Trying to take my mind of the GW hold =)
Ladies - where are you getting your interview suits?
Ladies - where are you getting your interview suits?

Trying to take my mind of the GW hold =)
Ladies - where are you getting your interview suits?
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I would actually suggest Ann Taylor Loft above Ann Taylor (often both can be found in the same mall). Loft is less expensive, and their stuff is usually less trendy.
Do you think pants suit or skirts is better and why?
High-neck shell with a flowy femine pants suit. I would have gone with a skirt but I think they only look good with heels and I wanted to avoid heels at all costs.
High-neck shell with a flowy femine pants suit. I would have gone with a skirt but I think they only look good with heels and I wanted to avoid heels at all costs.
Rachel07 said:skirts suit--classy looking, can be mildly attractive over a pants suit.
I got mine at Banana and really like it... now I just have to find a shirt to go with (I didn't like the ones they had there for some reason). I wonder if you have to wear a regular collared like suit shirt or if something cuter can go under your jacket?? I got a skirt suit, but I still feel so masculine with one of those shirts on... I like being more girly!! I just got my hair cut back shorter so I can wear it down and look professional even though I've been trying to grow it out for like 6 months (now it is between shoulder and chin length)!! Oh, well!!

I haven't even begun to think about my interview yet because I'm still a couple years away from applying. However, as a non-trad who has been in the business world for years as an executive, I would recommend the following based on long experience:
- Skirt suit with 1" above-the-knee length skirt -- a skirt is going to look MUCH better than a pant suit unless you've really got the body to pull off the pants.
- Either a long-sleeved button down shirt if you have the room under your jacket or a shell, it really doesn't matter as long as neither is a scary color and offsets the suit color well.
- Short *comfortable* pumps--women wear heels for a reason (I HATE them personally but wouldn't be caught at an interview or other business occasion without them). They change the entire look of your body both while standing and sitting, improving your posture among other things.
- Small pearl earrings if you are going to wear your hair up. Either studs or very short dangles from a stud (less than 3/4").
- If you are going to wear an open collar shirt then a string of pearls (or good looking pearl look-alikes) is a good idea. Otherwise do something with your neck (a small scarf, etc.)--it makes you look more "put together".
- PANTYHOSE!! I cannot emphasize this one enough--wearing a skirt without hose is like walking into an interview in shorts. No matter how tan and beautiful your legs are, they'll look better in a pair of thin hose. Not the ugly thick shiny granny-hose and not black, navy, or white. Pick something that matches or is within a couple shades darker than your natural skin-tone.
- Make-up! Even if you don't normally wear make-up, you should wear it to an interview. If you don't know how to apply make-up properly go to a make-up counter in a department store and ask for help with a professional look... no eyeliner... ick!
- An easy-to-carry bag. Not a backpack, even if it is a nice one, but something you can either carry in your hand or sling over your shoulder. Something in leather would probably be best. Make sure it doesn't impede your ability to walk distances in heels and doesn't interfere with your ability to shake hands. Alternatively, a simple portfolio would work too. I've heard some people mention that you don't need one and that schools give you something to carry papers in, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. And I don't like to be empty-handed myself--a portfolio gives you something to clutch in anxiety while waiting for an interview. 😉
- Speaking of shaking hands, a good handshake makes a major first impression. I have NEVER hired someone--male or female--who shook hands like a dead fish or who tried to crush me. A firm, not deady, grip and a couple of pumps is great. Putting your hand in theirs like a limp glove and letting them do all the work is NOT. You'd think people would know this by adulthood, but you'd be surprised how many people have no clue how to shake hands properly.
- If you're interviewing in the winter and it is likely to snow or rain, bring some napkins in your bag or portfolio to wipe off your shoes.
- Empty pockets! Other than a pen, an ID card, and maybe a tiny package of breath mints (good breath is important too!), don't put anything in your suit pockets. Many suits come with the pockets sewn shut... this is for a reason too--because stuffing your pockets full of stuff makes the suit look ridiculous. You'll have plenty of time for stuffing your white coat pockets! 😉
Anyway, that's just my opinion on proper interview attire--I've seen people come in for professional positions dressed in everything from sweatpants and sneakers to suits that look like they came off a fashion-runway. The interviews with the sweat-panted people are a lot shorter than the latter--even if it is considered acceptable attire once hired (I work in the IT field, most of my employees never see customers at all).
