Interviewing: the importance of owning two suits?

[username456789]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So I recently bought a nice suit for ~$300 for residency interviewing. My only other old suit was the one I used for med school interviews, and it was a cheap black one (I kinda hate black suits now unless the occasion specifically calls for one) that's in bad shape now. I'm debating whether or not I should spring for a second, less-expensive suit to use as a "back up" in case of emergency and/or just another suit to switch into the rotation. I was at Marshall's the other day and found one by the exact same brand as my other suit, and same size, but slightly different material and a slightly lighter charcoal. It's ~$150, and while the quality is not quite as nice as the $300 suit (which makes sense), it's actually a nice suit I wouldn't mind wearing to interviews at all.

I guess my question is, is it common to just go through interview season with only one suit? Is this gambling too much? I'm applying for derm, so interviews for that haven't come out yet (and I don't plan on having like 20 interviews, maybe closer to 10), but I do already have 10 prelim interviews lined up (and back to back days at least once). I was thinking that not only would it be good to have this suit as a back up, but it might make me a little more relaxed when wearing my current suit not having to worry about every little wrinkle or potential coffee stain, knowing that I have a second suit if necessary.

Thoughts?

 

[DrBowtie]

I think having 2 solid suits + 1 in case things really go bad suits is a pretty good plan. It's what I have. I also bought 4 shirts so that I can travel with 3 if doing back to back and always have one clean and pressed.

 

[username456789]

I think having 2 solid suits + 1 in case things really go bad suits is a pretty good plan. It's what I have. I also bought 4 shirts so that I can travel with 3 if doing back to back and always have one clean and pressed.

Yeah that's kinda what I was thinking too . . . I'm not even counting my old med school interview suit, the pants are basically ruined. So I only own one viable suit, but might spring for the second to feel a bit more at ease. I have 3 real nice white shirts to wear (might buy a 4th, we'll see). Also as an aside, anyone wearing a colored shirt under a charcoal suit? I was thinking a light blue shirt might be a nice occasional departure from the usual (not sure what color tie yet).

 

[Valadi]

A baby blue with a beautiful tie could look boss (hell, it's what I do) - but only do it if you look boss and know how to dress. Otherwise, you'll just look awkward if you have mismatched ties and suits. Go on a faculty website for some places your applying and basically steal whatever one of them is wearing.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I'm gonna buy a second suit in case I need to clean one or something.

Also as an aside, anyone wearing a colored shirt under a charcoal suit?

Light pink with a darker pink patterned tie would also look pretty good.

 

[astrocreep96]

I have a navy and a charcoal suit with a few pairs of shoes that I can rotate around (a couple of blacks, dark and light browns).

 

[PMPMD]

I made it on one suit. I didn't have many back-to-back interviews. As long as it's clean. Keep plenty of shirts/ties.

 

[ZagDoc]

I made it on one suit. I didn't have many back-to-back interviews. As long as it's clean. Keep plenty of shirts/ties.

Ditto. Having everything in a carry-on is KEY during interview season. Didn't leave much room for spare suits/shoes/etc. Less opportunity for chaos with a carry-on (had classmates whose checked bags got lost), faster time out of the airport when you arrive, etc.

 

[PMPMD]

ditto. Having everything in a carry-on is key during interview season. Didn't leave much room for spare suits/shoes/etc. Less opportunity for chaos with a carry-on (had classmates whose checked bags got lost), faster time out of the airport when you arrive, etc.

100%.

 

[Valadi]

Light pink with a darker pink patterned tie would also look pretty good.

My 2cents is that you generally want to avoid clashing similar colors like that. A pink or salmon colored shirt is fine but you want your tie to complement it, not clash with it, with little hints of the shirt color in the tie.

I'd leave pink-on-pink for experimentation outside interviews. The name of the game here is to blend in but look sharp with your appearance, and stand out with your personality.

 

[TheLesPaul]

What about a rich purple shirt with a nice tie to match? Too fancy?

 

[45408]

I made it on one suit. I didn't have many back-to-back interviews. As long as it's clean. Keep plenty of shirts/ties.

