Women's Interview Attire #4

Started by ifnotnowwren
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gilbertdc07 said:
This might already be in this thread but I can't find it. Does anyone have tips for plus size clothing brands? I would prefer a pant suit. I'm a size 14 and on a budget. I work at a hospital and basically live in scrubs so I haven't done professional clothing in a while. I'm pretty nervous about picking an appropriate outfit!
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Ann Taylor! They go up to 18 and they're still very flattering in larger sizes. They also have different lengths/cuts of trousers which is nice bc they're not trying to be "one style fits all shapes". Also quite affordable as they go on sale all the time. They also have the best selection of professional blouses in good materials. (not 100% scratchy nylon or polyester)
 
Any thoughts on thick, darker pantyhose/tights? I have been wearing nude pantyhose with navy blue skirt-suit for interviews so far. However, I'll be going to an interview in -20 weather. Even though I doubt we will be out for long, I'd prefer to wear something with heavier material.
 
If a woman wears only long skirts will it look less professional in an interview setting?

Would an outfit such as this (granted with more interview friendly colors) be fine?:
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hopefullydoc117 said:
Any thoughts on thick, darker pantyhose/tights? I have been wearing nude pantyhose with navy blue skirt-suit for interviews so far. However, I'll be going to an interview in -20 weather. Even though I doubt we will be out for long, I'd prefer to wear something with heavier material.
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Tights are casual, so much less professional than nude hose, and anything thinner than tights - ex. dark pantyhose - doesn't really solve the problem. A pants suit and boots will keep you warmer.

Sunbodi said:
If a woman wears only long skirts will it look less professional in an interview setting?

Would an outfit such as this (granted with more interview friendly colors) be fine?:
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You can be fully covered without looking like you're wearing a costume. Sorry, but the dress in this photo, even in a dark color, looks like a costume.

You can certainly wear a high-necked blouse and a long skirt, but you will need a jacket in a professional cut made from the same fabric as the skirt. If your outfit is constrained by religious practices, that probably should be made evident in some way so that it's made clear you are observant, not clueless.
 
DokterMom said:
Tights are casual, so much less professional than nude hose, and anything thinner than tights - ex. dark pantyhose - doesn't really solve the problem. A pants suit and boots will keep you warmer.



You can be fully covered without looking like you're wearing a costume. Sorry, but the dress in this photo, even in a dark color, looks like a costume.

You can certainly wear a high-necked blouse and a long skirt, but you will need a jacket in a professional cut made from the same fabric as the skirt. If your outfit is constrained by religious practices, that probably should be made evident in some way so that it's made clear you are observant, not clueless.
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Thanks! It's a bit difficult finding professional attire with long skirts. I'm from a very orthodox community and many of our clothing are what you would describe as 'costumey'.

I'll have to ask my dad if I can wear shorter skirts with tights. While long pants do cover the legs, I prefer the look of skirts.
 
DokterMom said:
Tights are casual, so much less professional than nude hose, and anything thinner than tights - ex. dark pantyhose - doesn't really solve the problem. A pants suit and boots will keep you warmer.



You can be fully covered without looking like you're wearing a costume. Sorry, but the dress in this photo, even in a dark color, looks like a costume.

You can certainly wear a high-necked blouse and a long skirt, but you will need a jacket in a professional cut made from the same fabric as the skirt. If your outfit is constrained by religious practices, that probably should be made evident in some way so that it's made clear you are observant, not clueless.
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Maybe a calf length skirt, matching jacket, with knee high boots would work for you.
 
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DokterMom said:
Tights are casual, so much less professional than nude hose, and anything thinner than tights - ex. dark pantyhose - doesn't really solve the problem. A pants suit and boots will keep you warmer.



You can be fully covered without looking like you're wearing a costume. Sorry, but the dress in this photo, even in a dark color, looks like a costume.

You can certainly wear a high-necked blouse and a long skirt, but you will need a jacket in a professional cut made from the same fabric as the skirt. If your outfit is constrained by religious practices, that probably should be made evident in some way so that it's made clear you are observant, not clueless.
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Just a quick question: Are suit jackets necessary if we are wearing a nice blouse/suit shirt?

