Need a suit for your interview(s)? (Men)

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flabernak

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For the guys only... Just saw the clearance sales over at Jos A Bank, if you need a suit now is a great time get one. Can't beat a $550 suit for $99. If you have a bit more cash, I'd also recommend the signature gold for $249. I tried that one (navy striped) on last week and it was very sharp.

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/SubCategory_11001_10050_13507

Give yourself a few weeks lead time to get a suit. Usually you have to order it and then have it altered which can take up to a few weeks total. Expect to pay $15~$50 for alterations as well.

What color to buy? http://www.josbank.com/menswear/sho...=11001&catalogId=10050&contentKey=BUYINGASUIT

Navy is your best bet if it's your first suit.

Good luck to you all.
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flabernak said:
For the guys only... Just saw the clearance sales over at Jos A Bank, if you need a suit now is a great time get one. Can't beat a $550 suit for $99. If you have a bit more cash, I'd also recommend the signature gold for $249. I tried that one (navy striped) on last week and it was very sharp.

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/SubCategory_11001_10050_13507

Give yourself a few weeks lead time to get a suit. Usually you have to order it and then have it altered which can take up to a few weeks total. Expect to pay $15~$50 for alterations as well.

What color to buy? http://www.josbank.com/menswear/sho...=11001&catalogId=10050&contentKey=BUYINGASUIT

Navy is your best bet if it's your first suit.

Good luck to you all.
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Great site bro, thanks!
 
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I'm going to get a suit this weekend, I'm kind of nervous about what to look for because I've never owned a suit before. All I know is I want to look like Don Draper.
 
DentalJedi said:
I'm going to get a suit this weekend, I'm kind of nervous about what to look for because I've never owned a suit before. All I know is I want to look like Don Draper.
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don't get a black suit unless it has pinstripes. get one that you feel comfortable and confident in and you can't go wrong. personally i love a three piece suit.
 
rccostner said:
don't get a black suit unless it has pinstripes. get one that you feel comfortable and confident in and you can't go wrong. personally i love a three piece suit.
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I think three piece is too much. I want to get a Navy blue suit.
 
I disagree. There is nothing wrong with a black suit, especially if you plan on using it for more than interviews. Navy, charcoal, and grey are all fine as well.

People hate on black suits because they are "too formal." I think this is misplaced; few people you will ever meet will care about you wearing a black suit to a less than formal setting.

If you see a good deal on a black suit, go for it. In general, I'd suggest paying less for a suit, and paying more for a great tailor afterwards to make it fit you perfectly.
 
If I was part of adcom I would comment whenever I see a black suiter.

Improper etiquette.
 
hellopeople said:
lol jeez the only suit I own is black. Maybe its time to go shopping...
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I'm 99% sure that he's joking, and if not, I'm 100% sure he's wrong. I'm a non-trad who has worked for a while, and I interviewed at over 20 (seriously) companies when coming out of grad school. I wore a black suit to all of them, and didn't receive one comment. Your words matter 100x more than your clothes.

Now, if I could get even one Dental interview, I'd really be cooking! 🙂
 
Men's Warehouse is having lots of great deals now too. I walked out of there with two shirts, two ties, and a new charcoal suit for like $350, including alterations. Not a bad deal. I usually don't like them but they will set you up and set you up quick!
 
SpringDDS said:
I'm 99% sure that he's joking, and if not, I'm 100% sure he's wrong. I'm a non-trad who has worked for a while, and I interviewed at over 20 (seriously) companies when coming out of grad school. I wore a black suit to all of them, and didn't receive one comment. Your words matter 100x more than your clothes.

Now, if I could get even one Dental interview, I'd really be cooking! 🙂
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Yeah I know. No worries, I wasn't going to buy a suit. Btw I really hope you get an interview too, out stats are just about the same. 😀
 
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SpringDDS said:
I'm 99% sure that he's joking, and if not, I'm 100% sure he's wrong. I'm a non-trad who has worked for a while, and I interviewed at over 20 (seriously) companies when coming out of grad school. I wore a black suit to all of them, and didn't receive one comment. Your words matter 100x more than your clothes.

