Interview suit for guys

[Big Bayood]

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I know this has probably been covered many times in previous threads, but I could not find anything I liked....so here:

For a suit, what would look more professional? Solid Black, or stripped Black?

Also, what color shirt? Should one go with the basic white?

Finally, what color tie? Is a solid color better, or does it not matter?

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAAATLY APPRECIATED

 

[TheRealMD]

1) Pick a subtle pattern on the black that is only obvious when you are staring at it from close range. This means thin lines only.

2) Blue/white shirt is the norm. A red shirt will make you stand out without looking like a freak. Just be aware that when people are looking at you, they are only noticing the different color of the shirt and not looking into your soul.

3) Stick with a solid color tie. Nothing too fancy. Purple, yellow, and pink are out. It should go with your shirt if the shirt has a color (no red on blue, etc...)

 

[med007]

I know this has probably been covered many times in previous threads, but I could not find anything I liked....so here:

For a suit, what would look more professional? Solid Black, or stripped Black?

Also, what color shirt? Should one go with the basic white?

Finally, what color tie? Is a solid color better, or does it not matter?

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAAATLY APPRECIATED

To be honest, in my experience it never mattered. But I like to think it's just another chance for admissions folk to see another small part of your personality. Solid black is a more professional look and very safe. I can't stand white shirts, personally, so I have worn mild colors like burgundy, light blue, a medium green, etc. I've only worn solid shirts, and thus a tie with a pattern. The tie is where you can really be individualistic and I have received many compliments on ties I wore that are unique but elegant, generally avoiding common patterns like stripes, checkers, and paisley.

Definitely put something together that reflects your personal style but also gives the impression that you are also professional and well put-together. One thing that might give you inspiration is just looking through designer websites like Express or Armani, just to see how some good suits are assembled with color, pattern, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[nick_carraway]

People will give you a lot of advice on SDN about how to dress. Don't wear black, for instance, is a common warning.

My main piece of advice is that your interview isn't the time to experiment with colors or styles that you aren't comfortable with. Simply go for what works. If you think you look sharp in a black suit--with or without pinstripes--then do it. Most young people do look good in black, even if it's technically frowned upon in the business world. When I shopped, I chose an espresso brown suit for no reason other than the fact that it fit and I liked the color.

Choose a shirt color that's comfortable for you but don't sacrifice fit for a unique color. The shoulders, the sides, the neck, and the cuffs should all fall into place or you'll feel awkward on interview day. Whether you end up wearing white or an earthy tone, just make sure that you're comfortable wearing it. Nothing feels worse than feeling like you stick out if you're a wallflower. For me, it was a light light blue shirt with thin yellow and white vertical stripes that was fitted to skinnier people.

For the tie, make sure that the color of the shirt is in the tie but don't match it exactly to the color of the shirt. In other words, if your shirt is blue, get a tie with blue in it but not a tie that is the exact same shade. It's best if the tie also has the color of the suit in it. I prefer one or two tone ties that use texture to make it more interesting, rather than becoming a colorful eyesore. My interview tie was a light gold tie with textured squares with light brown centers. The gold went with the shirt, the brown went with the suit.

 

[SoFlaKnight]

The Money Combo= Black Pinstripe, Baby Blue Dress Shirt and solid Periwinkle Tie...Spit shine those shoes and you are officially on Baller Status!

... and don't forget to bring your phone so you can store all the digits you'll be getting from fellow interviewees of the opposite sex😀

 

[Asp]

SDN is a bad place for sartorial advice. There's good advice and bad advice. If you could tell the good from the bad you wouldn't need advice, would you? Just get Flusser's Dressing the Man from your college library and you'll get all your questions answered.

Oh, and from the sound of your post, I'd be more worried about the fit and cut of your suit/shirt then the colors. Flusser can help you with that too. We can't, unless you show us a picture.

 

[nevercold]

Hmm, in judging how professional the students look that I interview, I would indicate the following:

Suit - dark color

Shirt - light color

Tie - yes

Don't aim for psychedelic though. Try to match.

 

[Piyush]

Try something that speaks about your life. I wore a black pinsrtipe suit which I think is very standard. I wore a maroon shirt, which is the color of my undergrad school. And my tie had the cap badge of my army unit just like the one in the image, except mines is a medical unit. I also wore a collar pin that my school gives out just like grad rings, except only one or two are given out for highest honors in the program.

