Women's Interview Attire #4

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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INbikesarefun said:
This is slightly neurotic, but collar in or out? I definitely thought collars went out, but my sister said it's a 90s trend.
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Your shirt collar ? Completely inside the collar of your suit.
 
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What are your thoughts on this blouse? (photo of the blouse in black included just so you can see what the neckline looks like straight-on)
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Also, I'll be wearing a navy pantsuit and I've seen cordovan pumps get recommended. Would a black leather purse be acceptable paired with cordovan shoes, or do the shoes have to be black leather too? Thanks to all for the advice!
 
Cardinals1999 said:
Also, I'll be wearing a navy pantsuit and I've seen cordovan pumps get recommended. Would a black leather purse be acceptable paired with cordovan shoes, or do the shoes have to be black leather too? Thanks to all for the advice!
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For business professional, the accessories should match (or be pretty close).
 
Does this suit look stupid? If it's important, it's described as "crepe".
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How many buttons is this suit jacket supposed to have?
I feel like I'm overthinking this but this is way outside of my life experience...I grew up low SES and the subtle faux pas I could commit while I'm trying not to feel like an imposter in this professional world I've never really been a part of terrify me.
 
stayathomemom said:
How many buttons is this suit jacket supposed to have?
I feel like I'm overthinking this but this is way outside of my life experience...I grew up low SES and the subtle faux pas I could commit while I'm trying not to feel like an imposter in this professional world I've never really been a part of terrify me.
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It looks nice. Do you like it and feel it fits you well? Don't overthink! Just choose a blouse to wear under the jacket that is not lowcut and is comfortable.
 
A couple of questions about this suit:
1. I'm EXTREMELY petite. This suit is size 4P and while I know I need straight-leg trousers, the pants just seem ridiculously roomy/baggy. It makes me look stubby and accentuates my lack of height. Is there another trouser cut that would be appropriate? Could I ask the tailor to take them in a bit in the leg (width wise) when I get the suit tailored?
2. Is this an ok color and material? It's synthetic sharkskin, not particularly shiny, but what really concerns me is that within 5 feet it doesn't look grey, it looks like...speckled B&W? I'm not a big fan...
3. Anything else look weird? Ignore the grey camisole. Those are the shoes I intend to wear.
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stayathomemom said:
A couple of questions about this suit:
1. I'm EXTREMELY petite. This suit is size 4P and while I know I need straight-leg trousers, the pants just seem ridiculously roomy/baggy. It makes me look stubby and accentuates my lack of height. Is there another trouser cut that would be appropriate? Could I ask the tailor to take them in a bit in the leg (width wise) when I get the suit tailored?
2. Is this an ok color and material? It's synthetic sharkskin, not particularly shiny, but what really concerns me is that within 5 feet it doesn't look grey, it looks like...speckled B&W? I'm not a big fan...
3. Anything else look weird? Ignore the grey camisole. Those are the shoes I intend to wear.View attachment 272256View attachment 272255View attachment 272257
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I like the color and the shoes, but would it be completely out of your budget to take the whole thing to a tailor? They can be cheaper than some people think, because I agree that the sizing isn't what you should be going for.

EDIT: Would depend on your area, but consider these price ranges How to Find a Tailor for Clothing Alterations - Cost & Benefits
 
stayathomemom said:
A couple of questions about this suit:
1. I'm EXTREMELY petite. This suit is size 4P and while I know I need straight-leg trousers, the pants just seem ridiculously roomy/baggy. It makes me look stubby and accentuates my lack of height. Is there another trouser cut that would be appropriate? Could I ask the tailor to take them in a bit in the leg (width wise) when I get the suit tailored?
2. Is this an ok color and material? It's synthetic sharkskin, not particularly shiny, but what really concerns me is that within 5 feet it doesn't look grey, it looks like...speckled B&W? I'm not a big fan...
3. Anything else look weird? Ignore the grey camisole. Those are the shoes I intend to wear.View attachment 272256View attachment 272255View attachment 272257
Click to expand...


