what color suits did women wear at interview

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Sonya

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Hi,

For those of you females who went on an interview, what color suit did you wear? What color suit did most of the other females in the interview you went to wear? All you need to answer is black, or not black.

I was the only person not wearing black in the whole interview (10-20 students). Mines is a plaid pant suit, somewhere between tan and brown (it does look formal and nice, and IF others wore colored suits, it would look normal). Oh, there was also one person not wearing a suit.

Thanks,
Sonya
 
I wore navy. 98% of the other females interviewing at the places I've been so far were wearing black suits. It was pretty much 50/50 pant suite vs skirt suit. At one interview one person was wearing a tan suit.
So far every guy and every interview I've been to has been wearing black.
 
I'm thinking about breaking away from my black suit for interviews. It's time for a new suit for me anyway, and I'd like to mix it up a bit.

Any suggestions on a color?

Laurie
 
I am wearing a charcoal gray suit (pending I get an interview). Do you think this is okay???
 
I think charcoal is OK. Actually, I can't imagine it makes much difference what color we wear as long as it isn't flashy; it's probably more important to wear something you feel comfortable in.

My 2 cents.

Laurie
 
I've been wearing a burgundy suit with skirt, a white textured collar shirt (a touch of feminine - we are women😀 ) ) with conservative black shoes 2.5"- it has a buckle across the top of the foot - its very conservative) and a black purse with a black leather portfolio pad. SMALL silver dangle earrings with a burgundy stone it them. It's sharp. Nails short, painted "nude". No extraneous jewelry except my wedding band.

Happy shopping...it was very exciting since I don't usually have a reason to dress up🙂

Heb

Conservative colors are good..at my interview everyone wore black. It makes a difference IF you are the only one. 😎 But honestly what matters is that you feel like a MILLION dollars when it's YOUR DAY TO SHINE.
 
don't know why i'm posting here cuz i'm a guy, but, i have this urge, if i get a lot of interviews (which probably won't happen), to wear a yellow suit with a yellow tie with those yellow smiley face thingamajiggies on it. what do u guys think? lol
 
I wore a grey skirt suit with slightly black hose and black high heels. There were two other girls with us. One had a navy blue skirt suit with small white pin stripes and the other one had on a black pants suit. I would say any professional looking color would work. Be comfortable
 
Originally posted by UCIgrad2002
don't know why i'm posting here cuz i'm a guy, but, i have this urge, if i get a lot of interviews (which probably won't happen), to wear a yellow suit with a yellow tie with those yellow smiley face thingamajiggies on it. what do u guys think? lol
Click to expand...

Don't forget the smiley face Walmart sticker...😀

Heb
 
hahaha, you're soooo right, how could i forget! lol
 
I haven't gone to any med school interviews yet, but I had some experience interviewing for jobs (in health care policy/consulting) after I graduated in '02. With job interviewing, word on the street is that skirtsuits are preferred, though I must say I know nothing about med school interview clothing etiquette. I'd been nervous since what other candidates I saw wore black or navy. I received a lot of compliments from interviewers (two of whom were MD's) on my suit -- tan, flat skirt w/ pleated hem. And I got a job. 🙂

So I'd say anything conservative is fine. When in doubt, visit your nearest Ann Taylor.

(This has been a public service announcement.)
 
I tried soooo hard not to get black, but I was unsuccessful. One reason that so many people wear black is that it's hard to find something different!!! I wanted a burgundy colored suit, but there were VERY few to choose from. In green, I felt like I was in the army, and tan looks the same as my skin color and just washes me out. In the end, all the styles I liked came only in black. I gave in and that's what I have now. I will be adding some color with the shirt inside though!
 
Hunter green.
 
charcoal gray pant suit. it's sharp.
 
I have a black one and a navy one...I've worn each to one interview so far, just to mix things up. I've seen people wearing these colors mostly, but also gray and the occasional pinstripe.

I've been told by several people that skirt suits are preferred because they look more feminine and less bold. Sure, it's sexist, but if it helps us get in, it's not much of a sacrifice. But I have seen a lot of people wearing pantsuits, so it's probably not that big a deal.

And finally, one person I saw didn't wear a suit at all...she wore dress pants and a pretty blue short-sleeve sweater (or something like that). I'm sure she had some sort of reason (maybe her luggage got lost on the plane or something), but I would have felt underdressed.
 
Oh, no! You mean my hot pink suit with the rhinestone buttons is probably too much?? Crud.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
What about headwraps?
 
I wore a cognac colored pinstriped skirt suit, with t-strap kitten heels in the same color. It was a little different but still professional. I was happy I was not in a black suit. I felt more like myself. I'm going to continue wearing it. Unless your suit is a bright color, any suit looks professional. I saw a few women in their black suits, but they didn't look professional b/c they probably never wore a suit before so they looked uncomfortable. It's not only what you wear but that you are comforatble in what you chose so your confidence and professionalism shines through.
 