Me too. Just one suit.

 

[45408]

What about a rich purple shirt with a nice tie to match? Too fancy?

Maybe for plastic surgery...

 

[2012mdc]

I'm gonna buy a second suit in case I need to clean one or something.

Light pink with a darker pink patterned tie would also look pretty good.

+1. My charcoal suit is going to be my #1 suit, love how it looks with lighter colors.

 

[astrocreep96]

What about a rich purple shirt with a nice tie to match? Too fancy?

Too much for an interview and probably in general.

White, blue, pink, and lavender - all light hues. Mix in a few shirts with basic stripe patterns, micro-checks, gingham checks, and you're good.

You can get more creative with ties, but "nice" can be subtley accomplished in ways other than obnoxiously loud colors - utilizing fabrics made of cashmere, grenadine silk, wool, or linen for example.

 

[AggieSean]

After speaking with people at the places where I get my suits, talking with my program director, and reading stuff from Men's Wearhouse/Joseph A Bank, this is the impression I have:

Suit: Wool. Navy blue or charcoal gray. Black is too formal, anything else is too casual. Pinstripes are fine as long as they aren't too bold. Two or three button is good. When standing button the top button, when sitting unbutton. Never button the bottom button. This goes for two or three button suits. The hankerchief is plus/minus.

Shirt: Cotton. White, blue, or cream. Anything else isn't conservative enough (remember medicine is still fairly conservative as a profession). Solid is better than stripes, but something subtle is fine. You should wear a spread or point collar. Technically button down collars are for sports coats, but you can probably get away with it.

Tie: Silk. Power tie. Red, blue, burgundy, or gold. Pinks and purples aren't acceptable. Nothing loud or ridiculous. Patterns are fine as long as long as they aren't over the top (Cotswald, basic stripes, or squares are okay).

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Belt: needs to match the shoes. Also needs to be leather.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

Cuff links: as long as they aren't too flashy can be a nice touch.

Other accessories: wedding rings and nice wrist watches are fine. College or class rings should be avoided.

Also, the rule of thumb given to me is that 2 out of your 3 main pieces (suit, shirt, tie) can have patterns. In other words, don't wear a pinstrip suit with a striped shirt and a patterned tie. It's too busy.
Take it for what it's worth. Also bear in mind I'm interviewing in surgery and in the South, so my take is somewhat conservative. But in my mind better safe than sorry.

 

[2012mdc]

After speaking with people at the places where I get my suits, talking with my program director, and reading stuff from Men's Wearhouse/Joseph A Bank, this is the impression I have:

Suit: Wool. Navy blue or charcoal gray. Black is too formal, anything else is too casual. Pinstripes are fine as long as they aren't too bold. Two or three button is good. When standing button the top button, when sitting unbutton. Never button the bottom button. This goes for two or three button suits. The hankerchief is plus/minus.

Shirt: Cotton. White, blue, or cream. Anything else isn't conservative enough (remember medicine is still fairly conservative as a profession). Solid is better than stripes, but something subtle is fine. You should wear a spread or point collar. Technically button down collars are for sports coats, but you can probably get away with it.

Tie: Silk. Power tie. Red, blue, burgundy, or gold. Pinks and purples aren't acceptable. Nothing loud or ridiculous. Patterns are fine as long as long as they aren't over the top (Cotswald, basic stripes, or squares are okay).

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Belt: needs to match the shoes. Also needs to be leather.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

Cuff links: as long as they aren't too flashy can be a nice touch.

Other accessories: wedding rings and nice wrist watches are fine. College or class rings should be avoided.

Also, the rule of thumb given to me is that 2 out of your 3 main pieces (suit, shirt, tie) can have patterns. In other words, don't wear a pinstrip suit with a striped shirt and a patterned tie. It's too busy.
Take it for what it's worth. Also bear in mind I'm interviewing in surgery and in the South, so my take is somewhat conservative. But in my mind better safe than sorry.

