Men's Interview Clothing #3!

[ChemEngMD]

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Bumping this thread for some suit shopping advice....

I'm super skinny... have about a 17 BMI. I've tried all of the major men's retailers and have discovered that basically, my only option is a custom suit.

Anyone do this? What's a reasonable amount to spend? Any tips?

Reasonable amount? Depends on how you shop haha

You could buy a suit for a couple hundred and have it tailored to fit nicely and make it look more like a "custom" suit

I personally buy small quantities of expensive clothes as opposed to large quantities of inexpensive...the suit i plan on buying for med school interviews will probably be in the 1000 range, which isn't unreasonable for designer (and I only buy suits once ever 3 or 4 years).

On another note if you think there is any chance you will be growing (getting fatter) or getting skinnier (if thats possible at 17 BMI lol) then def go for a cheap suit...nothing worse than really nice clothes you can't fit into...the European style suits are already designed for someone with your build so those would probably be a good look

Also...I've seen some really nice suits at thrift shops for like 50 bucks...just saying

 

[deleted307836]

I've heard that Indochino is pretty good. Alternatively, you could gain some muscle and try to fill out 😛

That is a lost cause.

Indochino sounds interesting. I'll do some research on the quality...

Check for slim fit suits.

Ultimately you will get each suit tailored so they will look fine no matter what. As long as the shoulders fit and it is the right length (meaning not too short), they can fix anything.

If this is your first suit, I'd recommend you buy one at an actual store and have it tailored. Wait until you've had at least one well fitting suit and are more knowledgeable about how it should fit before you go the online method.

I actually do own a suit now that was tailored... it doesn't fit me well though. I have a narrow frame so the shoulders don't fit very well despite it being the smallest size available at the time. It's gotten me by, but it's not something that I'd want to wear to any really important situation.

Reasonable amount? Depends on how you shop haha

You could buy a suit for a couple hundred and have it tailored to fit nicely and make it look more like a "custom" suit

I personally buy small quantities of expensive clothes as opposed to large quantities of inexpensive...the suit i plan on buying for med school interviews will probably be in the 1000 range, which isn't unreasonable for designer (and I only buy suits once ever 3 or 4 years).

On another note if you think there is any chance you will be growing (getting fatter) or getting skinnier (if thats possible at 17 BMI lol) then def go for a cheap suit...nothing worse than really nice clothes you can't fit into...the European style suits are already designed for someone with your build so those would probably be a good look

Also...I've seen some really nice suits at thrift shops for like 50 bucks...just saying

I have a similar philosophy to yours, so I'm not against spending a fair amount on something that I can feel really confident in. I'll look into more European style suits... I think I need to be careful not to get anything too slim-fitting though so I don't stand out too much (or disappear when viewed from the side 😉).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[thinkmed1]

I know this thread has been dead for a little while but I was looking for some advice. So I have two suits a dark navy and a charcoal grey. I was planning on wearing a wearing the navy suit with a white shirt, black oxford lace ups, and i'm just having trouble deciding on the tie. Was thinking maybe one of these:

lmk what you guys think, Thanks!!

 

[IncognitoGuy]

I know this thread has been dead for a little while but I was looking for some advice. So I have two suits a dark navy and a charcoal grey. I was planning on wearing a wearing the navy suit with a white shirt, black oxford lace ups, and i'm just having trouble deciding on the tie. Was thinking maybe one of these:

lmk what you guys think, Thanks!!

I like the 2nd from the left on the top and the two middle ones on the bottom.

I've never been a big fan of yellow/bright ties for interviews. I know it's striped but the yellow is still a bit risky IMO. The others seem too dark in context with a navy suit, but that's me trying to visualize it.

 

[chemsmith]

Here are some protips for the boys:

- load up on sunless tanner

- lose the razor, stubble is sexy

- try to get a sweet matching tie and pocket scarf combo set

- sit with your legs open so as to appear powerful, and sexually dominant

 

[sinuous sausage]

Here are some protips for the boys:

- load up on sunless tanner

- lose the razor, stubble is sexy

- try to get a sweet matching tie and pocket scarf combo set

- sit with your legs open so as to appear powerful, and sexually dominant

eyebrows. thread the eyebrows

 

[DokterMom]

Bumping this thread for some suit shopping advice....