I find them to be a bit restrictive, hot, and suffocating
 
wysdoc said:
Maybe a calf length skirt, matching jacket, with knee high boots would work for you.
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With a calf length skirt I'm sure this would work fine! Thanks so much. I always associated suit skirts with just below the knees which isn't okay in my community (but calf lengths are). 🙂
 
DokterMom said:
Tights are casual, so much less professional than nude hose, and anything thinner than tights - ex. dark pantyhose - doesn't really solve the problem. A pants suit and boots will keep you warmer.



You can be fully covered without looking like you're wearing a costume. Sorry, but the dress in this photo, even in a dark color, looks like a costume.

You can certainly wear a high-necked blouse and a long skirt, but you will need a jacket in a professional cut made from the same fabric as the skirt. If your outfit is constrained by religious practices, that probably should be made evident in some way so that it's made clear you are observant, not clueless.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, don't own a pantsuit and non-trad/low-income so can't really afford to buy and hem the pants within the next day. I will just go with my nude pantyhose and brave the time outside.
 
wysdoc said:
Maybe a calf length skirt, matching jacket, with knee high boots would work for you.
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My concern with this look is that it's a "near miss". It doesn't make it clear that she is not conforming to the standard dress code for particular reasons. For example, wearing flats with a skirt is clearly the more comfortable choice, but it's not really the most professional look. But if you have a foot injury, wearing an orthopedic boot makes it clear why you're wearing flats -- hence, a pass on the flats.

@Sunbodi - Can you be more specific about what is and is not allowed? Is a head covering of some sort customary? And if you're willing, providing the name of your particular group might be very helpful.
 
DokterMom said:
My concern with this look is that it's a "near miss". It doesn't make it clear that she is not conforming to the standard dress code for particular reasons. For example, wearing flats with a skirt is clearly the more comfortable choice, but it's not really the most professional look. But if you have a foot injury, wearing an orthopedic boot makes it clear why you're wearing flats -- hence, a pass on the flats.

@Sunbodi - Can you be more specific about what is and is not allowed? Is a head covering of some sort customary? And if you're willing, providing the name of your particular group might be very helpful.
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It's called Orthodox and I'm actually in a more conservative sect which I cannot divulge for privacy reasons. If I'm accepted to medical school I might be more loose with my personal information but for now i really cannot be.

The dress code is: I just need to cover my legs fully. Loose pants do conform to this standard but I prefer wearing skirts. I also would be able to wear calf length skirts if I wear tights underneath although this is not preferable. I'll have to ask friends in my community who were accepted to med school what they wore to interviews.

This is all hypothetical because my application season is not until a couple of months (2019-2020). I'll ask here when the time comes and likely DM instead of making public posts
 
Would an A-line skirt suit be appropriate? Worn with nude pantyhose and black or nude heels. This is the outfit I'm trying to decide on.

Thanks 🙂
 

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Sunbodi said:
Thanks! It's a bit difficult finding professional attire with long skirts. I'm from a very orthodox community and many of our clothing are what you would describe as 'costumey'.

I'll have to ask my dad if I can wear shorter skirts with tights. While long pants do cover the legs, I prefer the look of skirts.
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@Sunbodi -wear pants. Especially since you have time to find a suit. I thought your interview was this week.

Wearing tights or boots or a costume-y skirt is silly. You want adcoms to focus on you not wondering why you picked x or y to wear.

I wouldn’t want anyone to disrespect their moral beliefs but since pants are ok just wear them. Wear the long(er) skirts after you’ve been accepted.
 
precisiongraphic said:
@Sunbodi -wear pants. Especially since you have time to find a suit. I thought your interview was this week.

Wearing tights or boots or a costume-y skirt is silly. You want adcoms to focus on you not wondering why you picked x or y to wear.

I wouldn’t want anyone to disrespect their moral beliefs but since pants are ok just wear them. Wear the long(er) skirts after you’ve been accepted.
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Pants would be a very safe option. I know that you said you're more comfortable in skirts and that you're less comfortable in jackets -- but always keep your eyes on the prize, which is getting that acceptance. Your interview outfit is part of your presentation, and needs to either conform to the rules, or respectfully diverge for good and preferably visible reason such as a cast, gender non-conformity or religious observation.
 
