Men's Interview Clothing Thread

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Guess what? I wore a lavender pocket square and they commented on it. They said "that's the first handkerchief I've ever seen at an interview. Nice." I said "oh, thanks. I actually sewed it myself."

Yeah, I sew. Sew what?
 
captainnerd said:
Guess what? I wore a lavender pocket square and they commented on it. They said "that's the first handkerchief I've ever seen at an interview. Nice." I said "oh, thanks. I actually sewed it myself."

Yeah, I sew. Sew what?
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I wore one as well. A lot of people nowadays omit the pocket square, when using even just a flat fold can really add to your look. I went with light blue silk in a flat fold and I really love the look. (I know you can make kerchiefs contrast with your suit pattern/shirt, but I didn't want to stand out too much since noone else would probably be wearing one).

And Lavender does rock.
 
hehehe probably the most useful thread in the entire SDN
 
anyone tried anything truly outlandish?

like dressed up like Neo in matrix?
 
Handy388 said:
anyone tried anything truly outlandish?

like dressed up like Neo in matrix?
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Not really outlandish, but there was a guy wearing a tie that was more fit for mardi gras, it had diagonal stripes of orange, blue, green, yellow, red, etc.
 
Perhaps a word of advice for those of you who are just starting to think about applying in the upcoming cycle:

I was hilariously worried about my suit and "looking great" for the interview.. I wanted to "stand out" and be awesome etc etc. Basically I put more thought into my suit than the more important aspects of interviewing.

At the end of my interview journey I can say without any reservation that your suit doesn't matter ONE BIT. It doesn't matter if you can't afford an Armani (or whatever captainnerd thinks is the flyest brand) or don't have a pocket square.

Once you go on your first interview you'll realize that a. your interviewers don't give half a **** about what you're wearing b. everybody is wearing either a black, charcoal grey, or blue suit (hint: they all look the same to the untrained eye.. read: most likely you and everybody else at your interview) c. many of your interviewers will be wearing pants and a tshirt with some loafers. Remember most of the people you will come across are experts in pre-med science and research and your interviewers are experts in their respective fields... only a very small handful of who you meet will know even the basic suit rules.

From this thread you should really only pick up on the basics.. don't fret over the details. I.e if you don't have a watch don't feel like you need to go out and buy one just to "complete the look"

Bottomline: the only people who really care about what you are wearing are captainnerd and yourself. If your suit is your dads and it "kinda" fits, no big deal. If wearing a fly suit gives you confidence, go for it. Otherwise it's not the end-all-be-all. Don't stress over your suit, stress over your interviewing skills and above all else have fun.
 
enjoydrywax said:
Bottomline: the only people who really care about what you are wearing are captainnerd and yourself. If your suit is your dads and it "kinda" fits, no big deal. If wearing a fly suit gives you confidence, go for it. Otherwise it's not the end-all-be-all. Don't stress over your suit, stress over your interviewing skills and above all else have fun.
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👍👍
 
you guys are going to think I am nuts........My Davis interview outfit consisted of a decent tan shirt, a brown nice sweater, slacks........and dare I say it? No tie........I was actually complimented on my attire, and was told that it was admirable that I presented myself in a true-to-myself manner.........Everybody else was wearing 4 million dollar suits except me..........If you don't get into the school, I doubt it was because your attire wasn't hand-picked by armani..........I think blowing the interviewer's mind with a good interview will matter more........

Yeah, still look decent though.....I am not saying you should dress up like you're going camping.........


pocket squares? wtf?
 
starfishprime said:
👍👍
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Starfish, I enjoy your no-bull**** tell-it-like-it-is posting style, you didn't have PMs so I figured I'd just say it here. Must be our engineering majors that hardened us up. Sorry biomajors, we are just better.
 
enjoydrywax said:
Perhaps a word of advice for those of you who are just starting to think about applying in the upcoming cycle:

I was hilariously worried about my suit and "looking great" for the interview.. I wanted to "stand out" and be awesome etc etc. Basically I put more thought into my suit than the more important aspects of interviewing.