I wear a charcoal gray, pinstriped PANTS suit, rotating it with a light blue or white button-down shirt. Freshwater pearl necklace and earrings.

I almost went with black (because yes, anything else is hard to find!) but the guy who helped me with the suit said, "you look really good in black, but black and white makes me think of a waitress". That sealed the gray 🙂
 
Originally posted by Moose1
charcoal gray pant suit. it's sharp.
Click to expand...


JCREW has a brown pinstripe suit and a pink shirt I want

I found and fell in love w/ this bone color pant suit, I wanted it so bad. I'm a bit 'tan' w/ black hair. I'm thinking if I wore it w/ a deep purple shirt (or some other bold color) and simple silver/diamond jewlery....

I'm not interviewing yet, but when I apply I'd like to have my outfits ready to go.
 
Went I went suit shopping I wanted to avoid following the black suit trend, too. First I tried Nordstroms and they have some totally cute suits, but I quickly found out that most suit pants come up really high on your waist. I hate that! The only brand that fit comfortably was Tahari, and that was way out of the price range. Then I proceeded to Ann Taylor and found the cutest black suit with light blue and cream pin stripes with the pants and a skirt. I found the prices there were extremely reasonable. I matched up with a blue button-down under shirt and it looked really good and was totally comfortable. I said the hell with a fashion statement, it all about how comfortable you are right?! <p>Just a tip for you gals, get a button down under shirt that is <b>sleeveless</b> so you don't have that stuffy feeling of wearing sleeves underneath your coat and you'll be cooler during your interview. Finally, I went for some Kenneth Cole Reaction dress shoes with a square cut toe, a small heel, and <b>no backs</b> (I didn't want to have to deal with blisters on my heals). Good Luck Everyone!
 
Ok, I have a bright pinkish shirt with a boat neck that I really want to wear under my suit. The suit is black and I think it could definitely use spicing up.

The shirt is a little bright (not neon early 90's pink or anything), but I don't want to be another person wearing light blue under my black suit.

Thoughts?

I just picked up my shoes today- Payless! I had a coupon- they were $8. They have some really cute ones there, I'd suggest having a look, especially if you don't think you'll wear closed toe shoes very often and don't want to spend a ton on them.

And I got my suit on clearance at Jones for the whopping fee of $20.

Impressive, huh?
 
That is impressive! I thought I rocked when I got a Tahari skirt suit for $100 at TJ Maxx! I splurged on the shoes though, shoes are my weakness and I just can't help it. 😀
 
A sleeveless shirt with suit pants or skirt doesn't look wierd at all. The sleevless thing is just kind of my preference anyway cause I live in Phoenix and am used to wearing spaghetti straps all the time. I'm not used to the whole layering thing.
 
Originally posted by jberg4
A sleeveless shirt with suit pants or skirt doesn't look wierd at all. The sleevless thing is just kind of my preference anyway cause I live in Phoenix and am used to wearing spaghetti straps all the time. I'm not used to the whole layering thing.
Click to expand...

i can definitely see where that would work in the south, but if you go up north i recommend having a long-sleeved shirt. if the weather is 30 F, you will look out of place wearing sleeveless even though it is 70 F inside.

just a little tip
 
Is there a concensus on whether it's better to wear a reasonably long (just below knee) skirt or pants?

????😕
 
hmm...i wore sleeveless shirts under my (charcoal) skirtsuit at interviews up north; didn't seem to get any strange glares. (of course, it was fairly warm ~ 70 outside).

as far as the above/below knees thing...a business protocol rule of thumb is no higher than 2 inches above the knee (well below your fingertips). mine is about 3 inches above my knees--a little short, but i'm too poor right now to go buy another skirt. adcoms will just have to see some leg. 😀 anyway, it's been a good-luck suit so far.
 
Ok, this thread inspired me to try on my suit, since i got my shoes today and needed to see if I should hem up the pants.

Well, I hate my suit!! It's WAY ugly, compared to what I saw when I tried it on. The pants are about riduculous, they're so wide legged. And I certainly don't need any help in looking wide. The saving grace is that I have a skirt that the black matches 99.99% identical. But, seriously, I look absolutely riduculous in a suit.

And the jacket had shoulder pads. I emphasize the word HAD.

Moral of the story: Try your suit on today! Do it! Just in case...

Anyone else having issues with this? I'd feel so much better in a cute shirt/sweater and skirt. I think I'll compromise and go with the skirt, and a cuteish shirt, only wearing the jacket when necessary!

Blah. Boo on suits!

Forgot to throw this in there the first time- girls wearing skirts- what color pantyhose?
 