Hi, I'm 4'11" and had the exact same problem with the 3-4 pantsuits I tried. I'm also curvy and ended up buying a skirt-suit since it fit me better. If you have suggestions for brands that make good fitting pant-suits for petite (+ curvy) women - I'd love tips.

For this outfit:
  • Could you tailor alter it in a way that it keeps the bootcut-esque flare of the pants proportionate? Maybe pants that are more straight-cut and less flared would be easier to tailor. I definitely saw a mix of straight-cut and more flared type pants in my interview trial - but I'm only a rising M1 - maybe someone with more experience can comment.
  • Are you able to pick something in a solid color? I know dark blues or black or solid dark charcoal elongates my frame. They also make me feel more confident - which is entirely subjective.
Also - I read your earlier post and as a low SES person - I empathize - had some of the exact fears. They did resurface when I saw everyone's fancy bags and comfort in their outfits/getup. (I've worn business casual attire quite a bit but only wore business professional once before the interview season and hadn't quite mastered the light makeup/suit/bag/confident walk combo initially 🙁). However, remember your unique journey and passion for medicine to recenter you if you feel odd/scared.
 
I'm afraid of going suit shopping. I feel uncomfortable wearing pants and I really can't wear skirts that aren't ankle length. Is there really no business professional attire that allows long skirts?

If I cannot wear a long skirt I'm willing to wear pants but because of my body type, I don't think I'd be able to find a suit that would fit my dimensions and I'd have to go to a tailor.
 
Sunbodi said:
I'm afraid of going suit shopping. I feel uncomfortable wearing pants and I really can't wear skirts that aren't ankle length. Is there really no business professional attire that allows long skirts?

If I cannot wear a long skirt I'm willing to wear pants but because of my body type, I don't think I'd be able to find a suit that would fit my dimensions and I'd have to go to a tailor.
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Go to a store like Ann Taylor or Talbots where they have good customer service, they can help you find a style that suits your build.
 
wysdoc said:
Go to a store like Ann Taylor or Talbots where they have good customer service, they can help you find a style that suits your build.
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So there's no option for long skirts at all? I wear pants maybe once per year and it usually makes me feel uncomfortable.
 
Would something like one of these two work? I prefer the second image because the skirt is closer to the ankles
males-wearing-dresses-different-occasions_1.jpg
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Sunbodi said:
I'm afraid of going suit shopping. I feel uncomfortable wearing pants and I really can't wear skirts that aren't ankle length. Is there really no business professional attire that allows long skirts?

If I cannot wear a long skirt I'm willing to wear pants but because of my body type, I don't think I'd be able to find a suit that would fit my dimensions and I'd have to go to a tailor.
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Would something like this work for you?
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link here

I can't vouch for the brand at all, but it appears to be carried by Macys and Kohls (online at least). There are probably other brands with similar length skirts, but I don't think you're likely to find longer suit skirts than that unless you find a retailer specifically carrying modest fashion, or you get one custom made.
 
Sunbodi said:
Would something like one of these two work? I prefer the second image because the skirt is closer to the ankles
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In my view, you've got two good options:
  1. Wear a suit that conforms to ALL the rules as outlined above, or
  2. Wear something that conforms to your preferences and religious views but that is visibly different enough that it's clear you didn't "swing and miss" for the 'standard' suit.
If you really want to go with an ankle-length skirt, the go with option #2 and go ALL the way to your ankles. If you're dressing that way to honor your religious views, then OWN that. Make it clear that your choice was intentional, not ignorant, and honor the spirit of the dress code: simple cut, dark color, excellent quality fabric and a matching (same fabric) jacket.

Your best bet might be having something custom made.

set-modern-muslim-businesswoman-wearing-260nw-366512747.jpg
 
DokterMom said:
In my view, you've got two good options:
  1. Wear a suit that conforms to ALL the rules as outlined above, or
  2. Wear something that conforms to your preferences and religious views but that is visibly different enough that it's clear you didn't "swing and miss" for the 'standard' suit.
If you really want to go with an ankle-length skirt, the go with option #2 and go ALL the way to your ankles. If you're dressing that way to honor your religious views, then OWN that. Make it clear that your choice was intentional, not ignorant, and honor the spirit of the dress code: simple cut, dark color, excellent quality fabric and a matching (same fabric) jacket.

