Ladies, pants or skirts for interviews?

[peerie]

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I like to wear skirts (I am a female!) and was wondering if anyone wears skirt suits anymore. I like pants too, and don't really have any suits anymore - except for two blue skirt suits.

Is everyone wearing pants now for interviews? I was thinking I would just buy a new pants suit but wondered what other people were wearing. I wore a skirt for my med school interviews but I think I was the only one I saw.

 

[Trinity12]

It doesn't matter what you wear as long as you look professional. I wore skirt suits to both my med school and residency interviews. I wear a skirt or skirt suit to any professional function now (ie: journal clubs, presentations, etc). It's not a crime to look feminine.

 

[sandraf]

In my case, it's already so cold that it's not a good option. By the time I get to the interview, it's going to be prohibitive!
But I agree, an appropriate lenght skirt is tasteful for any occasion.

 

[CaMD]

I think a skirt suit is 100% fine. In fact, shopping for a pants suit I thought most of the "cute" suits were skirt suits, which was annoying! 😉

I choose pants because a. it will be cold b. I refuse to wear pantyhose.

 

[roja]

Agree with above. Skirt (professional length) suits are fine. Just wear what you are comfortable in.

I personally wore pants because I hate dealing with hose.

 

[orientedtoself]

i wore a skirt suit because it was more flattering. choose whichever fits and looks best.

 

[peerie]

Thank you for the replies! They are great. I am so glad to hear that other people wore skirts. I love my old blue suit and I think I look pretty cute in it in an understated, professional way.

I did buy a new pair of shoes tho so that was kind of fun. It's so great to not end up spending money even tho you were prepared to do it. 🙂

 

[Hova2005]

Either one. You just need to be comfortable and professional.

 

[dragonfly99]

I think a lot of us wear the suits with pants because we don't like wearing hose, and/or the type of shoes that look good with skirts. I personally find it hard to walk in heels, and didn't want to slog around on hospital rounds in high heels. Also, I am just more used to wearing pants and it just seemed easier to wear them. A skirt is fine, as long as it isn't too short...around the knee and not much higher. I've seen some women in my residency wearing skirts at work that really are quite short and tight, and I don't think it looks very professional.

 

[doc39]

ladies...
for those of you opting for a skirt suite, what sorts of shoes are you thinking? heels (not too high) still ok?

 

[tinkerbelle]

ladies...
for those of you opting for a skirt suite, what sorts of shoes are you thinking? heels (not too high) still ok?

Definitely wearing a skirt suit. Heels < 2 in (I think mine are 1.5 in).

 

[dragonfly99]

Hmmm...that is really interesting Duke.
So skirts = not OK for surgical interviews, even if the skirt isn't too short?
I can't imagine it being a problem at internal med interviews. I actually didn't notice whether any women had skirts on when I went to cards fellowship interviews.

One thing I will say is you better wear shoes that you can walk well in, and be able to go all over the hospital on your tour...

 

[peerie]

Hi Duke, I did look around for a decent suit with pants but I really didn't like what I saw and so I figured it was probably not a good time to buy - that is, when you can't find what you want. My blue suit and skirt is sweet! and I just love it and so thank you to everyone who supported the skirts!

These are the shoes that I bought to go with it. Decent, flat and quietly professional. 🙂 I bought them in blue.

http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=E184889&BID=&h=A&sk=S

 

[BlondeDocteur]

I'm not sure what happened to DukeSurgery, but I can say that not all "Top 10" places have such draconian rules. Perhaps in the South where they're still a leetle skeered about female surgery residents, but up here it's perfectly fine-- if not preferred, since they're more formal-- to wear skirts.

Surgery is a conservative culture. For that reason you should be very formally dressed but honestly don't make any real attempt to stand out with your attire.

I hate our shoes; no matter how high the heel, it's all clickety-clack-here-I-come down the hallways.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'm not sure what happened to DukeSurgery, but I can say that not all "Top 10" places have such draconian rules. Perhaps in the South where they're still a leetle skeered about female surgery residents, but up here it's perfectly fine-- if not preferred, since they're more formal-- to wear skirts.

