The Suit Thread (for women)

[sophiejane]

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So, we all know that the black suit for women is what everyone wears.

But our old buddy Dr. Iserson says grey, navy, or burgundy. Not a mention of black. I personally think black is overkill and is too formal for daytime. Is Iserson out of touch, or does everyone ignore his advice on this one and go with the standard black suit?

My personal opinion is that a conservative suit is a conservative suit, be it black, navy, or grey (burgundy is pretty 80s, I'll admit). But I never, ever see anyone deviate from the black suit.

I'd rather wear a grey suit (some nice ones at jcrew, by the way). Is that just too wild and crazy?

 

[Venus21pam]

Hmm, that's an interesting thread.
I'm really curious what people have to say about it.

Personally I'm not a fan of black. It's a job interview, not a funeral.
I have a nice grey one, very elegant but not flashy. I will definitely wear that.

Btw, one time in med school I was taking an oral exam and I wore pink (yes, pink!) suit. Well, it was on a darker side, but still pink. And you know what? I got an A! Ever since that I called it my lucky suit an wore it to any oral exam I had to take. Never failed me 😀

 

[4424]

I just purchased a charcoal gray suit. I have no intentions of having a black suit. I hardly consider gray as a risky color, it's still a conservative (a.k.a. boring) color.

 

[foodcoma]

I think it's only on the east coast where chicks still wear uptight stuffy suits...i think it's boring and too constricting...esp black ones. Many of my friends on the west coast (cali, az, nevada) tell me they wear really cute outfits, which are still very conservative and appropriate, but at least some some style (not to mention personality). for ex, they'll wear an appropriate cream dress, flair skirt with a button down shirt, or stylish trousers with a nice top/sweater and jewlery. I would love to do that...to show that i'm a woman AND i have good taste! wearing a traditional depressing black suit is sooo pretensious and not to mention totally over-bearing. i feel that women seem to act more tight-a$$ed and restricted when they wear the suit. i wish i could wear something else on the interview trail rather than this crap. maybe i just will and be the most stylish chick on the trail...watch out j.lo!!

 

[Hurricane]

I had two suits last year. One was grey with turquoise pinstriping, and I wore a turquoise dress shirt with it. The other was dark plum and I wore a bright pink shirt under it. I saw other women wearing non-black suits as well, and on several occasions people at my interviews remarked that they thought it was nice that we weren't all wearing identical black suits like in the old days. And FWIW, hardly anyone wore skirt suits.

Disclaimer: I was interviewing in psychiatry, which is likely one of if not the most un-stuffy specialty. Surgery may still want you to wear a uniform for all I know...

 

[tiredmom]

I just got a cute black suit with brown and cream pinstripes. I'm still looking for either a chocolate brown or a gray suit.

 

[Pedialyte]

Well I'm planning on wearing a skirt suit. While I'm actually a semi-fashion obsessed person and would love to plan on wearing a little Nannette Lapore outfit, I will probably sheepishly wear a grey/charcoal suit instead. I'm doing most of my interviews in the Midwest and East. I, too, feel pulled towards being more fashionable in a declaratory sort of way, but I probably won't. I'd be happy to go mainstream (boring) for interview day and save the snazzy for the weekend. I do feel, however, that I will wear something really cute on the alternate day (whether it's night before or after).

 

[surgdia]

Just make sure it fits properly. Nothing looks worse than a suit/pants/skirt that doesn't fit and you're fiddling with it all day.

 

[Hurricane]

I just got a cute black suit with brown and cream pinstripes. I'm still looking for either a chocolate brown or a gray suit.

Go with the gray. With a brown suit you will have to buy a second pair of shoes. Which isn't such a bad thing 😉 but if you have a 2-interview trip, you'll have to pack both pairs, which is a pain.

I feel bad for you interviewees this year, with the no liquids on airplanes rule. I was way too paranoid (and sick of waiting around airports) to check any baggage on my interviews.