Your best bet might be having something custom made.

set-modern-muslim-businesswoman-wearing-260nw-366512747.jpg
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Thank you so much. I was worried I wouldn't be able to conform to my cultural/religious standards of dress for interviewing. It means so much to not have an extra variable that will stress me out the entire time during interview season.
 
What is the difference between a suit jacket and a blazer? (Is the only difference that a suit jacket always comes with matching trousers? What if I can get matching trousers to a blazer, is that ok?)

I know y'all say "wool," but I'm having a hard time finding wool at a reasonable price, and there is a cotton sateen blazer/pants combo in a nice navy blue that's on hot sale right now in my size at Ann Taylor. Would cotton sateen be ok?
 
stayathomemom said:
What is the difference between a suit jacket and a blazer? (Is the only difference that a suit jacket always comes with matching trousers? What if I can get matching trousers to a blazer, is that ok?)

I know y'all say "wool," but I'm having a hard time finding wool at a reasonable price, and there is a cotton sateen blazer/pants combo in a nice navy blue that's on hot sale right now in my size at Ann Taylor. Would cotton sateen be ok?
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Blazers often have gold/brass metallic buttons. The buttons should be horn or resin.
Cotton sateen is not business professional, I'm afraid.
 
gyngyn said:
Blazers often have gold/brass metallic buttons. The buttons should be horn or resin.
Cotton sateen is not business professional, I'm afraid.
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Ok, I'm still going to buy the set (since the price is so amazing, esp from Ann Taylor) but it's a classic, timeless style and I'll save it for other professional events.
 
Would you believe me if I said that I think this is the last time I'm going to ask y'all's opinion? Me neither.
I think I found the one. It's even made of real wool! Anyone, please tell me if there is any problem with this outfit!
Also, is the length of pants ok? Not sure how but the length is way shorter than the others I've tried on. I wonder if I accidentally ordered ankle pants (which tend to fit me like regular pants). Now I'm wondering if I even have to get them taken in.
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stayathomemom said:
Would you believe me if I said that I think this is the last time I'm going to ask y'all's opinion? Me neither.
I think I found the one. It's even made of real wool! Anyone, please tell me if there is any problem with this outfit!
Also, is the length of pants ok? Not sure how but the length is way shorter than the others I've tried on. I wonder if I accidentally ordered ankle pants (which tend to fit me like regular pants). Now I'm wondering if I even have to get them taken in.
View attachment 272973View attachment 272974
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That suit does fit you better
 
I went suit shopping today for the first time and I honestly wanted to cry. It brought out all my insecurities and made me look so bad. Why aren't professional fashion suits allowed for med school interviews?

I'll have to tailor make an outfit because there is no way I'm going to force myself to wear a business formal suit from the department store that doesn't even make me look like I have a figure.
 
Sunbodi said:
I went suit shopping today for the first time and I honestly wanted to cry. It brought out all my insecurities and made me look so bad. Why aren't professional fashion suits allowed for med school interviews?

I'll have to tailor make an outfit because there is no way I'm going to force myself to wear a business formal suit from the department store that doesn't even make me look like I have a figure.
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I hear you. shopping sucks, especially if you don't like wearing suits to begin with. However, are you sure you were shopping for the right size/style for your body? depending on your figure, you'll probably need to get the suit tailored to fit your body well, but a well fitting business suit also shouldn't make you look like a completely figureless box.

Edit: another suggestion, try out a few different styles of blouse with the suit. I HATED how I looked in the first suit I tried on, but then I realized that my biggest problem was the stuffy button down shirt I tried it on with. When I found shirts that I liked, I felt much better. This might not be the problem for you, but it could help.
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
I hear you. shopping sucks, especially if you don't like wearing suits to begin with. However, are you sure you were shopping for the right size/style for your body? depending on your figure, you'll probably need to get the suit tailored to fit your body well, but a well fitting business suit also shouldn't make you look like a completely figureless box.

