Men's Interview Clothing #3!

Med School Insiders
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def1 said:
Yea I felt like the peak lapel might be too strong but damn I just love the way it looks I could not resist lol. I had to throw my personality into the suit just a little.

Also I want to thank you for a lot of the advice you've put in this thread. I know we were butting heads earlier about black vs navy/charcoal but a lot of what you've said has been very helpful.

Also if you could offer me one quick tip. Like I said earlier I traded in my black jacket for a navy jacket so its kind of thrown me off for what I should wear now.

Im thinking navy jacket + white shirt + navy/red/black tie

I also was thinking a light purple tie but feel it might be too bold,
t0181.jpg

perhaps a bit darker.

I also have a nice pale blue shirt but Im not sure if thats too much blue.
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It's not like you have to throw out your black suits and never wear them again, my black suit is my favorite one and one of the only true designer suits I own. While black is increasing in popularity for less formal occasions-it is not a "safe" or "traditional" choice. I actually watched an interview video on youtube at one of the schools and I would say 50% of the people were in black, but that still doesn't mean that some interviewer isn't taking offense to it.
I say save the black for galas, weddings, or an evening at a formal restaurant. I think virginia tech gives great advice here as well:
http://www.career.vt.edu/interviewing/interviewappearance.html#MEN
 
def1 said:
Yea I originally had the pocket with a fabric contrast because I thought it added some a nice touch but I quickly rescinded the idea.

So below is the final product, front and back. Im a big fan of the lapel, I hope its not seen as too formal or trendy.

1gkfub.jpg


And I also went out and returned my other black coat and luckily was able to find a pretty good deal on a complete Calvin Klein navy suit for $180 total including tailoring.

So I gotta say you guys definitely convinced me, though I still think black suits are sweet lol and will definitely stay in my collection.
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That looks good man, much more subtle than the pocket, and acceptable for interviewing (vs for example getting contrasted pick stitching all over the lapel - can look good for casual odd jackets, but weird on a suit).
 
The GIF Guy said:
If I wear a modern fit suit, should I also wear a somewhat narrower tie? Not a skinny tie, but something like this, which is 3.0 - 3.25 inches wide instead of the standard ~3.5 inches. Thanks.
801N_TIES_BLUE_PAISLEY_MAIN
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My vote is yes, as a 3.5 inch tie looks out of proportion to me on a slimmer cut suit
 
Paine said:
1. If your lapels are also skinny sure, otherwise it may throw the proportions of your suit off if they're drastically different.

2. side vents are becoming more common and i personally like them more.

3. two flap pockets, not patch or jetted or hacking pockets. ticket pocket, if you even know what that is, strictly optional.
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Side vents are a great look, but can be difficult to pull off if you have a developed .. ahem ... set of glutes. Adjust for what looks good on your body, as many of the super-mod suits don't look great unless you're rail thin.
 
The GIF Guy said:
If I wear a modern fit suit, should I also wear a somewhat narrower tie? Not a skinny tie, but something like this, which is 3.0 - 3.25 inches wide instead of the standard ~3.5 inches. Thanks.
801N_TIES_BLUE_PAISLEY_MAIN
Click to expand...

Yes, definitely. Personally I prefer ties between 2.5-3" in width.
 
are uniqlo dress shirts suitable for med school interviews? i was thinking of saving some money by getting my white dress shirt from there.
 
jollybengali said:
are uniqlo dress shirts suitable for med school interviews? i was thinking of saving some money by getting my white dress shirt from there.
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I'm sure there are better quality shirts you can buy for around $15 or $20 (Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Nordstroms Rack, etc..) But as long as you keep your suit jacket on, it shouldn't be a problem.
 
1248-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg


thinking about going with these shoes ($100 on zappos), are they a smart choice for a dark grey suit?
 
Are 3 button suits OK for interviews? Or do they just look slightly odd? I have yet to figure out why some suits have 3 buttons, while most have 2...
 
nychila said:
Are 3 button suits OK for interviews? Or do they just look slightly odd? I have yet to figure out why some suits have 3 buttons, while most have 2...
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They should be fine but I would only button the middle one. Three button suits are typically better with a vest or if you are a taller person.

If thats all you have to work with then don't worry about, just make sure you look confident in the suit.
 
Anyone know of a good place to get dress shirts for slim-tall fellas.
 
Dress casual for "meet and greet" or dress professional?

