Women's Interview Attire #4

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members don't see this ad.
britiini said:
Everyone on here has been saying not to wear "skinny" pants to interviews since they are "fashion pants", but I am having issues finding non-slim pants that don't make me look like a child. I am 5'5 and 97 lbs. My legs are long and skinny, and I typically wear a size 000 in J Crew. Given how small I am, do you think it would be acceptable to buy a pair of slim pants? I have wool slim suit pants now that I love, and they look almost straight leg on me because I had to buy a size 0 and only hemmed the waist. They meet my ankles BTW if that makes a difference.

I am literally swallowed by straight leg pants considering they are usually wider than my waist, and feel like I look like a teenager wearing clothes that are too big for me. (I am 22 btw).
Click to expand...

The slacks shown in post #1317 are as narrow (and short) as you want to go. As shown, they're good. Shorter or narrower and they wouldn't be.
 
pharmacystudent2019 said:
View attachment 276631View attachment 276632


Is this appropriate? I have this set but am worried about the top not having a traditional lapel.

The other alternative option would be this jacket below (but is not as comfortable...) TIA !!View attachment 276633
Click to expand...


Theory makes some absolutely gorgeous professional clothing. Assuming it fits, the visible quality gives you extra leeway for a slightly-less-conservative style. That said, the sheath dress and matching jacket (#1 is lovely) is my absolute favorite option for al body types. The 'all one color' flow is very flattering for less-than-ideal body types, and also a great option for distractingly-perfect bodies as well, which can be a professional hazard for younger women.

A brief detour on 'non-standard' jackets. (#1 above is non-standard, #2 is standard) Worn with a same-fabric sheath dress, a conservative non-standard jacket is definitely acceptable. On a skirt- or pants-suit with a different-color blouse, it gets a little 'iffy'. For a high-quality brand like Theory (assuming the fabric is as good as most Theory suits) and with an appropriate blouse or shell, you can get away with it because the overall look is so professional. On a lower-quality suit (think Limited or Macy's -- most students can't afford Theory), you can't. With a lesser suit, the look is 'Administrative Assistant', not professional.
 
HopefulMDNP said:
Not sure if its been talked about but what about nails/nail polish.
I assume neutral colors?
I may just go bare nails since I hardly get my nails done.
Click to expand...

Someone asked in previous years, but it bears mentioning again here:

When it comes to nail polish, taupe, navy, black and grey are NOT 'neutral'!

Neutral nail polish is clear, French manicure, or some shade of light pink. Period. The End. And your nails should be short enough that no one will wonder if you're afraid to get your hands dirty.
 
One of my interviews has a reception the night before with students. Any advice for what to wear to that?
 
lolhelp said:
View attachment 277120 alright what do ya’ll think? Would get the pants hemmed. Went for a longer jacket cause it fit my body better
Click to expand...
Looking good! Looks like Banana Republic. Idk if it was just the store I went to but the employees are so nice and it's cool that they have three different suit styles to choose from.
 
Sunbodi said:
Looking good! Looks like Banana Republic. Idk if it was just the store I went to but the employees are so nice and it's cool that they have three different suit styles to choose from.
Click to expand...

Thank you! It is Banana Republic. The sale was too good to turn down! And I agree, the employees were super helpfu
 
4EFC940A-2429-4AF1-92F2-DD51D5F6362B.png

So I’m thinking about purchasing this jacket with the matching skirt. I tried it on in the store and felt that it fit really well. The only thing I question is the fact that it doesn’t have a button. There is a clasp to close the jacket in the front. Is not having a button okay?
 
Paris1000 said:
View attachment 277525
So I’m thinking about purchasing this jacket with the matching skirt. I tried it on in the store and felt that it fit really well. The only thing I question is the fact that it doesn’t have a button. There is a clasp to close the jacket in the front. Is not having a button okay?
Click to expand...

On this suit, I think it works. Note the very simple shell. That's absolutely the right blouse for this suit and key to making it work.
 
crunchywhit said:
This is what I thought too!! I’ve had Clark’s before in a slide style and they were so comfortable. They’re supposed to be here on Monday so I’ll let you know the report 🙂
Click to expand...
Please do! I'm looking for some comfortable shoes!
 
premed20172017 said:
Ha! I’ve got pretty big feet. My flats can fit in any decent purse. An small clutch- not so much.
Click to expand...
Fellow big-footed person here. I get it 🙂

Is a purse like this ok. I think not, it's just the one not crappy bag that I own. Never been a fancy purse lady:
Amazon product ASIN B07KRQ861P
Thank you everyone for this thread because without it I would have been lost, desolate, crying in the changing room at a Macy's somewhere.
 
crunchywhit said:
Fellow big-footed person here. I get it 🙂

Is a purse like this ok. I think not, it's just the one not crappy bag that I own. Never been a fancy purse lady:
Amazon product ASIN B07KRQ861P
Thank you everyone for this thread because without it I would have been lost, desolate, crying in the changing room at a Macy's somewhere.
Click to expand...
That purse should definitely work! If you're worried, you can get some of the ballet flats that roll up. I'd probably go with Rothy's, though. They're made from recycled water bottles, Meghan Markle wore them on one of her royal tours (and I'm sure she had to walk a lot), and my sister wore them on her trip to Europe and didn't get any blisters!
 
premed20172017 said:
That purse should definitely work! If you're worried, you can get some of the ballet flats that roll up. I'd probably go with Rothy's, though. They're made from recycled water bottles, Meghan Markle wore them on one of her royal tours (and I'm sure she had to walk a lot), and my sister wore them on her trip to Europe and didn't get any blisters!
Click to expand...

