Men's Interview Clothing Thread

[nick_carraway]

I just plan on wearing a dark grey or navy blue suit...

But what I want to see is a premed of Scottish descent wearing the entire formal kilt ensemble. Prince Charles Jacket, sporran and all. Technically, its as formal as anything, even more formal than our suits. 🙂

Disclaimer: not a personal attack on anyone.

Am I the only person on Earth who hates navy blue?

I know it's a classic color for suits, but does it really match skin tones/hair color? At all? I just can't see it in my mind's eye.

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[CougarMD]

I agree with you that someone who wears suits often is going to be a lot more natural at it and I think that's a good thing. You have your own spin on things and you're comfortable when you're dressed up.

For applicants who have rarely/never worn a suit, however, some guidance is needed. You have to look to others to determine what you should do since wearing a suit feels like you're doing something special and unnatural.

I can personally say that when I wore my suit to my first interview, I was completely neurotic about colors, when to button/unbutton, when to take off my jacket, freaking out about wrinkles, etc.

After a few more chances to wear suits, I'm starting to do things my way and I'm a lot less paranoid about what happens.

You are absolutely right, and it makes sense that if you have never/rarely worn suits, that you would want and need more guidance. I think that I (and maybe SarsMO) were more referring to people who were saying things like "Hey, I have X color shirt or tie, and it looks good, I know it looks good, everyone says it looks good.....but maybe I shouldn't wear it because its not conservative enough" SarsMO, please excuse me for putting words in your mouth if thats not what you meant🙂

It just makes me feel sad if people tone something down that is acceptable because they're scared🙁 Be yourself!

 

[CougarMD]

Disclaimer: not a personal attack on anyone.

Am I the only person on Earth who hates navy blue?

I know it's a classic color for suits, but does it really match skin tones/hair color? At all? I just can't see it in my mind's eye.

Nah, I once saw a really pale redhead wearing a dark dark blue suit and it really washed her out even more....everyone has colors they shouldn't be wearing. for me its tan....because I already have dark skin

 

[deleted74029]

I'm just a big fan of pastels, but I think I may wear a color other than pink.

 

[ReptarBar]

guys, please dont wear an oversized suit. that is a classic sign of nerdiness and/or indifference toward personal appearance.

regular or slim is what you want. IMO i think a slimmer suit looks better and would convey the message that youre a bit fashionable.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Just get your suit tailored...

 

[m015094]

Well, if all you guys are going to wear a suit (whatever color it may be), then I think I'm going to up the ante and rent a tux. And my resumay is going to kick butt, so eat it!

Hey it worked for these guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mFr2DTuBo

 

[deleted74029]

Well, if all you guys are going to wear a suit (whatever color it may be), then I think I'm going to up the ante and rent a tux. And my resumay is going to kick butt, so eat it!

Hey it worked for these guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mFr2DTuBo

Is that a real trailer? They sure put alot of f-bombs in it if it is.

 

[nick_carraway]

Is that a real trailer? They sure put alot of f-bombs in it if it is.

Yes and it caught my innocence off-guard.

My parents want to talk to your parents.

 

[deleted74029]

I didn't put it up so my parents aren't mad at me. I did hear that M015094's parents are putting him on time out though, so no dodgeball tonight.

 

[Bacchus]

Ejay: re your quote. I have no problem if you wear a pink tie. But we are to cater to conservatism and even though pink is more accepted, I feel it still is mainstream like a classic burgundy tie or something of the like.

 

[copperfrog09]

A few variations I have for my charcoal brown suit, brown socks, black square-toe laced shoes, and black belt.

Shirts range from a textured blue shirt, a blue pinstripe shirt, or a third unpictured textured silver shirt.

Ties range from a floral brown and pink tie, a striped burgandy and blue and white tie, or a textured ivory tie.

Bummer that I only got to wear one of these during last year's interview season. The suit got more wear for work and weddings, unfortunately.

Definitely the last one..

 

[nick_carraway]

Definitely the last one..

I'm surprised that everyone's voting for the last one.

I used to like it too, but now I think that the middle one is pretty awesome.

This just proves that I can't be trusted to make decisions.

 

[deleted74029]

I think I have found my interview tie:

 

[nick_carraway]

I think I have found my interview tie:

Automatic admission if you can play your tie acoustically.