Edit: another suggestion, try out a few different styles of blouse with the suit. I HATED how I looked in the first suit I tried on, but then I realized that my biggest problem was the stuffy button down shirt I tried it on with. When I found shirts that I liked, I felt much better. This might not be the problem for you, but it could help.
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Thanks so much! I'm not used to women's sizing (I usually go to stores that do S, M, L) so that might be my problem.

The suit pants I wore had a weird flap right in the front as if the pants were too big but the thighs fit perfectly. It's sad having thick thighs because when I size up the pants fit my thighs but the waist band is too big and I'll get that weird flap in the front.

I'll try different blouses. I wore a medium and it was way too baggy.

I always get low self esteem when I go shopping for a long time and everything looks hideous on me.

I wish I could just wear a long dress 🙁. I like the way they accentuate my waist and make me look feminine. The suit pants just looked way too androgynous for me
 
Sunbodi said:
Thanks so much! I'm not used to women's sizing (I usually go to stores that do S, M, L) so that might be my problem.

The suit pants I wore had a weird flap right in the front as if the pants were too big but the thighs fit perfectly. It's sad having thick thighs because when I size up the pants fit my thighs but the waist band is too big and I'll get that weird flap in the front.

I'll try different blouses. I wore a medium and it was way too baggy.

I always get low self esteem when I go shopping for a long time and everything looks hideous on me.

I wish I could just wear a long dress 🙁. I like the way they accentuate my waist and make me look feminine. The suit pants just looked way too androgynous for me
Click to expand...

A too-big waistband is a very easy fix for a tailor! that + a well fitting shirt will probably help a lot with the figureless box problem. you can also get the waist of the jacket taken in a bit, if the jackets that fit you in the arms/shoulders are too big around the waist. If you are comfortable in heels, that can also help pull the look together.

If looking feminine is important to you, consider looking for a blouse in a feminine color you like (i.e. pink - the good thing is that women get a bit more leeway with blouse color, as long as it's not wild and garish) and adding some simple, appropriate jewelry. It won't effect your shape, but might help you feel a bit nicer in the whole outfit. While interviews aren't a time to get crazy with the fashion choices, you also don't need to look super boring and bland.
 
Sunbodi said:
Thanks so much! I'm not used to women's sizing (I usually go to stores that do S, M, L) so that might be my problem.

The suit pants I wore had a weird flap right in the front as if the pants were too big but the thighs fit perfectly. It's sad having thick thighs because when I size up the pants fit my thighs but the waist band is too big and I'll get that weird flap in the front.

I'll try different blouses. I wore a medium and it was way too baggy.

I always get low self esteem when I go shopping for a long time and everything looks hideous on me.

I wish I could just wear a long dress 🙁. I like the way they accentuate my waist and make me look feminine. The suit pants just looked way too androgynous for me
Click to expand...

Why not wear a skirt suit? I have a relatively curvy body (large hips and chest) and look horrible in pant suits, tried on 8 or 10 then I found a well-fitted (but not tight) dark-colored skirt suit that I fell in love with. I paired that with a white blouse, black heels, and a black bag and felt totally fashionable even though I was wearing a suit within professional expectations. I think I stood out because I felt comfortable and confident in what I was wearing.
 
NYABC said:
Why not wear a skirt suit? I have a relatively curvy body (large hips and chest) and look horrible in pant suits, tried on 8 or 10 then I found a well-fitted (but not tight) dark-colored skirt suit that I fell in love with. I paired that with a white blouse, black heels, and a black bag and felt totally fashionable even though I was wearing a suit within professional expectations. I think I stood out because I felt comfortable and confident in what I was wearing.
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I've posted the reason earlier. I'd love to wear skirt suits and I love the way they look on women.