 

[sophiejane]

Many of my friends on the west coast (cali, az, nevada) tell me they wear really cute outfits, which are still very conservative and appropriate, but at least some some style (not to mention personality). for ex, they'll wear an appropriate cream dress, flair skirt with a button down shirt, or stylish trousers with a nice top/sweater and jewlery.

Well, that might work in CA, but I think a white dress or a flair skirt and jewelry might send the wrong message in the South. And I would hate for someone to misinterpret my "personality"... that's such a subjective thing.

I think the farthest out on a limb I'll go is a nice feminine, colored blouse under the jacket, and maybe some drop earrings. I'm going to wear a skirt suit, though, just because I love to wear skirts.

Glad to know others aren't slaves to the black suit.

Best of luck on the trail, ladies!

 

[sophiejane]

I feel bad for you interviewees this year, with the no liquids on airplanes rule. I was way too paranoid (and sick of waiting around airports) to check any baggage on my interviews.

You know, I flew to the east coast on the day after those terror threats, and I've never had a shorter wait in security in my life. I got through security at LaGuardia in less than 5 minutes. It was kind of bizarre.

Anyway, pack light, but don't worry about having to check everything. I carried my bag on. Just bring solid makeup, etc. Hotels are all starting to put moisturizer in the bathrooms. Or just go get a sample size from a drugstore. It's better for your peace of mind than worrying about lost luggage.

 

[sandbtwmytoes]

When I interviewed, 99.9% of the women were in black suits with a red or pink top. I ended up going with a deep plum suit. During every interview I went on, someone at the program complimented my outfit. Even the director of the program I’m at now made a comment a few weeks ago on how he remembered my suit & how it was nice to see something different. My advice – buy a suit you feel comfortable in & are happy with. Good luck!

 

[tiredmom]

Good point on the shoes! Thanks! I've never checked a bag in my life, I didn't want to start now - but I'm not positive I can go without liquids. I've got curly hair that frizzes even with products, but without... I might meet Bozo factor criteria! 🙂

 

[mfleur]

How do people feel about hair up v. hair down?

 

[pillowhead]

How do people feel about hair up v. hair down?

It depends how long. I think shoulder length can go down. But if it's nearing the bra line or longer in the back, definitely up. If it's really long, not only back as in a pony tail but tied all the way up in a bun or something similar. And unless your hair is perfectly smooth and sleek, I would also recommend up.

Given my very long, frizzy, curly hair, up it will be! I suppose a surgical cap isn't appropriate huh

 

[Bounty]

What do you all think about those suits with the shorter jackets? I think they are so cute but I don't want to show too much booty, you know? Are the shorter jackets unprofessional? J crew has a bunch so I figure their suits would be professional enough?

 

[sophiejane]

What do you all think about those suits with the shorter jackets? I think they are so cute but I don't want to show too much booty, you know? Are the shorter jackets unprofessional? J crew has a bunch so I figure their suits would be professional enough?

I think their suits are fine. No one says you have to look like grandma on the way to church. Just get one that fits and I don't think the booty will be an issue, unless you think you will be self-conscious about it.

 

[randomedstudent]

I think it's only on the east coast where chicks still wear uptight stuffy suits...i think it's boring and too constricting...esp black ones. Many of my friends on the west coast (cali, az, nevada) tell me they wear really cute outfits, which are still very conservative and appropriate, but at least some some style (not to mention personality). for ex, they'll wear an appropriate cream dress, flair skirt with a button down shirt, or stylish trousers with a nice top/sweater and jewlery. I would love to do that...to show that i'm a woman AND i have good taste! wearing a traditional depressing black suit is sooo pretensious and not to mention totally over-bearing. i feel that women seem to act more tight-a$$ed and restricted when they wear the suit. i wish i could wear something else on the interview trail rather than this crap. maybe i just will and be the most stylish chick on the trail...watch out j.lo!!