That was the reaction in my programs as well. Skirts tended to be preferred for the female applicants in the NE, although I definitely saw more pant suits as the years went by (I wore skirt suits for residency interviews and switched to pants for fellowship and job interviews).

Surgery is a conservative culture. For that reason you should be very formally dressed but honestly don't make any real attempt to stand out with your attire.

True - the formality expected will vary with the field of medicine you are interviewing for.

 

[CaMD]

Quick shoes question: feel free to move this to another thread, but I figure the skirt/pants issue is solved and lots of helpful people are already frequenting this thread. 😉

If I'm wearing a black pants suit, can I get away with wearing black Dankso clogs (the shiny-ish leather finish)? 2" is about the right height and if I'm walking around all day this solves the heels to tennis at tour time dilemma. (If it matters I'm mostly applying west coast.)

 

[PlayFair]

For me the suit wasn't the issue... I went with a suit that had both pants and skirt options and figured I could shake it up and wear whatever I felt like on that day.
My problem is that now I am obsessed with finding the right shoes, I would like to go a little bit more exciting than black pumps, but don't want to get too crazy. So my question is, would red or dark purple shoes be too much, or a nice touch of personality with a black and white outfit?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Quick shoes question: feel free to move this to another thread, but I figure the skirt/pants issue is solved and lots of helpful people are already frequenting this thread. 😉

If I'm wearing a black pants suit, can I get away with wearing black Dankso clogs (the shiny-ish leather finish)? 2" is about the right height and if I'm walking around all day this solves the heels to tennis at tour time dilemma. (If it matters I'm mostly applying west coast.)

Regardless of how shiny they are, Dansko's are not formal shoes. Residency interviews are a formal business occasion and IMHO, Dansko's are not dressy enough.

 

[Winged Scapula]

For me the suit wasn't the issue... I went with a suit that had both pants and skirt options and figured I could shake it up and wear whatever I felt like on that day.
My problem is that now I am obsessed with finding the right shoes, I would like to go a little bit more exciting than black pumps, but don't want to get too crazy. So my question is, would red or dark purple shoes be too much, or a nice touch of personality with a black and white outfit?

Depends on what specialty and where you are applying for as there are definitely more conservative areas in both of those.

I'd say show your personality with a scarf or a bright blouse as you do NOT want to be remembered for your shoes only.

 

[Winged Scapula]

For me the suit wasn't the issue... I went with a suit that had both pants and skirt options and figured I could shake it up and wear whatever I felt like on that day.
My problem is that now I am obsessed with finding the right shoes, I would like to go a little bit more exciting than black pumps, but don't want to get too crazy. So my question is, would red or dark purple shoes be too much, or a nice touch of personality with a black and white outfit?

Depends on what specialty and where you are applying for as there are definitely more conservative areas in both of those.

I'd say show your personality with a scarf or a bright blouse as you do NOT want to be remembered for your shoes only. Or as some would say, "residency interviews is not the time to show 'personality' (ie, weird hairstyles, piercings, etc.)"

 

[CaMD]

Okay, Winged Scapula, thanks for the advice. I was about 99% that was the case but I was hoping that since everyone gets away with clogs with "professional" outfits for clinic that maaaybe I could do it for interviews.

PlayFair, I think that fun colored shoes would be a nice subtle way of adding personality. However I obviously know nothing about what's appropriate given my previous question. 😉

 

[Winged Scapula]

Okay, Winged Scapula, thanks for the advice. I was about 99% that was the case but I was hoping that since everyone gets away with clogs with "professional" outfits for clinic that maaaybe I could do it for interviews.

Eh...I hate it when people wear them for clinic as well, but that's not a function of them not being professional enough but rather because I think they're ugly and I sort of relish wearing cute shoes in the office after wearing clogs/sneaks in the OR.