At the end of my interview journey I can say without any reservation that your suit doesn't matter ONE BIT. It doesn't matter if you can't afford an Armani (or whatever captainnerd thinks is the flyest brand) or don't have a pocket square.

Once you go on your first interview you'll realize that a. your interviewers don't give half a **** about what you're wearing b. everybody is wearing either a black, charcoal grey, or blue suit (hint: they all look the same to the untrained eye.. read: most likely you and everybody else at your interview) c. many of your interviewers will be wearing pants and a tshirt with some loafers. Remember most of the people you will come across are experts in pre-med science and research and your interviewers are experts in their respective fields... only a very small handful of who you meet will know even the basic suit rules.

From this thread you should really only pick up on the basics.. don't fret over the details. I.e if you don't have a watch don't feel like you need to go out and buy one just to "complete the look"

Bottomline: the only people who really care about what you are wearing are captainnerd and yourself. If your suit is your dads and it "kinda" fits, no big deal. If wearing a fly suit gives you confidence, go for it. Otherwise it's not the end-all-be-all. Don't stress over your suit, stress over your interviewing skills and above all else have fun.
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You make a good point that I raised somewhat earlier in the thread, which is that being too particular is overkill...but to me, it doesn't matter so much if my interviewer notices that I've taken a lot of time to dress, but more about what I think. Because when I feel like I look good, I feel more confident. And having that extra nudge of positive attitude never hurts. I like fashion, I like to learn a bit about it (not like captainnerd, obviously, but a touch) and I like to put that to use. No harm there. 🙂
But you're right, you shouldn't feel like your suit is going to make or break you, because it definitely isn't, as long as it isn't completely ridiculous...It really isn't what everyone will be paying attention to. But giving an extra few minutes thought into what you're wearing lets them know that you took an extra few minutes to make yourself presentable and also can make you feel more confident.
There was another poster in this thread who was an interviewer for medical school whose opinion was that if the person didn't take the time to make sure they have appropriate attire, he would wonder why...
Then again, you have people like carlogu's interviewer who commended the more casual look.
What does it mean? It means do what makes you feel more confident, not what you *think* you should do, IHMO.
 
Dressing for an interview is all about dressing well enough to fit in. You don't need to look like a million bucks but you should not make any big mistakes that will draw attention away from you and towards how you dress.
Dress well enough to give you confidence and to look like you give a damn.
 
Of course....

some of you might want to consider the potential romantic partners you'll meet at these events. They might judge you by what you wear.

😀
 
Druzie said:
Of course....

some of you might want to consider the potential romantic partners you'll meet at these events. They might judge you by what you wear.

😀
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lol........the most important part of the interview and WE HAVE MISSED IT THUS FAR! :laugh:
 
Hello everyone! I am new to this post but have had a great time reading everyone's input and the little quarrels going on. In a few places I read comments against three button suits. I am just curious for an opinion as I am looking at three button suits now. By no means am I a small man, usually about a size 48R because of chest and lats. I have found that in a two-button suit the lapels sit quite far off my chest and kind of bulge out, which doesn't look to me. Three button suit still a bad idea? Also, I am trying to figure out black versus navy. I have some comfortable black Ecco shoes that need some love: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2890243/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 and I have some nice Italian leather tan shoes that would go well with a navy suit: http://www.shoestorediscounts.com/l...le-toe-32896/kenneth-cole-new-york-syn-727013 This will give you a closer idea of the color: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3009279...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 Please Help!!
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Hello everyone! I am new to this post but have had a great time reading everyone's input and the little quarrels going on. In a few places I read comments against three button suits. I am just curious for an opinion as I am looking at three button suits now. By no means am I a small man, usually about a size 48R because of chest and lats. I have found that in a two-button suit the lapels sit quite far off my chest and kind of bulge out, which doesn't look to me. Three button suit still a bad idea? Also, I am trying to figure out black versus navy. I have some comfortable black Ecco shoes that need some love: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2890243/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 and I have some nice Italian leather tan shoes that would go well with a navy suit: http://www.shoestorediscounts.com/l...le-toe-32896/kenneth-cole-new-york-syn-727013 This will give you a closer idea of the color: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3009279/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 Please Help!!
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Quite often, the reason suit lapels bulge out is because the suit doesn't fit and is too small in the shoulders. You should trying go up a size of two. A three button suit may alleviate this problem somewhat, but I am guessing the lapels will stick bulge out. It may depend on how particular you are. Also, you may have a unique body shape. If the 3 button does not work out, I would consider looking into made to measure suits.