Hmmmm....I would be careful. I mean seriously, suits are standard interview attire for almost any career (except maybe something in the arts). Plus, of all fields, medicine is still much more on the conservative side. Personally I just wouldn't risk it for the sake of fashion. You can still look cute every other day of the year, but for interviews, I say suck it up and wear a suit. And there are actually a lot of really cute ones out there, like at J. Crew and Ann Taylor.

 

[littlepurplepil]

What color shoes go with a grey suit? I have a comfy pair of brown heels (and I hate heels so finding a pair I can actually walk in and that feel good is a miracle) but I'm not sure if they would go with grey. I havent bought the suit yet, but I like the grey ones I've seen thus far and was leaning toward that color.

So what color shoes go with which color suits? 😕

 

[raspberry swirl]

ooh i was hoping a thread like this would pop up. im sure guys think this is ridiculous, but dressing professionally as a woman can be tricky...

i will be wearing a black suit with a short jacket ... because im from ny and will be interviewing in nyc, where everyone wears black and besides, everyone looks better in black. i dont think its too formal at all. you can't go wrong with black.

As far as the short jacket goes, im a short person and look utterly ridiculous in a long jacket, so im thanking the heavens that short, chic jackets are now in style. i dont think it inappropriate to wear a short jacket, it is more important is to find a suit that flatters your body type ... just make sure your pants fit correctly in the butt- they should definitely not be too fitted in the rear. and wear a thong if necessary- nothings worse than a VPI (visible panty line... just remember, make sure your thong fits right too, cuz a visible thong or thong line is way worse than a VPI) .

and IMHO, black shoes are the only color you can wear with a grey suit (granted, thats just my opinion, but what other color shoe could you possibly wear?)

as far as hair goes, i like hair down, but agree that it can often look unprofessional. i think half-up/half-down can be a nice compromise. hair is still down, but out of your face. 🙂

my question- what kind of purse/bag etc are people bringing? is it awkward carrying something around all day? however, i'll have to bring something for my keys/wallet/any papers we get, etc ... ?

 

[tiredmom]

I second the black shoes with the gray suit.

I have heard to carry a dark portfolio sized bag that can be purse and carry folders/papers too, but not too bulky. I'm still looking....

 

[Doc Oc]

I bought a black suit two years ago for interviews, then ended up getting sick, yada, yada, and here I am finally getting back to where I was...and...the suit doesn't fit anymore (I've had a baby since I bought it).

Funny to see this thread though, because I was going to wear it with a pink shirt - LOL - now's my chance to do something else I guess.

 

[raspberry swirl]

I have heard to carry a dark portfolio sized bag that can be purse and carry folders/papers too, but not too bulky. I'm still looking....

try looking at a marshall's or some place similar. they usually have a ton of black bags of varying styles and prices, etc. i have a cute black tote thats just a big bigger than a large manila envelope, pretty thin and un-assuming, by XOXO that i used for my medical school interviews. unfortunately its become pretty beat-up looking over the past 4 years, and i probably need to find something new...

 

[randomedstudent]

What color shoes go with a grey suit? I have a comfy pair of brown heels (and I hate heels so finding a pair I can actually walk in and that feel good is a miracle) but I'm not sure if they would go with grey. I havent bought the suit yet, but I like the grey ones I've seen thus far and was leaning toward that color.

So what color shoes go with which color suits? 😕

The great thing about a gray suit is that it can go with black or brown, so I think the brown ones would be fine.

 

[SurgeryChef]

The great thing about a gray suit is that it can go with black or brown, so I think the brown ones would be fine.

NOOOOOOOOOOO! do not listen to randomedstudent! Brown certainly does NOT go with gray!!!!!!!!!

 

[SurgeryChef]

What color shoes go with a grey suit? I have a comfy pair of brown heels (and I hate heels so finding a pair I can actually walk in and that feel good is a miracle) but I'm not sure if they would go with grey. I havent bought the suit yet, but I like the grey ones I've seen thus far and was leaning toward that color.