 

[Auron]

So I guess the all white suit is a no go?

 

[novastorm]

Look professional but feel good about how your dressed -->

People will give you a lot of advice on SDN about how to dress. Don't wear black, for instance, is a common warning.

My main piece of advice is that your interview isn't the time to experiment with colors or styles that you aren't comfortable with. Simply go for what works. If you think you look sharp in a black suit--with or without pinstripes--then do it. Most young people do look good in black, even if it's technically frowned upon in the business world. When I shopped, I chose an espresso brown suit for no reason other than the fact that it fit and I liked the color.

Choose a shirt color that's comfortable for you but don't sacrifice fit for a unique color. The shoulders, the sides, the neck, and the cuffs should all fall into place or you'll feel awkward on interview day. Whether you end up wearing white or an earthy tone, just make sure that you're comfortable wearing it. Nothing feels worse than feeling like you stick out if you're a wallflower. For me, it was a light light blue shirt with thin yellow and white vertical stripes that was fitted to skinnier people.

For the tie, make sure that the color of the shirt is in the tie but don't match it exactly to the color of the shirt. In other words, if your shirt is blue, get a tie with blue in it but not a tie that is the exact same shade. It's best if the tie also has the color of the suit in it. I prefer one or two tone ties that use texture to make it more interesting, rather than becoming a colorful eyesore. My interview tie was a light gold tie with textured squares with light brown centers. The gold went with the shirt, the brown went with the suit.

 

[Timmythemic22]

I know this has probably been covered many times in previous threads, but I could not find anything I liked....so here:

For a suit, what would look more professional? Solid Black, or stripped Black?

Also, what color shirt? Should one go with the basic white?

Finally, what color tie? Is a solid color better, or does it not matter?

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAAATLY APPRECIATED

Are you asking us because Mommy won't be there to dress you on interview morning?

 

[DredPiratRobrts]

For a suit, what would look more professional? Solid Black, or stripped Black?

What's "stripped" black?

 

[moe_4eva]

I like to stand out, yet at the same time still make an impression. That's why I wore this:

 

[littlealex]

Some very light color on the shirt is often nice. It makes you look more interesting. Please don't be one of those podunk people that wear aggressive striped suits. It's really not proper in terms of an interview.
A dark gray, navy, dark brown are all good color choices.

 

[deuce924]

Wear something you feel comfortable in. Like previously stated, your interview isn't the time to experiment with your wardrobe. I think as long as you aren't too extreme (white, anything pastel, or fluorescent) you should be fine.

 

[Piyush]

Oh please wear a scooby doo or tweety suit, and let me know what school you interview at...I will apply to that place too so I will be sure to have one less applicant to compete with.

Always a sound advice giver, and its free

Cheers
Piyush

 

[dienekes88]

Black suit!? That's for funerals, dude.

I guess you can also wear one if you're a member of the clergy or playing in an orchestra.

 

[coldweatherblue]

I know this has probably been covered many times in previous threads, but I could not find anything I liked....so here:

For a suit, what would look more professional? Solid Black, or stripped Black?

Also, what color shirt? Should one go with the basic white?

Finally, what color tie? Is a solid color better, or does it not matter?

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAAATLY APPRECIATED

Honestly I don't think that medical folk are particularly judgmental when it comes to fashion, compared with business folk at least. Of course it depends on who your interviewer is.

I think that if you just wear the clothes that you consider formal and that you feel good in you will be fine.

That said, however, there are certain guidelines to follow in formal attire.

The main thing is that everything you wear serves to make you look professional and attractive.

A black suit is generally reserved for black-tie occasions; formal dinners, funerals, etc. Do not wear black suits to interviews or regular meetings, church, etc because it looks like you're overdressing. A classic charcoal or navy blue suit is the safest bet.

Shirt color is dependent on you. White is perfectly fine, especially for med-school interviews. If you wanted to stand out fashionably you could wear a patterned shirt or some different colour. Be aware though that deciding on a tie becomes more difficult when you add patterns to the shirt.

Solid ties are very boring, imo. If you wear a navy suit with a white shirt almost ANY tie will look good and it definitely needs to have some pattern to give variety to the outfit. Even if the tie has mostly yellow, it should have diagonal stripes or some pattern in another colour (light blue for example) to balance it out.