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After a lot of searching I was hoping I could ask a few questions in this thread even though I am not a pre-med... I have a suit from previous interviews, but I have my first actual job interview next month while I am on maternity leave. We intentionally scheduled the interview while i am on leave to not miss more training time - knowing this will people be a little forgiving if my pants don't fit as well as they usually would? Or since it is not visually obvious like pregnancy is it unlikely people will remember and therefore would expect a normally fitting suit?

Also I am trying to figure out what to wear as a top. I have always worn silk shells in the past but I worry they will wrinkle and look awful the rest of the day after my first pumping break. All the "nursing" tops I can find are cotton and just don't look professional to me. I was looking at some silk sweaters like this and wondering if they will look more professional than a cotton top but tolerate being lifted up repeatedly without wrinkling like a silk shell.
silk sweater.JPG
 
Thoughts on a suit of this color and shape? (Ignore the turtleneck) or is this gray too light?
 

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PTPoeny said:
After a lot of searching I was hoping I could ask a few questions in this thread even though I am not a pre-med... I have a suit from previous interviews, but I have my first actual job interview next month while I am on maternity leave. We intentionally scheduled the interview while i am on leave to not miss more training time - knowing this will people be a little forgiving if my pants don't fit as well as they usually would? Or since it is not visually obvious like pregnancy is it unlikely people will remember and therefore would expect a normally fitting suit?

Also I am trying to figure out what to wear as a top. I have always worn silk shells in the past but I worry they will wrinkle and look awful the rest of the day after my first pumping break. All the "nursing" tops I can find are cotton and just don't look professional to me. I was looking at some silk sweaters like this and wondering if they will look more professional than a cotton top but tolerate being lifted up repeatedly without wrinkling like a silk shell.
View attachment 251147
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I think the type of silk sweater you show is a good compromise. And have you looked at really good knits over [sorry] Spanx or similar? That could give you a more polished and put together look while your body is transitioning back.

sscosmo said:
Thoughts on a suit of this color and shape? (Ignore the turtleneck) or is this gray too light?
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The jacket sleeves and pants legs look too short to me. Color is borderline too light but OK for warmer climates or spring. Do like the shoes though.
 
Any recommendations for a classy raincoat trench that travels well? I bough a nice trench coat for my last interview but it wrinkled so easily. I’m hoping for something more wrinkle-resistant/portable.
 
spacecatt said:
Any recommendations for a classy raincoat trench that travels well? I bough a nice trench coat for my last interview but it wrinkled so easily. I’m hoping for something more wrinkle-resistant/portable.
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Wear or carry it on the plane... You might also want to fold it more carefully and/or hang in a steamy room as soon as you arrive. Also, if you don't already own a travel steamer, it could be a very good investment.
 
sscosmo said:
Also would these shoes be alright?
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Most people wear black/navy suits, but personally I think this grey looks nice and would be fine. The problem is that the sleeves are not the right length. They should hit halfway between your wrist and thumb. The shoes are not fine in my opinion. They shouldn't be open in the back - I wear a pair that are basically identical to yours except they are closed in the back and they're a different material. Pointed toe flats or small heels would be better.
 
spacecatt said:
Would an A-line skirt suit be appropriate? Worn with nude pantyhose and black or nude heels. This is the outfit I'm trying to decide on.

Thanks 🙂
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I think this is fine. Most women I have seen at interviews wear a pant suit, but if you feel more comfortable in a skirt then this is a good one.
 
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Sunbodi said:
Just a quick question: Are suit jackets necessary if we are wearing a nice blouse/suit shirt?

I find them to be a bit restrictive, hot, and suffocating
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You need to wear a suit. Either a skirt suit or a pant suit. A suit includes a jacket and pants or a skirt of a matching fabric. It is not in your best interest to deviate.
 
sscosmo said:
Thoughts on a suit of this color and shape? (Ignore the turtleneck) or is this gray too light?
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That looks great, very similar to one that I wore! Honestly don’t worry so much about exact shades of color, so long as the suit is a set that matches and it’s not a color that is unprofessional you will be fine.
 
For secondary picture should I put on a blazer for my photo or is a professional striped blouse with no blazer fine?

My only blazer is like 10 sizes too big (literally). I was a stupid highschooler who thought clothing should fit loose.
 
Sunbodi said:
For secondary picture should I put on a blazer for my photo or is a professional striped blouse with no blazer fine?