Go with the navy suit or consider gray/charcoal. Black suits are for waiters and funerals.

Both shoes you suggested are pretty terrible. Stay away form square toed shoes at all costs. For an interview, regardless of suit color, go with black shoes. I recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. It retails for around 300, but you can easily find it 180-220 (same price as Eccos) on Ebay from reputable sellers. If not, look for a balmoral black captoe shoe.
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Hello everyone! I am new to this post but have had a great time reading everyone's input and the little quarrels going on. In a few places I read comments against three button suits. I am just curious for an opinion as I am looking at three button suits now. By no means am I a small man, usually about a size 48R because of chest and lats. I have found that in a two-button suit the lapels sit quite far off my chest and kind of bulge out, which doesn't look to me. Three button suit still a bad idea? Also, I am trying to figure out black versus navy. I have some comfortable black Ecco shoes that need some love: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2890243/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 and I have some nice Italian leather tan shoes that would go well with a navy suit: http://www.shoestorediscounts.com/l...le-toe-32896/kenneth-cole-new-york-syn-727013 This will give you a closer idea of the color: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3009279...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1 Please Help!!
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I have those black Eccos too. I don't care what MCP1 says; they look awesome.
 
MCP1 said:
Quite often, the reason suit lapels bulge out is because the suit doesn't fit and is too small in the shoulders. You should trying go up a size of two. A three button suit may alleviate this problem somewhat, but I am guessing the lapels will stick bulge out. It may depend on how particular you are. Also, you may have a unique body shape. If the 3 button does not work out, I would consider looking into made to measure suits.

Go with the navy suit or consider gray/charcoal. Black suits are for waiters and funerals.

Both shoes you suggested are pretty terrible. Stay away form square toed shoes at all costs. For an interview, regardless of suit color, go with black shoes. I recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. It retails for around 300, but you can easily find it 180-220 (same price as Eccos) on Ebay from reputable sellers. If not, look for a balmoral black captoe shoe.
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Wow, at least you tell it like it you see it. I have actually been complimented most every time I wear the Kenneth Cole New York shoes, but an extended toe box may not be the best thing for an interview. As for going up a size or two it simply is not possible as these suits fit almost perfectly everywhere else and they don't make a bigger size. Unfortunately I can't afford a custom made suit I will wear once (I am usually a 44R but have put on some weight recently). As for the shoes, what do you think about these? http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2985214/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1
No black really? I swear most applicants I see wear them. Especially residents.
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Wow, at least you tell it like it you see it. I have actually been complimented most every time I wear the Kenneth Cole New York shoes, but an extended toe box may not be the best thing for an interview. As for going up a size or two it simply is not possible as these suits fit almost perfectly everywhere else and they don't make a bigger size. Unfortunately I can't afford a custom made suit I will wear once (I am usually a 44R but have put on some weight recently). As for the shoes, what do you think about these? http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2985214/0~2376778~2372807~6004711~6005343?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1
No black really? I swear most applicants I see wear them. Especially residents.
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Sorry, didn't mean to come across as being harsh.

Technically, you should be most concerned with the fit of the suit in the shoulders and lapels. The rest of the suit can be tailored/slimmed down if sizing up results in the body being too big. However, I realize thats not always possible/reasonable. Understand the more custom stuff being out of the budget, so it may be best to go with the three button suit as the lapels aren't as "long." Taking it to a tailor may help quite a bit though so I would suggest that either way.