Where to get the suits? Go with something affordable, but nice. Even JC Penney has acceptable suits that look nice. I wouldn't necessarily recommend Wal-Mart, though. 😀
I'm not a clothes-snob by any means (as at least one other poster has advertised himself as)... What am I wearing right now? A t-shirt with a white tiger on it, jeans, sneakers, no make-up, and no jewelry beyond a wedding band. I'll be wearing the same thing tomorrow and the next day and the day after that... except that the animal on the shirt changes. You just need to know how to dress when it counts.
Good luck to all with your interviews! I wish I was that far along already!
--Cymy
I got mine at a department store. Macys, they have tons of suits and are usually less expensive. Take your mother with you and she can probably help you pick one out. Or a saleslady.
Yeah..It's the shoe problem that takes me away from skirts too..
Anyone one else vote for pants suit too?
What do you mean by classy? Because if it were only attractiveness, I could care less and just go for pants.
I haven't even begun to think about my interview yet because I'm still a couple years away from applying. However, as a non-trad who has been in the business world for years as an executive, I would recommend the following based on long experience:
- Skirt suit with 1" above-the-knee length skirt -- a skirt is going to look MUCH better than a pant suit unless you've really got the body to pull off the pants.
- Either a long-sleeved button down shirt if you have the room under your jacket or a shell, it really doesn't matter as long as neither is a scary color and offsets the suit color well.
- Short *comfortable* pumps--women wear heels for a reason (I HATE them personally but wouldn't be caught at an interview or other business occasion without them). They change the entire look of your body both while standing and sitting, improving your posture among other things.
- Small pearl earrings if you are going to wear your hair up. Either studs or very short dangles from a stud (less than 3/4").
- If you are going to wear an open collar shirt then a string of pearls (or good looking pearl look-alikes) is a good idea. Otherwise do something with your neck (a small scarf, etc.)--it makes you look more "put together".
- PANTYHOSE!! I cannot emphasize this one enough--wearing a skirt without hose is like walking into an interview in shorts. No matter how tan and beautiful your legs are, they'll look better in a pair of thin hose. Not the ugly thick shiny granny-hose and not black, navy, or white. Pick something that matches or is within a couple shades darker than your natural skin-tone.
- Make-up! Even if you don't normally wear make-up, you should wear it to an interview. If you don't know how to apply make-up properly go to a make-up counter in a department store and ask for help with a professional look... no eyeliner... ick!
- An easy-to-carry bag. Not a backpack, even if it is a nice one, but something you can either carry in your hand or sling over your shoulder. Something in leather would probably be best. Make sure it doesn't impede your ability to walk distances in heels and doesn't interfere with your ability to shake hands. Alternatively, a simple portfolio would work too. I've heard some people mention that you don't need one and that schools give you something to carry papers in, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. And I don't like to be empty-handed myself--a portfolio gives you something to clutch in anxiety while waiting for an interview. 😉
- Speaking of shaking hands, a good handshake makes a major first impression. I have NEVER hired someone--male or female--who shook hands like a dead fish or who tried to crush me. A firm, not deady, grip and a couple of pumps is great. Putting your hand in theirs like a limp glove and letting them do all the work is NOT. You'd think people would know this by adulthood, but you'd be surprised how many people have no clue how to shake hands properly.
- If you're interviewing in the winter and it is likely to snow or rain, bring some napkins in your bag or portfolio to wipe off your shoes.
- Empty pockets! Other than a pen, an ID card, and maybe a tiny package of breath mints (good breath is important too!), don't put anything in your suit pockets. Many suits come with the pockets sewn shut... this is for a reason too--because stuffing your pockets full of stuff makes the suit look ridiculous. You'll have plenty of time for stuffing your white coat pockets! 😉
Anyway, that's just my opinion on proper interview attire--I've seen people come in for professional positions dressed in everything from sweatpants and sneakers to suits that look like they came off a fashion-runway. The interviews with the sweat-panted people are a lot shorter than the latter--even if it is considered acceptable attire once hired (I work in the IT field, most of my employees never see customers at all).