My only blazer is like 10 sizes too big (literally). I was a stupid highschooler who thought clothing should fit loose.
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Sunbodi said:
Also smile or no smile or no preference for secondary photo??
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A blazer is good. It shouldn't look obviously over-sized in a head shot.
Smile. You're not being assassinated.
 
Also, would it be possible to get an updated set of pictures for suitable suits? The ones on the first post of this thread got deleted. 🙁
 
gyngyn said:
I'm still trying to forget...
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@gyngyn, surely you haven't forgotten the catsuit, or the Mariachi outfit, or the pleather. Or...the foot in the door! 🤣

Seriously...when you retire, you have to write a what not to wear book.
 
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Toutie said:
@gyngyn, surely you haven't forgotten the catsuit, or the Mariachi outfit, or the pleather. Or...the foot in the door! 🤣

Seriously...when you retire, you have to write a what not to wear book.
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@Toutie those are oldies but goodies... I want fresh takes LOL. I think the images are burned into gyngyn's retinas like an old desktop screensaver.
A great post is post # 282 from this thread, and also "Doc Martens are not Business professional", "Studs are not business professional"(referring to studded shoes) and "peace sign print blouse is not business professional".
 
stayathomemom said:
Also, would it be possible to get an updated set of pictures for suitable suits? The ones on the first post of this thread got deleted. 🙁
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@stayathomemom I don't know what those pictures used to be, but here is the very strict business wear guide that McCombs School of Business at UT (Austin) gives its students. Students showing up for on-campus job fairs who don't follow it to the letter are turned away!
https://my.mccombs.utexas.edu/My/BBA/Career-Services/~/media/B1FD6649A53744B9978B35480EDFF67F.ashx

From what I've seen recommended here, this guide's restrictions on blouse color for women (white or cream only) are a little strict, and other blouse colors allow you some expression. Avoid neon, lace, wild prints, spaghetti straps, low necklines, button fronts that gap open.
 
wysdoc said:
@gyngyn I request a new edition of the worst fashion choices, featuring last year's interviewees!

I also challenge @DokterMom to post what you wore to your med school interview. If you show me yours I'll show you mine... I got in anyway :wideyed:
Wysdoc
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Would you believe... (OK, not really, but killing two birds with one stone)

images



I'll also make another plug for this thread with a few minor quibbles:

Women's Interview Attire Thread
  • For shoes, I'd say heels up to about 4" are fine IF you're comfortable wearing heels and can walk in them all day. In my opinion, a low heel can often look frumpy with a skirt. (OK with pants though. If you need to wear flats, wear a pants suit.)
  • The article says black tights are OK. I'd allow black tights only with a black suit in winter; otherwise not. Sheer, nude-for-you pantyhose are the better option and always a safe choice.
  • For blouses, front button white oxford is OK, but not necessarily the best option. For women with breasts, oxford tends to gap at the bustline. Also, pure white can wash out your complexion and is just plain boring. Choose a simple style blouse or shell in a plain color that isn't low cut or frilly.
  • Ooh - and not to forget the sheath dress and matching (same fabric) jacket. It's a great option that's very professional, very flattering and just different enough to help you stand out.

Edited to add the 'just about sums it up' quote from @gyngyn:

In summary, your appearance should not be how we describe you ("tights girl," animal woman...) ​
 
271221


I did actually wear this to my med school interview. The process was nothing like it is today. I applied to one school and was accepted.

I was really poor, my spending money in college was <$50 a month and also I was not very clued in about what I should have worn. Parents would not have sprung for a suit and to be honest I didn't ask.
Compared to my usual clothes, this dress was of a conservative length and a classic style.

Yes, alas, my shoes were almost just like hers.


271222
271223



But hey, I got in 😛
 
wysdoc said:
View attachment 271221

I did actually wear this to my med school interview. The process was nothing like it is today. I applied to one school and was accepted.

I was really poor, my spending money in college was <$50 a month and also I was not very clued in about what I should have worn. Parents would not have sprung for a suit and to be honest I didn't ask.
Compared to my usual clothes, this dress was of a conservative length and a classic style.

Yes, alas, my shoes were almost just like hers.


View attachment 271222View attachment 271223


But hey, I got in 😛
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It's light years better than some of what @gyngyn has seen. 😀
 
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