proper attire at interviews

[Chankovsky]

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I know this is a bit early in the application process....but, my parents are insistent on buying me a suit this weekend at the men's warehouse. Can you guys, and ladies, comment on what clothing is proper for men?

 

[ken37]

I know this is a bit early in the application process....but, my parents are insistent on buying me a suit this weekend at the men's warehouse. Can you guys, and ladies, comment on what clothing is proper for men?

Navy Pinstripe shorts and a matching 3 button single breasted short-sleeved jacket.

 

[samurai_lincoln]

I know this is a bit early in the application process....but, my parents are insistent on buying me a suit this weekend at the men's warehouse. Can you guys, and ladies, comment on what clothing is proper for men?

All that matters is that the suit is dark (navy/black/charcoal, etc.) and either solid or faint pinstriping. And that it is tailored to fit well. Avoid browns, tans, lighter olives -- you should err on the side of conservative caution. Nothing trendy or that would scream Mafia Don, pimp, trial lawyer, used car salesman, etc.

Edit to add: Three button jackets are fine if you are 6 feet+ or close thereto and appear tall (i.e. square shoulders, carry weight high). Two button traditional is probably best for most shorter men. In no case should you purchase one of those seven button, NBA draft-type monstrosities.

 

[skiz knot]

Navy Pinstripe shorts and a matching 3 button single breasted short-sleeved jacket.

Ha Ha Ha

With suspenders, for the total look when you take of the jacket.


Seriously, just get a conservative dark suit, since you will be doing most of your interviews in fall or winter, no bold colors, and stay away from the guido shiny Regis ties and shirts.

 

[samurai_lincoln]

Ha Ha Ha

With suspenders, for the total look when you take of the jacket.


Seriously, just get a conservative dark suit, since you will be doing most of your interviews in fall or winter, no bold colors, and stay away from the guido shiny Regis ties and shirts.

On the shirt front, it is always best just to stick with white or off-white. Don't go for the Navy/blue or Black/silver overkill look or some other funky ensemble. Go for a nice medium-spaced collar, rather than spread or narrow-pointed.

 

[ken37]

On the shirt front, it is always best just to stick with white or off-white. Don't go for the Navy/blue or Black/silver overkill look or some other funky ensemble. Go for a nice medium-spaced collar, rather than spread or narrow-pointed.

Seriously, Samurai has some good advice, although I prefer a slate blue-grey shirt with a charcoal suit over a white shirt, or if you go with a white shirt, I like a nice solid color tie to go with it. I wouldn't dress overly flashy, but I also wouldn't want to show no personality and just try to blend in.

 

[skiz knot]

On the shirt front, it is always best just to stick with white or off-white. Don't go for the Navy/blue or Black/silver overkill look or some other funky ensemble. Go for a nice medium-spaced collar, rather than spread or narrow-pointed.

Yeah, DO NOT get a black suit for your interviews. Unless you spend 3 G's it's gonna look cheap, and/or like it is for a funeral.

I had a charcoal suit with very light blue pinstripes on either side of a light pink pinstripe. The effect was to give the appearance of one stripe, spaced about half of an inch apart. I had a light blue shirt that matched, and a red textured tie to finish it off. The suit had a very conservative, yet slightly modern look. You don't have to only wear a white shirt, but keep it subdued.

 

[pjv2410]

Definitely go pretty conservative, but not TOO conservative. You don't want to look exactly like everyone else.

At the risk of sounding like a total snob, I think it's a good idea, as a general rule, to avoid Men's Wearhouse.

Go to a department store and tell the salesperson that you are going on an important interview and you need to dress conservatively but not boring. They'll point you in the right direction. I agree that black, charcoal, or navy blue, solid or faint pinstripe is the way to go for suits. The shirt should be a pale color, solid or with a small pinstripe, but it doesn't necessarily have to be white. The tie can be a bit bolder, just not too wild.

Make sure the suit fits well. The importance of that cannot be underestimated And wear nice shoes! Shine them the morning of your interview.

I think it's great to individualize your style a bit and not wear what everyone else will be. At my interviews, we would actually joke about how most of the guys were dressed alike. I stood out but was still conservative, and several of my interviewers commented on that in a positive way.

 

[principessa]

Guys have it so easy in this area.