Anyway, just some "accepted" guidelines to work by... like I said though whatever makes you look professional (and good) is what you want to wear and that is dependent on the person... good luck.

 

[nevercold]

You all get a little too hyped up about fashion. If you put it on and it looks pretty good, go with it. All these fashion "rules" are pretty much BS and based on some random influential person's opinion.

"Don't wear a black suit" is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Black is a formal, professional color and looks completely appropriate. Just b/c black is customary wear for funerals doesn't mean you can't wear it other times. Many cultures wear white for funerals. I wear green on St Patrick's Day, but it doesn't mean I won't wear green for the rest of the year! I wore a black suit for all of my medical school interviews and got accepted to every single place I interviewed.

 

[dideoxy]

You all get a little too hyped up about fashion. If you put it on and it looks pretty good, go with it. All these fashion "rules" are pretty much BS and based on some random influential person's opinion.

"Don't wear a black suit" is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Black is a formal, professional color and looks completely appropriate. Just b/c black is customary wear for funerals doesn't mean you can't wear it other times. Many cultures wear white for funerals. I wear green on St Patrick's Day, but it doesn't mean I won't wear green for the rest of the year! I wore a black suit for all of my medical school interviews and got accepted to every single place I interviewed.

i agree. i think all these rules are for people who are either very boring or too insecure to be themselves. just wear what makes you feel confident - yes, some people can pull off white suits or bowties or black suits or big beards or any of the supposed "no-nos," because it really speaks to their personality and they're likely to be unique candidates who don't plan their every move based on SDN and 'how-to-get-in' books. at several of my interviews, deans/adcom members commented on how boring and drab everyone looked, and positively pointed out someone who was bold enough to try something different..

 

[thebeatblitz]

i agree. i think all these rules are for people who are either very boring or too insecure to be themselves. just wear what makes you feel confident - yes, some people can pull off white suits or bowties or black suits or big beards or any of the supposed "no-nos," because it really speaks to their personality and they're likely to be unique candidates who don't plan their every move based on SDN and 'how-to-get-in' books. at several of my interviews, deans/adcom members commented on how boring and drab everyone looked, and positively pointed out someone who was bold enough to try something different..

Personally, I harbor the exact opposite sentiment. People that want to be a unique snowflake and use their clothing as that medium are the ones I've experienced as "boring or insecure".

There's nothing wrong about asking a question regarding proper interview attire. Like many others, I had very little exposure to the "suit lifestyle" as a high-schooler and undergrad, so why not ask for help? The op is just asking in the wrong place.

Ironically, medicine is also a conservative, traditional profession with many established "rules" made up by such "boring and insecure" folk. Just because you aren't aware that some haughty, obese king decided that everyone should have their bottom button undone, and this tradition subsequently translated into the majority of well-respected tailors designing the cut and shape of their suits with this in mind, doesn't mean that some of the "rules" aren't helpful.

 

[monkeyman12]

assless chaps are the way to go...

 

[nevercold]

There's nothing wrong about asking a question regarding proper interview attire.

...

Ironically, medicine is also a conservative, traditional profession with many established "rules" made up by such "boring and insecure" folk. Just because you aren't aware that some haughty, obese king decided that everyone should have their bottom button undone, and this tradition subsequently translated into the majority of well-respected tailors designing the cut and shape of their suits with this in mind, doesn't mean that some of the "rules" aren't helpful.

Perfectly reasonable to ask about appropriate attire. I'm just saying that your number one resource should be the mirror. If someone says "leave the bottom button unbuttoned" or "don't wear a black suit" or whatever, you should ask why before you do it. If there is a good reason, that's fine, but I think often the reasons given aren't all that good. In which case you should return to the number one resource: the mirror.

 

[BigRedder]

Most guys wear black suits, probably because students don't tend to have many suits and they just go for the most ubiquitous one. If you aren't wearing black, you will look different, but that's it. Your entire appearance is just supposed to convey to your interviewers that you know how to put yourself together. You don't need it to say anything about you, you just need to be comfortable. nevercold is right, you should really just look in the mirror and see if you look good. If you don't think you have the eye for it just ask a girl to give you feedback, I'm sure you can find one who will be more than willing.