Im thinking of going in a buttonup, gray slacks, black dress shoes, no tie. I might wear my navy blazer but Im not sure
 
nychila said:
Are 3 button suits OK for interviews? Or do they just look slightly odd? I have yet to figure out why some suits have 3 buttons, while most have 2...
Click to expand...

That is pretty much the answer to your question, there are more 2 buttons, but 3 buttons are perfectly acceptable. It tends to be a tailoring choice that as someone mentioned, looks better on taller men. I personally own more 3 button than 2, because I think it looks better with my heigh an build.

The rules for buttoning is on a 2 button, button the top button

On a 3 button, button the middle, and the top button is optional. Personally I usually button the top and middle button as most my suits are tailored that way.

Please unbutton all buttons when you sit down in either suit!

Short answer, 2 or 3 button are perfectly acceptable as long as you button them correctly.
 
def1 said:
Dress casual for "meet and greet" or dress professional?

Im thinking of going in a buttonup, gray slacks, black dress shoes, no tie. I might wear my navy blazer but Im not sure
Click to expand...

Your proposal sounds fine.
 
def1 said:
Dress casual for "meet and greet" or dress professional?

Im thinking of going in a buttonup, gray slacks, black dress shoes, no tie. I might wear my navy blazer but Im not sure
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Sounds good, I would skip the blazer though as you'll probably be the only one wearing a jacket (unless you are ok with that, in which case rock on).
 
aloepathic said:
Sounds good, I would skip the blazer though as you'll probably be the only one wearing a jacket (unless you are ok with that, in which case rock on).
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Yea I decided to skip the blazer and just wear a waistcoat.
 
FloridaGeorgia said:
My son got accepted into Saint James school of medicine (a Caribbean medical school) but he doesn't have $40,000 to pay for tuition. He is asking me personally for that kind of money. What can I and what should I do?
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You could not post in the men's interview clothing thread about it?
 
^ It's a troll brah. Pay it no mind.
 
jollybengali said:
are uniqlo dress shirts suitable for med school interviews? i was thinking of saving some money by getting my white dress shirt from there.
Click to expand...

My beef with uniqlo dress shirts is that they have really weak collars, that I dislike if you're going to wear a tie...but they're be passable.
 
Wordead said:
My beef with uniqlo dress shirts is that they have really weak collars, that I dislike if you're going to wear a tie...but they're be passable.
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I never saw one, but maybe a light amount of starch would solve that problem?

Sent from my ADR6400L using SDN Mobile
 
Ok so the "meet and greet" was actually super casual, I think I was the only even remotely in casual business dress but I don't think thats a negative. Its always preferable to present yourself well.

Tomorrow is the big day tho. I've got my suit ready, my shoes shined, the laces in my favorite set up, my tie ready in a half-windsor knot. I think the suit is going to look really sharp.
 
impact2d said:
I never saw one, but maybe a light amount of starch would solve that problem?

Sent from my ADR6400L using SDN Mobile
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I suggest you try making a floppy car stiff with starch and seeing what happens.
 
GomerPyle said:
So today, I bought this (I tailored it to fit nice and snug on me):

http://www.menswearhouse.com/shop/p...751_700023736_-1_700000935_____noSpecialSizes

What do you guys think?

Also - with this suit, how would these shoes look:
shoes.jpg


Need shirt advice with a red tie.
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Not a fan of the black on black suit, but it's not the world's worst. Be careful when you say "nice and snug" because overtailoring a suit so that it's skintight is worse than it being big.

Those shoes are fine. Not truly conservative for an interview, but they aren't terrible.

Wear a white shirt, or a shade of sky blue. Neither will look particularly good with black because of high contrast but that's alright.
 
Paine said:
Not a fan of the black on black suit, but it's not the world's worst. Be careful when you say "nice and snug" because overtailoring a suit so that it's skintight is worse than it being big.

Those shoes are fine. Not truly conservative for an interview, but they aren't terrible.

Wear a white shirt, or a shade of sky blue. Neither will look particularly good with black because of high contrast but that's alright.
Click to expand...

His suit is navy.. unless I'm missing something.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
Paine said:
Not a fan of the black on black suit, but it's not the world's worst. Be careful when you say "nice and snug" because overtailoring a suit so that it's skintight is worse than it being big.

Those shoes are fine. Not truly conservative for an interview, but they aren't terrible.

Wear a white shirt, or a shade of sky blue. Neither will look particularly good with black because of high contrast but that's alright.
Click to expand...

I think the link said it was a navy suit, but if it is indeed a black suit I'd steer clear of the white shirt.
 