Where to get the suits? Go with something affordable, but nice. Even JC Penney has acceptable suits that look nice. I wouldn't necessarily recommend Wal-Mart, though. 😀
I'm not a clothes-snob by any means (as at least one other poster has advertised himself as)... What am I wearing right now? A t-shirt with a white tiger on it, jeans, sneakers, no make-up, and no jewelry beyond a wedding band. I'll be wearing the same thing tomorrow and the next day and the day after that... except that the animal on the shirt changes. You just need to know how to dress when it counts.
Good luck to all with your interviews! I wish I was that far along already!
--Cymy
I got a Tahari pant suit on sale at Macy's... black with really tiny pinstripes.
To the people mentioning wearing a shell: I was thinking about doing that too but then some people told me it may be a bit less professional to be wearing something sleeveless if I get hot and take off my jacket.
Thoughts anyone?
For some people a skirt will look much WORSE than pants! I look better in pants than a skirt, I usually look kind of wide in skirts. That and pants are just so much more comfortable, you don't have to wear pantyhose and heels (both of which are rather uncomfortable, and if you are like me the heels would not be good due to lack of coordination and back problems).
As for where to get the suits, JC Penny is just fine. Thats probably where I will get mine. I don't live in a huge city that has places like Ann Taylor (well, I don't think we have one. I don't usually shop at places like that anyway...I am a jeans and t-shirt or khakis or slacks and button up at the dressiest. JC Penny has some that look nice and are very affordable.

I got mine at Banana and really like it... now I just have to find a shirt to go with
[*]Skirt suit with 1" above-the-knee length skirt -- a skirt is going to look MUCH better than a pant suit unless you've really got the body to pull off the pants.
I really disagree on this. Skirts (unless they're mini 🙂 ) make me look SO short and like I'm playing dressup with my mom's clothes. Maybe if you're tall you can pull off a skirt.
I went with a black pant suit (northern schools + winter interviews) and a high-necked pastel green shell. Pearl stud earrings and pearl necklace. Hair twisted into a knot. Low (1.5 inch) heels (Munros -- very comfortable and great for walking). Very conservative, neutral makeup.
I shopped around at a bunch of places but I finally got my suit at Talbots... they were awesome at making sure I got the best possible fit (a petite jacket and a regular pant). And that way I certainly didn't have to worry about it being too trendy. 😉 I wound up getting a lot of compliments on it, so I guess I did something right.
I got a Tahari pant suit on sale at Macy's... black with really tiny pinstripes.
To the people mentioning wearing a shell: I was thinking about doing that too but then some people told me it may be a bit less professional to be wearing something sleeveless if I get hot and take off my jacket.
Thoughts anyone?
Yeah--Talbots is also a good call. And you raise a good point about fit--sometimes the stuff cut for "Petites" looks better on people--so try it!
Yeah..It's the shoe problem that takes me away from skirts too..
Anyone one else vote for pants suit too?
What do you mean by classy? Because if it were only attractiveness, I could care less and just go for pants.
Also, I'm 5' 8" ---> Should I wear heals? I don't want to look like a tower.
high 5s for all the tall girls 🙂 i'm 5'10" so i know where you're coming from. it's nice to not have to wear 'em, but i'm definitely planning on heels--maybe 2-3 inches with my skirt suit and that height or a little shorter with my pant suit. my opinion is: if you can find a pair that makes you confident but still comfortable then go for it. as long as you don't find yourself slumping down/losing your posture, i truly believe it can only help you. 🙂
tall girls!! 
tall girls!!
I wear cute ballet slippers with my pants suit and it works well. But if you're going for a skirt, heels are almost a necessity in my opinion, but if you're worried stay with the low ones.
I shopped around at a bunch of places but I finally got my suit at Talbots... they were awesome at making sure I got the best possible fit (a petite jacket and a regular pant). And that way I certainly didn't have to worry about it being too trendy. 😉 I wound up getting a lot of compliments on it, so I guess I did something right.