Residency Interview Attire Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
Jos A. Bank is having it's 75% off sale through Saturday and I figure I should pick something up from there. I already have a charcoal gray suit that I bought there for med school interviews - I'm planning on taking that to a local tailor to get some adjustments made. I figure I'll pick up a Navy suit during this sale.

Anyone have a recommendation (ex. Signature wool vs. Executive, etc)? And should I get it tailored there or are the suits pretty amenable to take to a local tailor instead? Thanks.

Edit: Or do you guys think that, even with the cheap prices, Jos A. Bank is not worth the quality?
 
Fluffy Pomeranian said:
I like the navy and green idea, didn't think about that. Would a silky fushia or hot pink top be inappropriate underneath? I feel like colors like that look best on me.
Click to expand...
Yes, women can get away with very bright colors.

There really isn't, outside of neons, any restriction on color of the blouses that women may wear. The restrictions are more about cut and fabric. I think a bright pink blouse looks nice with a navy suit.
 
Last edited:
opolis said:
question: what is the etiquette for women and engagement rings? my ring is particularly large and draws attention (family heirloom). while i love it, will i be judged negatively for wearing it? would i be better off not wearing one?
Click to expand...
How large are we talking?If it's distracting you're probably better off without it but in most cases I would say there's no reason not to wear it.
 
Might be a silly question, but sleeveless tops are okay (obviously planning to keep my jacket on)? I had a hard time finding anything long-sleeve that wasn't a button-up that looked nice under a jacket. There's no reason to take the jacket off during the interview day, is there?
 
Bza said:
Might be a silly question, but sleeveless tops are okay (obviously planning to keep my jacket on)? I had a hard time finding anything long-sleeve that wasn't a button-up that looked nice under a jacket. There's no reason to take the jacket off during the interview day, is there?
Click to expand...
Assuming you are female, sleeveless is fine. 😉

You should keep your jacket on. As for reasons to take it off, if you'd listen to some of the posters here they act like they are on a 40 year exodus through the desert.
 
Winged Scapula said:
Assuming you are female, sleeveless is fine. 😉

You should keep your jacket on. As for reasons to take it off, if you'd listen to some of the posters here they act like they are on a 40 year exodus through the desert.
Click to expand...

Haha, yes I'm female 😛. Thanks!
 
Dral said:
I think stripes are fine if they are subtle.

Like this:
http://www.moss.co.uk/images/original/964278617_01.jpg

This is too much imo:
http://oh54qjteet5b0uym.zippykid.ne...ph-Lauren-Grey-Two-Button-Striped-Suit-03.jpg

Again, it just comes down to fashion sense...that first one looks nice, clean, and professional...I would just go with a more conservative color tie. The second one doesn't work: stripes too bold, bad fabric choice, button down collar on shirt, tie too bold.
Click to expand...
Although that RL grey flannel with chalk stripe is beautiful. Not for interview attire, however.
 
southernIM said:
I missed this post. Probably too late...but in terms of Jos Banks their "signature" is higher quality than the "executive". They also have a Signature Gold I think which is even fancier.

The difference in quality is pretty significant. The Executives have always felt pretty cheap to me.

They also have a "Joseph" line which is more slim fit that I have seen a couple of nice looking ones.

I actually bought a tux from them several years back - it was their "Traveller" line. Slim fit, wrinkle resistant. Surprisingly pleased with that one - I only needed it once or twice a year so I was not as worried about durability as I would for an interview suit.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. I actually ended up going to SuitSupply and getting a Navy Napoli fit. I've read too many bad things about the Jos A. Bank suits and my tailor basically said the Jos A. Bank suit I have (from med school interviews) is absolutely awful and there wasn't much he could do to fix it. :laugh:

My SuitSupply suit is excellent though! It had great fit prior to any alterations and the tailor had really good things to say about its quality. So, I definitely recommend SuitSupply to anyone still looking to buy a suit. It came out to around $550, but I feel like it was well spent and fits me infinitely better than my previous suit did.

I'm considering buying a charcoal gray SuitSupply suit as well (since I like my navy one so much and am not going to use my Jos A Bank one). Can I get away with one suit during the interview season? Or should I go ahead and invest in a gray suit as well? Thanks.
 