Very informative post 👍

I don't think it's too conservative either. I doubt someone is going to knock an applicant for not being loud/flashy enough. You want your suit to look nice of course but you don't want it to be the most memorable thing about you.

 

[Valadi]

After speaking with people at the places where I get my suits, talking with my program director, and reading stuff from Men's Wearhouse/Joseph A Bank, this is the impression I have:

Suit: Wool. Navy blue or charcoal gray. Black is too formal, anything else is too casual. Pinstripes are fine as long as they aren't too bold. Two or three button is good. When standing button the top button, when sitting unbutton. Never button the bottom button. This goes for two or three button suits. The hankerchief is plus/minus.

Shirt: Cotton. White, blue, or cream. Anything else isn't conservative enough (remember medicine is still fairly conservative as a profession). Solid is better than stripes, but something subtle is fine. You should wear a spread or point collar. Technically button down collars are for sports coats, but you can probably get away with it.

Tie: Silk. Power tie. Red, blue, burgundy, or gold. Pinks and purples aren't acceptable. Nothing loud or ridiculous. Patterns are fine as long as long as they aren't over the top (Cotswald, basic stripes, or squares are okay).

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Belt: needs to match the shoes. Also needs to be leather.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

Cuff links: as long as they aren't too flashy can be a nice touch.

Other accessories: wedding rings and nice wrist watches are fine. College or class rings should be avoided.

Also, the rule of thumb given to me is that 2 out of your 3 main pieces (suit, shirt, tie) can have patterns. In other words, don't wear a pinstrip suit with a striped shirt and a patterned tie. It's too busy.
Take it for what it's worth. Also bear in mind I'm interviewing in surgery and in the South, so my take is somewhat conservative. But in my mind better safe than sorry.

Thank you. Exactly.

I have heard across the board that flashy is bad. North, South, surgery, psych.

 

[AggieSean]

I forgot to mention that your tie should be knotted with a half-windsor. Four-in-hand knots are too small for the wide collars of dress shirts and look silly.

Men's wearhouse, YouTube, etc all have good videos of how to tie a half-windsor. You can tie a full windsor but this typically requires a special length tie, if I'm not mistaken.

And this probably goes without saying, but bow ties are also out of the question. As awesome as they are, haha.

 

[45408]

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

So that's where I went wrong. I wore slip on black leather shoes, and my socks only came a little over my ankles.


good advice in general though. Agree with the half-Windsor as well.

 

[username456789]

So that's where I went wrong. I wore slip on black leather shoes, and my socks only came a little over my ankles.


good advice in general though. Agree with the half-Windsor as well.

To be fair, anything but a pair of lace up oxfords (preferrably cap-toe) is essentially off limits for formal interview attire. Slip ons won't keep you from getting a match spot, but you might as well wear a pair of converse all-stars.

 

[2012mdc]

To be fair, anything but a pair of lace up oxfords (preferrably cap-toe) is essentially off limits for formal interview attire. Slip ons won't keep you from getting a match spot, but you might as well wear a pair of converse all-stars.

Ha, I understand what you're getting at but I'm pretty sure wearing chucks WILL keep you from getting a match spot.

Let's not pretend that medicine is full of fashionable people though

 

[username456789]

Ha, I understand what you're getting at but I'm pretty sure wearing chucks WILL keep you from getting a match spot.

Let's not pretend that medicine is full of fashionable people though

Fair enough. I just meant that anyone who has any reasonable fashion sense (and trust me when I say that I probably have the bare minimum necessary) would see a pair of slip-ons with a suit and chuckle a bit.

But you're right, medicine is decidedly full of horribly unfashionable people. I guess it doesn't help that Derm seems to be one of the exceptions to that rule . . .

 

[astrocreep96]

I forgot to mention that your tie should be knotted with a half-windsor. Four-in-hand knots are too small for the wide collars of dress shirts and look silly.

Men's wearhouse, YouTube, etc all have good videos of how to tie a half-windsor. You can tie a full windsor but this typically requires a special length tie, if I'm not mistaken.

And this probably goes without saying, but bow ties are also out of the question. As awesome as they are, haha.