 

[THX]

Does anyone know where you can purchase high-collared dress shirts? (not for the interview, for other occasions). Similar to Bryan Colangelo (Toronto Raptors) shirt:

 

[nick_carraway]

Does anyone know where you can purchase high-collared dress shirts? (not for the interview, for other occasions). Similar to Bryan Colangelo (Toronto Raptors) shirt:

WOAH that's funky.

I'd think it was fake if you didn't name the person who wears them...

What's the appeal?

 

[MCP1]

You may have to go bespoke/mtm for high collared shirts like that

You could try mytailor.com or jantzen for MTM stuff, but your best bet may be finding a tailor or shirtmaker to do the high collar

 

[Anatidae]

I'm surprised that everyone's voting for the last one.

I used to like it too, but now I think that the middle one is pretty awesome.

This just proves that I can't be trusted to make decisions.

I don't know, I think the lighting on the middle one makes it hard to tell, but I like it. I'm not a huge fan of the last one though. It's too similar of a color to the shirt and blends in too much IMO.

 

[Bacchus]

Koko, I like the middle one too. Can I borrow that tie? And I wish I had a V like that unless its the suit doing it!

 

[nick_carraway]

Koko, I like the middle one too. Can I borrow that tie? And I wish I had a V like that unless its the suit doing it!

Yeah the V is from the suit. It's a three-button so the V ends higher up than on two-button suits. I suppose it's personal preference.

Yay for the middle one! I agree that the last picture doesn't have much color in it.

Or maybe it's just the photo... I'm too lazy to go into my closet to find out.

 

[smgfan]

I went to Men's Warehouse to purchase the suit I liked the best. I ended up buying a $400 Calvin Klein suit of a charcoal color. I look sharp I suppose. I will wear a blue shirt and tie.

Um...ditto to every single word you wrote. We'll be interview twins?

Also - the suit coat stays on throughout the entire interview day?...I'm comfortable in a suit, but a bit laid back type and would prefer to take off the jacket for the interview...probably unprofessional though...and how many buttons do we button? Gosh. They never taught this **** in college.

 

[nick_carraway]

Um...ditto to every single word you wrote. We'll be interview twins?

Also - the suit coat stays on throughout the entire interview day?...I'm comfortable in a suit, but a bit laid back type and would prefer to take off the jacket for the interview...probably unprofessional though...and how many buttons do we button? Gosh. They never taught this **** in college.

You can take off your jacket during the interview, but that might be awkward simply because of logistics. You'll have to get in the room, wrestle with your jacket, set it on the chair, sit down, and start talking.

It might just be easier to unbutton the jacket when you sit (which is a must, by the way). Other reasons to leave the jacket on would be because it might be a warm day and you might have sweat through your dress shirt or because your shirt has wrinkles that the jacket hides.

As for how which buttons to button, top two for three-button suits, top one for two-button suits. Maybe if it's more natural for you, you could just leave it unbuttoned the whole day.

 

[chad5871]

Where is a good place to get cheap/nice dress shirts and ties. I was on Macy's website and they're having a sale, but I can't get to a Macy's soon.

I think Van Heusen has some really nice shirts, and you can usually get them on sale for ~$15-$20. They also have slim fit shirts which is great for skinny kids like me.

Koko, I think I would like the tie from the last one with the shirt from the middle one (as long as the colors match - hard to tell with these pics). Personally I'm not a fan of wearing ties (especially with eye-catching patterns and colors like the last one) with striped or otherwise-patterned shirts.

 

[Bacchus]

I think Van Heusen has some really nice shirts, and you can usually get them on sale for ~$15-$20. They also have slim fit shirts which is great for skinny kids like me.

Koko, I think I would like the tie from the last one with the shirt from the middle one (as long as the colors match - hard to tell with these pics). Personally I'm not a fan of wearing ties (especially with eye-catching patterns and colors like the last one) with striped or otherwise-patterned shirts.

The day I wear a "fit" cut is the day I die of surprise. I'm working on it.

 

[papa tr1x]

how bout this tie?

 

[nick_carraway]

The day I wear a "fit" cut is the day I die of surprise. I'm working on it.