I'm super skinny... have about a 17 BMI. I've tried all of the major men's retailers and have discovered that basically, my only option is a custom suit.

Anyone do this? What's a reasonable amount to spend? Any tips?

Try Macy's - Alfani brand. Mid- to good quality for $250-300 or so.
If you can afford to spend more for a much better suit, try Brooks Brothers. You're looking at $800+ but it's a lifetime suit.

 

[Benedictus123]

So I went out and bought a morning suit for my interview. I think the top hat might be a bit much, but god forbid I somehow dress down for the thing! Anyways, I just wanted to know, should I go with a detachable collar, or is a regular collared shirt okay? I mean, I know the detachable one is far more appropriate, but they're hard to find in the US! Also, do you think an ascot is too much? I got a nice pearl stud to put in the middle, but I don't want to seem ridiculous!

Also, what if my interview is after 6 pm? I mean, I can pack white tie, but do you think it'd be easy to change into in the bathroom? I would just HATE to be wearing my morning suit when it's clearly EVENING outside, you know? God forbid!

 

[Beargryllz]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

 

[Barney Stinson]

Also, what if my interview is after 6 pm? I mean, I can pack white tie, but do you think it'd be easy to change into in the bathroom? I would just HATE to be wearing my morning suit when it's clearly EVENING outside, you know? God forbid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_P7yWnAAd0

 

[BABSstudent]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

I had one guy show up without a suit to only one interview. He looked super uncomfortable since everyone, including his interviewers, had suits on.

Don't be that guy that didn't wear a suit.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

You will stick out in a bad way. Get yourself fitted for a suit.

 

[Benedictus123]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

Forget everything about medical school. Forget everything about admissions. You are (presumably) a college-educated guy who will need to be going to everything from social functions like weddings and funerals to job interviews. There is literally no reason beyond extreme poverty that you do not own at least one nice fitted suit. No one is saying you need to go all sartorial and fly over to Savile Row (...well, this is SDN, there's probably one guy who will say that). But the least you can do is go to JC Penny's, find a nice sales associate, and have them fit you into a decent looking navy blue or black suit.

It's okay that you probably don't know the difference between herringbone and Oxford. It's not okay to think khakis and a dress shirt are appropriate for an interview. Go get a suit! And buy this book! - http://www.amazon.com/A-Well-Dresse...=8-7&keywords=a+gentleman's+guide+to+dressing

 

[thinkmed1]

whats the general consensus about facial hair? I usually go day to day with a bit more then a 5 oclock shadow that I keep well kept, but was thinking about shaving it off.. just when I do I feel like I look like a little boy haha.. So is it a must to be cleanly shaven?

 

[BABSstudent]

whats the general consensus about facial hair? I usually go day to day with a bit more then a 5 oclock shadow that I keep well kept, but was thinking about shaving it off.. just when I do I feel like I look like a little boy haha.. So is it a must to be cleanly shaven?

Clean shave is considered to be more professional. You can let it go back to the 5 o'clock shadow after.

 

[joonage]

So ... none of my dress clothes fit anymore and I have a research symposium this Friday.

Any good dress shoes for $100-200. Need one before Friday (so preferably an in-store shoe or Amazon Prime).

Thinking of buying cheap slacks/dress shirt at H&M or something. Want to invest in the dress shoes to use for my interviews later on, where I'll probably buy a nicer suit. Looking at getting a dark navy or grey suit so preferably some shade of brown.

Thanks!

 

[JackyLin]

Indochino suits usually have a bad rep for not being consistent with their sizing, but individual experiences may vary. I have heard that H&M suits are quite slim, though can't really comment on the quality - they aren't that good from what I heard. You can look at Dragon Inside, an online MTM suiting company launched last fall I believe. Positive reviews from:
http://threads.dappered.com/showthread.php/8482-Dragon-Inside-Tux-has-arrived!
http://mensstylepro.com/?p=5172

it depends on your budget also. Indochino starts at $399 I believe for basics, Dragon Inside starts at $450~ but I believe u can request coupon if you contact them. If you can swing a large amount of cash, go with suitsupply made to measure. They are know for good quality and detail even for their off the rack suits. Suitsupply MTM is $899 I think.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703385404576258671135584478.html

The amount you spend is really depending on your budget. Personally I'd rather get a suit that I can still use for residence and after than a suit that's going to fall to shambles in a few years. (<4)

Indochino sounds interesting. I'll do some research on the quality...