 

[Skymastre]

I wore a dark purple tie w/ blue paisley. Honestly, my interviews went great.

as stated above, depends on what you are comfortable w/. Most important thing is the handshake and GQ smile you flash when you meet your interviewer.

If I could do it over again, I would go with the *chaps

 

[dideoxy]

Personally, I harbor the exact opposite sentiment. People that want to be a unique snowflake and use their clothing as that medium are the ones I've experienced as "boring or insecure".

There's nothing wrong about asking a question regarding proper interview attire. Like many others, I had very little exposure to the "suit lifestyle" as a high-schooler and undergrad, so why not ask for help? The op is just asking in the wrong place.

I think you're misunderstanding my sentiment. I didn't say go grow a beard, buy a bowtie and a white suit.. I said that if that's YOU, don't be afraid to be yourself. Style should never be about trying to look different, such gaudy snowflakes are insulting to the eyes. Similarly insulting, though, is trying to look the same as everyone else. All I was saying is wear what makes you feel confident and professional when you look in the mirror.

Neither do I think it's wrong to ask for advice, but I think when one walks into a suit store the options are fairly clear. It's unlikely that someone so unsure of what to wear would run to the Miu Miu tie-dye tie and asymmetrical Comme Des Garcons suit, so the choices are more straightforward: what color shirt/tie? how many buttons? etc... That's where I think you should do away with rules and wear what feels good.

Ironically, medicine is also a conservative, traditional profession with many established "rules" made up by such "boring and insecure" folk. Just because you aren't aware that some haughty, obese king decided that everyone should have their bottom button undone, and this tradition subsequently translated into the majority of well-respected tailors designing the cut and shape of their suits with this in mind, doesn't mean that some of the "rules" aren't helpful.

No need to put boring and insecure in quotations 🙂 Part of the reason medicine is upside down is because of the conservatism and traditionalism. The system is broken and too many are too afraid to be creative in fixing it. So let's keep throwing drugs at diseases we caused; let's keep spending more than almost any other developed country on a system that serves less than almost any other developed country. Again, there's no point being a maverick for maverick's sake, especially when juggling human life -- but medicine needs more free thinkers, and I have no desire to be admitted into any school that would look past genuine passion and intelligence because of a one-button suit or a snoopy tie.

 

[coldweatherblue]

Perfectly reasonable to ask about appropriate attire. I'm just saying that your number one resource should be the mirror. If someone says "leave the bottom button unbuttoned" or "don't wear a black suit" or whatever, you should ask why before you do it. If there is a good reason, that's fine, but I think often the reasons given aren't all that good. In which case you should return to the number one resource: the mirror.

You're right, for someone that is comfortable picking their own clothes the mirror is the perfect resource.

However, for someone who asks a question on an internet forum about what constitutes appropriate formal attire, perhaps they really do need advice and general fashion guidelines.

You say that my saying "One shouldn't wear a black suit to non-formal occasions" is the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard, but it is a very accepted fashion guideline and I thought it appropriate that the OP should know it. Same thing with leaving the bottom button unbuttoned in a three-button suit.

like I said earlier, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and professional.

one "influential" man's opinion on men's interview fashion:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/WWW/WWW/Job%20Interviewing.htm

 

[Skymastre]

If you can actually tie a bowtie, then I'm a strong believer you should go ahead and wear it to almost all occasions...

but not to the interview 🙂

 

[BigRedder]

If you don't already have the clothes, then do yourself a favor and get over to Men's Wearhouse or something. They are professionals so they know what looks good, and they have plenty of experience dressing people for interviews.

 

[DrZhivago1240]

Ok, so here's the deal...go with the plain black suit.

Pin-striped is generally for people who actually have some power, while black is much more interview appropriate.

Go with the plain white shirt and a conservative burgundy tie. The burgundy tie should have some black in it to make it match well with the suit and really make the burgundy stand out (pop) against the white and black. If possible the tie should have a little bit of white as well.

It's a confident and traditional look that is perfect for interviewing.

Yes, I work at a men's clothing store.

Most important piece of advice: wear what you are comfortable in and makes you feel good.

 

[DrZhivago1240]

If you don't already have the clothes, then do yourself a favor and get over to Men's Wearhouse or something. They are professionals so they know what looks good, and they have plenty of experience dressing people for interviews.