 

[Peter Griffin]

All that matters is that the suit is dark (navy/black/charcoal, etc.) and either solid or faint pinstriping. And that it is tailored to fit well. Avoid browns, tans, lighter olives -- you should err on the side of conservative caution. Nothing trendy or that would scream Mafia Don, pimp, trial lawyer, used car salesman, etc.

WOW!!! I've never felt so insecure about my ability to dress myself. I didn't even know suits come in "lighter olives". I agree though, keeping it very simple is the best strategy. Although a fuchsia suit would be a great way to "stand out" among all the other applicants.

 

[MoosePilot]

Go in and tell the salesman what you want the suit for. They should be able to direct you to a conservative suit appropriate for a professional school interview.

The advice here looks good. I don't think blending in clothes-wise is bad. They're basically looking for people like themselves, so look like them and you've got a start.

 

[skiz knot]

Guys have it so easy in this area.

B.S. Girls can get away with spending 100 bucks to get a decent skirt/suit and still look good. A 100 dollar suit is gonna make a man look like a dweeb.

Girls can also express their personallity a bit more. Jacket/No jacket, skirt/pants... etc...

Guys, be VERY carefull wearing a pinstripe suit with a striped shirt and/or tie.

 

[samurai_lincoln]

WOW!!! I've never felt so insecure about my ability to dress myself. I didn't even know suits come in "lighter olives". I agree though, keeping it very simple is the best strategy. Although a fuchsia suit would be a great way to "stand out" among all the other applicants.

I actually have a light olive suit with a nice three button jacket. It works well with my light skin tone and hair, but I would never wear it in most interview situations. It is definitely a more casual or summer-type thing. I also have a tan suit, similar idea. Kicks ass for summer weddings, chicks dig that sort of thing.

Mens Wearhouse is ok, IF you know what you are looking for and can thus stave off the high pressure sales tactics. I would recommend a department store or the like if neither your nor your parents know much about men's business attire.

 

[NubianPrincess]

Nothing trendy or that would scream Mafia Don, pimp, trial lawyer, used car salesman, etc.

 

[samurai_lincoln]

Definitely go pretty conservative, but not TOO conservative. You don't want to look exactly like everyone else.

At the risk of sounding like a total snob, I think it's a good idea, as a general rule, to avoid Men's Wearhouse.

Go to a department store and tell the salesperson that you are going on an important interview and you need to dress conservatively but not boring. They'll point you in the right direction. I agree that black, charcoal, or navy blue, solid or faint pinstripe is the way to go for suits. The shirt should be a pale color, solid or with a small pinstripe, but it doesn't necessarily have to be white. The tie can be a bit bolder, just not too wild.

Make sure the suit fits well. The importance of that cannot be underestimated And wear nice shoes! Shine them the morning of your interview.

I think it's great to individualize your style a bit and not wear what everyone else will be. At my interviews, we would actually joke about how most of the guys were dressed alike. I stood out but was still conservative, and several of my interviewers commented on that in a positive way.

The advice re: shoes is dead on. Shoes and belt may be even more important that the suit itself. Do not skimp here. People tend to focus on accessories when sizing you up. A decent watch would not be a bad idea either.

 

[Peter Griffin]

The advice re: shoes is dead on. Shoes and belt may be even more important that the suit itself. Do not skimp here. People tend to focus on accessories when sizing you up. A decent watch would not be a bad idea either.

HMMM! Dare I say, Rolex. That would get um!

 

[NubianPrincess]

Girls can get away with spending 100 bucks to get a decent skirt/suit and still look good. A 100 dollar suit is gonna make a man look like a dweeb.

Off topic, but not true in my experience. Women with curves have to be careful, since some less expensive suits tend to be less generous in the butt and thighs area, and the jackets/pants tend to be too short. I am glad that I finally realized how hoochie my 60 dollar suit made me look. They work better for shorter/very slim chicks, though. OK back to the topic. 🙂

 

[sunni]

i think i got a great suit last year, but I'm gonna get a 'spare' for options

Here are links to some past threads:
earrings/hair

more shoes

interview clothes

body type

dress code

Interview conservative clothes

attire & appearance

suit necessary

Guy's Hair

women's suit color

shoes

briefcase, bag, ???

button unbutton?

girl's hair

Glasses or Contacts?