Charles_Carmichael said:
Thanks for the info. I actually ended up going to SuitSupply and getting a Navy Napoli fit. I've read too many bad things about the Jos A. Bank suits and my tailor basically said the Jos A. Bank suit I have (from med school interviews) is absolutely awful and there wasn't much he could do to fix it. :laugh:

My SuitSupply suit is excellent though! It had great fit prior to any alterations and the tailor had really good things to say about its quality. So, I definitely recommend SuitSupply to anyone still looking to buy a suit. It came out to around $550, but I feel like it was well spent and fits me infinitely better than my previous suit did.

I'm considering buying a charcoal gray SuitSupply suit as well (since I like my navy one so much and am not going to use my Jos A Bank one). Can I get away with one suit during the interview season? Or should I go ahead and invest in a gray suit as well? Thanks.
Click to expand...
how much did alterations end up costing?
 
Dral said:
I think stripes are fine if they are subtle.

Like this:
http://www.moss.co.uk/images/original/964278617_01.jpg

This is too much imo:
http://oh54qjteet5b0uym.zippykid.ne...ph-Lauren-Grey-Two-Button-Striped-Suit-03.jpg

Again, it just comes down to fashion sense...that first one looks nice, clean, and professional...I would just go with a more conservative color tie. The second one doesn't work: stripes too bold, bad fabric choice, button down collar on shirt, tie too bold.
Click to expand...
i feel like the one i posted is exactly in between those two lol, which is annoying bc its the one i have

but could use a new suit anyways so ill just try to find a solid one
 
lesterfreamon said:
how much did alterations end up costing?
Click to expand...
Around $70. It might be cheaper to get it done in the store (I'm lucky to live near one), but I promised my tailor that I'll bring it to him for alterations (since he did my measurements and made initial recommendations on what size I should go for). So, the total cost will come out to around $620.
 
I know the color rules are a little different for women, so is it acceptable to wear a medium-ish gray suit, like this? I don't think I saw any women's suits that were charcoal. I have a navy one and was planning to alternate between the two. I'm pale so this color is the most flattering on me. I think it looks professional but I don't want to wear it if it will make me stand out in a bad way..


img-thing
 
angryelf said:
I know the color rules are a little different for women, so is it acceptable to wear a medium-ish gray suit, like this? I don't think I saw any women's suits that were charcoal. I have a navy one and was planning to alternate between the two. I'm pale so this color is the most flattering on me. I think it looks professional but I don't want to wear it if it will make me stand out in a bad way..


img-thing
Click to expand...
Its fine. Just make sure you have better posture than that model; does she have scoliosis or something?
 
You know, I really dont like J Crew suits. Even the most formal ones somehow still manage to appear "informal" to me. Just my personal opinion. I obviously dont wear suits day in and day out, but anything I've ever seen or bought at BB comes out looking pretty well put together. Oh. Zegna makes a nice mens suit, too.
 
Bumping an old thread, don't see anything similar for this year.

Thoughts on these suits? Ended up buying both, but may return them, waiting to get them to actually try them on / see how they look in person

http://ehaberdasher.com/index.php/clothing/suits/benjamin-sartorial-suit-38r-9.html

http://www.lastcall.com/Hickey-Free...it-Charcoal/prod28480054/p.prod?showprod=true

My main concern would be (a) the Hickey Freeman being too light - it's described as charcoal but looks more between a medium and dark gray and (b) the Benjamin standing up to a bunch of interviews, with the fabric being 140s

Thanks!
 
Cytarabine said:
Bumping an old thread, don't see anything similar for this year.

Thoughts on these suits? Ended up buying both, but may return them, waiting to get them to actually try them on / see how they look in person

http://ehaberdasher.com/index.php/clothing/suits/benjamin-sartorial-suit-38r-9.html

http://www.lastcall.com/Hickey-Free...it-Charcoal/prod28480054/p.prod?showprod=true

My main concern would be (a) the Hickey Freeman being too light - it's described as charcoal but looks more between a medium and dark gray and (b) the Benjamin standing up to a bunch of interviews, with the fabric being 140s

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Just because the wool is 140s doesnt mean its going to wear down in 2 months, it's fine. You cant really go wrong with either one, though I'm partial to the Benjamin as the HFs have hardcore old man silhouette.
 
Wordead said:
Just because the wool is 140s doesnt mean its going to wear down in 2 months, it's fine. You cant really go wrong with either one, though I'm partial to the Benjamin as the HFs have hardcore old man silhouette.
Click to expand...

I know 140s doesn't inherently mean less durable, but I feel like at the price point the Benjamins come at it probably does. I suppose it could probably stand up to a month or so of every other day wear though. I'm partial to the Benjamin as well, assuming it isn't too aggressively cut
 
What do you all think about wearing a red tie?