Now, if I could get even one Dental interview, I'd really be cooking! 🙂
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I second that. Having a good interview is way more important than a black suit. In between black suits are perfectly fine, and give a sober decent look. Sometime the stripes work opposite giving you a hip look (depending on what you choose) and may give you a comment. So choose carefully.
 
I just went suit shopping for my dad for my brother's wedding and picked up a spare suit for me. One important thing to remember when buying a suit is how the suit fits you. Nothing is worse than a baggy or a suit in the wrong size. We had a great experience at Men's Wearhouse. They took my dad's measurements for shirt, suit, and pants. They brought him many different sizes to try and was very patient with us. The prices were decent too. Usually if you want good service, go to Men's Wearhouse and tell them it is your first suit for an interview and they'll guide you through.

I bought my first suit at Macy's but did not have as good of an experience. Luckily my brother was there who acted like a sales person. He brought many suits for me to try and made suggestions on color and stuff.

Ultimately just try as many suits as you can and make sure it is form flattering/fitting, and that you feel like a million bucks in it. As long as you look good, it doesn't matter if it's a nice or cheap brand.
 
SpringDDS said:
I'm 99% sure that he's joking, and if not, I'm 100% sure he's wrong. I'm a non-trad who has worked for a while, and I interviewed at over 20 (seriously) companies when coming out of grad school. I wore a black suit to all of them, and didn't receive one comment. Your words matter 100x more than your clothes.

Now, if I could get even one Dental interview, I'd really be cooking! 🙂
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I'm actually 101% NOT JOKING and I'm not wrong but possibly could be in the eyes of the beholder. Some people take this quite seriously but most people don't give a damn. It all depends on if your interviewer is one of those who give a damn?

Look around you and see how many people are actually well dressed, which shouldn't be too many. The majority of the time those who are, are dressed appropriately for whatever occasion that they are in.

===== (Do this)
I'm not saying that you will fail out of an interview for picking black as a suit color... chances are, you will probably get through the interview just fine without running into any trouble. Also since everyone is a poor starving student, if you already have a suit, just wear what you have instead of shelling out more $$$ to go buy a new one unless its a clown suit of course.
===== (Do this)

Nonetheless, mark my words because at some point in time you will encounter a superior who will make a comment about it or lecture you on why it is improper.
 
I was able to get a custom-made suit, a vest, pants (all the same fabric), three ties and 3 shirts for around $150! I was over in Vietnam this summer and decided it was the right time to buy one. =D
 
is a nice light gray suite OK or nahh? I personally think those look mad sharp
 
JOoa0ky said:
Light gray is fine.


The word on the street is to pick a navy or charcoal suit as your first because those two are the most flexible colors.
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i already got a sexy blue pinstripe and black pinstripe sooo..
 
Berkguy said:
I got a really great dark grey suit at Zara for $260. Quite a good deal!
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I love Zara..one of my fav. stores...I actually got mien in Banana Republic...I think that as long as you feel comfortable and confident your good to go....
 
According to both my Dads (who are both in the business world and have to wear suits every day) it would be best to wear a darker suit, because light colors are more informal. However, black suits are usually reserved for especially formal events. Just passing along that information, use it as you wish.
 
I don't have a lot of money and have a dark gray Banana Republic suit that I bought on sale for 200$. Is this a problem? Its not a suit that you see older people wear, more younger and trendier; no pleats on pants, straight leg, and three buttons. Do you get judged by your suit in an interview?
 
