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Well apparently, nothing beats being an optometry student who is so eager to display his/her knowledge of suit philosophy to the point that it is condescending.
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Men's Interview Clothing Thread
Started by Handy388
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Well apparently, nothing beats being an optometry student who is so eager to display his/her knowledge of suit philosophy to the point that it is condescending.
Actually I doubt that Captainnerd is an optometry student. And personally I find his comments very interesting. He definitely has substantial expertise in men's clothing and some other subjects such as French history. People with a tremendous amount of knowledge in an esoteric subject make great conversationalists.
But, I do agree, that the whole issue of clothing does not need to be overly complicated for a male med student applicant. Just invest in a conservative suit, either navy blue, or grey, well tailored, some nice dress shirts, white or light blue, a few conservative ties, and a nice pair of shoes, well polished, a decent belt, and some nice socks. Shave, and get a haircut. Avoid cologne. Take a shower and use soap. Brush your teeth.
Look conservative and well groomed. You will be fine.
I am a third year med student. I spent about $900 for a nice navy blue suit at Nordstroms for my interview season. And I bought a sweet pair of Allen Edmond dress shoes. I have not gained any weight since I started med school and I plan to wear my suit and shoes again during my interview season for residency. The suit and shoes still look immaculate. A good investment in my opinion. I also have worn my suit for various formal events during med school.
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I wore a blue suit and brown shoes to my first interview just to be different. I do think black suits look better and I have worn one to all the rest of my interviews. Just be unique with a shirt and tie combo. That will make you stand out a little bit without looking like a sore thumb.
Why is that? Is it because I have time to help people dress properly on a forum about getting into med school? Or time to appreciate other things in life like philosophy and cooking?
Teddy Roosevelt practiced jujitsu while he was also running the country. Leon Trotsky collected cacti. Mozart bowled (yes, bowling). It is amazing how few polymaths live amongst us today or at least how uncelebrated they are.
JFK once invited every Nobel winner one year to have dinner at the white house. He gave a toast where he said something to the effect "this is the greatest collection of minds ever to be at the white house, except for the countless days Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
Karl Marx died broke and in poor health. His children rarely missed private violin lessons. He tasted some of the best wines of Europe and once lived at the center of the universe at the time, London.
In the end, what I do is a hobby. Some people watch and record cargo ships as they enter port. Some people collect baseball cards. I learn about esoteric things. And run my own at-home business (more correctly, at-apartment business).
If you ever think your life is too hectic, imagine yourself as Isaac Newton or Daniel Bernoulli. Ask yourself if you rather do your homework or do your laundry by hand or cook your own food or make sure your wine hasn't gone bad so you don't get diarrhea or visit the grocer on a daily basis because your food spoils daily. Most of us will never accomplish at our death what Bernoulli accomplished at 10. And he had to iron his own clothes. With a hot stone placed over a fire and a hand iron. You can't present your findings to the King in wrinkled clothes.
I just find it interesting that with all the free time our conveniences allow that we still squander it by watching way too much television (I have nothing against BBC channels), surfing for porn on the internet, or wasting our lives away.
Every time someone asks for help, I give them the most conservative advice; a suit that fits, a white or blue shirt, a solid blue tie (or gray tie with blue shirt). And then every once in a while, someone comes on and asks about a three piece suit. Or pinstriping. Or a white tie. Or a tuxedo. And it starts all over again.
So yes, I agree this should be easier than thought. But you'd be amazed at what people actually wear. I've seen some funny stuff in my clinic. Yesterday I saw workboots. Yes, something a construction worker would wear to a construction site. But at least they were black.
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Hey, I am fan of yours. And I was a construction worker for 2 years before I started med school. I did wear Allen Edmond shoes to my interviews. And they were black. But I think you are a med student.