 

[JackyLin]

I would look up on your local DSW for dress shoes in that range. Their in-house brand has decent reviews.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/mercanti+fiorentini+cap+toe+oxford?prodId=225006&productRef=CROSS:
http://dappered.com/2012/11/shoe-news-the-new-115-mercanti-dress-oxford/

Could also look at brands like Cole Haan and Floresheim from Amazon.

If you are looking for dress shirts, check out Charles Tyrwhitt. They are having a sale $29.50/shirt, and the quality/fit is loads beyond what you can get at say target, H&M, BR, express(CT has better quality but less fit if your atheletic/slim), nordstrom (CT has better fit and comparable quality in their twill shirts).

So ... none of my dress clothes fit anymore and I have a research symposium this Friday.

Any good dress shoes for $100-200. Need one before Friday (so preferably an in-store shoe or Amazon Prime).

Thinking of buying cheap slacks/dress shirt at H&M or something. Want to invest in the dress shoes to use for my interviews later on, where I'll probably buy a nicer suit. Looking at getting a dark navy or grey suit so preferably some shade of brown.

Thanks!

 

[JackyLin]

Yellow (or actually gold) ties from what I heard is part of a power tie combo, which I doubt you would want to express over your interviewers.

I like the 2nd from the left on the top and the two middle ones on the bottom.

I've never been a big fan of yellow/bright ties for interviews. I know it's striped but the yellow is still a bit risky IMO. The others seem too dark in context with a navy suit, but that's me trying to visualize it.

 

[Nahla]

So ... none of my dress clothes fit anymore and I have a research symposium this Friday.

Any good dress shoes for $100-200. Need one before Friday (so preferably an in-store shoe or Amazon Prime).

Thinking of buying cheap slacks/dress shirt at H&M or something. Want to invest in the dress shoes to use for my interviews later on, where I'll probably buy a nicer suit. Looking at getting a dark navy or grey suit so preferably some shade of brown.

Thanks!

You can find a great pair of shoes from Zara in that price range.

 

[ventulus18]

I challenge somebody to show up in scrubs.

 

[Turch]

So ... none of my dress clothes fit anymore and I have a research symposium this Friday.

Any good dress shoes for $100-200. Need one before Friday (so preferably an in-store shoe or Amazon Prime).

Thinking of buying cheap slacks/dress shirt at H&M or something. Want to invest in the dress shoes to use for my interviews later on, where I'll probably buy a nicer suit. Looking at getting a dark navy or grey suit so preferably some shade of brown.

Thanks!

Aldo

 

[Deadlifts]

I challenge somebody to show up in scrubs.

"Wait, I thought we were starting today?"

Just a heads up, Nordstrom's annual sale is in July. If you're looking for a suit for next cycle, it's a definite option.

 

[def1]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

I went to my first interview business casual, because I didn't do enough research into med school interviews and it was awkward to tell you the truth. It was also the only school I got rejected from.

Almost every other school interview I had commented positively on my suit attire.

Wear a suit.

 

[Barney Stinson]

"Wait, I thought we were starting today?"

Just a heads up, Nordstrom's annual sale is in July. If you're looking for a suit for next cycle, it's a definite option.

They've put black AE Park Avenues on sale for a little over $200 in recent years which is still expensive but a great deal. I took the plunge last year and if anyone else is considering it you won't find a better price.

 

[Wipeout416]

They've put black AE Park Avenues on sale for a little over $200 in recent years which is still expensive but a great deal. I took the plunge last year and if anyone else is considering it you won't find a better price.

AE Parks are my favorite shoe out of all the shoes(dress or sneaker) I own. Definitely going with AE in the future.

I went with a propersuit(750) but you spend a good amount of time with the tailor and its made to measure, and not just online sizing.

 

[gabdolce]

Is a shirt, vest, and pants look too INFORMAL? Basically 2 pieces of the 3 piece suit?