So what color shoes go with which color suits? 😕

You may wear black shoes with a gray suit. If you are fortunate enough to find gray shoes to match. snatch them up, however I found none this season. If you suit has a pinstripe, you can pick up that color in your shoes, however, it cannot be too "loud". Basically I'd just stick with black.

 

[armonia]

Hi all,
Where are buying your suits? I did a little bit of shopping and was finding suits that were a little too trendy (slouchy, or made of material that shows too much). I was hoping to a wool pant suit set and am relatively flexible about the colors (well may be not bright red or something like that). Any suggestions? Anyone buy online?

 

[armonia]

It depends how long. I think shoulder length can go down. But if it's nearing the bra line or longer in the back, definitely up. If it's really long, not only back as in a pony tail but tied all the way up in a bun or something similar. And unless your hair is perfectly smooth and sleek, I would also recommend up.

Given my very long, frizzy, curly hair, up it will be! I suppose a surgical cap isn't appropriate huh

Also have long, frizzy, curly hair. I'm likely to do either entirely up (or half down if I cut it to shoulder length before then).

 

[sophiejane]

NOOOOOOOOOOO! do not listen to randomedstudent! Brown certainly does NOT go with gray!!!!!!!!!

Agreed! Only black shoes with a grey suit, or grey shoes but only if they really are the same shade as the suit. Just go with black.

 

[sophiejane]

try looking at a marshall's or some place similar. they usually have a ton of black bags of varying styles and prices, etc. i have a cute black tote thats just a big bigger than a large manila envelope, pretty thin and un-assuming, by XOXO that i used for my medical school interviews. unfortunately its become pretty beat-up looking over the past 4 years, and i probably need to find something new...

Hmmm...so Iserson says no purses, and I would have to agree. But I absolutely hate those stupid attache cases, even the ones with shoulder straps just look dumb. You only bring them to interviews--nobody actually carries those things around in real life.

I do like the idea of the simple smallish leather tote, with thin straps.

I just feel bad for guys who have to carry around those dumb leather zippered folder things. For pete's sake. What do they put in them, anyway? Do people bring their resume along? Pics of the kids? What? 😉

 

[Hurricane]

Hmmm...so Iserson says no purses, and I would have to agree. But I absolutely hate those stupid attache cases, even the ones with shoulder straps just look dumb. You only bring them to interviews--nobody actually carries those things around in real life.

I do like the idea of the simple smallish leather tote, with thin straps.

I just feel bad for guys who have to carry around those dumb leather zippered folder things. For pete's sake. What do they put in them, anyway? Do people bring their resume along? Pics of the kids? What? 😉

Poo on Iserson's. I saw plenty of women carrying purse-like objects, and I'm pretty sure most of 'em matched somewhere.

For myself, I got this bag from ebags.com. They have a whole section of laptop bags that look like purses. So I was able to use the same bag as my carryon, and on the days that I was leaving straight from the interview to the airport, I could carry my powerbook with me instead of leaving it in the program secretary's office to get stolen. And it's the right size for all of the folders and papers one accumulates on interviews. Also, now that I'm an intern, I use that bag pretty much every day. I can even fit alll of my call night stuff in it.

I agree, the leather zippered things look dumb.

 

[luckystar]

I just feel bad for guys who have to carry around those dumb leather zippered folder things. For pete's sake. What do they put in them, anyway? Do people bring their resume along? Pics of the kids? What? 😉

Haha! I actually have one of those and used it for med school interviews. They're pretty handy, and easy to carry around. I'm not a huge fan of purses to begin with anyway, so this was the ideal thing for me to have. As for what to put in them, I think having a copy of your CV might actually come in handy, as well as business cards, any publications you might have, notes you have on the program, or questions you thought of beforehand. Additionally, it can hold all the brochures and papers they'll most likely have for you during the day. The one I have even has a slot for my cell phone 😳

I have a charcoal gray suit with a sort of faint pattern on it. I'm thinking of getting a dark navy one too, as black shoes will work for that too. I think the fit of the suit is most important to creating that first impression, because no matter what color it is, if it's too tight or too saggy, that will definitely be noticed. Rock on, girls!