Excellent suggestion. I wonder if there is a discount code floating around? $$$
 
Sunbodi said:
Could you tell me too? Also are ballet flats allowed?
Click to expand...
Sure! PM'd you! I think the general consensus I've gotten from this thread is that flats are okay if you are wearing pants or for changing into during walking portions of an interview (ex: tours).
 
Shoot, so many pretty colors and I'm assuming we need to go with black for this.
notthrowingawaymshot ... what do you think about sizing for the "the point" ones... I wear a 40 in danskos, a 9.5 in most higher-end running shoes (like mizunos), but generally purchase a 9 in heels because I have super narrow feet especially at the heel.
 
crunchywhit said:
Shoot, so many pretty colors and I'm assuming we need to go with black for this.
notthrowingawaymshot ... what do you think about sizing for the "the point" ones... I wear a 40 in danskos, a 9.5 in most higher-end running shoes (like mizunos), but generally purchase a 9 in heels because I have super narrow feet especially at the heel.
Click to expand...
I think they run pretty true to size! I would definitely go with black for interviews I think. I personally don’t own the points, I have the round ones. I have wider feet actually so the points didn’t look like right on my feet but if you have narrow feet I think they would be perfect! I’m usually an 8 and purchased the 8 and they fit perfectly even with my wide feet! The fabric is actually very stretchy for any others with wide feet wondering. OH and the best part about these shoes is that they are machine washable so after walking in them all day you can toss them in the wash so they don’t get smelly for your next interview lol
 
notthrowingawaymyshot said:
I think they run pretty true to size! I would definitely go with black for interviews I think. I personally don’t own the points, I have the round ones. I have wider feet actually so the points didn’t look like right on my feet but if you have narrow feet I think they would be perfect! I’m usually an 8 and purchased the 8 and they fit perfectly even with my wide feet! The fabric is actually very stretchy for any others with wide feet wondering. OH and the best part about these shoes is that they are machine washable so after walking in them all day you can toss them in the wash so they don’t get smelly for your next interview lol
Click to expand...

Haha to smelly feet... washable shoes. Who knew!! Doing the points in black. I think I've actually have the whole outfit put together now. I can't believe it.
 
Sunbodi said:
Could you tell me too? Also are ballet flats allowed?
Click to expand...

Ballet flats are OK for the walking portion of the tour. NOT for the interview portion.

Dressy flats that are interview suitable are probably the most difficult type of shoe to find. Google Ferragamo Vara (below) -- That's the look to go for. Note that you're also supposed to avoid suede and patent, so the task gets exponentially difficult.

best-low-heel-pumps-for-work-classic-style.jpg
 
Are these shoes appropriate for women? Could I wear them with a skirt suit or only a pants suit? They are leather loafers with a 1inch heel from Clarks.

1566961571303.png
1566961610248.png
1566961728201.png


I really have trouble wearing flats and heels and I am hoping for an alternative.
 
DokterMom said:
Ballet flats are OK for the walking portion of the tour. NOT for the interview portion.

Dressy flats that are interview suitable are probably the most difficult type of shoe to find. Google Ferragamo Vara (below) -- That's the look to go for. Note that you're also supposed to avoid suede and patent, so the task gets exponentially difficult.
Click to expand...

Revisiting this thread as I gear up for residency interviews. Throwing in a plug for my favorite dressy flat...Via Spiga Guervie. 1.5 inch "heel", buttery soft matte leather, looks good with pants and dresses alike. I will be wearing a heel to my interviews but I have been living in these during my dressier rotations and I think they may fit the bill for applicants who can't do heels for one reason or another. No obvious branding, neither patent nor suede (though these options do exist at certain times of year), slight heel, super comfortable. Vamp is low cut enough that they look stylish and not orthotic.

via-spiga-BLACK-Guervie-Leather-Block-Heel-Pump.jpeg
 
Thoughts&Things said:
Are these shoes appropriate for women? Could I wear them with a skirt suit or only a pants suit? They are leather loafers with a 1inch heel from Clarks.

View attachment 277994View attachment 277995View attachment 277996

I really have trouble wearing flats and heels and I am hoping for an alternative.
Click to expand...

Those are a little less dressy than I'd like, but I'd be OK with them with a pants suit. In my personal opinion, I think they'd look pretty dowdy with a skirt.
 
notthrowingawaymyshot said:
Does anyone have recommendations of brands/styles of suit pants that are good for those with curvier bottoms? Every style (tried at least 8 pants from 4 different brands and have also sized up by at least 2 sizes as well) I have tried on so far has been very slim (even if the style is not labeled as slim) and look like almost leggings on me so they look very unprofessional...I would definitely be more comfortable in pants as opposed to a skirt or dress but worse comes to worse if I can't find not-tight fitting pants I will have to go that route.
Click to expand...