 

[Brownshorts]

Is a shirt, vest, and pants look too INFORMAL? Basically 2 pieces of the 3 piece suit?

Yes it is. You can wear 2 pieces, but you've got the wrong 2.

 

[BABSstudent]

Is a shirt, vest, and pants look too INFORMAL? Basically 2 pieces of the 3 piece suit?

You can wear the three piece suit or you can not wear the vest and have a two piece suit.

If you wear just a vest and pants, you will stand out in a bad way. EVERYONE has at least a two piece suit at interviews.

 

[Juan Solo]

Is a shirt, vest, and pants look too INFORMAL? Basically 2 pieces of the 3 piece suit?

As the other two have said, yes, this is too informal. I've seen only one person do this and it was obvious to fellow applicants and admin. My recommendation is to avoid this.

 

[Farmerboy]

Hi all!

I have two questions:

1.) I have been to half a dozen stores within the last few weeks looking for a good suit, and I am having difficulty find a a jacket that fits me well. The problem is I have very wide shoulders but a very thin/narrow waist (kind of like a V-Shape). There are jackets that fit my shoulders well but then they are too loose around the waistline/abdomen. Does anyone know of a store that sells jackets that would be suitable for me?

2.) I'm not familiar with clothing protocol, so I would like to ask if khakis, dress shoes, a navy-blue blazer, dress-shirt, and tie would be appropriate for interviews, or is that considered very informal in the US?

Thank you kindly in advance for your advice.

 

[Juan Solo]

Hi all!

I have two questions:

1.) I have been to half a dozen stores within the last few weeks looking for a good suit, and I am having difficulty find a a jacket that fits me well. The problem is I have very wide shoulders but a very thin/narrow waist (kind of like a V-Shape). There are jackets that fit my shoulders well but then they are too loose around the waistline/abdomen. Does anyone know of a store that sells jackets that would be suitable for me?

2.) I'm not familiar with clothing protocol, so I would like to ask if khakis, dress shoes, a navy-blue blazer, dress-shirt, and tie would be appropriate for interviews, or is that considered very informal in the US?

Thank you kindly in advance for your advice.

I can't comment on question #1 but for Q#2: go with the same color for pants and jacket, dont mix and match, also a tie is highly recommended.

 

[Iso4ane]

Hi all!

I have two questions:

1.) I have been to half a dozen stores within the last few weeks looking for a good suit, and I am having difficulty find a a jacket that fits me well. The problem is I have very wide shoulders but a very thin/narrow waist (kind of like a V-Shape). There are jackets that fit my shoulders well but then they are too loose around the waistline/abdomen. Does anyone know of a store that sells jackets that would be suitable for me?

2.) I'm not familiar with clothing protocol, so I would like to ask if khakis, dress shoes, a navy-blue blazer, dress-shirt, and tie would be appropriate for interviews, or is that considered very informal in the US?

Thank you kindly in advance for your advice.

Your best bet is probably to find a tailor who can take it in. As far as I know it is pretty basic and should cost that much.


Otherwise, when you go to your retailer as if they have any 'fitted' coats.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Do people really wear suit jackets to these things? I was debating tie or no tie to go with my dress shirt & khaki pants, but perhaps I need to rethink this whole thing.

Lol. In all the prior 20 pages of this thread that you scanned through, did you get the feeling that people don't really wear suit jackets "to these things"?

 

[BABSstudent]

Hi all!

I have two questions:

1.) I have been to half a dozen stores within the last few weeks looking for a good suit, and I am having difficulty find a a jacket that fits me well. The problem is I have very wide shoulders but a very thin/narrow waist (kind of like a V-Shape). There are jackets that fit my shoulders well but then they are too loose around the waistline/abdomen. Does anyone know of a store that sells jackets that would be suitable for me?

2.) I'm not familiar with clothing protocol, so I would like to ask if khakis, dress shoes, a navy-blue blazer, dress-shirt, and tie would be appropriate for interviews, or is that considered very informal in the US?

Thank you kindly in advance for your advice.

Have you never heard of a tailor?

 

[jaybird117]

Is it worth my time to learn how to do anything other than the schoolboy knot?

