Women's interview attire

[omed-hospdent]

What is standard interview attire for women when going in for an interview?

Something NICE, I know, but how nice? What colors (blue, black, grey, I know) are appropriate?

I just honestly don't know. If you've applied before, maybe you could shed some light on this? What have you seen others wear?

I want to be comfortable and have fun, but I want to be appropriately dressed.

Also, what's the "craziest" outfit you saw someone wear to an interview?

Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

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[DetermineDent]

What is standard interview attire for women when going in for an interview?

Something NICE, I know, but how nice? What colors (blue, black, grey, I know) are appropriate?

I just honestly don't know. If you've applied before, maybe you could shed some light on this? What have you seen others wear?

I want to be comfortable and have fun, but I want to be appropriately dressed.

Also, what's the "craziest" outfit you saw someone wear to an interview?

Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

The majority of girls wear black suits. Most wear skirt suits.
I've seen a brown suit with pinstripes (I wouldn't recommend)
I've seen white suits (wouldn't recommend)
Craziest I've seen is white jacket with white top. With a royal blue skirt that was shorter than it should have been.

I wear black skirt suit with white button down blouse. With pantyhose.

 

[oralcare123]

I would recommend a neutral colored pant suit. Not black - too formal and you will be picking lint and threads from it all the time. Something gray, brown, dark blue, no denim, no bright colors. I prefer pants, to be more comfortable and not to think about how high my skirt went when I am sitting down. Under the suit - whatever makes you comfortable - a button down or any kind of top, as long as it is not a see through and does not have a deep cut, something simple, conservative. Skirts are fine, but make sure they are long enough, choose something knee lenth. Shoes need to be comfortable and not too sexy. I would choose a very low heel, between 1 and 2 inches. Hair - keep conservative and other accessories to a minimum.
The idea is to be dressed modestly, but nicely. It is better not to look sexy to be taken seriously, in my opinion
The craziest outfit? I've seen two. Light pink figure hugging pant suit with high heels, long curly messy hair and a green hair clip in them. Another one was a light blue suit pant suit, small in size (butt and breasts were popping) and pants were about a foot too long

 

[Confused1617]

Are these appropriate shoes????
I have something similar and of course no socks with them...

 

[fearthewild]

What is standard interview attire for women when going in for an interview?

Something NICE, I know, but how nice? What colors (blue, black, grey, I know) are appropriate?

I just honestly don't know. If you've applied before, maybe you could shed some light on this? What have you seen others wear?

I want to be comfortable and have fun, but I want to be appropriately dressed.

Also, what's the "craziest" outfit you saw someone wear to an interview?

Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

Hi! I didn't want to wear black on black so I chose to wear a black blazer, white blouse, a dark gray skirt, and super cute black heels that were my style. I recommend wearing neutral, sheer pantyhose if you're wearing a skirt and dark, sheer stockings if you're wearing trousers. Small details make your look smooth and professional. 🙂 try to find something that matches your style, yet still looks professional!

 

[oralcare123]

View attachment 196189
Are these appropriate shoes????
I have something similar and of course no socks with them...

Those look good. Some people prefer to have socks on, some don't, just make sure no long black hair are sticking out🙂 I think thin nude socks would be perfect

 

[Frychicken]

I'm a guy and maybe it's just me, but interview days look so much like a funeral. Everybody and their grandmas wear black and/or dark navy. I'm not advising you wear hot pink, but other colors can work too so long as it's nothing TOO crazy.

 

[uhds]

Not to steal your thread OP but does anyone know what material/fabric to stay away from? Or what material my outfit should be? I don't want to sit down for an interview and my outfit wrinkled up! I would like to know and hopefully this will benefit you as well OP.

 

[omed-hospdent]

Not to steal your thread OP but does anyone know what material/fabric to stay away from? Or what material my outfit should be? I don't want to sit down for an interview and my outfit wrinkled up! I would like to know and hopefully this will benefit you as well OP.

actually, this is a great question. i imagine you'd want to wear layers? depending on where you are interviewing, the weather will be different. so nothing too thick
(wool is what comes to mind lol), nothing too scratchy (don't want to fidget and squirm).

if you're interviewing in the northeast in january, i imagine you'd want something extremely thick, but also wear something presentable underneath your thick coat.
🙂

 

[LizLemongrab]

if you're interviewing in the northeast in january, i imagine you'd want something extremely thick, but also wear something presentable underneath your thick coat.

If you've got the budget or already know winter, I would personally suggest a packable down coat so that you have all the benefits of warmth without mashing your suit. Plus, if you end up in a d-school that has winter, it'll fit readily into your clothing locker.

 

[Confused1617]

Is this appropriate with a black blazer? The shirt is like baby blue though.

 

[uhds]

View attachment 196211
Is this appropriate with a black blazer? The shirt is like baby blue though.

I think it looks nice. Are you planning to wear it out like that or tuck it in?

 

[Confused1617]

I think it looks nice. Are you planning to wear it out like that or tuck it in?

Like that. Should I tuck in?

