Wardrobe question?

[DavidKimtheThird1]

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Hello!

I know this question has probably been asked to death...
but I have an interview coming up and I'd like to look sharp!

Is it acceptable/advisable for me to go with a dark blue suit, with dark brown shoes and belt? (white shirt).
Or should I go with dark blue suit, black shoes and belt?

I read that brown shoes may go better with a dark blue suit.
But I've also read that black is more formal. At the same time, I heard it's not great to mix blue and black.

Or am I over thinking this and it doesn't matter?

Thanks!

 

[organdonor]

Brown

 

[Winged Scapula]

Blue suit = cordovan or brown shoes.

It really doesn't matter as no one will change their impression about your application if you wore black shoes, but in true fashion sense, cordovan or dark brown is preferred.

 

[typhoonegator]

Oxblood, my friend. Oxblood.

But brown is fine for an interview, if the brown is darker. Black is inferior unless the suit is much lighter blue but then you really should know what you're doing, and in that case you wouldn't be here asking for advice.

 

[Danbo1957]

Dark brown. Cordovan better, and correct. Showing up in a navy suit and black shoes tells me something, and I am not interested in details.

 

[organdonor]

http://www.slaters.co.uk/suit-shoes-matching-guide

 

[medstudent7860]

What about for females? Black suit with white shirt underneath and black ballet flats? Can there be any variance to that? What are other options that won't make me stand out for what I'm wearing? And is it better if the white shirt has a collar?

 

[sonofva]

Cordovan looks sharpest with blue inthhink

 

[Winged Scapula]

What about for females? Black suit with white shirt underneath and black ballet flats? Can there be any variance to that? What are other options that won't make me stand out for what I'm wearing? And is it better if the white shirt has a collar?

The rules are the same for women: if you're wearing a navy blue suit you need to be wearing heels, not flats (ballet flats will make you look childish and are not formal enough) and preferably in Cordovan or a dark brown. See the thread in Pre Allo where we discussed this extensively.

Jewel neck collars are fine; the type of collar depends on the suit.

If you're wearing a navy suit with black ballet flats don't worry, you'll stand out. Just not in a good way.

 

[Crayola227]

You can wear dress shoes that aren't heels ladies, just not ballet flats.

I can't wear heels for medical reasons, and I had nothing but nice comments on the flats (NOT ballet flats) I wore.

EDIT: as a reread, maybe the issue is if you wear a blue suit you need heels. I wore black suit and a grey suit and felt fine in black dress shoes not heels. On the other hand, I did see ballet flats & thought they looked ridiculous. Other fashion faux pas I think were open toed strappy shoes stilletto heels. I'm conservative so I think loafer with low heel best. Also think pants not tailored the appropriate length (too long I saw a lot) or flared too much in leg (it's not the 70s), and I think women need to not show any skin and wear hose with dresses, skirts, and knee highs or appropriate socks with pants. Bare ankles make me cringe professionally. Also women not wearing camisoles under button ups and gapping, even men come to think of it. Wear a shirt under your shirt or make sure it fits so it doesn't gap. Some men bust at the seams don't want to see skin under your shirt. Also women wearing tops that were too sheer, cleavage, and bras/bras straps visible. I also didn't like, that some wear sleeveless shirts (so not too hot with camisole under shirt and then shirt and then jacket) but then going that route took off jacket for lunch with shoulders bare. I do recommend taking off jacket to eat lunch for various reasons, but if you do that, wear something with sleeves under.

 

[Crayola227]

http://corporette.com/2014/08/05/interview-flats/

Boden's tbar

 

[Dave89]

Depends on the pattern of the suit.

I have a navy suit with a microdot pattern that would look silly with brown shoes. If your suit is solid, brown shoes will do very well.

By the way, ignore anyone who says that wearing black shoes with a navy suit is a fashion faux pas. This is complete nonsense.

 

[Crayola227]

What color is best with a charcoal or light grey suit? That I couldn't figure out.

 

[Crayola227]

Also hated seeing men's hairy ankles. Don't make your pants that short and wear high enough socks, geez.

 

[Dave89]

Also hated seeing men's hairy ankles. Don't make your pants that short and wear high enough socks, geez.

Ankle socks belong nowhere outside of a gym.

 

[Shjanzey]

Remember when you applied to med school? Do that

 

[Psai]

Also hated seeing men's hairy ankles. Don't make your pants that short and wear high enough socks, geez.

You should be honored by the sight of these ankles

 

[doc05]

black shoes are fine with a navy suit, and are really preferred. brown or cordovan is somewhat less traditional.

 

[Druggernaut]

Remember when you applied to med school? Do that

Please no. My medical school interviews were almost exclusively black, with the remaining few being charcoal. Awful. People were much better dressed during residency interviews.

I wore a navy suit, and I admit, I wore black shoes. I know it's not ideal (though I'd argue still acceptable), but I was honest with myself and knew I'd be self-conscious rocking cordovan.

Maybe when I'm interviewing for attending jobs...