& last but not least, Official Why Hunter Green is Inappropriate

 

[NubianPrincess]

That was nice of you, sunni. I wonder if there is any truth to the warnings against women wearing pants. I hate skirts.

 

[imsotired]

That was nice of you, sunni. I wonder if there is any truth to the warnings against women wearing pants. I hate skirts.

I heard that too....I'd rather wear pants.

 

[thewzdoc]

Guys?.don?t wear jewelry except for a nice watch (this includes ear/nose rings).

 

[adamj61]

I have a nice italian black suit...and I go with the tan shirt/maroon tie. I don't see anything wrong with a black suit!

 

[Dr.Bevo]

wear a conservative black suit....with something sexy underneath in case the interview goes that way

 

[theringworm]

Do a search for "Interview Clothes". The entire interview outfit is discussed for men and women.

 

[MoosePilot]

Guys?.don?t wear jewelry except for a nice watch (this includes ear/nose rings).

I think I'll go ahead and wear my wedding ring 😉

Conservative jewelry is a good rule, just like conservative clothing. The most conservative jewelry for a guy is one watch, one ring, but as long as you're reasonable, you should be fine.

 

[thewzdoc]

I think I'll go ahead and wear my wedding ring 😉

Conservative jewelry is a good rule, just like conservative clothing. The most conservative jewelry for a guy is one watch, one ring, but as long as you're reasonable, you should be fine.

That's not jewelry that's a branding.... even if you take it off the "liars" ring is there... (Not that I've ever gone without mine...... 😉 )

 

[jlee9531]

i like to wear my green apple boxers for luck.

 

[meltmyfaceoff]

tight black jeans and a leather jacket cause i'm f uckin punk man

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

I think I'll go ahead and wear my wedding ring 😉

Conservative jewelry is a good rule, just like conservative clothing. The most conservative jewelry for a guy is one watch, one ring, but as long as you're reasonable, you should be fine.

So what about wearing your class ring? Would that be considered conservative?

 

[thewzdoc]

So what about wearing your class ring? Would that be considered conservative?

I wouldn't wear it but that's up to you.... 👍 Who wears their class ring anyway?

 

[samurai_lincoln]

I wouldn't wear it but that's up to you.... 👍 Who wears their class ring anyway?

Aggies. I swear my TAMU friends have those suckers surgically attached to their fingers. It is like a cult symbol or something.

 

[MoosePilot]

Aggies. I swear my TAMU friends have those suckers surgically attached to their fingers. It is like a cult symbol or something.

I wouldn't wear a class ring unless it was one of the symbolic ones (A&M, The Citadel, VMI, any of the Academies) and then it could backfire.

 

[flighterdoc]

I think I'll go ahead and wear my wedding ring 😉

Conservative jewelry is a good rule, just like conservative clothing. The most conservative jewelry for a guy is one watch, one ring, but as long as you're reasonable, you should be fine.

If you have a "pilot" watch, don't wear it - get a regular metal reasonably sized watch, leave the Breitling or g-shock at home.

 

[MoosePilot]

If you have a "pilot" watch, don't wear it - get a regular metal reasonably sized watch, leave the Breitling or g-shock at home.

I've got a Citizen Skyhawk, there's no way I'd invest in a Breitling 🙂

Why do you say that? Do you really think the adcom at USUHS will care?

 

[thewzdoc]

If you have a "pilot" watch, don't wear it - get a regular metal reasonably sized watch, leave the Breitling or g-shock at home.

Yup?just a normal dress watch.

 

[thewzdoc]

I've got a Citizen Skyhawk, there's no way I'd invest in a Breitling 🙂

Why do you say that? Do you really think the adcom at USUHS will care?

Nah?.but they are distracting?especially if you talk with your hands.

 

[BananaSplit]

That was nice of you, sunni. I wonder if there is any truth to the warnings against women wearing pants. I hate skirts.

I wore a skirt to my first two interviews, and wore pants to the last 7. It made no difference, except the pants were way more comfortable (for me). My two acceptances were both from schools I wore pants to...(obviously not a scientific study). That said...it also depends on the location of the school (freezing vs. tolerable). Some schools are more conservative than others so plan your skirt/pants thing accordingly.

 

[Rugger81]

what about my nipple rings? or my tongue ring? or my scrotal ring? i love my scrotal ring. 😱

 

[Psycho Doctor]

interesting...

how is navy blue?