I gotta side with our resident sartorialist. Yes it "should be easy" to dress simply and nicely for an interview; and yet frequently someone either posts a picture or asks a question about some terrible fashion choice.
captainnerd may seem a bit far out to some, but this thread has shown over and over that some people really struggle to dress themselves - which is probably why they are asking for advice online in the first place.
I am not a med student. I am indeed an optometry student.
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On a forum, I try to write the way I speak. But the difference between your and you're is third grade stuff. Speaking the Queen's English takes a lifetime to learn.
OK, so here are a few questions from someone who wears shorts and a t-shirt every day.
First, does this suit look like it fits, and is it OK to wear? It's about 4 years old, been worn maybe a dozen times (the jacket less than that, the pants more). If anything I've grown .5" maximum and gained maybe 10 pounds since then. I believe it's dark, dark gray, not black. It says Jones New York on the label, if that helps.
Here are pictures, they aren't great quality but tell me what you can:
Other question:
Is this shirt and tie combo too dark/too much going on to wear to a med school interview? I have to pick up another shirt this weekend, and if I'm already at the store I'd rather have something more conservative than not. I'm thinking white and light grayish, or light blue, or something.
Pic:
First, does this suit look like it fits, and is it OK to wear? It's about 4 years old, been worn maybe a dozen times (the jacket less than that, the pants more). If anything I've grown .5" maximum and gained maybe 10 pounds since then. I believe it's dark, dark gray, not black. It says Jones New York on the label, if that helps.
Here are pictures, they aren't great quality but tell me what you can:
Other question:
Is this shirt and tie combo too dark/too much going on to wear to a med school interview? I have to pick up another shirt this weekend, and if I'm already at the store I'd rather have something more conservative than not. I'm thinking white and light grayish, or light blue, or something.
Pic:
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I have a quick question for captainnerd (and any of the other stylish guys out there): what's your opinion on french cuffs for an interview? Too flashy? I have simple cufflinks so it shouldn't be too loud, I'm just wondering if there was a general consensus.
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most people think french cuffs are too flashy for an interview, but honestly, nobody would notice and nobody would say anything.
the interview is not about how you're dressed
the interview is not about how you're dressed
I would stay away from cufflinks. They are too formal and may produce "distance" between you and the interviewing panel. I think cufflinks should be reserved for very formal events.
I actually wear cufflinks in non-formal events but only because I wear them with shirts that are patterned in very British patterns that are very bright and loud (ginghams and checks). And the cufflinks I prefer are generally very simple and contain no metals but are made of clay and stone and therefore look very informal. It can be done.
Agreed. Some advice from The Art of Manliness:
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/12/18/interviewing-in-recession/
Avoid button down collars in an interview, as they are the least formal. Normal barrel cuffs with one or two buttons are fine for interviews; avoid cufflinks unless you have the resume to back them up.
A lot of other common sense advice (one would hope) on that site re: dressing, behavior, etc. Worth a look.
I have always tried to speak the King's English - which certainly set me apart from my fellow laborers in the construction industry - most of whom only spoke spanish. But what exactly is the difference between the Queen's English and the King's English?
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There's a Queen of England currently.
I'm a little apprehensive about spending big bucks on a new suit, seeing as how in all other (non-med school) interviews, I've worn a nice shirt, tie and sweater, along with good black pants. Is this still suitable or will I stick out like a sore thumb simply by not wearing a suit?
Do interviewees all wait in a room judging each other's suit before actually stepping into the office?
Do interviewees all wait in a room judging each other's suit before actually stepping into the office?
You will be the only guy who is not wearing a suit and it will be noticed by the Ad Com members who interview you. You don't want to be remembered as "that guy who was not wearing a suit" by the people who interview you. You never want to be "that guy."
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Any opinions on broguing in interview shoes?
Ah, I see. So the reference point is the gender of the current reigning monarch of England. I assume, then, that if there is both a living King and a living Queen, then the proper phrase at that point in time would be the "King's English" since the King would be at the top of the hierarchy, at least according to protocol, if not in reality, since alot of queens are ball busters.
