant/skirt suit is overdressed. 🙂

Everyone who has been on interviews will tell you that this is not the case. From a male perspective, the only way we could be more dressed up is to wear a tuxedo, so it stands to reason that, while you may feel a suit is too dressy, it is definitely not the dressiest you could be, right? Try to imagine the most formal outfit you can think of, and a suit will feel downright casual by comparison.

 

[klutzy1987]

Everyone who has been on interviews will tell you that this is not the case. From a male perspective, the only way we could be more dressed up is to wear a tuxedo, so it stands to reason that, while you may feel a suit is too dressy, it is definitely not the dressiest you could be, right? Try to imagine the most formal outfit you can think of, and a suit will feel downright casual by comparison.

LOL i am picturing a long gown worn at an interview. It is kinda funny.

 

[219122]

Funny thing is it'd probably be easier to find a nice evening gown for a girl than a nice-fitting suit that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[klutzy1987]

Funny thing is it'd probably be easier to find a nice evening gown for a girl than a nice-fitting suit that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

I a guy, but ive seen womens suits at macy's for a reasonable price.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

I a guy, but ive seen womens suits at macy's for a reasonable price.

what are you doing looking at women's suits, huh... and price tags at that 😀 just kidding! you left yourself open for that - I couldn't pass it up 😀

 

[smileforyou]

I'm planning on wearing a short sleeve button up, vest on top, blazer, and pants. I bought everything at express and express usually has trendy business wear. You should check it out. If you dont want to wear pants, try wearing a pencil skirt. I wouldn't recommend it because you also want to be comfortable considering most interviews come with a tour. Hope that helps.

 

[RMPredent2009]

http://www.express.com/home.jsp


by separates there...you can get a really nice suit that still looks young and a cute (non-sluty) top to go underneath....and the best thing is you can wear them separately after you get into dental school 🙂

 

[drpsuedonym]

LOL i am picturing a long gown worn at an interview. It is kinda funny.

Me too.

(I originally accidentally wrote me tool. No, I am not in fact a tool.)

 

[eternalxdemon]

you can still show your age by wearing a suit. you can try for different colors other than the traditional black... professional yet fashionable. 🙂 i'm going to my interview with a chocolate brown pants suit that i got from macy's for ~$80 (suit was originally bought at $120, but i went back later in the week during the sales and adjusted the price) and a cream colored silk button down that really accentuates the chocolate brown. 🙂 and i have to admit it looks not too stuck up/matronly and actually cute. 🙂

 

[dent88]

im going to wear a skirt suit and rock it. ive heard they want to see you be professional so you have to present youself thay way. so id suggest any suit 🙂

 

[Neuro178]

Personally, I love wearing suit-type outfits. It makes me feel older in a mature way, like a professional business woman. My favorite store for dressy clothes are Express (already mentioned), The Limited (such gorgeous clothes and the staff there are very helpful), New York Clothing, and Macy's. If you want to go cheaper, Old Navy actually has a lot of nice dressy clothes. I worked there over winter break and got a nice blazer to go with black dress pants I already own. I pair the black blazer with an eye-catching, colorful button-up underneath, and it makes me feel very fashionable and professional. 😉

 

[OhioStBuckteeth]

What's offensive about it? All I'm sayin's that business casual feels awkward to most people in this day and age, because we tend to dress flashy or provocatively.

Or was it offensive because I used the word "cleavage." Or does the idea of boobies offend you?

teehee...boobies...

 

[horse40]

i have a quick question..

if i wear a formal suit, what kinda purse should i take?

i'm just not familiar with this kinda clothes..

help me!

 

[eternalxdemon]

a small one... not the big oversized ones that's the trend these days... but small enough to fit your ID, DL, some cash, maybe a credit card n keys. n as for color... coordinate with your suit. 🙂

 

[drpsuedonym]

a small one... not the big oversized ones that's the trend these days... but small enough to fit your ID, DL, some cash, maybe a credit card n keys. n as for color... coordinate with your suit. 🙂

Are you talking like clutch-small? Or like purse small? I kinda think one of those huge ones would be nice because you can just set it on the floor in a way you can't really do with the smaller ones, and also because they look awesome.