DentalJedi said:
According to both my Dads (who are both in the business world and have to wear suits every day) it would be best to wear a darker suit, because light colors are more informal. However, black suits are usually reserved for especially formal events. Just passing along that information, use it as you wish.
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See! I swear that I'm not crazy!


nondescriptive said:
I don't have a lot of money and have a dark gray Banana Republic suit that I bought on sale for 200$. Is this a problem? Its not a suit that you see older people wear, more younger and trendier; no pleats on pants, straight leg, and three buttons. Do you get judged by your suit in an interview?
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I doubt your interviewer would notice these things... most of them probably don't care about fashion anyway. They don't look like models nor do they dress like one.

I would say that as long as you dress at least somewhat within the norm, they probably wouldn't even notice a thing. Although if you do see that your interviewer is incredibly well dressed and could possibly be categorized into the metro section... you might have reason to worry!
 
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I don't think the color of the suit would make or break you. Even if you wore Tom Ford shiny black evening ware, they might just think you're dressed really nicely.
 
What happened to the Men's Warehouse? You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it.
 
serious question now.. if we buy a suit online how do we get it altered? can we just go to an altering place and they will measure the correct pant size?
 
I'm sporting a dark grey pinstripe suit. However, I think a guy could easily pull off a nice set of khakis, hab shirt with tie, and a blazer. Thats just me though 😀
 
Is this OK?

navy-suit-with-brown-tie.jpg


or this?

pinstripe-suit.jpg
 
Yeah, just go to a tailor if you just need to hem the pants they can do that really quickly (takes around 15-20 minutes but if they're busy might have to pick it up another day).

If you need to adjust the sleeve length or take in the waist it will take a bit longer. Two things that is near impossible to change is the suit coat length, and fit of shoulder and chest. If you're 5'8 or under you probably want a short (varies among manufacturer not a guarantee of proper length though).

Also, it's tough to loosen the waist of pants, you can probably gain an extra half inch of slack in your pants (but you can take in the pants probably almost 2 inches).

Depends on your build, but if you have an "average build" you probably won't have to do much other than hem the pants and adjust the sleeves to look presentable.
 
dantemac said:
The first look is much better. I would not risk a skinny tie, though. This is not your moment to make a fashion statement.
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👍

But who wouldn't want to look like Barney Stinson?
 
The navy suit an the light blue shirt look impeccable, just choose another tie. No big deal.
 
I really have to disagree with this whole black suit discussion.

First of all, a dental school interview is a formal event.
Second of all, You can't be 'over dressed' in a black suit. A tuxedo is a whole different story tho! lol. A black suit, along with navy, is a classic suit color and can be dressed up or down in a varied number of ways. However no interviewer in his right mind would think you were dressed 'too formal' or that it was inappropriate. In fact, i think many could make an argument for certain pinstripe suits to be 'flashier' and thus not as appropriate for the likely audience (an older more traditional group).

To each his own. I personally will be wearing a baby blue tuxedo. I want to stand out. (im kidding).

Bottom line: dont be an idiot and not wear a suit, be mindful of your audience, and baby blue tuxedos should be out of the question (that one is mine).
 
dru180 said:
I really have to disagree with this whole black suit discussion.

First of all, a dental school interview is a formal event.
Second of all, You can't be 'over dressed' in a black suit. A tuxedo is a whole different story tho! lol. A black suit, along with navy, is a classic suit color and can be dressed up or down in a varied number of ways. However no interviewer in his right mind would think you were dressed 'too formal' or that it was inappropriate. In fact, i think many could make an argument for certain pinstripe suits to be 'flashier' and thus not as appropriate for the likely audience (an older more traditional group).

To each his own. I personally will be wearing a baby blue tuxedo. I want to stand out. (im kidding).

Bottom line: dont be an idiot and not wear a suit, be mindful of your audience, and baby blue tuxedos should be out of the question (that one is mine).
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There are different tiers of formality. Yes, an interview is a formal event but it is not on the level of for example; Occasions requiring a tux... black tie events... funerals...

These are all accompanied by a nice dinner, cocktails, and champagne.