 

[LizLemongrab]

I'd say tuck it in. The texture will definitely set you apart too as most are going to wear oxford blouses. Don't forget to accessorize that neckline with a simple necklace. I think there was a girl in my group who legit wore a bib necklace that was better suited to brunching than interviewing.

As for the shoes I'd recommend traditional heels (no stilettos) for the interview, a cloth bag to store them within a large purse or laptop bag, and dressy yet comfortable flats to swap out for touring the school.

 

[Confused1617]

I'd say tuck it in. The texture will definitely set you apart too as most are going to wear oxford blouses. Don't forget to accessorize that neckline with a simple necklace. I think there was a girl in my group who legit wore a bib necklace that was better suited to brunching than interviewing.

As for the shoes I'd recommend traditional heels (no stilettos) for the interview, a cloth bag to store them within a large purse or laptop bag, and dressy yet comfortable flats to swap out for touring the school.

I was planning to wear wedged heels all day, even during the interview. Does that look bad?

 

[Confused1617]

I'd say tuck it in. The texture will definitely set you apart too as most are going to wear oxford blouses. Don't forget to accessorize that neckline with a simple necklace. I think there was a girl in my group who legit wore a bib necklace that was better suited to brunching than interviewing.

As for the shoes I'd recommend traditional heels (no stilettos) for the interview, a cloth bag to store them within a large purse or laptop bag, and dressy yet comfortable flats to swap out for touring the school.

I was planning to wear Something like this but higher heel wedge and no bow all day even for interview. Is it appropriate?

 

[oralcare123]

View attachment 196211
Is this appropriate with a black blazer? The shirt is like baby blue though.

No, no, no. Nothing that resembles lingerie, nothing with a low cut. Solid fabrics, not see through. If it is a little thin, wear nude underwear, definitely not a black bra. Remember, you need to look serious and not sexy
Shoes are good even with this kind of bow

 

[Confused1617]

No, no, no. Nothing that resembles lingerie, nothing with a low cut. Solid fabrics, not see through. If it is a little thin, wear nude underwear, definitely not a black bra. Remember, you need to look serious and not sexy
Shoes are good even with this kind of bow

This is the actual shirt, it's not a tank top but I see your point. its also pretty high so no cleavage shows. I'll go find some kind of blouse, although they do not flatter my figure at all

 

[DentalLora]

I don't think it's appropriate enough with the thin straps. It should have caps on the sleeves. Possible something like this below?

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/expert-in-your-zeal-top-in-vanilla

 

[LizLemongrab]

It is under a blazer, if you don't take it off, no one knows the lack of sleeves. Try a banana republic silk blouse with or without an under cami and def nude bra.


As for the shoes, dont wear what you can't walk in. It never looks good to hobble. I'm not really partial to wedges as they seem less formal but I get the stability appeal. You'd be fine in flats tbh.

 

[oralcare123]

View attachment 196230
This is the actual shirt, it's not a tank top but I see your point. its also pretty high so no cleavage shows. I'll go find some kind of blouse, although they do not flatter my figure at all

Fabric is a problem here, it is lace, which is not conservative enough

 

[Confused1617]

For the dress pants, can they be skinny or just flare?

 

[oralcare123]

For the dress pants, can they be skinny or just flare?

Find straight leg ones

 

[sochers]

View attachment 196189
Are these appropriate shoes????
I have something similar and of course no socks with them...

My wedges are my everyday shoes. Nice height boost, and a very smooth ride 😉

 

[LizLemongrab]

I wear wedges on the daily, pumps when I wanna be fancy. If you haven't tried Clarks, I strongly recommend them for the padding. I wear these for interviews and when I present: http://www.clarksusa.com/us/womens/womens-view-all/Tempt-Appeal-Black-Patent-Leather/p/26064037. But I absolutely hate any kind of non-flat if I'm expected to use the stairs.

 

[Loving123]

Sorry for the question but is this blouse look okay?
This is a ribbon blouse and when I fold the ribbon, it looks kind of like a second and third picture below.

 

[oralcare123]

Sorry for the question but is this blouse look okay?
This is a ribbon blouse and when I fold the ribbon, it looks kind of like a second and third picture below.

Looks nice

 

[LizLemongrab]

Sorry for the question but is this blouse look okay?
This is a ribbon blouse and when I fold the ribbon, it looks kind of like a second and third picture below.

Seems fine to me. I wore a ribbon blouse the last research gathering I went to and got mad compliments. You'll likely be unique.

 

[sochers]

Sorry for the question but is this blouse look okay?
This is a ribbon blouse and when I fold the ribbon, it looks kind of like a second and third picture below.

Looks professional, very nice

 

[hungryhippo23]

My interview outfit was definitely a bit more wild than most, I wore a black and white houndstooth work dress (very high neckline) with a black blazer. Definitely would not recommend if you don't like feeling like you missed the memo on the somber pantsuit party, but you could say that I was memorable. Whether or not it's a good idea to stand out in dress is debatable, but I got 5/6 of the interviews I took so it worked out a-okay for me.

I was also almost always the only girl wearing flats. Can barely in heels without hobbling, and it just didn't seem worth the effort to change in/out of them for an interview.

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

Do women wear suit pants or suit skirts more often? Which is the better option?