Lol! I actually work at the Men's Wearhouse...

 

[BigRedder]

Lol! I actually work at the Men's Wearhouse...

Thanks for backing up my point!

PS: FWIW, my suit is taupe, and I wore a white, subtly textured shirt with a silver tie. I actually bought it at Men's Wearhouse when I was 16. Taupe sounds like an outrageous color, but it's really just a dark silvery color.

 

[DrZhivago1240]

Yeah, tone on tone can look really sharp...now I want a picture of it!

 

[thebeatblitz]

The mirror is generally a great place to look to determine if you've dressed yourself well. Unfortunately, if you don't know what a person is supposed to look like in a suit, then the mirror won't help. A properly fitting suit makes a world of difference but is difficult to achieve off the rack. Men's Wearhouse or a department store is probably a good place to start to get basic measurements of yourself, but I wouldn't buy a suit there.

To answer the black suit question: black suits are generally worn by people in places of authority or at funerals, which is why the old blood says don't wear black suits to interviews. They just look really severe, especially when coupled with a white shirt. It doesn't matter though; not many people know suit attire and the dept. stores have made the black suit ubiquitous among college-aged kids. Buy a suit that fits in the shoulders and chest off the rack, then find yourself a good tailor.

Words.

I'm sure these fashion forward pre-meds start their interview shopping by tracking down Prada diffusion wear and ultra-haute couture Japanese labels. And all the ones with a little trad in them swing by Brooks Brothers to get fit for Thom Browne black fleece 🙄.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Fashion is one of my biggest hobbies (no, I'm not gay) so I'll chime in. THIS MAYBE A BIT LONG SO BARE WITH ME:

I generally prefer European designers over American ones b/c the former tend to make clothes that actually FIT people and usually very well. Believe it or not, most Americans wear their clothes TOO BIG. The philosophy here is "comfort" vs actually looking good. Which is fine if that's what floats your boat.

If you want to look good and not like you bought an $89 suit from Target then listen up:

1) Try your BEST not to wear a solid black suit. If you do, that's totally fine as most other interviewees will be wearing their funeral suits as well. It's the path of least resistance for some reason. However, I'd recommend you go for charcoal grey suit instead (as someone else pointed out earlier). If you get stripes just make sure they're subtle stripes and not bling bling mafioso stripes!

When looking for suits, look at the back of the blazer and see what kind of vent it has. Most American suits make their suit blazers with what I call "The Butt Crack Vent" (aka single-vent). Those are fine but the European DOUBLE VENTS (one on each side of the blazer) looks 1000x better and is more functional. How you ask? B/c when you put your hands in your pockets the single (or even worse, no vent) blazer bunches up and looks very very akward.

It will be close to IMPOSSIBLE for you to find a double-vented suit at places like Brookes Brothers (American designer) and Men's Warehouse. I mean no insult to the poster that works there but most European designers blow the socks off American suit designers. If money is tight (which I expect since we're all students) I recommend you try out discount/outlet stores. Check out Nordstorm Rack, Off Saks, Filenes Basement, etc. You will often find an $800 European suit on sale for $200.

2) White shirt is fine, especially b/c interviews are during the day (stay away from wearing white shirts at evening events, unless you're wearing a tux!). A nice blue shirt is actually what I'd recommend. It would look GREAT with a nice yellow/gold, red, or even pink tie (it has to be the right shade of pink...subtle yet powerful).

Unless you're overweight (these shirts look best on slender people), I'd recommend you try to buy a shirt with a SPREAD COLLAR. Again, most European designers make nothing but spread collar shirts. What's the difference you ask? It allows more room to tie a full windsor knot with your tie giving you a more confident look! If you don't know how tie a full windsor knot, google it. There are TONS of websites that show you how. It's a piece of cake actually.

However, if money is not object (you lucky bastard), then go to your nearest Thomas Pink store and buy a nice white or light blue shirt for ~$150-$200. If you're trying to keep your cost down, again, check out the discount/outlet stores for nice spread collar shirts. Often you can get a $200 shirt for ~$40-$60. If they're FRENCH CUFF, even better. Just keep the cuff-links subtle to avoid looking like a baller on med school interviews. Just make sure the collars FITS you. Nothing looks worse than someone who looks like they're wearing their dad's dress shirt. Size 15.5 neck but they're wearing a 17.5!