 

[harris57]

So I was told to wear a skirt suit by one of the committee members at MUSC.. however, I can't seem to find any that don't make me look like the flying nun.. any brands that have more trendy or at least better fitting skirt suits for people in their early 20s??

I really liked the suits that Gwyneth Paltrow wore in the movie Iron Man, to bad I don't have that much money to spend on one!http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000569/

 

[klutzy1987]

Look in Macy's or Express, i pass one every day in midtown manhattan and i see some pretty hot looking womens stuff that are modest yet nice.

 

[hookem224]

go to Express or The Limited. and Suits do NOT make you look old if you wear them right. I had to dress in business formal for a lot of events while at UT, and I always felt more confident wearing a suit and even got more compliments from guys that way. Just find one that fits right. shoulder pads suck, fyi.

 

[ak47]

i have a quick question..

if i wear a formal suit, what kinda purse should i take?

i'm just not familiar with this kinda clothes..

help me!

i took a big lands end tote for my portfolio, travel documents, snacks, etc and I put a small purse inside and used it as a carry-on for the flight. i left the big tote in the admissions office and took just my little purse and portfolio with me for the whole day. i think it worked out well.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/gts...ID:9&q=interview+attire+ladies&sa=Search#1146
enjoy!

 

[2loveshuy]

Colors of Benetton has really good slimming suits that looks really good on younger women, they sell them in separates so you can buy pants or skirts to go with the jacket. They look very much like Giorgio Armani or Versace suits (like the one seen in Ironman) but at a much cheaper price tag. Try to see if there's a Colors of Benetton outlet near your city because its much cheaper there, although if you don't live in a big city they might not have it. I really recommend this brand for petite ladies because it fits really well and doesn't make you look old since it really does curve to your body figure (not in a slutty way of course). One advice about fashion interview: Its always better to go overdress than under dress.

As for purses, I really like Louis Vuitton's Speedy but not everyone is willing to invest that much in a handbag, so the next best thing for girls on a budget is a Nine West bag. I wouldn't really carry a clutch at an interview because I tend to carry my whole life with me in a medium size bag (I always carry a small water bottle with me to an interview just in case I can't speak b/c my mouth is dry, and some makeup for touchup). Invest in a good bag and it will do you wonders.

Don't forget about shoes. No open toe shoes what-so-ever, even if they're the professional looking peep toe ones.

Don't forget about Make-up and Hair. Keep it professional and understated. Please don't go overboard with the make-up and do not the smokey eye look, even though its all the rage (its not like you're trying to impress someone at the club).


As you can tell- I love Fashion!! I can go on forever.... 🙂

 

[sublimeu4ea]

You can wear a suit and not look stuffy. I wore a lovely Ann Taylor with a dusty teal button down shirt that was more stylish than stuffy. I first purchased a dress from Banana Republic with a blouse top and a matching jacket, only to realize that when I looked in a mirror, I looked like a very cute, slightly grown up school girl in a jumper dress. Although it was professional and would have been appropriate for anything else, I didn't want it to be the one reason my interviews got a bad impression of me. First impressions are key.

And your interviewers are your BEST bet on getting in. Your interviewers are the only people on the board of admissions that actually get to meet you. If they don't like you, what is everyone else going to think of you even if you have PERFECT credentials. If you don't have at least one person fighting for you during evaluations, you'll never get in. I have a number of friends who had better credentials than I, and I'm sure their interviewers had not tried to hard to get them in as mine did because my creds are purely average among the application pool.

Ask yourself, "if I walk into a room of professionals, will they take me seriously in this?" Yes, than great!