I still think Macy's is your best bet. Great selection unless you're a 14.5 like me. I like Geoffrey Beene the most, for some reason. I've bought more expensive shirts but Geoffrey Beene fits well, has a nice range of colors, and is affordable ($20ish).

I suppose Express is good too, but you usually have to buy like 3 shirts to get a good discount.

 

[chad5871]

I suppose Express is good too, but you usually have to buy like 3 shirts to get a good discount.

They're only good if you have relatively average body proportions, because their sizing scale is simply S-M-L-XL, etc. I can usually only wear shirts from there if I roll up the sleeves - otherwise it looks like I'm wearing a shirt with 3/4-sleeves. 🙁

 

[firebody]

As a gay man trapped in a woman's body, and a lawyer in a former life....I feel like I can comment here.

I think most guys wear black because they have never worn a suit before and it is the "no brainer" choice. If you want to look like you actually feel comfortable in a suit, choose a color! Find out what color looks good on you, if its not gray, then don't choose gray. A very subtly pinstriped dark blue may be best for you. Dude, I totally sound like Stacey on "What Not To Wear"...

Boy shoes I like:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2980032...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999775...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=2

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999227...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=2
(You need to have style to pull these off)

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2879870...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005343&P=6

I suggest avoiding tassels and anything elf-like


And if you have a friend who's opinion you trust, take them with you when you're shopping...girls are usually best. We like to dress up men.

for a gay man, you have terrible taste - aside from those wingtips you selected.

me. sported this suit with an lemon colored merino v-neck over a regular white oxford. 15 interviews - 13 acceptances - 2 waitlist - 8 phone numbers and 11 SDN handles - all while wearing no tie - absolutely hate them. so many compliments from both peers and interviewers. one interviewer off the bat gave a big smile because she knew i was wearing my school colors and said she hoped i would represent their school the same way.

...and yes, that's milk.

 

[CougarMD]

for a gay man, you have terrible taste - aside from those wingtips you selected.

me. sported this suit with an lemon colored merino v-neck over a regular white oxford. 15 interviews - 13 acceptances - 2 waitlist - 8 phone numbers and 11 SDN handles - all while wearing no tie - absolutely hate them. so many compliments from both peers and interviewers. one interviewer off the bat gave a big smile because she knew i was wearing my school colors and said she hoped i would represent their school the same way.

...and yes, that's milk.

I totally checked with two of my favorite gays before posting....maybe ::gasp:: taste is relative?🙂

 

[firebody]

I totally checked with two of my favorite gays before posting....maybe ::gasp:: taste is relative?🙂

you sooo want me.

 

[CougarMD]

you sooo want me.

If you look anything like your avatar, then yes, let's throw down.

 

[p30doc]

fyi to anyone in the NYC area, bloomingdale's in manhattan is having a 65% off sale on a bunch of suits, plus if you have an out of state drivers license and go to the "visitor center" they give you an 11% off coupon good on sale items. I was in NY last week and picked up a $1600 Corneliani suit for less than $500 after tax, pretty freaking sweet.

 

[m_rivera84]

to introduce a topic different than the color combination discussions, would it catch unnecessary attention to wear expensive suits and name-brand (LV) shoes? this is just an extreme example, but would a nicer suit and nicer shoes lead to a positive or negative first-impression

and if anyone thinks that they all look the same at some point, try browsing the LouisVuitton.com shoes. A class above, but also breaks the bank.

 

[RySerr21]

to introduce a topic different than the color combination discussions, would it catch unnecessary attention to wear expensive suits and name-brand (LV) shoes? this is just an extreme example, but would a nicer suit and nicer shoes lead to a positive or negative first-impression

and if anyone thinks that they all look the same at some point, try browsing the LouisVuitton.com shoes. A class above, but also breaks the bank.

as long you aren't wearing rags, i dont think it matters what kidn of suit you wear. Just look professional. LV shoes aren't going to impress anybody, it just shows that you have money. At least, they wouldnt impress me. But what do I know.


On another note, I took a pretty big gamble.....I bought my suit on ebay. Its listed a sa 1200 dollar suit and i bought it for 95 dollars. It was brand new, never been used from a store (not a private seller). It fit perfectly, i took it to the tialor and the only thing he did was trim the lenght of the shorts...everyting else was perfect.