Ann taylor has "curvy" versions and I thought they worked great for my body type 🙂
 
sharpiesmearguard said:
Sorry if already answered but how serious is the no-designers thing?? Can you wear black ferragamo loafers or are they too expensive looking if the logo is recognized? They're just really comfortable and formal. Same goes for winter coat, if it's obviously designer with a small but recognizable logo is that off-putting?

People often think I'm dumb/airheaded when they 1st look at me (like I've actually been told this and it's really annoying) as I'm very conventionally girly-looking topped off with a nose job that doesn't help this case. Would offsetting this with no jewelry/earrings, pants and not skirt, etc help? Or is that too neurotic?
Click to expand...
look a few posts up and see that @DokterMom has given Ferragamo flats her "heel" of approval
 
For suit dress, do the dress and suit absolutely need to be the same color? For example, is navy dress + black suit jacket ok?
 
sharpiesmearguard said:
Thanks ! - I just meant a little more "obvious" ones

View attachment 278272
Click to expand...

The Ferragamo Varas I posted above are much more formal. These are loafers, so while very nice, I wouldn't give them my seal of approval for interview wear. By 'obvious designer logos' I'm really talking about things like the Louis Vuitton or Coach bags that are all logo/logo/logo print all over. While the Ferragamo Vara shoes are clearly expensive, they're also understated classics, so get a pass in the same way a genuine Burberry trench or real pearls gets a pass. Plus, you can buy them second-hand even.

sharpiesmearguard said:
Sorry if already answered but how serious is the no-designers thing?? Can you wear black ferragamo loafers or are they too expensive looking if the logo is recognized? They're just really comfortable and formal. Same goes for winter coat, if it's obviously designer with a small but recognizable logo is that off-putting?

People often think I'm dumb/airheaded when they 1st look at me (like I've actually been told this and it's really annoying) as I'm very conventionally girly-looking topped off with a nose job that doesn't help this case. Would offsetting this with no jewelry/earrings, pants and not skirt, etc help? Or is that too neurotic?
Click to expand...

Now the "airhead" comments -- Nasty, but I'm going to work on the assumption that they're not coming from nowhere since you said "people" and "often" -- so that suggests there's probably something in your dress or mannerism that's triggering. Do you have an "Elle Woods" thing going on? I love the movie, but you wouldn't want to take "dress for success" tips from anyone in it... If your look is too expensive, lose the Rolex and Chanel. You don't have to downgrade your taste, but just make sure you don't look like you don't need to work.
 
lm1106 said:
For suit dress, do the dress and suit absolutely need to be the same color? For example, is navy dress + black suit jacket ok?
Click to expand...

I was going to add detail, but didn't want to weaken what really is a very simple and clear answer. A dress and jacket is NOT the same thing as a dress suit. In a dress suit, it's the exact same fabric. The combination below is a well-priced dress suit that would probably not be too short on a less-tall woman.

Dress Suit (on sale at Macy's $159)
shopping

I have seen a few dress and jacket combinations that are designed to be worn together where either the dress or jacket has two fabrics and the other piece has only the one. Or, as in the one below, two fabrics in each. This is a trickier look to pull off and not as safe. But a really strong candidate could rock this look. (A below-average candidate should not.)

shopping
 
DokterMom said:
I was going to add detail, but didn't want to weaken what really is a very simple and clear answer. A dress and jacket is NOT the same thing as a dress suit. In a dress suit, it's the exact same fabric. The combination below is a well-priced dress suit that would probably not be too short on a less-tall woman.

Dress Suit (on sale at Macy's $159)
shopping

I have seen a few dress and jacket combinations that are designed to be worn together where either the dress or jacket has two fabrics and the other piece has only the one. Or, as in the one below, two fabrics in each. This is a trickier look to pull off and not as safe. But a really strong candidate could rock this look. (A below-average candidate should not.)

shopping
Click to expand...

Thank you for the info!! Is a sheath dress + blazer (same color, material, and brand) the same thing as a suit dress? I found one that would look very similar to that navy suit dress that you posted
 
moneytree58 said:
Ann taylor has "curvy" versions and I thought they worked great for my body type 🙂
Click to expand...
Those are actually the ones someone else recommended as well and I ended up ordering them! They’re actually supposed to arrive today so crossing my fingers they fit hahaha
 
Would this be an appropriate blouse to wear? I am a little worried about the floral pattern.
Thank you!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
SDN Article: How to Write Your Medical School Interview
Replies
0
Views
283
Autumn Lockett
A
A
Medical School Interview Release Patterns
Replies
6
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
J
Interview Prep / Dress Code
Replies
11
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
BabySnoopy
Interview attire for 2024-2025 cycle (virtual)
Replies
2
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
M
Interview Scheduling
Replies
6
Views
694
maybefuturedoctor7
M
Top