So Mr. Bartender of dental school X, can I get a martini shaken not stirred please?


But I digress, this field does not give two shizz about fashion in the first place. As long as you manage to look presentable within the normal limits, no one would even notice.



And the thing with the tie width... It really depends on your build. If you look like arnold back in the day, please do not try to buy a skinny tie. If you are skinner than a rockstar then perhaps it may work for you. (Barney's tie in that picture is a tad too slim...)
 
JOoa0ky said:
But I digress, this field does not give two shizz about fashion in the first place. As long as you manage to look presentable within the normal limits, no one would even notice.
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This.
Can we please end the argument then? Who are we, lawyers?
 
duckdds said:
This.
Can we please end the argument then? Who are we, lawyers?
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Nothing wrong with a disagreement if its kept civil.



Jooaoky,
Obviously i agree that this isn't a formal event like the one's you described. However, a tux is completely different than a black suit. Black tie events, in the united states especially (other areas of the world may be slightly different), generally mean Tuxedo attire. However, you can get away with black suit, black BOW Tie, white shirt. As for a funeral, its customary to wear black suits not because of the formality, but because of the cultural implication that you are morning the loss of someone. There is a correlation, but its not direct.

I, like others on here who have been out in the business world, know that black suits are a staple of everyone's professional attire. In the 'tiers' of formality interviews rank pretty high. They are completely acceptable to wear to a formal business interview. A dental school interview is no different. That is my opinion at any rate.

If you have a black suit and it fits you, there is no reason to go buy another because it is too formal. Believe me though, fit is more important than color. To anyone thinking of wearing a black suit, obviously you will want to wear something other than a black tie. Look for traditional reds, blues, yellows, etc.


P.S. I think NPH's suit is awesome. As a disclaimer though- You will never get a slim cut like that from Jos.A.Bank (and you can only alter a pre-made suit so much). If you want a cheap suit that will be custom made, search for indochino in your browser or go to www.indochino.com.
 
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dru180 said:
If you have a black suit and it fits you, there is no reason to go buy another because it is too formal. Believe me though, fit is more important than color. To anyone thinking of wearing a black suit, obviously you will want to wear something other than a black tie. Look for traditional reds, blues, yellows, etc.
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I've worked in a investment bank in NY for 3 years, and then in bio research for 2 years (wacky, I know) and I can again say with 100% certainty, wearing a black suit is not that big a deal. I've been on tons of interviews, and it's just not even worth worrying about.

In fact, I'd err on the side of black versus wearing light grey. Darker is generally more professional.

But as others have said, this is a secondary item. Prepare well, speak well, and everything else won't matter! 🙂
 
lol no i wasn't trying to buy this one, i already have a suit that color so was just trying to get sum opinions on the shirt and tie..

i really like those skinnier ties tho.. i don't see why everyone thinks they are unprofessional.. IMO a navy or light blue skinnier tie would look sharp w/ that suit, but i guess rather be safe than sorry..
 
FLOSS UR TEETH said:
lol no i wasn't trying to buy this one, i already have a suit that color so was just trying to get sum opinions on the shirt and tie..

i really like those skinnier ties tho.. i don't see why everyone thinks they are unprofessional.. IMO a navy or light blue skinnier tie would look sharp w/ that suit, but i guess rather be safe than sorry..
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Oh, sorry, misread. That combo is fine. My pref is for more of the basics (white shirt, simple tie) but that's personal pref. I think that would be fine.
 
Guys!

I just got my suit from macy's and it looks great! I ordered it offline and was nervous that it would look horrible, but it looks fresh– It's solid dark navy blue. However, I am not sure if my pants need to be tailored or if anything else needs to be tailored. What is the general rule of thumb on length of pants? If you have pictures, please share!
 
The rule of thumb is you need to take it to be tailored regardless. For $50 max you need to ensure your suit has perfect fit...get on it!
 
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