Go for it!
That's not true. Clothes don't matter. If Einstein visited FDR completely naked with his idea of the atom bomb, I think FDR would have still invited him in.
i was at the store looking for suits, but i am oddly shaped and had to get a larger size with a modern cut for which their selection was limited as were other stores in the area.
ended up getting something like this...only much cheaper and diff brand:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/c...000cat000470cat14120827cat21120734cat11940745
i feel the pinstriping is subtle enough that it won't stand out too much.
you guys feel it is alright?
ended up getting something like this...only much cheaper and diff brand:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/c...000cat000470cat14120827cat21120734cat11940745
i feel the pinstriping is subtle enough that it won't stand out too much.
you guys feel it is alright?
Looks fantastic! That's a good looking suit.
I don't claim to be a style expert, and this has probably been mentioned in the thread before, but:
- make sure your suit fits. It should look like it was made for you, not your dad, granddad or brother. A lot of people wear suits that are too big, too loose (far far fewer wear suits that are too tight and they're usually multi-platinum musicians or actors), when if you had a good tailor make alterations it would drape much more nicely on you. Find a good tailor. Double-breasted looks okay on most people, but they typically skew for older men and more formal occasions.
- make sure your suit is pressed. Wrinkles make you look like a slob no matter how well your suit fits or how nice the material/cut are to look at in the interview.
- same deal with your shirt. Make sure it is pressed. Everyone seems to say white or blue are the way to go - I'd agree, think conservative.
- not much to say about a tie. Don't use a tie tack.. they ruin your ties. If you want it to stay in place, get a tie bar.
- make sure your shoes are clean, scuff-free and preferably shined.
First impressions do matter, and you may think who notices/gives a crap about shoes? You'd be surprised. Women especially (if you get a female interviewer) will notice your shoes - if they are clean & shined versus scuffed and fug. You don't want to look awesome in your well-fit suit, your nice pressed shirt and beautiful tie, but wear a dirty/bad pair of shoes, it's a small detail but don't overlook it.
- make sure your suit fits. It should look like it was made for you, not your dad, granddad or brother. A lot of people wear suits that are too big, too loose (far far fewer wear suits that are too tight and they're usually multi-platinum musicians or actors), when if you had a good tailor make alterations it would drape much more nicely on you. Find a good tailor. Double-breasted looks okay on most people, but they typically skew for older men and more formal occasions.
- make sure your suit is pressed. Wrinkles make you look like a slob no matter how well your suit fits or how nice the material/cut are to look at in the interview.
- same deal with your shirt. Make sure it is pressed. Everyone seems to say white or blue are the way to go - I'd agree, think conservative.
- not much to say about a tie. Don't use a tie tack.. they ruin your ties. If you want it to stay in place, get a tie bar.
- make sure your shoes are clean, scuff-free and preferably shined.
First impressions do matter, and you may think who notices/gives a crap about shoes? You'd be surprised. Women especially (if you get a female interviewer) will notice your shoes - if they are clean & shined versus scuffed and fug. You don't want to look awesome in your well-fit suit, your nice pressed shirt and beautiful tie, but wear a dirty/bad pair of shoes, it's a small detail but don't overlook it.
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Yea thanks.
It's more about spending ~$700 on a new suit instead b/c I don't want to wear my old one which is a bit baggy.
Anybody know a place that's reliable, decently priced and has locations where you can walk in and have a guide to find just the right size?
It's more about spending ~$700 on a new suit instead b/c I don't want to wear my old one which is a bit baggy.
Anybody know a place that's reliable, decently priced and has locations where you can walk in and have a guide to find just the right size?
Get your old suit tailored. It'll save you money, and you'll probably have to get any new suit tailored anyhow. I'd go for this plan unless you really just don't like the suit you have now.
The black/navy blue thing is B.S. The adcoms would love to see more variety in suits.... we don't hold it against anyone but it does show a herd mentality.