I have a light grey suit, and I was planning on wearing a white shirt with either a dark blue or wine colored grenadine tie.
 
re:
-For Pete's sake, don't get a black suit.

~~~~~~

Agree ENTIRELY with this. I have been surprised to see some male college grads show up for interviews in black suits.

The seminal book "Dress For Success" by John t. Molloy said quite some time ago that attire reviewers all eschewed black suits for men because they connote undertakers.
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/dressforsuccess.htm
 
Diggidy said:
What do you all think about wearing a red tie?

I have a light grey suit, and I was planning on wearing a white shirt with either a dark blue or wine colored grenadine tie.
Click to expand...
Red is a little bit too reminiscent of those 80s power ties. I think a wine colored grenadine would look much nicer.
 
Diggidy said:
What do you all think about wearing a red tie?

I have a light grey suit, and I was planning on wearing a white shirt with either a dark blue or wine colored grenadine tie.
Click to expand...

There are all sorts and shades of red.

Tasteful ties are always appropriate.
 
Quick question about shoes.
Somebody mentioned only heels were appropriate?/stay away from flats?
Are we talking like a short chunky heel?
Or are low wedges okay?

Rounded or pointed?
 
I had a specific question. I was given some advice by program directors and other faculty directly during a recruitment meeting (in OBGYN although not what I plan to go into anymore) and they recommended that women wear one item that sort of stands out. For a hypothetical, like a red necklace or something. They said this helps remind them who you are when they meet up to discuss the applicants later on. They can say "oh the girl with the red necklace, she was great, etc."

I'm curious to hear what some other opinions about this specific issue are?
 
What about black tights on women instead of pantyhose? As a petite woman, my go-to outfit for conferences has been a black sheath dress, black suit jacket, black tights and black heels. This ensemble lengthens me. I thought it was professional until I learned that it associated me with funerals. With the hullaballoo about avoiding black at interviews, I've opted for a navy dress and navy jacket. Would black tights and black heels with this be appropriate?

Personally, I always found clear pantyhouse a bit matronly. I feel if you want to cover your legs, you might as well go opaque. Thoughts?
 
starstarie said:
I had a specific question. I was given some advice by program directors and other faculty directly during a recruitment meeting (in OBGYN although not what I plan to go into anymore) and they recommended that women wear one item that sort of stands out. For a hypothetical, like a red necklace or something. They said this helps remind them who you are when they meet up to discuss the applicants later on. They can say "oh the girl with the red necklace, she was great, etc."

I'm curious to hear what some other opinions about this specific issue are?
Click to expand...
I do not recommend a differentiating piece of dress. When you are described by your "dangly earrings" or nose ring, it is not the introduction of a strong supporting comment.
The color of a shell can be strong if it is flattering, though.
 
SphereGlobe said:
What about black tights on women instead of pantyhose? As a petite woman, my go-to outfit for conferences has been a black sheath dress, black suit jacket, black tights and black heels. This ensemble lengthens me. I thought it was professional until I learned that it associated me with funerals. With the hullaballoo about avoiding black at interviews, I've opted for a navy dress and navy jacket. Would black tights and black heels with this be appropriate?

Personally, I always found clear pantyhouse a bit matronly. I feel if you want to cover your legs, you might as well go opaque. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Do not wear black tights.
 
Harambe the Gorilla said:
Are these too informal/gaudy? Someone told me that brown shoes are a no-no. They're really comfortable to walk in and I thought that they looked good. I was originally planning on wearing them to interviews but now I'm wondering if I should just wear black shoes.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/m.../SF1635.html?dwvar_SF1635_color=1635#start=10
Click to expand...

I wouldn't wear walnut Strands to an interview. They tend to be a bit too flashy and trendy. That's not to say it can't look good in other settings (I just wore a pair of walnut Cornwallis for a wedding).

What color suit are you wearing?
 
As a white shirt alternative, how about something like this? (there are small ruffles)

cn11992528.jpg


Or something with small stripes like this:
cn11976957.jpg
 
username456789 said:
I wouldn't wear walnut Strands to an interview. They tend to be a bit too flashy and trendy. That's not to say it can't look good in other settings (I just wore a pair of walnut Cornwallis for a wedding).