3) The most simple rule when it comes to ties is to try to match your tie with your shirt and/or suit (as one of the poster eluded to above). I agree. You can't go wrong using that approach. However, don't underestimate the POWER of your tie. Don't be afraid to buy a really nice RED or GOLD tie. Show your confidence WITH confidence! This would especially look good with a nice light blue shirt. If you feel like you're trying to be like someone you're not then don't sweat it. Buy something more subtle that you're more comfortable with. Again, discount/outlet stores all the way for ties. Brookes Brothers, though, does have a very wide selection of ties. So there, I'm not all against American designers!

4) Shoes- 2 rules. #1) Don't wear the same cluncky shoes you wear with your denim. #2) Make sure they're clean and shiny. If you want a new pair, Aldo has some decent dress shoes for ~$80-$130. Of course there are some Italian designers but neither you nor I can probably afford them right now!

Remember, THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. Flip through some fashion magazines when you get a chance or look around when you're at the mall next time. You'll see many of the concepts I talked about.

G'luck bro!

 

[lord_jeebus]

Fashion is one of my biggest hobbies (no, I'm not gay) so I'll chime in. THIS MAYBE A BIT LONG SO BARE WITH ME:

I generally prefer European designers over American ones b/c the former tend to make clothes that actually FIT people and usually very well. Believe it or not, most Americans wear their clothes TOO BIG. The philosophy here is "comfort" vs actually looking good. Which is fine if that's what floats your boat.

If you want to look good and not like you bought an $89 suit from Target then listen up:

1) Try your BEST not to wear a solid black suit. If you do, that's totally fine as most other interviewees will be wearing their funeral suits as well. It's the path of least resistance for some reason. However, I'd recommend you go for charcoal grey suit instead (as someone else pointed out earlier). If you get stripes just make sure they're subtle stripes and not bling bling mafioso stripes!

When looking for suits, look at the back of the blazer and see what kind of vent it has. Most American suits make their suit blazers with what I call "The Butt Crack Vent" (aka single-vent). Those are fine but the European DOUBLE VENTS (one on each side of the blazer) looks 1000x better and is more functional. How you ask? B/c when you put your hands in your pockets the single (or even worse, no vent) blazer bunches up and looks very very akward.

It will be close to IMPOSSIBLE for you to find a double-vented suit at places like Brookes Brothers (American designer) and Men's Warehouse. I mean no insult to the poster that works there but most European designers blow the socks off American suit designers. If money is tight (which I expect since we're all students) I recommend you try out discount/outlet stores. Check out Nordstorm Rack, Off Saks, Filenes Basement, etc. You will often find an $800 European suit on sale for $200.

2) White shirt is fine, especially b/c interviews are during the day (stay away from wearing white shirts at evening events, unless you're wearing a tux!). A nice blue shirt is actually what I'd recommend. It would look GREAT with a nice yellow/gold, red, or even pink tie (it has to be the right shade of pink...subtle yet powerful).

Unless you're overweight (these shirts look best on slender people), I'd recommend you try to buy a shirt with a SPREAD COLLAR. Again, most European designers make nothing but spread collar shirts. What's the difference you ask? It allows more room to tie a full windsor knot with your tie giving you a more confident look! If you don't know how tie a full windsor knot, google it. There are TONS of websites that show you how. It's a piece of cake actually.

However, if money is not object (you lucky bastard), then go to your nearest Thomas Pink store and buy a nice white or light blue shirt for ~$150-$200. If you're trying to keep your cost down, again, check out the discount/outlet stores for nice spread collar shirts. Often you can get a $200 shirt for ~$40-$60. If they're FRENCH CUFF, even better. Just keep the cuff-links subtle to avoid looking like a baller on med school interviews. Just make sure the collars FITS you. Nothing looks worse than someone who looks like they're wearing their dad's dress shirt. Size 15.5 neck but they're wearing a 17.5!