Those shoes, in black, would be fine. You might also want to consider:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/Park Avenuehttp://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Men-Allen-Edmonds-Shoes-Park-Avenue-Black-10.5-D_W0QQitemZ190287389020QQcmdZViewItem (more expensive but a classic....what George Bush and other presidents have worn)

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/118480/c/8607.html (Middle Price Wise)

http://www.josbank.com/JAB_Partner....uct_Id=72&p_Id=3&link_Id=2&CAWELAID=323724372 (Middle Price Wise)

http://www.josbank.com/JAB_Partner....Id=457179&p_Id=3&link_Id=2&CAWELAID=323728421 (Less expensive)

As far as the black suit, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter. People wear them all the time, but I suppose its more a matter of tradition. Plus, I think black can make a lot of people look washed-out.
 
Unfortunately I have not been able to find a 50R at almost any store in a price that I could possibly afford. This will probably lead me to going with a black three button. I feel confident in it, and I think that is probably most important. Still think that black would hurt my chances?
 
I felt most comfortable in a full jet black suit, plain white no-iron shirt, conservative blue-ish colored tie with a strip of yellow for "personality", and a matching 2-button jacket.

But by my 5th interview (and 4th acceptance) at my #3 or #4 school, I was in a rush and I threw on my coat and accidentally left my jacket in the hotel. Although for the whole day I was walking around amongst the sea of black, I felt more relaxed for my interview (1 clinical, 1 prof, and 2 students) and didn't feel as "confined" in my jacket. I felt that I was talkative because I felt more natural in my outfit that I often wore to work, church, etc. My friend (a student) asked if he should run back for it before my interview, but I turned down the offer b/c I felt more talkative/relaxed/natural.

I wouldn't recommend not wearing one if you have the choice (you may have ultra-conservatives who may hold it against you), but it worked out and I got accepted.
 
seriously it's an interview people. just try to dress casual and you'll be fine. just like someone said above...it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you impress your interviewer with your responses.

if i land an interview, i will wear a suit with no tie. a tie to me is just too much. i want to be comfortable interviewing and not worried about a tie choking me half the time.

p.s. guys with your $100+ shoes...you guys are putting way too much money into materialistic things. they're just shoes. they will wear out sooner or later.
 
fastboyslim said:
Wow, I had no idea there were so many metrosexuals on SDN.
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agreed! 👍👍

if you're looking for a suit, try Macy's. They always have sales and have 15-20% off coupons which will definitely help.
 
RecyclingBinh said:
seriously it's an interview people. just try to dress casual and you'll be fine. just like someone said above...it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you impress your interviewer with your responses.

if i land an interview, i will wear a suit with no tie. a tie to me is just too much. i want to be comfortable interviewing and not worried about a tie choking me half the time.

p.s. guys with your $100+ shoes...you guys are putting way too much money into materialistic things. they're just shoes. they will wear out sooner or later.
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uh huh. Good luck at your interviews then...
 
RecyclingBinh said:
seriously it's an interview people. just try to dress casual and you'll be fine. just like someone said above...it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you impress your interviewer with your responses.

if i land an interview, i will wear a suit with no tie. a tie to me is just too much. i want to be comfortable interviewing and not worried about a tie choking me half the time.

p.s. guys with your $100+ shoes...you guys are putting way too much money into materialistic things. they're just shoes. they will wear out sooner or later.
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Attendings at major academic medical centers (which is... gasp, where most med schools are located) tend to wear ties on a daily basis, so I'm not entirely sure this is the best idea. Hey, go for it if you want, though!
 
RecyclingBinh said:
if i land an interview, i will wear a suit with no tie. a tie to me is just too much. i want to be comfortable interviewing and not worried about a tie choking me half the time.

p.s. guys with your $100+ shoes...you guys are putting way too much money into materialistic things. they're just shoes. they will wear out sooner or later.
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That is idiotic. Have enough respect for the tradition involved in interviewing and dress correctly. You won't look anti-establishment or unique. You will look like an ass. Plus, a properly tied tie has absolutely no risk of choking you.