What color suit are you wearing?
Click to expand...

Navy. Black feels like a funeral or super formal event. I've been told gray can be kind of informal as well, and I don't own a navy suit, so I figured, why not go buy a new suit while Uncle Sam still pays the bills.

I actually have the carlyles in brown. It pairs well with navy, but would you advise against those too? They definitely don't have that flashiness, but Allen Edmonds shoes are probably the comfiest dress shoes I have, and I'd ideally not wanna buy a black pair of shoes.
 
Harambe the Gorilla said:
Navy. Black feels like a funeral or super formal event. I've been told gray can be kind of informal as well, and I don't own a navy suit, so I figured, why not go buy a new suit while Uncle Sam still pays the bills.

I actually have the carlyles in brown. It pairs well with navy, but would you advise against those too? They definitely don't have that flashiness, but Allen Edmonds shoes are probably the comfiest dress shoes I have, and I'd ideally not wanna buy a black pair of shoes.
Click to expand...

The brown Carlyles should be fine. They're a much more formal shoe, and AE's brown is a pretty dark brown. I wore a navy suit to many of my residency interviews and paired it with burgundy Park Aves.

You shouldn't need black shoes. My only pair of black shoes (among the 20+ pairs I have) is a pair of Johnston & Murphy Melton cap toe oxfords (look just like the Park Ave but are corrected grain) and I got them barely used for ~$40. I wore them with my charcoal suit for interviewing, but burgundy probably would've been fine too. I find black to be the least useful color for shoes in my wardrobe. That's likely the case for most people.
 
Harambe the Gorilla said:
Are these too informal/gaudy? Someone told me that brown shoes are a no-no. They're really comfortable to walk in and I thought that they looked good. I was originally planning on wearing them to interviews but now I'm wondering if I should just wear black shoes.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/m.../SF1635.html?dwvar_SF1635_color=1635#start=10
Click to expand...

I wore brown Strands to about half my interviews (navy suit) and black Park Avenues to about half (grey suit).

The walnut ones are more "flashy" than the brown ones. I saw a few other applicants who paired walnut Strands with brighter navy suits and I thought they looked good.

For men's shoes, don't wear blocky square-toed shoes or slip ons/loafers. They should be clean and freshly polished. And for god's sake, at least get your pants hemmed.
 
VisionaryTics said:
I wore brown Strands to about half my interviews (navy suit) and black Park Avenues to about half (grey suit).

The walnut ones are more "flashy" than the brown ones. I saw a few other applicants who paired walnut Strands with brighter navy suits and I thought they looked good.

For men's shoes, don't wear blocky square-toed shoes or slip ons/loafers. They should be clean and freshly polished. And for god's sake, at least get your pants hemmed.
Click to expand...

username456789 said:
The brown Carlyles should be fine. They're a much more formal shoe, and AE's brown is a pretty dark brown. I wore a navy suit to many of my residency interviews and paired it with burgundy Park Aves.

You shouldn't need black shoes. My only pair of black shoes (among the 20+ pairs I have) is a pair of Johnston & Murphy Melton cap toe oxfords (look just like the Park Ave but are corrected grain) and I got them barely used for ~$40. I wore them with my charcoal suit for interviewing, but burgundy probably would've been fine too. I find black to be the least useful color for shoes in my wardrobe. That's likely the case for most people.
Click to expand...

^these. I have brown and black park aves. Brown Carlyles would be a okay. I'd steer away from lighter browns / walnut for interviews but in general I think they can be a tasteful combination, particularly with a gray suit. Doing so with navy is a little fashion forward
 
gyngyn said:
I do not recommend a differentiating piece of dress. When you are described by your "dangly earrings" or nose ring, it is not the introduction of a strong supporting comment.
The color of a shell can be strong if it is flattering, though.
Click to expand...

I meant more like a "red neacklace" or "gold bracelet" type of thing, that is still within the relatively conservative realm (vs nose ring, obviously not conservative).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Subtle Warning About Residency During Interviews
Replies
2
Views
3K
eforest
E
A
SDN Article: Physician Interview: Dr. Ezra Yu, Internal Medicine Resident
Replies
0
Views
424
Alexander Salas
A
Mr.Smile12
AAMC News: Residency Interviews -- In-person or virtual?
Replies
0
Views
586
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
MDterminator
Otolaryngology Residency in 4 Years – Outlook
Replies
3
Views
1K
GoSpursGo
GoSpursGo
StrugglingMedStudent987
MD Anesthesia Residency Application
Replies
1
Views
1K
IlDestriero
IlDestriero
Top