Paine said:
Not a fan of the black on black suit, but it's not the world's worst. Be careful when you say "nice and snug" because overtailoring a suit so that it's skintight is worse than it being big.

Those shoes are fine. Not truly conservative for an interview, but they aren't terrible.

Wear a white shirt, or a shade of sky blue. Neither will look particularly good with black because of high contrast but that's alright.
Click to expand...

Also, *if* you're going to wear a black suit, it'd be hard to wear non-black shoes and maintain an appropriate air of formality. Agree that the brogueing is not the most formal, but very few will appreciate that (most docs know almost nothing about clothing)
 
Lol guys, it is not black. It is navy blue - more towards the dark side. Is this bad?

What do you guys suggest for shoes? Those shoes in the picture are from ebay, so I won't buy them if they aren't recommended.
 
GomerPyle said:
Lol guys, it is not black. It is navy blue - more towards the dark side. Is this bad?

What do you guys suggest for shoes? Those shoes in the picture are from ebay, so I won't buy them if they aren't recommended.
Click to expand...

I bought some used Allen Edmond balmoral captoes (cant remember the name of them) for $35 used, in mint condition (size 14). If you don't mind buying used, I'd go this route.
 
Fivo said:
I bought some used Allen Edmond balmoral captoes (cant remember the name of them) for $35 used, in mint condition (size 14). If you don't mind buying used, I'd go this route.
Click to expand...

What color with a dark navy blue suit? Burgundy or black? I want to wear a red tie.
 
GomerPyle said:
What color with a dark navy blue suit? Burgundy or black? I want to wear a red tie.
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Most everyone would tell you that if you're only going to buy one pair, then go with black. It's boring, but conservative. Many others prefer a burgundy or very dark brown shoe. I believe "GuyWhoDoesStuff" wore a navy suit and burgundy shoes to all of his residency interviews (not 100% sure though). Bottom line is that either one will go well (as long as the shoe is dark enough), but it comes down to whether you want to play it completely safe (black) or put a little pep in your step (burgundy). I personally bought 2 pairs, black captoes and burgundy wingtips (used of course) to switch off when I feel the need.

As long as your suit fits well, your shoes are shined and dark enough (if non-black), you're good.
 
MedPR said:
His suit is navy.. unless I'm missing something.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
Click to expand...

Goobs said:
I think the link said it was a navy suit, but if it is indeed a black suit I'd steer clear of the white shirt.
Click to expand...

GomerPyle said:
Lol guys, it is not black. It is navy blue - more towards the dark side. Is this bad?

What do you guys suggest for shoes? Those shoes in the picture are from ebay, so I won't buy them if they aren't recommended.
Click to expand...

whoops, i was looking at one of the 'related' links when i was writing that. hahaha. my bad.

navy+red+white is fine. black shoes and you're fine in all situations.
 
Paine said:
whoops, i was looking at one of the 'related' links when i was writing that. hahaha. my bad.

navy+red+white is fine. black shoes and you're fine in all situations.
Click to expand...

What about a light blue stripped shirt and red tie?
 
Fivo said:
Most everyone would tell you that if you're only going to buy one pair, then go with black. It's boring, but conservative. Many others prefer a burgundy or very dark brown shoe. I believe "GuyWhoDoesStuff" wore a navy suit and burgundy shoes to all of his residency interviews (not 100% sure though). Bottom line is that either one will go well (as long as the shoe is dark enough), but it comes down to whether you want to play it completely safe (black) or put a little pep in your step (burgundy). I personally bought 2 pairs, black captoes and burgundy wingtips (used of course) to switch off when I feel the need.

As long as your suit fits well, your shoes are shined and dark enough (if non-black), you're good.
Click to expand...

Im really feeling burgundy!
 
Hey guys,

I apologize in advance for my naivete, but this is my first time buying suit and getting familiar with men's professional attire. I hope you can give me some opinions on this. Firstly, you can click on the picture below to see a full version of my attire:


1. This is a suit jacket and NOT a blazer right ? When I bought this, the store associate kept telling me that it is a blazer and that a blazer going together with matching pants becomes a suit. From my online reading, blazer and suit jacket are two different entities, so I am very confused. They hanged this jacket and the matching pants separately (but nearby each other). I just want to make sure I have not mistakenly bought a blazer instead of a suit jacket.

2. This is supposedly a dark gray suit. There is some sort of subtle pattern on the cloth, similarly to def1 suit here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13132282&postcount=1250 instead of being completely solid dark gray. I guess it is called "flannel" ? My question is, this type of pattern still makes me look formal and professional for a medical school interview right ?