Bronze-gray is cool. Don't throw that suit away. Not kidding at all. There's currently a documentary on BBC4 right now about the history of tweed, Harris Tweed specifically. It's a cloth that goes back almost 200 years and is still loomed by hand. And some of the colors are crazy outrageous but great.
And I disagree with black completely. Go with medium gray and charcoal gray.
No reason to drop that much money. I really like Men's Warehouse. They won't let you leave without making sure it fits.
So, what's the prevailing opinion about wearing the school's colors? (within reason, of course -- probably just the tie)
I'm not sure anyone would care.
A suit is not "mandatory" but in 8 years I can't recall ever seeing a gentleman who was not wearing a suit (or a military cadet uniform).
There was a time when applicants wore blue blazers and charcoal gray slacks but that has changed and everyone is wearing business suits now.
Three piece says you have lots of money. If that's what you want to say, then go for it. I would stay away from it. I say a suit is mandatory.
And if you get three piece and do it poorly, it says you wanted to show you have lots of money but actually don't. The vest should be tailored so that the vest fits without any metal clasps and adjustors. The front and back are all wool, not the front is wool and the back is polyester. This is hard to find without getting it bespoke or MTM. Poorly done and you'll end up looking like a Bonus Jonas.
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No one takes off the jacket at an interview so no one will know what the back of the vest is made of....
The three piece suit either shows that you have a lot of money -- or that you are in a cold climate and don't have a lot of money for heating fuel. 😉
Yes, but I just think it is poor consumer philosophy to buy something for the sole purpose of an interview. Invest in some good things for your general life, not for just the interview.
A three piece suit is really meant for the jacket to be taken off once you arrive at the office. Of course, in America, nothing means anything anymore.
I have nothing against three piece suits. I'd like to commission one later in the year. But I would never wear it to an interview.
The vest of a suit when worn with matching pants is the only cool vest there is. Demitri Martin once said of vests:
"I once saw a guy with a leather jacket and I thought 'man, that's cool.' Then I saw a guy with a leather vest and I thought 'man, that is not cool.' You know what's really cool? Sleeves."
Also, by Demitri Martin "life vests protect you from drowning. Bullet proof vest protects you from bullets. Sweater vests protect you from... pretty girls."
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Facial hair isn't technically clothes, I guess, but it's sort of interview fashion.
I've had some sort of facial hair pretty much since I've been able to grow it, from Grizzly Adams to small sideburns or chin scruff, but it's a rare case I've been totally clean-shaven. I feel naked without it, and like I look too boyish. Furthermore, I don't plan on going beard-free in medical school.
Do you think a neatly-trimmed beard, with the parts not covered by beard shaved cleanly, would be detrimental in an interview?
I've had some sort of facial hair pretty much since I've been able to grow it, from Grizzly Adams to small sideburns or chin scruff, but it's a rare case I've been totally clean-shaven. I feel naked without it, and like I look too boyish. Furthermore, I don't plan on going beard-free in medical school.
Do you think a neatly-trimmed beard, with the parts not covered by beard shaved cleanly, would be detrimental in an interview?
Easy for you to say but what you are suggesting is very, very expensive and not a good purchase for a slim college student in his late teens or early 20s who is headed for medical school. By the time he wears it again he'll have filled out and the suit will not fit without some major tailoring.
3rd year med student here. I invested in a nice classic navy blue suit for the med school interview season and bought some expensive dress shoes as part of the ensemble. I am proud to say that I have not gained a single pound in the past three years and I plan to wear my one and only suit during the residency interview season next year. I also have worn it to several formal med school events. So I regard my dress clothes as a good investment.
But I agree, you do need confidence that you will not gain alot of weight before buying an expensive suit. One of the benefits of regular vigorous exercise and eating healthy.
Is there a general consensus on watches? I'm not really into jewelry.
Or if you're like me and you don't want to throw away any of your old clothes because they're classic, it is a good incentive to a keep healthy weight.
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