Have you never heard of paying for quality. Say you buy your "cheap" shoes. I guarantee that within a year or two they will wear out and need to be replaced. Compare this to a nice pair of shoes - Allen Edmonds, Crockett&Jones etc - they will last many years. My Dad has a pair of AE shoes that has lasted him 10 years with a good amount of wear.
 
it seems that i am taking a lot of heat for my comment. i will back off from this subject and thread. you guys can continue and ignore my comment from above.
 
MCP1 said:
Quite often, the reason suit lapels bulge out is because the suit doesn't fit and is too small in the shoulders. You should trying go up a size of two. A three button suit may alleviate this problem somewhat, but I am guessing the lapels will stick bulge out. It may depend on how particular you are. Also, you may have a unique body shape. If the 3 button does not work out, I would consider looking into made to measure suits.

Go with the navy suit or consider gray/charcoal. Black suits are for waiters and funerals.

Both shoes you suggested are pretty terrible. Stay away form square toed shoes at all costs. For an interview, regardless of suit color, go with black shoes. I recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. It retails for around 300, but you can easily find it 180-220 (same price as Eccos) on Ebay from reputable sellers. If not, look for a balmoral black captoe shoe.
Click to expand...

Just saw this thread as I tend to dwell on school threads and don't come to SDN for my fashion advice :laugh: but I had to comment here:

Kudos on a great shoe rec...I love the Park Aves and they're what you will see on every foot if you walk into any professional services office (consulting, finance, i-bank, etc.).

Now if you want something hipper but still conservative enough to play with the Park Aves check out the Allen Edmonds Del Ray. I also wanted to add to your comment and say that be careful with the Park Aves....they're built on a legacy last and size different from most of the rest of the brand's shoes, they usually size down 1/2 size or 1 on most ppl b/c they're so long in the toe. Cheers!
 
fastboyslim said:
Wow, I had no idea there were so many metrosexuals on SDN.
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What exactly is "metrosexual" about having knowledge of clothing? While there are people on this board that are probably "fashionistas," it seems to me that most that are trying to help on this thread are actually people who have a sensible knowledge of clothing. Just because you and/or other people may not give a damn about clothing doesn't mean that the ones that do are "metrosexuals." It simply means that they understand that a person's perception as viewed by others in the real world (in this case a med school interview) often equals reality.
 
RecyclingBinh said:
seriously it's an interview people. just try to dress casual and you'll be fine. just like someone said above...it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you impress your interviewer with your responses.

if i land an interview, i will wear a suit with no tie. a tie to me is just too much. i want to be comfortable interviewing and not worried about a tie choking me half the time.

p.s. guys with your $100+ shoes...you guys are putting way too much money into materialistic things. they're just shoes. they will wear out sooner or later.
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This is completely asinine. Any dress shoes with a leather sole will outlast your crap unresoleable shoes by decades...not a few years. I have heard of people who are wearing their grandfather's AEs, just a resole and they're back to fully functional if you wear through the soles (net cost: $20). If you really beat them up, as long as the uppers are fine you can send them to AE and get a full refinish for like $60?/80, which is great b/c the shoes you get back are your shoes, broken into your feet at a cost less than the shoes you will keep having to buy every year.

Net net you're saving tons over the long-term, you're getting great quality, and when you do wear down your shoes as you mentioned, you get to replace them with your shoes, broken in for your feet, at a price less than crap shoes.
 
SansNom said:
This is completely asinine. Any dress shoes with a leather sole will outlast your crap unresoleable shoes by decades...not a few years. I have heard of people who are wearing their grandfather's AEs, just a resole and they're back to fully functional if you wear through the soles (net cost: $20). If you really beat them up, as long as the uppers are fine you can send them to AE and get a full refinish for like $60?/80, which is great b/c the shoes you get back are your shoes, broken into your feet at a cost less than the shoes you will keep having to buy every year.