 

[omed-hospdent]

My interview outfit was definitely a bit more wild than most, I wore a black and white houndstooth work dress (very high neckline) with a black blazer. Definitely would not recommend if you don't like feeling like you missed the memo on the somber pantsuit party, but you could say that I was memorable. Whether or not it's a good idea to stand out in dress is debatable, but I got 5/6 of the interviews I took so it worked out a-okay for me.

I was also almost always the only girl wearing flats. Can barely in heels without hobbling, and it just didn't seem worth the effort to change in/out of them for an interview.

i LOVE print. i was actually planning on wearing a dress (no plunging neckline, 3/4 sleeves).
i'm interviewing in november so i think it'll be a bit colder than now. and LOL at the somber pantsuit party comment!!!

i know it's just clothes and i know that i can just suck it up and wear a pantsuit, but i don't really want to be in something that i feel
not very confident in.

i'm just very curious as to what everyone was wearing/wore/saw other people wear.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Do women wear suit pants or suit skirts more often? Which is the better option?

I'd say it's an equal split. Wear whichever you think you look better in. I picked a skirt because I'm short and dress pants make me look stumpy haha

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

I'd say it's an equal split. Wear whichever you think you look better in. I picked a skirt because I'm short and dress pants make me look stumpy haha

I'm short too! I have both just in case I decide last minute to switch.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

I'm short too! I have both just in case I decide last minute to switch.

Hahaha switch mid-interview? Good luck 🙂 But yay short people! Find some comfy 1-2 inch heels

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

Hahaha switch mid-interview? Good luck 🙂 But yay short people! Find some comfy 1-2 inch heels

Lol no, not during mid-interview, but I mean the day or sometime before if I'm not feeling whatever I had first intended to wear. I'm such an indecisive person haha. And will do! Comfy shoes are so important.

 

[ajj70]

Fabric is a problem here, it is lace, which is not conservative enough

I agree, do not wear lace to these interviews.

For the dress pants, can they be skinny or just flare?

Neither, find straight leg, well fitting pants that do not drag on the ground or are so tight that you can see your butt dimples!!

Sorry for the question but is this blouse look okay?
This is a ribbon blouse and when I fold the ribbon, it looks kind of like a second and third picture below.

This is fine, very conservative and appropriate.

 

[thebusiness]

Advice on shoes- do most people wear heels? I can never find heels I'm comfortable enough in... are those j.crew suede flats ok? Would they look better with pants of a skirt?

 

[oralcare123]

Wear heels only if you are comfortable in them. Most girls wear flat shoes in their real life and then put on high heels and look like wounded animals in them. The safest, in my opinion 1-2 inch heeled shoes, elegant but still comfortable

 

[lacey17]

what do you guys think of this blouse?

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

what do you guys think of this blouse?

Damn that's shiny haha I'm not a fan but if you like it and are wearing a blazer go for it!

I was going to say the same thing lol, it's really shiny! I don't know if it's just the lighting or if it really looks like that in person, but if it does, I think I'd find that pretty distracting. Do you have/can you find a similar shirt that's not shiny?

 

[lacey17]

and these!

 

[hh24]

Quick question! How long should a skirt be? When standing, mine is about an inch or so above my knee, but I am wearing panty hose with it.

 

[lacey17]

" neck of the dinosaur from Jurassic park that squirts out the black stuff" agreed, Im going with the last one !😍

 

[oralcare123]

and these!

Only the last one. Lime green, shiny one, is a no too, because the fabric is not appropriate for the occasion, color and cut are OK
Yellow has this ruffle, which would not look good with a suit and color is a bit irritating - not a lot of people like it, purple has low cut and a bit too bright, pink is too bright. The last one is the best so far

 

[ajj70]

what do you guys think of this blouse?

and these!

NO to the shiny one, the blue one in the second post is ok as long as you never take off your blazer but something with sleeves would be better. The dinosaur one, NO< NO>NO, and the pink striped one looks way too casual I think. The olive green one with the bow is ok. If those are your only choices, get the olive green one.

 

[lacey17]

NO to the shiny one, the blue one in the second post is ok as long as you never take off your blazer but something with sleeves would be better. The dinosaur one, NO< NO>NO, and the pink striped one looks way too casual I think. The olive green one with the bow is ok. If those are your only choices, get the olive green one.

I have the olive green one but I don't mind buying another shirt . any suggestion?

 

[hellofuturedentists]

I have the olive green one but I don't mind buying another shirt . any suggestion?

I don't think the pink striped one is too casual. Maybe a little too bright, but I had a similar shirt in blue and white that I wore. I tried it on for my friends and they said I looked extremely professional and ready for the business world haha

 

[lacey17]

I don't think the pink striped one is too casual. Maybe a little too bright, but I had a similar shirt in blue and white that I wore. I tried it on for my friends and they said I looked extremely professional and ready for the business world haha

I think you cant go wrong with blue and white striped shirt ! I have one but it's kinda large!

 

[predent3591]

hair up? down? ponytail? bun? I normally leave my hair down (its just straight and simple-- not distracting at all.) would it be ok to leave my hair down or should I have it up?