I'm a guy, but I too feel compelled to post. (Also, for the record, I applied/interviewed last year.)

I didn't want to look like just another face in the crowd, so I didn't go with black. I had a navy blue suit with a light blue pinstripe. Combined with a brightly colored dress shirt (salmon, lime green, or yellow) and a brightly colored tie, and black socks/wingtips. I was told by one fellow interviewee that my outfit had "a certain zoot suit appeal" and by another that I "kind of looked like a pimp."

I got multiple acceptances, including to my school of choice.

Moral of the story: if you want in, dress like a pimp. The adcoms look for that pimpin' style. 😎

Naphtali
 
Originally posted by greenwave34
Is there a concensus on whether it's better to wear a reasonably long (just below knee) skirt or pants?

????😕
Click to expand...

whatever you are most comfortable in. seriously, the consensus has been either is okay in MANY threads.

Keep in mind, if you dress carefully you can sneak thermal on under a pant suit (I succeeeded while still looking nice).


I p osted this thread because, first, I looked ALL OVER for a non black suit. And i foudn one. ANd, because everyone was wearing black, i think it was a mistake. now i wish i had gotten a black one. I do not want to judged by or have my suit noticed.

Sonya
 
i'm extremely petite (5', 85 lbs), and have trouble fitting into (not to mention finding) size 0's. So far I found two suits that don't look completely ridiculous, one that's black and one that's a light greyish green color. The black one doesn't fit as well, but makes me look older (something that I need). The other looks more contemporary (shorter jacket and skirt) and fits a bit better - but it's a light color and my friends are telling me it's best to stick to dark colors to look more professional. Any advice?

Also, if I go with the green suit, is it alright to wear black/navy shoes? Thanks for any help! 🙂
 
i would wear brown shoes if you could find 'em...but black would totally work.

i gotta go shopping tomorrow, and i am crossing my fingers that i will find a black pin-striped suit.

would a black shirt underneath a black pin-stripe suit be too trendy?
 
i've found that black is not as common as other people have said
maybe its just the interviews that i went to
not even half the people were wearing black

people were wearing all sorts of colors
beige, navy blue, black, grey, etc...

i really dont think it matters what color suit
seriously, interviewers wont care unless u show up in something casual
 
I don't think the interviewers care what color your wearing either.

However, on all my interviews there were maybe one person who wasn't wearing black. But there was a mixture of pant suits, skirt suits, and dresses.
 
Originally posted by 1150829
i'm extremely petite (5', 85 lbs), and have trouble fitting into (not to mention finding) size 0's. So far I found two suits that don't look completely ridiculous, one that's black and one that's a light greyish green color. The black one doesn't fit as well, but makes me look older (something that I need). The other looks more contemporary (shorter jacket and skirt) and fits a bit better - but it's a light color and my friends are telling me it's best to stick to dark colors to look more professional. Any advice?

Also, if I go with the green suit, is it alright to wear black/navy shoes? Thanks for any help! 🙂
Click to expand...

ann taylor had several 0p/0s. They had EXCELLENT selection. It's a bit pricy ($250 for full suit that fit me and looked excellent, 2P).

but, then, they said my store in chicago was one of the largest.

I saw the interview at Univ of Chicago walking aroudn the school, and everyone had black and grey.

I think when it comes to shoes, get somethign comfortable and nice, and able to stand a bit of bad weather. For me, that really narrowed it down. Actually, after much looking, i found something nice and cheap at payless. 😀
 
My suit is a dark purple. Very pretty indeed 🙂 It is a skirt suit. I read a lot of literature about how the medical world is still a very conservative "old boys" club. And women who interview in skirts instead of pants are at an advantage. Don't know if this is true or not.

Nora
 
I had 2 suits (navy and gray). They are both skirts because I wanted to go for the "feminine approach." But beware that your skirt is not too short or too long! The general advice is to avoid BLACK...for any interview you want to go with dark gray or navy. Blacks are for funerals and weddings. At all cost, you must get matching shoes...no sandals!

****Warning: Don't go for the Katie Couric look please!!****

When in doubt, visit your local Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Loehman's, or Ann Taylor (not Ann Taylor Loft...but the real Ann Taylor).
 
Originally posted by Sparkles
I am wearing a charcoal gray suit (pending I get an interview). Do you think this is okay???
Click to expand...

Hey! I just bought a charcoal gray suit yesterday! I bought a black one too but I think I'm gonna return it.

I wanted chocolate brown but couldn't find one. I figure if you stand out a little....they see black suit after black suit after black suit, and you come in looking a little different, I think it will leave a good impression, you will stand out a little, and not in a "oh my god she was wearing a red plaid suit" way.

that's just my $0.02 - but I love my new gray suit!
 