Net net you're saving tons over the long-term, you're getting great quality, and when you do wear down your shoes as you mentioned, you get to replace them with your shoes, broken in for your feet, at a price less than crap shoes.
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Yup...as a matter of fact, my dad has a pair of AEs from 1989 that he wore a lot...they're in great shape and have a beautiful worn-in look, but not in any way falling apart or anything like that.

If you really believe that shoes that cost $100 or over are materialistic, I think that is pretty funny. Have fun buying shoes every 18 months. My $200 AEs will also look twice as good (at least).
 
SansNom said:
This is completely asinine. Any dress shoes with a leather sole will outlast your crap unresoleable shoes by decades...not a few years. I have heard of people who are wearing their grandfather's AEs, just a resole and they're back to fully functional if you wear through the soles (net cost: $20). If you really beat them up, as long as the uppers are fine you can send them to AE and get a full refinish for like $60?/80, which is great b/c the shoes you get back are your shoes, broken into your feet at a cost less than the shoes you will keep having to buy every year.

Net net you're saving tons over the long-term, you're getting great quality, and when you do wear down your shoes as you mentioned, you get to replace them with your shoes, broken in for your feet, at a price less than crap shoes.
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This is exactly what people don't seem to understand....the idea of paying more for something that will last for ages. There is no way that a pair of 100 dollar shoes is being materialistic. Perhaps, you could make the argument when talking about a pair of >1K J Lobb shoes, but even then you are paying for incredible craftsmanship,

The same thing can be said about suits. Sure, your Macys suit may work but it is likely to fit poorly, be fused, and look like crap in a year of two (bubbling at the lapels etc). If you pay extra money for a quality suit that is half or fully canvassed, it will be something that can last you not only for med school interviews, but for residency interviews and other occasions in the future.
 
fastboyslim said:
Wow, I had no idea there were so many metrosexuals on SDN.
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I prefer to call it being fashion conscious, but whatever takes your fancy. What can I say, I believe in looking good. I think that it has a subliminal effect on people. I've had great success in interviews so far so I must have been doing something right 🙂
 
What is the rule for sitting down with a three button suit? Unbutton all the buttons or what?
 
fastboyslim said:
Either unbutton all of them or button only the top two.
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depends on the suit, but depending on how it's cut, you either button the top two or the middle one on a 3 button suit, just don't button the bottom.
 
Lol............really? are we talking about shoe quality here? Youre at a freaking desk with your interviewer...........your shoes do not matter...........just don't look like a freaking idiot.........it is not asinine to assume that going casual is ok..............remember, if you look decent, you'll be fine............Do not try to do too much, but don't be an idiot either........If you do not like ties, then don't wear a tie, just make sure that whatever you DO wear does not look like a clown suit.............forget the $100 shoes, Mine cost about 20 bucks 5 years ago, and My interviewers would not be able to recall the color to save their lives................. Its funny how people will pay hundreds of dollars to look like the rest of the people flanking them at interviews........
 
carlogu said:
Lol............really? are we talking about shoe quality here? Youre at a freaking desk with your interviewer...........your shoes do not matter...........just don't look like a freaking idiot.........it is not asinine to assume that going casual is ok..............remember, if you look decent, you'll be fine............Do not try to do too much, but don't be an idiot either........If you do not like ties, then don't wear a tie, just make sure that whatever you DO wear does not look like a clown suit.............forget the $100 shoes, Mine cost about 20 bucks 5 years ago, and My interviewers would not be able to recall the color to save their lives................. Its funny how people will pay hundreds of dollars to look like the rest of the people flanking them at interviews........
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Your misunderstanding the point. Of course no one is going to recall what you wore. Its about making a good, subconscious first impression. Interviewees who are well dressed in something that fits well provides an impression of professionalism
 
Even though mine is still quite a ways away I planned on wearing nice dress slack (tan/cream) with a charcoal color casual polo (tucked in of course) with a nice bear of brown square-toed shoes. I felt to dress more comfortable and like I do most of the time. I don't see it as being unprofessional; I have been to a ton of business meetings and presentations at other universities where the personal giving it was wearing something like this. Hell, if needed I can easily throw on a blazer. I'm pretty fond on the polo/blazer outfit. It's professional and can easily turn into a comfy casual outfit and not be so formal.
 