 

[armorshell]

you can still show your age by wearing a suit. you can try for different colors other than the traditional black... professional yet fashionable. 🙂 i'm going to my interview with a chocolate brown pants suit that i got from macy's for ~$80 (suit was originally bought at $120, but i went back later in the week during the sales and adjusted the price) and a cream colored silk button down that really accentuates the chocolate brown. 🙂 and i have to admit it looks not too stuck up/matronly and actually cute. 🙂

Sounds just like the suit my girlfriend just got for her post-grad interviews 👍

 

[wigglytooth]

you can get some pretty nice looking suits from places like burlington coat factory or macy's if you're on more of a budget. the colored shirt underneath lets you be more casual (and less penguin) and the option of a brown or tan suit (or pin stripes!) lets you do more. one of my classmates said that she rocked a brown suit and it went very well with everyone. the blazer/skirt combo also works as long as the skirt is below or at the knees. as for jewelry and makeup: go light. i had cubic zirconia studs with multicolored semi-precious stones set in a necklace (small).

like others have said, you're applying to professional school, so you have to look the part. but at the same time, you can have fun with it! there are so many variations!

 

[EKdental09]

Express is a great place to look-- I found everything I needed and picked out a black jacket, pants and a short sleeved silk top that was cute but looked professional. The only thing I wasn't smart about was that my interview was at Iowa and I wore a maroonish pink shirt (the day before the Iowa/Iowa State game..) haha🙂 For my tour I just wore my pants and the top around to be more comfortable. Also-- I'm really happy I decided to pull my long hair back because I was so much less tempted to mess with it during the interview.

 

[Konfi]

What about hair style? Is it better to pick it up or leave it down? Also, what about a tank top instead of a button up shirt under the jacket?

 

[asiu]

Girls, are you bringing purses?

 

[eternalxdemon]

i had my first interview at llu today and i wore the above mentioned outfit and i brought along a black portfolio and small black clutch thing. it's about 4" x 6" x 1" thick. n i have to say it carried all i needed... a pen, some cash, my credit card & dl, and my cell fone and keys.

 

[Sophlu]

I bought two suites and I can not decide which one to wear. One is a pants suit and the other a skirt suit. The pants suit is from Nine West (brown and just your typical suit). The skirt suit is from Banana Repulic and more on the trendy site. I was wondering if I could have some opinions on which one would be better for my interview? The link below is like the jacket that goes with the pencil skirt from B and R. Thanks for any input.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/outfit.do?oid=OUT11818

 

[ak47]

I bought two suites and I can not decide which one to wear. One is a pants suit and the other a skirt suit. The pants suit is from Nine West (brown and just your typical suit). The skirt suit is from Banana Repulic and more on the trendy site. I was wondering if I could have some opinions on which one would be better for my interview? The link below is like the jacket that goes with the pencil skirt from B and R. Thanks for any input.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/outfit.do?oid=OUT11818

go for the traditional one. the banana rep. one looks a little too cute and fun and not very professional

 

[harrygt]

It's just for one day. Put on something professional. Putting a cleavage out there would not be a good idea. You can wear conservatively and still look hot to the committeee. Check out what Sarah Palin is wearing these days [I don't like here though, but she picks good choices for dressing up]. This was all my personal opinion. I hope Lemon Curry won't pick on anything here.

 

[lemoncurry]

harrygt, you = :banned:






j/k! 😀

 

[katy5787]

I found a really nice suit at Ann Taylor which is professional looking but stylish as well. If you go to an Ann Taylor outlet you can get them at a more reasonable price, which is what I did. I got a $400 suit for about $170. Also for any petite girls like me, they have a wide selection of petite suits at the outlet store. It was hard to find much of a choice in petites at other stores I looked at.

 

[harrygt]

harrygt, you = :banned:






j/k! 😀

Lol

 

[mamelons]

I bought two suites and I can not decide which one to wear. One is a pants suit and the other a skirt suit. The pants suit is from Nine West (brown and just your typical suit). The skirt suit is from Banana Repulic and more on the trendy site. I was wondering if I could have some opinions on which one would be better for my interview? The link below is like the jacket that goes with the pencil skirt from B and R. Thanks for any input.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/outfit.do?oid=OUT11818

I would not wear a short-sleeve jacket. I do not think it looks as professional as the traditional suit with a long-sleeve jacket.

 

[telebeans]

i'm wearing a dress... suits never fit me right. i hope i won't get penalized?