I guess I luckedd out!!! Oh and its a charcoal grey suit. Below is a link to more of their products. If you can find your size, its a pretty unbelievable deal.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&catref=C6&from=R40&satitle=New+Napoli+Suit&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=95060&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32&fsoo=2

 

[Suaveness]

I went with a Black suit with pinstripes, dark red shirt, and blue/gold tie. Too wild?

 

[cubsrule1004]

I interviewed at 4 school and was admitted to 3 wearing a coat, vest and slacks much like these: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCat..._Id=1370205&Parent_Id=217&default_color=Olive.

I was told at all interviews that by someone that they liked my outfit or that it was a nice change from the black suits.

Point being, wear what you feel best in. My oufit made me feel confident. Find one that does the same for you regardless of color. I wouldn't suggest the pimp suit look though unless your real fly.

 

[Bacchus]

So I bought this awesome tie. Now to just tie the damn thing, such a pain in the butt. 🙁 (I get confused by the web tutorials, haha).

 

[calnation]

Disclaimer: not a personal attack on anyone.

Am I the only person on Earth who hates navy blue?

I know it's a classic color for suits, but does it really match skin tones/hair color? At all? I just can't see it in my mind's eye.

I hate navy blue too !!
It looks too pilot-ey.

 

[Raryn]

So I bought this awesome tie. Now to just tie the damn thing, such a pain in the butt. 🙁 (I get confused by the web tutorials, haha).

Yeah... My mother ties all of my fathers ties and he just always leaves them knotted, loosening it to take it off.

Ergo, I never had any incentive to learn how to do it myself either. I'm trying my darndest though!

 

[Bacchus]

Well, I really like the look of the Windsor knot. Unfortunately, for my torso length I'd need a tie that's a bajillion feet long to do so, bleh.

 

[Raryn]

Well, I really like the look of the Windsor knot. Unfortunately, for my torso length I'd need a tie that's a bajillion feet long to do so, bleh.

Windsor knot looks too bulky to be very comfortable IMO.

Though if you want, you can just buy extra long ties.

Edit: And maybe the youtube tutorials might be a good idea to learn how to tie ties... hmm.

 

[Bacchus]

Windsor knot looks too bulky to be very comfortable IMO.

Though if you want, you can just buy extra long ties.

Edit: And maybe the youtube tutorials might be a good idea to learn how to tie ties... hmm.

There's a half-windsor. Guess I'm going with that.

 

[armybound]

http://www.josbank.com/IWCatSection...=Load&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=9040&ViewAll=1

Jos Bank dress shirts as low as $15 -- get your interview shirt for cheap 🙂

Other clearance items are also 50% off, like ties from $10. Suits should be 50% off too, so look around.

 

[serikk85]

Windsor knot looks too bulky to be very comfortable IMO.

Though if you want, you can just buy extra long ties.

Edit: And maybe the youtube tutorials might be a good idea to learn how to tie ties... hmm.

The Windsor works well if you have a very wide-cut collar, it just looks dumb on most American-made shirts. However, since most of my shirts are wide collared, I'll be sporting the Windsor.

 

[Raryn]

Any comments on my current suit and how well everything matches? I also attempted the half-windsor, though I could probably use some more practice tieing ties. My own father never does it...

The lighting is a little odd. I should probably take another one indoors, but its good enough.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Half windsors are the way to go, in my opinion. You can tie a larger knot if you have a wider collar. Raryn, your suit looks good, but the pants look like they need to be taken in a bit. They seem kind of baggy.

 

[armybound]

Any comments on my current suit and how well everything matches? I also attempted the half-windsor, though I could probably use some more practice tieing ties. My own father never does it...

The lighting is a little odd. I should probably take another one indoors, but its good enough.

you look fine.

 

[Raryn]

Half windsors are the way to go, in my opinion. You can tie a larger knot if you have a wider collar. Raryn, your suit looks good, but the pants look like they need to be taken in a bit. They seem kind of baggy.

Yeah, I think they were a little low when I took that picture. Can't remember if I had my belt on or not, had just gotten the suit back from the store. They aren't as baggy usually. Hand in my pocket probably didn't help much either.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Okay, never mind then. 😛