Unfortunately, due to cultural reasons it would be taboo to wear anything above the ankle. My mom said it would be fine but I've personally never done it before and I don't think I'd be comfortable doing it.
 
Sunbodi said:
I've posted the reason earlier. I'd love to wear skirt suits and I love the way they look on women.

Unfortunately, due to cultural reasons it would be taboo to wear anything above the ankle. My mom said it would be fine but I've personally never done it before and I don't think I'd be comfortable doing it.
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Your cultural rule to cover up and your personal insistence on "accentuating your waist and looking feminine" seem to be putting you at an impasse. Showing off a small waist is not the point at a formal interview. You want to meet the expectations of business formal dress while being comfortable (enough) to be able to talk to the interviewers.
I think you just haven't found a pants suit that fits you properly , so keep shopping and try a different store. There are women's suit jackets which do not look shapeless and boxy.
 
Seeking opinions on outerwear for interview season! I have this coat that I love dearly, but it is very purple. Is it too much? My other option would be a black LLbean puffer. So better to go with bright/maybe too bold wool coat or a nondescript puffer jacket?
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wysdoc said:
Your cultural rule to cover up and your personal insistence on "accentuating your waist and looking feminine" seem to be putting you at an impasse. Showing off a small waist is not the point at a formal interview. You want to meet the expectations of business formal dress while being comfortable (enough) to be able to talk to the interviewers.
I think you just haven't found a pants suit that fits you properly , so keep shopping and try a different store. There are women's suit jackets which do not look shapeless and boxy.
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Alright. Thank you for putting things into perspective and letting me know that my preferences are admittedly contradictory. I tried Macy's yesterday since they have a large selection (I tried on DKNY since the other suits seemed way too fashionable), and I tried a little outlet store but they only had two female business suits.

Do you have any store recommendations that have a lot of female business suits?
 
Sunbodi said:
Do you have any store recommendations that have a lot of female business suits?
Click to expand...

I love Express myself for suit jackets. Honestly for suit pants I just find ones that match the color of the jacket and are well made, usually from a thrift store to save money (my suit jacket is charcoal grey so it is relatively easy to find a color match)
 
Lampy said:
I love Express myself for suit jackets. Honestly for suit pants I just find ones that match the color of the jacket and are well made, usually from a thrift store to save money (my suit jacket is charcoal grey so it is relatively easy to find a color match)
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While for a normal occasion I'd consider doing that I have seen adcoms on here complain of students not wearing suits of the same material and color.

I have conferences that I need to attend as well so it kills two birds with one stone if I just buy a nice suit right now and use it for all the occasions that require business formal 🙂
 
pugpy_dawg said:
Seeking opinions on outerwear for interview season! I have this coat that I love dearly, but it is very purple. Is it too much? My other option would be a black LLbean puffer. So better to go with bright/maybe too bold wool coat or a nondescript puffer jacket?
Click to expand...

I love that coat! I think you should be fine - most places where you'll need a coat like that will have a coat rack for you to hang it on during all the indoor events (which is most of the day), so your interviewers probably won't even see it. If you're worried about standing out you can go with the black jacket.

Sunbodi said:
Alright. Thank you for putting things into perspective and letting me know that my preferences are admittedly contradictory. I tried Macy's yesterday since they have a large selection (I tried on DKNY since the other suits seemed way too fashionable), and I tried a little outlet store but they only had two female business suits.

Do you have any store recommendations that have a lot of female business suits?
Click to expand...

What do you mean by "seemed way too fashionable"? was it something about the cut/color/accents?

I got my suit from Ann Taylor - they have lots of suit separates you can pick and choose from to get the jacket/pants/skirt you like best, including regular/petite sizing and different fits of each style.

Also, did you go by yourself to do this shopping? Do you have anyone you trust and feel comfortable with who you could bring with you, especially someone who has experience purchasing a suit? It seems like you have a lot of anxiety about the shopping process (which is totally normal!), and I wonder if bringing someone along to support you might help.
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
I love that coat! I think you should be fine - most places where you'll need a coat like that will have a coat rack for you to hang it on during all the indoor events (which is most of the day), so your interviewers probably won't even see it. If you're worried about standing out you can go with the black jacket.