3) The most simple rule when it comes to ties is to try to match your tie with your shirt and/or suit (as one of the poster eluded to above). I agree. You can't go wrong using that approach. However, don't underestimate the POWER of your tie. Don't be afraid to buy a really nice RED or GOLD tie. Show your confidence WITH confidence! This would especially look good with a nice light blue shirt. If you feel like you're trying to be like someone you're not then don't sweat it. Buy something more subtle that you're more comfortable with. Again, discount/outlet stores all the way for ties. Brookes Brothers, though, does have a very wide selection of ties. So there, I'm not all against American designers!

4) Shoes- 2 rules. #1) Don't wear the same cluncky shoes you wear with your denim. #2) Make sure they're clean and shiny. If you want a new pair, Aldo has some decent dress shoes for ~$80-$130. Of course there are some Italian designers but neither you nor I can probably afford them right now!

Remember, THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. Flip through some fashion magazines when you get a chance or look around when you're at the mall next time. You'll see many of the concepts I talked about.

G'luck bro!

I agree with all of the above.

I would only add that if you have the kind of budget for $100+ shirts and expensive suits, there are inexpensive tailors based on Hong Kong and Thailand that will measure you in the US and make clothes to order. I get perfect-fitting shirts with my choice of excellent fabrics, collar style, pockets, sleeves, etc. for $50-$60 from my tailor (who unfortunately doesn't travel to the US so I can't refer you to him unless you're going to Asia). He also made me a suit (charcoal, double-vented - you have good taste DOCTORSAIB) for $300 before the dollar got so weak. The prices can't compete with Nordstrom Rack, but will always be better than the more expensive stores.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Thanks LJ!

Guys, one more thing. Here's some Fashion 101 rules that I commonly see broken by the general public:

1) Blazer rules- When wearing a 3-button blazer NEVER button the top button. Only the MIDDLE button should be buttoned. Never the top and NEVER EVER the bottom one!!! You want to look comfortable and smooth in your suit (think of James Bond), like you wear a suit everyday, even on Sundays.

If I see you at a PCOM interview with all 3 buttons of your blazer buttoned I'm going to run into the admission office and tackle you full speed and open your top and bottom button while the other interviewees hold you down!

2) Pants rules - unless you have a huge belly try to buy flat front dress pants. Luckily most suits these days come with flat front pants. Even better is LOW-RISE flat-front pants. The crotch doesn't ride low so it gives your legs a longer and leaner look. Trust me when I tell you this, there is NOTHING worse than a sagging crotch! It looks like you took a dump in your pants.

When wearing pants, get the length tailored. No it's not okay if it's a few inches long. IT'S NEVER OK. You look like a dweeb (sp?) when your dress pants are all curled up and scraping under the heel of your shoes!

3) Shirt rules - never, EVER wear a short-sleeve dress shirt with a tie. You look like a child molester. Nuff said.

4) Tie rules - wear the appropiate collar with the appropriate tie knot. What do I mean? If you want to tie a full windsor you are 100% obligated to have a SPREAD collar shirt. Full windsor on a "regular" collar will cause your collar to stick out and forward b/c their isn't enough room for the big *** knot under a "regular" collar.

I've seen this mistake a few times. It's a futile attempt at being stylish at best. Not good! Similarily, wearing a spread collar shirt with a "regular" knot is not the preferred approach in fashion. Your knot will look even smaller b/c you have so much "space" b/c of the spread nature of your collar. Moral of the story: regular knot with regular collar. Full windsor with spread collar.

5) Socks rules - match your socks with your PANTS. Not your shoes. (I won't lie, I've broken this rule a few times. I have a pair of light grey dress pants. For the life of me I can't find nice light grey socks to match my pants. So I wear black socks with black dress shoes. Hope no one noticed! haha).

That's it for now guys. I'm sick of typing.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Although I prefer spread collars, I have found that with the right fabric and a very tight knot, the full windsor can work with a regular collar.

 

[MossPoh]

It is pretty easy. Anything that you say to yourself "My god that is ugly" is probably too much. Think about every businessman you have seen and mimic them. I tend to stick with solid suits for several reasons. One, they tend to be classic and always stay in fashion...if you keep the colors to navy or what not. Two, people either love pin stripes or hate them. Three, I'm 6'5" and I don't need stripes to make me look taller anyway.

Seriously though, you aren't trying to show off bling. Just get a nice conservative suit. Anyone at a men's warehouse or wherever will help you with that.