 

[MoosePilot]

interesting...

how is navy blue?

I think Navy Blue is conservative, no problem.

 

[sunni]

That was nice of you, sunni. I wonder if there is any truth to the warnings against women wearing pants. I hate skirts.

i didn't mind 'cause I was gonna do it eventually anyway, so it gave me time to avoid my nemesis...packing & I always feel sorry for ppl when some one rather rudely says...there's a search feature....Use it!

SO back to interview clothes, I wanna wear a pant suit, b/c
1. I have chicken legs, and
2. I wanted to do the whole knee high boot w/ my suit & got told I looked trashy
3. Plus I hate panty hose
& it's not like I'm applying to the Amish School of Medicine, no need for a skirt in my eyes. They don't like it, let them wear it.

 

[Peter Griffin]

Nothing wrong with knee-high boots

 

[UfShutterbabe]

Men's Wearhouse has nice suits, there's nothing wrong with shopping there. Just dont let them give you a sales guy who has no (or little) experience. A knowledgable sales person will be able to help direct you to an appropriate interview look.
They were helpful when we went there, didn't pressure us to spend more than we should have, and the suit ended up looking really good. On the other hand, I found the department store sales people rather snooty.

http://www.menswearhouse.com/home_p...5&FOLDER<>folder_id=94735&bmUID=1088809819637

That link is about interviews in general, and suit care.

 

[flighterdoc]

I've got a Citizen Skyhawk, there's no way I'd invest in a Breitling 🙂

Why do you say that? Do you really think the adcom at USUHS will care?

At USUHS no, but anywhere else, you don't want too big a watch.

BTW, I had a Breitling (gift from Dad when I graduated UPT), it was the worst watch I've ever had. It was one of the old mechanical ones, and was ALWAYS broken. I wouldn't wear one today if I was given it (I finally traded mine in on a Rolex).

 

[Blade28]

I always go on the safe side...dark single-breasted suit (I have a black one and charcoal grey one), matching belt and shoes. I'll usually wear either a white or blue dress shirt, conservative tie.

 

[flighterdoc]

I always go on the safe side...dark single-breasted suit (I have a black one and charcoal grey one), matching belt and shoes. I'll usually wear either a white or blue dress shirt, conservative tie.

Charcoal, and black (shined) shoes and belt.

 

[NubianPrincess]

Men in suits drive me crazy 🙂

Knock em dead, tigers.

 

[Sweet Tea]

& last but not least, Official Why Hunter Green is Inappropriate

the importance of hunter green really cannot be stressed enough.


This topic has been discussed ad nauseum. When it comes down to it, the most important thing about your interview attire is that you feel comfortable and confident wearing those clothes. Make sure it's clean, make sure it's neat (ie, IRONED), make sure your hair is clean and not hanging in your face, and don't wear anything that you're going to be fidgeting with all day long. There is not a "magic med school interview suit" that will guarantee your admissions. I did dozens of interview tours this year, and the people I remember the most are a) the people who wore color (and were able to carry off the color), and b) the people who didn't match (one guy wore a burnt-orange blazer and navy pants...it hurt my eyes to look at him). While an interview is clearly not the time to make a fashion statement, it's also not a funeral. The best thing to wear is what you feel most comfortable wearing; you'll come off as being confident and comfortable.

Case in point: one of the girls a tour group this year wore a purple skirt suit, and she looked amazing. She looked professional, she looked confident, and everyone remembered her and the way she carried herself. Now, if I had worn that suit I would have looked like Bozo the Clown, but this girl knew how to wear a purple suit. She was also smart as hell and had great answers and great questions and in general made exactly the kind of impression you'd want a stellar applicant to make. A purple suit isn't for everyone, but if you can wear it and you want to wear it, then for heaven's sake wear it! It's an interview, not a funeral!

 

[MediCane2006]

There was a girl in one of my interview groups that wore red leather pants and black chunky platform shoes. She certainly did stand out...

...but I don't think she got in.

 

[meany8888]

I wouldn't worry about interview clothes because I imagine the people there don't care about clothes particularly. The point would be to avoid negatives rather than to demonstrate positives... so I would just dress conservatively. Nicest I would wear would be brooks brothers stuff...