Windsor knots of any variety universally look silly.

Don't be this guy...

Buy a decent tie with substantial enough construction to last more than a couple of uses and your FIH won't be too small.

And, to hell with power colors. We're not interviewing for the position of Donald Trump.

Edit - Obviously it is a matter of opinion and not going to change the course of an interview, but still, windsors look funny.

 

[AggieSean]

Windsor knots of any variety universally look silly.

Don't be this guy...

Buy a decent tie with substantial enough construction to last more than a couple of uses and your FIH won't be too small.

And, to hell with power colors. We're not interviewing for the position of Donald Trump.

Edit - Obviously it is a matter of opinion and not going to change the course of an interview, but still, windsors look funny.

Haha. Just passing along what I've been told. I wouldn't wear that awful orange color anyway. 😉

 

[PMPMD]

Windsor knots of any variety universally look silly.

Don't be this guy...

Buy a decent tie with substantial enough construction to last more than a couple of uses and your FIH won't be too small.

And, to hell with power colors. We're not interviewing for the position of Donald Trump.

Edit - Obviously it is a matter of opinion and not going to change the course of an interview, but still, windsors look funny.

Only SportsCenter commentators can pull off that wide of a knot.

 

[dienekes88]

After speaking with people at the places where I get my suits, talking with my program director, and reading stuff from Men's Wearhouse/Joseph A Bank, this is the impression I have:

Suit: Wool. Navy blue or charcoal gray. Black is too formal, anything else is too casual. Pinstripes are fine as long as they aren't too bold. Two or three button is good. When standing button the top button, when sitting unbutton. Never button the bottom button. This goes for two or three button suits. The hankerchief is plus/minus.

Shirt: Cotton. White, blue, or cream. Anything else isn't conservative enough (remember medicine is still fairly conservative as a profession). Solid is better than stripes, but something subtle is fine. You should wear a spread or point collar. Technically button down collars are for sports coats, but you can probably get away with it.

Tie: Silk. Power tie. Red, blue, burgundy, or gold. Pinks and purples aren't acceptable. Nothing loud or ridiculous. Patterns are fine as long as long as they aren't over the top (Cotswald, basic stripes, or squares are okay).

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Belt: needs to match the shoes. Also needs to be leather.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

Cuff links: as long as they aren't too flashy can be a nice touch.

Other accessories: wedding rings and nice wrist watches are fine. College or class rings should be avoided.

Also, the rule of thumb given to me is that 2 out of your 3 main pieces (suit, shirt, tie) can have patterns. In other words, don't wear a pinstrip suit with a striped shirt and a patterned tie. It's too busy.
Take it for what it's worth. Also bear in mind I'm interviewing in surgery and in the South, so my take is somewhat conservative. But in my mind better safe than sorry.

Thanks.

Regarding shoes. Black shoes don't really go with a navy suit. I was planning on buying a second navy suit to go with my current charcoal (with thin gray pin stripes) one, so I got dark brown cap toe oxfords.

I don't know what shade of brown counts as burgundy, and what is too casual.

This is insane.

 

[Isoprop]

For the love of God, please make sure your tie is the proper length. Don't be this guy:

 

[TheLesPaul]

Though one can tie a full Windsor w/o looking *that* wide -- I wear skinnier ties and I've gotten much better results w/ a full. Half windsors always look lopsided to me...

 

[PMPMD]

For the love of God, please make sure your tie is the proper length. Don't be this guy:

Too long is just as bad.

 

[PMPMD]

Though one can tie a full Windsor w/o looking *that* wide -- I wear skinnier ties and I've gotten much better results w/ a full. Half windsors always look lopsided to me...

I always tie the full Windsor, but it never looks as wide as that pic. I've forgotten how to tie anything else.

 

[Isoprop]

Though one can tie a full Windsor w/o looking *that* wide -- I wear skinnier ties and I've gotten much better results w/ a full. Half windsors always look lopsided to me...

I always tie the full Windsor, but it never looks as wide as that pic. I've forgotten how to tie anything else.