As for the knots thing...I've never had problems either way. Most people aren't looking at it that deep. Seriously, even in the business world most aren't. I've never once considered collar type with the shirt. If I find it in my size I am happy enough. I guess my good lucks just keep people from noticing the wrong knot for the wrong shirt.

 

[Asp]

+1 on DOCTORSAIB's post.

I think most people would do well getting a suit (~$300) and dress shirt (~$40) at H&M, if there's one in your area. The fabric is quite good for the price (much better than Men's Wearhouse 😱), and the cut is European. Zara is also an option, but slightly pricier.

If your budget is lower than above, try Ebay and thrift shops.

If you have sizing issues or your budget is higher, go custom. Thick As Thieves for suits (less than $500), and Tailor Store (less than $80) for dress shirts. If you can visit Hong Kong, check out WW Chan and Jantzen.

 

[LizzyM]

Ok, so here's the deal...go with the plain black suit.
Go with the plain white shirt and a conservative burgundy tie.

Yes, I work at a men's clothing store.

Well, this explains the cookie cutter look of 95% of the applicants this season. Seriously, if we didn't admit anyone wearing a black suit we'd be sending acceptance letters to about 14 men this year - and 10 women.

One very important tip: the satin tag with the name of the designer sewn on the left sleeve of a coat or suit jackt is meant to be snipped off before you wear the suit in public. -- yes, I've seen this on the interview trail. Not a deal breaker but it does suggest that the wearer is not a sophisticate.

 

[lord_jeebus]

One very important tip: the satin tag with the name of the designer sewn on the left sleeve of a coat or suit jackt is meant to be snipped off before you wear the suit in public. -- yes, I've seen this on the interview trail. Not a deal breaker but it does suggest that the wearer is not a sophisticate.

Reminds me of another one I've seen:

The thread holding the vent together is meant to be cut and removed. If there's a white X in the bottom of the back of your suit, that's what I'm talking about.

 

[BigRedder]

Well, this explains the cookie cutter look of 95% of the applicants this season. Seriously, if we didn't admit anyone wearing a black suit we'd be sending acceptance letters to about 14 men this year - and 10 women.

One very important tip: the satin tag with the name of the designer sewn on the left sleeve of a coat or suit jackt is meant to be snipped off before you wear the suit in public. -- yes, I've seen this on the interview trail. Not a deal breaker but it does suggest that the wearer is not a sophisticate.

Count it! Between my taupe gray and my girlfriend's light-blue-pinstriped charcoal, we're ahead of the curve!

 

[danzman]

Ha, I was at an interview with a guy who wore, I swear, a khaki suit, a light blue shirt with a striped eggshell blue tie, and huge gold rings and a gold watch. It was great. He kept telling everyone about his families house in the Hamptons and what Harvard was like…Came off sounding like an idiot.

 

[Auron]

What are the best European suit designers?

 

[etf]

What are the best European suit designers?

attolini, kiton, brioni, isaia...

 

[BigRedder]

Ha, I was at an interview with a guy who wore, I swear, a khaki suit, a light blue shirt with a striped eggshell blue tie, and huge gold rings and a gold watch. It was great. He kept telling everyone about his families house in the Hamptons and what Harvard was like…Came off sounding like an idiot.

Was he wearing a fedora? Please tell me he was wearing a fedora. I have this image of an ex-pat in the Caribbean sipping on lemonade, and it needs a fedora, and perhaps a handkerchief.

 

[etf]

However, if money is not object (you lucky bastard), then go to your nearest Thomas Pink store and buy a nice white or light blue shirt for ~$150-$200.

thomas pink is garbage. $200 for a shirt and you don't even get mother-of-pearl buttons. what you're paying for is the label, and quite frankly, a label that most people haven't heard of/don't care about.

 

[BrokenGlass]

thomas pink is garbage. $200 for a shirt and you don't even get mother-of-pearl buttons. what you're paying for is the label, and quite frankly, a label that most people haven't heard of/don't care about.

My suits and shirts are custom-made in London. Unfortunately, they are custom-made for the original owners since I buy them pre-owned.

 

[etf]

My suits and shirts are custom-made in London. Unfortunately, they are custom-made for the original owners since I buy them pre-owned.

my suits are custom made for me. unfortunately, admissions commitees don't care.