 

[tiredmom]

What a cute bag! thanks for the hints!

Poo on Iserson's. I saw plenty of women carrying purse-like objects, and I'm pretty sure most of 'em matched somewhere.

For myself, I got this bag from ebags.com. They have a whole section of laptop bags that look like purses. So I was able to use the same bag as my carryon, and on the days that I was leaving straight from the interview to the airport, I could carry my powerbook with me instead of leaving it in the program secretary's office to get stolen. And it's the right size for all of the folders and papers one accumulates on interviews. Also, now that I'm an intern, I use that bag pretty much every day. I can even fit alll of my call night stuff in it.

I agree, the leather zippered things look dumb.

 

[tiredmom]

I got mine at Dillards. It wasn't expensive at all - I think $110 total. The sales clerk said they'll be getting more in over the next few weeks.

Hi all,
Where are buying your suits? I did a little bit of shopping and was finding suits that were a little too trendy (slouchy, or made of material that shows too much). I was hoping to a wool pant suit set and am relatively flexible about the colors (well may be not bright red or something like that). Any suggestions? Anyone buy online?

 

[sophiejane]

As for what to put in them, I think having a copy of your CV might actually come in handy, as well as business cards, any publications you might have, notes you have on the program, or questions you thought of beforehand. Additionally, it can hold all the brochures and papers they'll most likely have for you during the day.

Business card? Are you going to have one printed up? What would it say, "PGY1 Hopeful" or "MS4" or do you have a side business going on? 😉

And they have all the info that the CV would have....Do people really hand out CVs at interviews?

And I have to agree about Pooing on Iserson. This is the guy who recommends "burgundy" suits after all...🙂

 

[Hurricane]

Business card? Are you going to have one printed up? What would it say, "PGY1 Hopeful" or "MS4" or do you have a side business going on? 😉

And they have all the info that the CV would have....Do people really hand out CVs at interviews?

And I have to agree about Pooing on Iserson. This is the guy who recommends "burgundy" suits after all...🙂

Well, calling cards are chic once again. But I didn't hand out any at my interviews. 😉

I also brought a couple copies of my CV, but didn't hand that out either, since my interviewers all seemed to have a copy of the ERAS version in front of them. I did, however, end up giving away some of my publication reprints.

 

[Diana_UC]

Oooh, that is a good idea! It did not even occur to me to bring a copy of my publications with me. I will have to do that and then bring a copy of my CV. I know this is off thread topic, but did anyone else bring anything else with them last year or are your schools recommending anything else? Our school hasn't commented on interviewing yet.

More ON topic.... this might have been addressed already, but what about the dress shirt under the suit coat?
always white?
traditional buttons all the way up to your frickin' chin?
or those fancy bra snap looking closures ok?
collar out? collar in?
can you get long cuffs and fold them outside the sleeves of the jacket or is that tacky?

Also, I agree that any black, charcoal, or brown suit is plenty professional enough! It doesn't always have to be black.

Also, this may have ben addressed already, but panty hose......
always nude? sheer?
or do you want off black with a black suit?

Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions, but I am hopeless when it comes to fashion....since, I am more the t-shirt and jeans type. 😕 Thanks so much.

 

[mendel79]

Ok, so I'm from the west coast for those who think that matters, but I didn't have a black suit when I interviewed for med school. It was grey and black with a fine herringbone weave. It was nice not to look exactly like the whole crowd of interviewees, and I did do a lot of east coast interviews. I only had one comment on it not being black-- from a guy (another applicant at this uptight boston school) who said it was "really risky" of me. Well, I got in there, so screw him. I'm thinking I'll bust it out again this time around, but I'm also looking for another new suit -- probably with pants this time.