What do you mean by "seemed way too fashionable"? was it something about the cut/color/accents?

I got my suit from Ann Taylor - they have lots of suit separates you can pick and choose from to get the jacket/pants/skirt you like best, including regular/petite sizing and different fits of each style.

Also, did you go by yourself to do this shopping? Do you have anyone you trust and feel comfortable with who you could bring with you, especially someone who has experience purchasing a suit? It seems like you have a lot of anxiety about the shopping process (which is totally normal!), and I wonder if bringing someone along to support you might help.
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Hey!!! I just wanted to say I just went to BANANA REPUBLIC and I'm finding success!! Omg.

Girls, I know on the men's thread they say black suits are a no go. Is black okay for women or should we stick to navy and dark gray?
 
Sunbodi said:
Hey!!! I just wanted to say I just went to BANANA REPUBLIC and I'm finding success!! Omg.

Girls, I know on the men's thread they say black suits are a no go. Is black okay for women or should we stick to navy and dark gray?
Click to expand...

yay! sometimes you just need to find the right store.

Most advice I've seen says black is fine for women - women's suits often don't come in as many color options as men, so black is pretty common. I think most other women I saw on the interview trail wore black. You can liven it up with some color in your blouse, etc
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
yay! sometimes you just need to find the right store.

Most advice I've seen says black is fine for women - women's suits often don't come in as many color options as men, so black is pretty common. I think most other women I saw on the interview trail wore black. You can liven it up with some color in your blouse, etc
Click to expand...
I have a really pretty navy on should I do black so I dont stand out?
 
1565631567244.png


I have short legs and like to wear banana republic's sloan pants - in the big thread she stated no ankle pants... what's everyone's thought on this? I also have blonde ombre hair and am Asian (thread says no unnatural colors for your ethnicity) - do I really need to dye this for the interview? I'm probably not going to but was just curious about everyone's thoughts.
 
es275 said:
View attachment 275814

I have short legs and like to wear banana republic's sloan pants - in the big thread she stated no ankle pants... what's everyone's thought on this? I also have blonde ombre hair and am Asian (thread says no unnatural colors for your ethnicity) - do I really need to dye this for the interview? I'm probably not going to but was just curious about everyone's thoughts.
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Those are fashion pants - sorry...
A temporary rinse on your ombre would be safest.

Lampy said:
I love Express myself for suit jackets. Honestly for suit pants I just find ones that match the color of the jacket and are well made, usually from a thrift store to save money (my suit jacket is charcoal grey so it is relatively easy to find a color match)
Click to expand...

They really should match @Lampy. What you've described is not a suit.

Sunbodi said:
Hey!!! I just wanted to say I just went to BANANA REPUBLIC and I'm finding success!! Omg.

Girls, I know on the men's thread they say black suits are a no go. Is black okay for women or should we stick to navy and dark gray?
Click to expand...

Black is fine for women, and so glad you've found something that works for you!
 
Question about jewelry appropriateness. I have a diamond necklace that I wear every day, it was a very generous gift from my parents and its pretty large and expensive looking. I attached a picture of it and was wondering would this be appropriate to wear? I don't wear any other jewelry besides a ring from my grandma and diamond studs.

I also have a pearl necklace I can wear but I'm not sure if that seems flashy as well and I should just opt to not wear a necklace at all. I would really appreciate feedback on this since I know that there is a time and a place for certain types of jewelry. I just wear it every day so I am de-sensitized to how it might come off to an ADCOM or anyone else interviewing me, and I haven't been able to find much input on jewelry other than nothing dangly or cheap looking. Thanks for your help!
 

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DokterMom said:
Pearls are a classic and are anything but flashy.

I could envision someone's eye being drawn to that lovely diamond and perhaps spending a bit too much time viewing your decolletage and wondering if it's real or not..
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I cannot recommend pendants for this very reason. They inevitably draw the eye downward.
 
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