By the way, you all are so cute with the suit concerns....I was totally thinking of all of you while I tried on my suits .... like "what would my SDN peeps say about this? Ha!

Ok so what about make-up ? I always wear at least foundation and mascara and I really like it - I won't do like Tammy Fay but did anyone else notice trends in make-up?
 
I wore the same makeup I would wear to church or a business meeting. Foundation, blush, neutral eye shadow and liner, brownish-red lipstick, and mascara. But then again, I pretty much wear makeup every day, and feel naked without it. But I don't do paint-by-number eyes, fake eyelashes, dark liquid liner, or bright lips. I think wear makeup (or the lack-there-of) that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident!
 
I am curious, what is considered a professional way to sit during an interview? A lot of girls I saw, always sat with their legs crossed. Personally, I prefer sitting with my legs together as it seems to me a more formal way, but I am not sure if crossing your legs is something of an accepted way to sit in US. I was arguing about this with my mother (we're immigrants), so I was wondering what everyone else thought? (Is it bad for guys to sit with their legs crossed?)
 
Good question! I'm not an immigrant and I was wondering about that too! I was about to post that question but you beat me to it! I was thinking crossing your legs looks more relaxed and probably more comfortable. Just don't wear short skirt and get totally spread eagle comfortable in there! LOL
 
Sit either with your ankles crossed or not at all. don't sit with your legs crossed up near your thighs. Way too much skin. That's what they tought a group of us at ettiquitte dinner.
 
So general consensus is....whatever makes you comfortable and still looks professional? I can do that, I think.

I really need to find some sensible shoes, but I think I have a handle on the suits. I ordered a couple of new ones when they went on sale. If those come in, I'll have a few more choices. Otherwise, I think my first (and hopefully not last) interview will be in a lovely chocolate brown pantsuit. It's a little different--duster length top--but it looks good on me and for a big & tall girl, that's an accomplishment.

I also ordered a charcoal pin-striped pantsuit. It has a longer jacket with a modern sort of cut to it. Somewhere in the mix, I'll throw in a skirt suit to choose from. I tried to find things that were interesting not so much for their color as for their cut. I think you can take a standard black suit and show some style just by choosing a cut/length that is more individual.

Oh...as for pantyhose and leg-crossing. If you are wearing black, then black hose are probably best. Navy for navy...it gives you a "cleaner" line. Second-best choices would be nude/suntan--whichever matches your skin tone best. For any other color suit, I would go with the neutral skin tone pantyhose. There's just something not-too-professional about a red skirt suit with red tights!

Leg-crossing...whatever you are comfortable with. Most women I know are leg-crossers, but you do what works for you. If you cross your legs, be aware that you have to uncross occassionally so that your leg doesn't fall asleep during the interview. Nothing can ruin a great interview like standing up and falling over in your interviewer's lap!

And I don't remember who asked about the greyish-green suit, but I think I would go with a bone colored shoe. It would be hard to say for sure without seeing the color, but I think a light neutral brown or greyish color shoe would work better than black.

Willow
 
Originally posted by WillowRose


I really need to find some sensible shoes
Click to expand...

Naturalizer makes the best shoes....fashionable, pumps and other such professional shoes, and oh so comfortable! I am wearing them now!
 
Ok sorry last thing about the suit color....I just found my chocolate brown suit on my lunch hour! It has cute burgundy and gold pinstripes and it was less that $200, with a blouse!

I get to take back my $600 nordy's black suit and the $300 Jones of NY charcoal gray suit. And I feel so much more stylish! Yay Ann Taylor!
 
this is a question regarding what to wear underneath the jacket. is it a good idea to only wear a collared shirt? what about a nice blouse? is sleeveless okay? i imagine it's going to get a little hot walking around campus during tours, and the jacket might come off.
 
i guess it would depend on weather? for NYC and Boston it seems like a collared shirt is just about perfect for the weather. if oyu are going to texas.. well maybe you shouldnt with the hurricane lol
 
My "early season" suit is cream pinstripe. Definitely stands out against the sea of black. I think colors are fine as long as they are tasteful and formal.
 
cd87 said:
this is a question regarding what to wear underneath the jacket. is it a good idea to only wear a collared shirt? what about a nice blouse? is sleeveless okay? i imagine it's going to get a little hot walking around campus during tours, and the jacket might come off.
Click to expand...

A sleeveless shell is fine underneath your jacket. I have some silk ones that work really nicely. I think shells (blouse) look more feminine than a button down, collared shirt anyways.

And for the rest of the thread, has anybody else heard that it's inappropriate to wear a black suit to an interview? Or is that more of a business world thing?

I wouldn't wear black regardless, it looks dreadful on me. But being on the interview trail last year, I really wondered where the "wear black" memo got passed out because I clearly didn't get it. Usually I was the only on wearing a different color.
 
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