But yeah, I don't think they are fancy enough for interview. Stride Rite makes some comfortable lower heeled shoes which aren't too old lady looking.

PlayFair, I think that fun colored shoes would be a nice subtle way of adding personality. However I obviously know nothing about what's appropriate given my previous question. 😉

Yeah, fun colored shoes are great. I wear plenty of such things but then again I am allowed now (but don't tell OSHA that sometimes I wear peeptoes in the office! 😉 )

But you really don't want to risk standing out for your shoes. Different is not generally good in these situations. We've discussed this before and IIRC, the consensus was that women can wear a scarf, colored blouse or interesting/pretty pin/necklace to jazz things up. Or maybe black shoes with a splash of red or purple would be ok. Or black shoes with red soles (if you can afford Christian Laboutins).

 

[Simonster]

I got a conservative black skirt suit that's knee length...is it insane to wear a pair of nice black leather boots with the outfit? Not slutty or anything. It's just that it's snowing already in some places I'm planning to interview. I thought about getting some legwarmers and just whipping them off right before I enter the interview...

(in case anyone was wondering, yes, I could do the pants thing but everything I tried doesn't look as sharp. I'm a 2 petite and I have a tendency to look like I'm playing dressup in a big ol suit)

any thoughts?

 

[CaMD]

I vote NO. I can't imagine it not looking too casual.

I got a conservative black skirt suit that's knee length...is it insane to wear a pair of nice black leather boots with the outfit? Not slutty or anything. It's just that it's snowing already in some places I'm planning to interview. I thought about getting some legwarmers and just whipping them off right before I enter the interview...

(in case anyone was wondering, yes, I could do the pants thing but everything I tried doesn't look as sharp. I'm a 2 petite and I have a tendency to look like I'm playing dressup in a big ol suit)

any thoughts?

 

[Winged Scapula]

No on the boots.

Get a long coat for the walk from the car into the building and back.

 

[Simonster]

.

 

[firefly333]

Hello ladies:

I took a business etiquette class as an undergraduate and am so glad I did for times like now. Below is a summary of what I learned about dressing professionally.

Suits:
Skirts or pantsuits are acceptable. Colors should be: grey, navy, basic black. Do not wear pin stripes.
If doing a skirt: Length should be at least knee length and wear nylons that are lighter than your suit color.
If doing pants: Get them properly hemmed to fall above the ground level with your shoes on.

Blouse:
Should be a solid color, full length sleeve blouse.

Shoes:
Wear about a 2 inch heel. Nothing bigger than a 2 1/2 inch heel (midheel). Colors that are appropriate are navy, black, taupe.
Leather upper is the best material.

Belts: Black or navy leather belts.

Purse: Black, taupe, grey leather purses.

Hair: IF your hair is longer than shoulder length - wear a low ponytail. If shorter than shoulder length or at shoulder length you can wear it down.

Nails - No nailpolish.

Jewelry: One ring per finger. Necklaces, watches, earrings are appropriate. Keep it simple.

Make-up: Keep it natural!

Basically: There is no gender in business, so women should not play up their feminine features too much.

Also - wear your nametag on your right shoulder. Not sure why, but apparently this is the proper way to wear a nametag.

Good luck everyone!

 

[Blade28]

Also - wear your nametag on your right shoulder. Not sure why, but apparently this is the proper way to wear a nametag.

I've heard it's because this is where everyone's gaze naturally falls (it's next to the arm that's being offered for a handshake).

 

[buckley]

I'm very much on the petite side too, so skirt suits are definitely more flattering for me. As for the cold/shoes issue, I did wear leg warmers under my coat, and took them off immediately when I got to the hospital (first stop-- bathroom). I also changed shoes-- my interview shoe of choice was a 1.5 inch black pump, round toe 🙂 . I had a portfolio bag with me, and chucked my sneakers in them. Yep, I learned a lot of survival tips on the interview trail 🙂 And if you are in the big cities, you'll notice many women (not necessarily in medicine) are doing the same.