MCP1 said:
This is exactly what people don't seem to understand....the idea of paying more for something that will last for ages. There is no way that a pair of 100 dollar shoes is being materialistic. Perhaps, you could make the argument when talking about a pair of >1K J Lobb shoes, but even then you are paying for incredible craftsmanship,

The same thing can be said about suits. Sure, your Macys suit may work but it is likely to fit poorly, be fused, and look like crap in a year of two (bubbling at the lapels etc). If you pay extra money for a quality suit that is half or fully canvassed, it will be something that can last you not only for med school interviews, but for residency interviews and other occasions in the future.
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Yup. I bought a suit that was not canvassed almost TEN years ago (I was like 16 or 17) and with one or two minor adjustments, the thing still looks fantastic. It wasn't event that expensive, although it wasn't bespoke fitted or something, it was OTR but I got it re-cut and tailored. I spent somewhere between $400 and $500 on it. All I've done to it is take in the center seam a bit, vent the cuffs and a few other alterations for a total of about $600. For ten years use...I'd say I got my money's worth.

OSUbeavers07 said:
What is the rule for sitting down with a three button suit? Unbutton all the buttons or what?
Click to expand...

You unbutton all of the buttons when sitting, IMHO.

For two button suits, when standing always button the top button, never the bottom.

For three button suits when standing, you sometimes button the top, always the middle, and never the bottom.
If your lapel rolls over gently (not creased) and the side of your button kind of sticks out then you have a choice about the top button: whatever suits you is what you do.
If the lapel is hard creased over and the button is not visible, then don't button it.
If the lapel is hard creased over and the button is facing full front and visible, then you should button it.
 
Last edited:
Here are a couple of pics of the jacket, shirt and tie. The first was is with no flash and better shows the color of the shirt and tie. Second one with flash shows the coat length. I realize the sleeves need to be tailored.
 

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Your suit looks good. The left sleeve might be a TOUCH to long since I can't see any of your shirt cuff, but if you tug on your shirt cuff slightly, it might be fine. Other than that, the fit looks OK. (That's a tag at the top right of the pic right?)
With that type of lapel, your top button (and middle) should always be buttoned when you're standing.

Standard capped oxfords in black are fine. Those shoes may not last you years and years, but they'll be fine.

One thing to note, is that the nordstrom page has the laces tied completely wrong (If you really want to be particular. 😛). You should lace them so that they are "straight across" and you can't see the crosses underneath. Like this (first pic I could find): http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Glossary/AllenEdmondsCopley.jpg

Good luck. 🙂
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Here are a couple of pics of the jacket, shirt and tie. The first was is with no flash and better shows the color of the shirt and tie. Second one with flash shows the coat length. I realize the sleeves need to be tailored.
Click to expand...

Might consider a little waist suppression to give the coat more shape.

Shoes look good.
 
Anyone have an opinion on wearing suspenders? I figure that it would not matter much as you wear the jacket all day.
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Here are a couple of pics of the jacket, shirt and tie. The first was is with no flash and better shows the color of the shirt and tie. Second one with flash shows the coat length. I realize the sleeves need to be tailored.
Click to expand...

Looks a little wide on your shoulders, and there's sagging below the armpits, but it's hard to tell without a picture from the back. Don't forget to remove what looks like the suit label on your left sleeve and any stitching on the vents. What's going on with those pants? They're not a different color, are they?
 
OSUbeavers07 said:
Anyone have an opinion on wearing suspenders? I figure that it would not matter much as you wear the jacket all day.
Click to expand...

You'll look silly with suspenders, especially since they'll be the clip-on ones. An interview's not the time to be fashion forward.
 
I'm thinking of wearing suspenders to hold the pants in place and to free some of the waist line bulge that the belt causes underneath my jacket. No style here 🙂
 
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