 

[mendel79]

And I have to agree about Pooing on Iserson. This is the guy who recommends "burgundy" suits after all...🙂

Yeah, i have to agree with that one. I met Dr. Iserson and he is an incredibly smart guy, but definitely NOT one to be giving out fashion advice. 🙂

 

[4424]

any other thoughts on bags to have with you? i like the EBags one a lot but I'd like to have something with me inside the interview to hold my CV, publications, etc. Anything out there aside from the ugly zipper things? thanks

 

[luckystar]

Business card? Are you going to have one printed up? What would it say, "PGY1 Hopeful" or "MS4" or do you have a side business going on? 😉

And they have all the info that the CV would have....Do people really hand out CVs at interviews?

And I have to agree about Pooing on Iserson. This is the guy who recommends "burgundy" suits after all...🙂

My school actually encouraged us to get some before we headed out for clinicals. They have come in handy several times, and some people (docs, administrators, people you run into at conferences and such) even expected to get one. They just say my undergrad degree and expected degree in 2007, with contact info. Maybe we just have had different experiences, but I certainly don't regret getting my own cards. 👍

 

[siempre595]

grey suit-black shoes...no brown...please, no brown with gray...

I have my first interview tomorrow, "post-away rotation informal meeting" is a more appropriate way to name it. I discovered this morning that I forgot to bring hose and had to go buy some, that my skirt is now too big (I guess I lost weight climbing hills in san francisco), and then the heel fell off my shoe (also while climbing a hill). Thank God for super glue.....what a mess.
calling cards? no time to worry about that, i barely have clothing on my back!!

 

[raspberry swirl]

I got mine at Dillards. It wasn't expensive at all - I think $110 total.

$110 not expensive?? i think my XOXO bag from marshall's was 18 bucks... and it was tre cute.

 

[mercury1980]

ok heres a question...
Does it have to be a white dress shirt? Would say a light blue be inappropriate? Or could we wear a turtleneck instead? im from texas so just considering the New England winters

 

[mendel79]

$110 not expensive?? i think my XOXO bag from marshall's was 18 bucks... and it was tre cute.

i think she was talking about her suit. and $110 is quite cheap for that.

 

[raspberry swirl]

oh oops... 110 is def cheap for a suit. nevermind! oh and i dont think you have to wear a white button down under your suit ... i dont think you even have to wear a button down. i plan on wearing something a bit more colorful ... probably knit, cuz button downs get so wrinkley, and if i take my jacket off at any time during the day, i do not want to be wrinkley...

as far as turtlenecks go, the new fall suit line from hugo boss shows the models wearing suits with sleek turtlenecks ... but i think it would be hard to pull off in many cases. it would have to be the right suit, right turtleneck, right person in the right climate....

 

[imalwayshungry]

yay for this post!🙂

let's get some links going to share the chicness 🙂

 

[siempre595]

Nah, you don't HAVE to wear the white button-down. I had an attending who joked that the residency applicants wandering around were like a "funeral procession." Really, wear some color!

 

[Hurricane]

I second the color. One of my shirts was turquoise and the other was this bright pinkish/purplish color. To match the pinstripes in the suits. They were long-sleeved, with french cuffs, and no I didn't button them up to my chin.

I also had some interviews in texas where it was like 80 degrees, and for those I wore sleeveless knit round-necked tops in the same colors under my suit jackets. One of the few advantages of being female - we can get away with stuff like that 🙂

And 4424, I carried that bag with me into my inteviews, and used one of the inside compartments for CV, publications, etc.

 

[tiredmom]

Yes - the $110 referred to the suit 🙂 I don't think I'm going to wear a button down - they are itchy! I'll be in knit or a camisole under the suit, definately of color. I guess I'll come up with something warmer for the cold weather places.