 

[KatieJune]

Hello ladies:


Suits:
Skirts or pantsuits are acceptable. Colors should be: grey, navy, basic black. Do not wear pin stripes.
If doing a skirt: Length should be at least knee length and wear nylons that are lighter than your suit color.
If doing pants: Get them properly hemmed to fall above the ground level with your shoes on.



What's wrong with Pinstripes (thin)??? 🙁

 

[Pingu]

What's wrong with Pinstripes (thin)???

Too banker-y and in many cases, too trendy.

You WILL stand out in pinstripes. You do NOT want to stand out.

Resist the urge. If you are a fashionista, suppress any and all tendencies to be 'fashion-forward' This is looked upon negatively as it is considered to be frivolous. You are already at a disadvantage against a man, as they will judge you on everything you wear, whereas all a man has to do is show up in an unwrinkled suit and he's good.

As for nails....no nailpolish BUT if your cuticles or nails are raggedy looking, having a manicure with clear polish is definitely okay.

 

[spottydotty]

There were pinstripes all over the place at my last interview, and people looked fine.

From what I noticed, it is most important that the suit fits well and you look like you know how to wear it i.e. you didn't just pull it out of your mom's/aunt's/ big sister's closet to be a grown up that day.

Avoid looking like a slut and it should go fine.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Who knew about pinstripes?

I wore a very stylish (or so I thought) pinstriped suit for many of my interviews which fits me nicely and never thought about it being "trendy".

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Resist the urge. If you are a fashionista, suppress any and all tendencies to be 'fashion-forward' This is looked upon negatively as it is considered to be frivolous. You are already at a disadvantage against a man, as they will judge you on everything you wear, whereas all a man has to do is show up in an unwrinkled suit and he's good.

I agree with this a hundred million times over. If you put too many pains in your appearance, you'll present yourself as... someone who takes too many pains with her appearance. If you dress in an attention-grabbing way-- even if it's "good" attention, like an especially well-tailored or well-accessorized suit-- you'll subconsciously come across as the kind of girl who needs to draw attention to her appearance in order to compensate for her inability to draw attention to her intellect, accomplishments, fortitude, whatever the variable of interest is.

This effect is especially pronounced if you're objectively physically attractive.

 

[dragonfly99]

Here is one vote for pinstripes being fine (especially if they are thin ones/not that noticeable). I wore a black suit with pinstripes to many fellowship interviews and got in to a great fellowship program. Also I think the suit I wore 3 years ago for IM interviews was navy with very thin pinstripes also.
Maybe different rules apply in NYC or LA, but for the major Midwest, Southern and some Cali schools where I interviewed, I think pinstripes are fine (at least for IM). As someone else mentioned above, just look professional and you'll be fine. Don't wear stiletto heels, boots, a too-short skirt or any shoes that you can't walk in, or any attention-grabbing or too large or too casual jewelry and you'll be fine. Also keep the hair and makeup professional...you know the drill.
Getting in is more about how you come across in person, your letters of recommendation, and whether you "fit" into a slot the program is trying to fill (i.e. "we need 2 bench researchers and 3 clinical fellows and 1 person who wants to serve the underserved").

 

[anonymousEM]

If you buy something new, just check it when you pack it. I can attest that wearing 2 different pinstripes turned out with the desired job offer at fellowship interviews but not without a lot of angst. When I took the 2 pieces out of the hanger bag where they'd been since I'd bought the suit I found out I picked up the wrong pair of pants in the dressing room....at 10 pm on a Sunday night in a town where I knew no one....nothing to do but grin and bear it....or wear jeans.

 

[Samoa]

I've seen a lot of pinstripes on the trail so far, a few brown suits, long hair worn down, and one fashionista (with two doctor parents, no less) in a too-short skirt without hose.

They'll probably all match.

 

[Samoa]

I've heard it's because this is where everyone's gaze naturally falls (it's next to the arm that's being offered for a handshake).

Exactly; it makes it easier for people to call you by name as they shake your hand, which is less awkward for them (and translates into a better impression of you).