3. The shoulder pad of the jacket is not very firm like the suits I saw in Macy's. Is this just a suit variant or does it have something to do with me mistakenly buying a blazer in stead of a suit jacket ?

I really like this because it surprisingly fits me nicely, as my body type makes it difficult for me to buy a fitted one. I just have the above concerns that make me worried I am going to look ridiculous and unprofessional at the interview. I appreciate if someone can give their opinions about the above concerns. Thanks !
 
Paine said:
This looks fine.

If it comes with exactly matching pants in the same shade then it's a suit.

I don't see any pattern in the pic you linked, but flannel is a fabric. There's nothing wrong with flannel, though most intro suits are better-served as a year-round wool in a mid-weight. Flannel is going to be heavy and warm.

Shoulder padding is variable depending on the suit's construction. Having thick padding isn't better than an absence of padding--it's what looks better on you that matters. So you're fine here.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much ! Do you recommend dry cleaning the suit after buying it from the store ? Also, there are a few creases on the jacket and the pants, probably due to many people trying them on. Can I iron them at home or do I have to bring to a professional dry cleaner place for them to press my suit ?
 
You shouldn't iron a suit, some can be steamed though.

Sent from my ADR6400L using SDN Mobile
 
drizzt3117 said:
You can iron it with a press cloth, just throw a sheet or pillowcase over it.
Click to expand...

For a "suit beginner" I might just recommend taking it to a tailor if it needs any tailoring, and he/she may be able to press it there.

As for shoulder padding, I actually prefer minimal padding, as I already have very broad/big shoulders and the extra padding makes me look like Paula Poundstone or some 80's businesswoman.
 
Thanks for your all advices. I will probably bring the suit to the dry cleaner stores and asked them to press the suit for me without dry cleaning it.
 
drizzt3117 said:
You can iron it with a press cloth, just throw a sheet or pillowcase over it.
Click to expand...

True, but from what I understand the standard ironing technique can't be used. (i.e. you shouldn't slide the iron, but rather with the steam setting all up you press and lift.)

Also, this is probably obvious, but if the OP decides to iron-make sure the pillowcase is white and fairly lint free-otherwise he may end up pressing lint or dye into his suit.

My personal preference is to steam iron, and save the pressing for the professionals.

I'm not sure what it costs to only have a suit pressed since I usually have them pressed when cleaned, my guess would be around $8. This is an example of a nice starter upright garment steamer for roughly $50 dollars. One investment, and you can keep all of your suits looking fresh for the whole interview season. http://www.lnt.com/product/garment-steamers/960072-41/steamfast-upright-garment-steamer.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=960072-41
 
You basically just put pressure on the area where there are wrinkles and steam, yes. It works quite well.

impact2d said:
True, but from what I understand the standard ironing technique can't be used. (i.e. you shouldn't slide the iron, but rather with the steam setting all up you press and lift.)

Also, this is probably obvious, but if the OP decides to iron-make sure the pillowcase is white and fairly lint free-otherwise he may end up pressing lint or dye into his suit.

My personal preference is to steam iron, and save the pressing for the professionals.

I'm not sure what it costs to only have a suit pressed since I usually have them pressed when cleaned, my guess would be around $8. This is an example of a nice starter upright garment steamer for roughly $50 dollars. One investment, and you can keep all of your suits looking fresh for the whole interview season. http://www.lnt.com/product/garment-steamers/960072-41/steamfast-upright-garment-steamer.html?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=960072-41
Click to expand...
 
impact2d said:
You shouldn't iron a suit, some can be steamed though.
Click to expand...

If not all suits can be steamed, where should I check to see if the procedure can be applied to my suit ? Do you check with the store or does it depend on the cloth ? The little white tag on my suit says the shell is made up of 100% wool.

impact2d said:
Also, this is probably obvious, but if the OP decides to iron-make sure the pillowcase is white and fairly lint free-otherwise he may end up pressing lint or dye into his suit.

My personal preference is to steam iron, and save the pressing for the professionals.

I'm not sure what it costs to only have a suit pressed since I usually have them pressed when cleaned, my guess would be around $8. This is an example of a nice starter upright garment steamer for roughly $50 dollars. One investment, and you can keep all of your suits looking fresh for the whole interview season. http://www.lnt.com/product/garment-...roogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=960072-41
Click to expand...

I actually did not pay attention to using white and lint-free pillowcase for the pressing method. Thanks for reminding me. I will probably just invest in the garment steamer to be safe.
 
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