I think it's the collar. The full Windsor + spread collar just exaggerates the wideness of the tie. I honestly don't like that combination. A classic point or medium spread collar looks much better with a full Windsor.

I wish I could tie a full Windsor but my torso it too long. I tend to go with the half Windsor for a symmetrical look or a four in hand for a more casual look. I need to get some custom length ties. To give you an idea, I am about 6 feet tall but my pant length is 29 inches.

 

[PMPMD]

I think I can pull off the full Windsor because I have a huge head. Like size 8 3/4 fitted hats.

 

[ScubaStarved]

x

 

[TheLesPaul]

Though this guy ^^^ looks like he has his first suit button buttoned with the 2nd unbuttoned -- maybe he's just baller enough to not have to care 😛.

Also, on further googling, it appears I have been tying half-Windsors all along. So...yeah.

 

[MediumDef]

Though this guy ^^^ looks like he has his first suit button buttoned with the 2nd unbuttoned -- maybe he's just baller enough to not have to care 😛.

Also, on further googling, it appears I have been tying half-Windsors all along. So...yeah.

Which is the correct way to button your suit, you should never button the bottom button

 

[McGillGrad]

Which is the correct way to button your suit, you should never button the bottom button

That is correct.

 

[PMPMD]

Which is the correct way to button your suit, you should never button the bottom button

If 3 buttons: sometimes, always, never (top --> bottom)

 

[TheLesPaul]

Which is the correct way to button your suit, you should never button the bottom button

Yeah I didn't realize that was only a 2-button suit, thought there was a 3rd hiding out of frame.

 

[astrocreep96]

You're wrong. The knot you posted (well, every element of the pic, really) is an abomination.

Nope, I'm correct. You've posted a version of the Windsor that still makes me vomit, but does not give me diarrhea at the same time.

While it's technically an improvement, I'm still vomiting at your suggestion.

 

[McGillGrad]

Nope, I'm correct. You've posted a version of the Windsor that still makes me vomit, but does not give me diarrhea at the same time.

While it's technically an improvement, I'm still vomiting at your suggestion.

What do you prefer to a windsor for formal suits? ...and please don't say a four-in-hand....lol

 

[astrocreep96]

What do you prefer to a windsor for formal suits? ...and please don't say a four-in-hand....lol

Of course the FIH, but again, I'm not interviewing for the position of Donald Trump.

 

[McGillGrad]

Of course the FIH, but again, I'm not interviewing for the position of Donald Trump.

Well, you might as well wear pajamas to an interview. Same concept...lol

 

[astrocreep96]

Well, you might as well wear pajamas to an interview. Same concept...lol

I wouldn't quite equate a windsor knot to pajamas at an interview, but you're right...they're close.

 

[410322]

Well, you might as well wear pajamas to an interview. Same concept...lol

There's nothing wrong with the FIH. You don't need to "fill up" the spread of a collar.

@AggieSean:
You don't need power ties. They make you look like a tool.

 

[McGillGrad]

There's nothing wrong with the FIH. You don't need to "fill up" the spread of a collar.

@AggieSean:
You don't need power ties. They make you look like a tool.

There's nothing wrong with the four-in-hand for informal occasions. If you want to look professional for an interview, then you should use a formal knot along with a formal collar.

You can wear whatever you like, but making immature remarks (such as those highlighted above) are not necessary to express a differing opinion.

 

[410322]

There's nothing wrong with the four-in-hand for informal occasions. If you want to look professional for an interview, then you should use a formal knot along with a formal collar.

I disagree. I've worn the FIH in many non-medical interviews and gotten the job offers I wanted. Windsors knots are ugly.

Ultimately, arguing this is stupid, because there is no right or wrong, and because 90+% of the population couldn't tell a FIH from a Windsor from a hole in the ground. I'll leave it at that.

You can wear whatever you like, but making immature remarks (such as those highlighted above) are not necessary to express a differing opinion.

You're applying for residencies. Nothing screams try-harding quite like "Look at me I'm so fierce in my power tie!"

 

[Kalyx]

I have some amendments to make.