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Is it worth my time to learn how to do anything other than the schoolboy knot?

You could also consider doing a Half-Windsor, but the Four-In-Hand (Schoolboy) will suffice. It's what I wore to all of my interviews. Just keep it simple so that you can get dressed in a timely manner on interview day.

And opinion might be divided on this, but I also prefer a dimple with my knots. Others don't - see how you feel.

 

[BABSstudent]

Is it worth my time to learn how to do anything other than the schoolboy knot?

I think it all depends on the tie and how big (thick/wide) the fabric is. That is what determines what type of knot I tie.

 

[tarheel1408]

You could also consider doing a Half-Windsor, but the Four-In-Hand (Schoolboy) will suffice. It's what I wore to all of my interviews. Just keep it simple so that you can get dressed in a timely manner on interview day.

And opinion might be divided on this, but I also prefer a dimple with my knots. Others don't - see how you feel.

Dimple isn't a matter of preference - if you want to be correct, you use the dimple. If you want to look like you don't know how to dress or are lazy, then you don't use the dimple

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Dimple isn't a matter of preference - if you want to be correct, you use the dimple. If you want to look like you don't know how to dress or are lazy, then you don't use the dimple

That's how I feel, but others feel dimpling is too "try-hard" (almost in the same vein as trying to match your tie and pocket square). Personally, I love the look of a dimple.

 

[tarheel1408]

That's how I feel, but others feel dimpling is too "try-hard" (almost in the same vein as trying to match your tie and pocket square). Personally, I love the look of a dimple.

It's not trying too hard, it's other people trying to bring you down to their level. Being stylish as a guy has a lot more to it than throwing on a shirt and suit and calling it a day.

Don't let them get to you. Boys will be boys and men will be men.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

It's not trying too hard, it's other people trying to bring you down to their level. Being stylish as a guy has a lot more to it than throwing on a shirt and suit and calling it a day.

Don't let them get to you. Boys will be boys and men will be men.

Haha, I don't let it bother me. I do what I feel I should do, I just include others' views so a bigger picture is presented.

 

[earl1977]

I really like men's warehouse, they are having a buy one get one and additional items are 50% off. They have that sale all the time. But from what I gather their stores are different- I think the guy I go to at my store is excellent.
When I buy a suit I always buy 2 shirts and two ties just so I can change it up a little.
I also buy a few dress pants separates so I don't wear out my suit pants. For less casual events.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

are these Steve Maddens OK on a Navy/Grey/Charcoal suit?

 

[Goobs]

are these Steve Maddens OK on a Navy/Grey/Charcoal suit?

Personally I think laces with suits look more professional. I got schooled about choosing the wrong lacing option (blucher vs balmarol) last year, so I'm not sure how people would take it if you got rid of the laces all together.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

are these Steve Maddens OK on a Navy/Grey/Charcoal suit?

If you're interviewing for the medical school Class of 1999. Don't buy a new pair of square-toed shoes.

 

[Status Sciaticus]

If you're interviewing for the medical school Class of 1999. Don't buy a new pair of square-toed shoes.

Its usually what I wear out to bars and such when I dress up.

I am just doubting the point of dropping 200 on a pair on shoes that Im only going to wear on interviews.

 

[Brownshorts]

Its usually what I wear out to bars and such when I dress up.

I am just doubting the point of dropping 200 on a pair on shoes that Im only going to wear on interviews.

A good pair of dress oxfords should last a decade or more, especially when you're not using them a lot. They will also never be out of style. I'm planning on dropping some money on a pair of Allen Edmunds or Aldens.

edit: on the subject of shoes and lack of laces, what are people's opinion of monk straps? I kind of like the sleek look, but maybe too out there?

 

[Status Sciaticus]

A good pair of dress oxfords should last a decade or more, especially when you're not using them a lot. They will also never be out of style. I'm planning on dropping some money on a pair of Allen Edmunds or Aldens.

The AEs seem to be the general consensus... but at 350 a pop, its a big investment... then there is the decision of black or brown

 

[gravitywave]

are these Steve Maddens OK on a Navy/Grey/Charcoal suit?

No they are not. You need oxfords, either black or brown.