The thing is, most people in academic medicine seem completely untrained in business etiquette, so being polished in this regard is likely to go unnoticed and unrewarded.

 

[radslooking]

neither is ok

 

[medgrad22]

hi, i am a FMG and have no idea from where i should buy my first iv suit .and can you advise what style of pants should i go for?straight fits or boot cuts

 

[dragonfly99]

Any decent US department store is OK.
Macy's etc. You don't have to have the most expensive suit. I wouldn't try to be super stylish. Straight pants are fine/good. I usually try to find a suit that looks like something a young person would wear (i.e. someone in her 20's or 30's). There are quite a few "old lady suits" that look like only a 50 year old would wear in the stores. Some stores have clerks or other folks who could help you with picking one out. I think as long as it looks conservative (i.e. navy blue or black is good) then you are fine. Just don't wear a supershort miniskirt, or an unusual color like a bright pink suit, or one that is too casual fabric (corduroy or something). You can usually get a nice looking on on sale from $100-200, something in that range.

 

[Babycatcher2B]

Got mine from JC Penney on sale. Name brand Worthington. They sell separate pieces so I found a jacket and the pants to match. Really stylish also I might add. The Jacket was regular 75 (i bought it half off) and the pants were regular ~ 40 dollars (i paid ~30 for them). I never shop JC Penney but they have alot of variety and options in this particular name brand. So check them out. I was very happy with my choice.

 

[dragonfly99]

Yes I like JCP too. I was going to suggest that in my original post but I thought people would make fun of it. They do have some good brands (Worthington, etc.) at some of their stores. You would look just as good as the people in the $300 suits, pretty much. The main thing is just to look neat and professional. It's not a beauty contest or Fashion Week in New York.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

The main thing is just to look neat and professional. It's not a beauty contest or Fashion Week in New York.

... Unless you're applying in derm.

 

[peerie]

I have seen now a wide range of fashion on both men and women. Mostly, on a good day it is me or a few of us in BLACK suits, and white shirts. We look like cut out dolls. 🙂

On other days I have seen a man with no jacket to his casual pants; a few women in ill-fitting suits, (- way long sleeves, pant bottoms not hemmed to right length and so too, too long; bunching out in the wrong places) and yes some pin stripes.

There was one gal with a smashing striped suit that fit really well and a white shirt, but maybe it was her personality that really made her so attractive. She was very confident and funny and very down to earth. I guess, she could have worn a paper bag and still come across as really an attractive candidate.

So barring a sparking personality I would definitely go with at least a matching suit (jacket and pants) and at least well fitting.

 

[medgrad22]

thanks a lot everyone for your wonderful replies.i got my suit from macys..with actual price of more than 700 and i got it for 150.its black ..looks pinstriped because of interwoven wool thing..but it looks wonderful i feel so confident wearing it..still to go to iv so dont know how people wld look at me ..i am anxious yet confident..do you think it is odd or wld look good??

 

[Babycatcher2B]

thanks a lot everyone for your wonderful replies.i got my suit from macys..with actual price of more than 700 and i got it for 150.its black ..looks pinstriped because of interwoven wool thing..but it looks wonderful i feel so confident wearing it..still to go to iv so dont know how people wld look at me ..i am anxious yet confident..do you think it is odd or wld look good??

700+ dollars, that must be a really nice suit.

 

[dragonfly99]

Black suit marked down fro 700 to 150...sounds very appropriate and like a good deal. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes so you can walk around the medical center for the tour.

 

[lmud]

Is a brown or tan colored suit acceptable?

 

[dragonfly99]

I think brown or tan would be fine for most places...as long as it looks dressy enough. If you want to be more cautious/conservative, then navy blue or black is the more traditional color. I don't think the vast majority of medicine programs where I interviewed (Midwest and South) would have ever cared that you wore a brown vs. dark blue or black suit, but perhaps that would be different in a very fashion-conscious place like LA or NYC.