After speaking with people at the places where I get my suits, talking with my program director, and reading stuff from Men's Wearhouse/Joseph A Bank, this is the impression I have:


Shirt: Cotton. White, blue, or cream. Anything else isn't conservative enough (remember medicine is still fairly conservative as a profession). Solid is better than stripes, but something subtle is fine. You should wear a spread or point collar. Technically button down collars are for sports coats, but you can probably get away with it.


Tie: Silk. Power tie. Red, blue, burgundy, or gold. Pinks and purples aren't acceptable. Nothing loud or ridiculous. Patterns are fine as long as long as they aren't over the top (Cotswald, basic stripes, or squares are okay).

Shoes: Leather, black is preferred, but burgundy is also okay. Should be lace ups. Slip ons are too informal. Brown is also too informal.

Belt: needs to match the shoes. Also needs to be leather.

Socks: are an extension of your pants, so blue or charcoal. Should be pulled up to mid-calf.

*LIGHT* lavender and light pink are acceptable. The trick is to keep them light; too many men wear deep or bright colors.

Tie: Silk is good, but honestly it depends on the texture of the suit. If you end up with something tweed or herringbone or with some kind of rich texture, then a silk tie is not ideal. Go for wool in that case. Also do NOT wear a red power tie! Keep it simple: no gaudy stripes, conservative patterns, if any.

Shoes: If you have a gray or charcoal suit, then black or burgundy. If you have a navy suit, then BROWN. Brown is NOT too informal, brown is considered the best color to go with navy.

Socks are NOT an extension of your pants, rather they should match the shirt. If the shirt if white or cream, then the socks could match your tie.

As for tying the tie, double four-in-hand is best. A lot of people do windsors terribly. If you must do a windsor, then only do it with a spread-collar shirt; do NOT do a windsor with a point collar shirt.


Styleforum.net is a great resource for this kind of stuff if you can tolerate the snootiness. So are people who work at Brooks Brothers, generally speaking.

~Kalyx

 

[VisionaryTics]

I have some amendments to make.



*LIGHT* lavender and light pink are acceptable. The trick is to keep them light; too many men wear deep or bright colors.

Tie: Silk is good, but honestly it depends on the texture of the suit. If you end up with something tweed or herringbone or with some kind of rich texture, then a silk tie is not ideal. Go for wool in that case. Also do NOT wear a red power tie! Keep it simple: no gaudy stripes, conservative patterns, if any.

Shoes: If you have a gray or charcoal suit, then black or burgundy. If you have a navy suit, then BROWN. Brown is NOT too informal, brown is considered the best color to go with navy.

Socks are NOT an extension of your pants, rather they should match the shirt. If the shirt if white or cream, then the socks could match your tie.

As for tying the tie, double four-in-hand is best. A lot of people do windsors terribly. If you must do a windsor, then only do it with a spread-collar shirt; do NOT do a windsor with a point collar shirt.


Styleforum.net is a great resource for this kind of stuff if you can tolerate the snootiness. So are people who work at Brooks Brothers, generally speaking.

~Kalyx

I think one issue with the deep/bright colors that I see a lot of guys in med school wear is that they come from cultures where formal attire is very colorful. FIRE RED SHIRTS ARE NOT FORMAL ATTIRE.

Agreed on power ties. If you're going to go with primary colors, use a tie with some texture to break up the eye sore.

Socks ARE an extension of your pants. They're supposed to create the illusion that your legs are longer (and you are taller) than you actually are.

I agree on the double four-in-hand. I wear medium spread shirts, and the DFIH is wide enough to fill out the collar without looking like a guido. However, some people look good with windsors. One of the pictures above pulls it off pretty well. My brother does. I think you need a wide head. Otherwise, you're just compensating.

 

[turkeyjerky]

A couple of questions.

1. How do you guys feel about a tie clip?

2. One of my suits has peak lapels. It's a real nice looking dark navy suit that I like a lot, but do you think it'd be too flashy for an interview?

Also, has anyone ever pulled off the suit w/o a tie look? Not gonna try myself, just curious.