Women's Interview Attire

[dentalgirl101]

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I know this question has been beat to death on many of the threads on this website but no one has really addressed two of my questions so if anyone can answer it for me, I'd highly appreciate it!

1. Are ribbon blouses such as the one below appropriate attire for an interview?

2. How mandatory is it to wear a blazer over your blouse? I can't seem to find one that fits me well enough (although I will keep looking) and I'm scared I won't look professional enough without one.


Once again, any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Carbohydrates]

I wouldnt go with the ribbon. It's a little too crowded. But the top is sups cute and adorable.

I went to an interview where one of the girl wore a collar shirt, didnt tuck in, and black jean. She got accepted!

At that same interview, another girl wore collar shirt with cardigan, and pants. She got accepted too.

So I'll say try to look professional as much as you can, and dont overdo it.

Good luck!

 

[como]

I responded to your post on the other thread, but I'll put it here too.

Disclaimer: This only reflects my own opinion.

I spent a lot of money on an actual suit (matching top and bottom), searched high and low for the perfect thing to wear under it, the right shoes and accessories. After going to my first couple of interviews I have realized that most schools don't really care, *as long as you look professional*. I saw a wide variety of attire but the key was that all of the women (and men for that matter) I saw looked classy and professional. If someone shows up to an interview looking like a business professional and the school chooses not to admit them because they weren't wearing a blazer, I would be completely surprised. Not only that, but personally I don't know that I would want to attend a school that puts that much emphasis on superficial things.

For women in general I would say the KEY is to find something to wear that will help you feel confident and comfortable (not too tight or too short, shoes that don't feel like a torture device, etc.). What that looks like for each person is going to be a little different. Basically, you want your attire to reflect your respect for the profession and the hard work you've done to get to this point, while not detracting from the real reason you are at the interview - for them to get to know you as a person.

If you love the ribbon blouse and the way you look in it, go for it. If you aren't sure and you might feel a little self-conscious because of that, keep looking. I really, truly believe that it is much more about wearing something that will allow you to be true to yourself than trying to fit into a mold.

 

[BellaNella]

I agree that I have seen a lot of different attire throughout interviews. My personal style on my free time doesn't always fit the mold and I do appreciate trying out different trends but I do not think that an interview is necessarily the place for that.
Call me conservative, but I would not want to walk into an interview wearing something that could cause anyone to have a preconceived notion of who I will be. I want my actions and words to guide the interview, not my personal style.

 

[Polkadotfan]

I love the ribbon blouse - however, I know if I were to wear it it would constantly become undone and I'd be stressing over fixing it. Plus you get lunch and then I'd worry about dipping it in my coffee or food....
I am pretty crazy fashion wise - but I toned it down to blue and black for my interview. I wanted to focus on my personality and my achievements.
I was always taught if you wear pants you should wear a blazer. Especially since some places are cold!

 

[dentalgirl101]

Thank you all for the advice! I'm still conflicted whether or not to include the ribbon or not but we'll see as the day comes. I also have one other question, since I will be going in on a chilly day, is it appropriate to wear a coat along with a blazer and then take the coat off? I feel like this is such a stupid question but hey, It's my first and only interview that I've gotten so far and I want to make it count!

 

[mayhugs]

IMO I think it looks cute and professional, and I'd say do whatever that'd make you feel confident! Also, there's nothing wrong with the coat as long as you don't mind holding onto it.

Good luck!!

 

[Dewey2012]

I wore a shirt just like that to 2 interviews. Wear the blazer, it takes the outfit from business casual to business professional

 

[htdt]

The ribbon shirt is super cute. But please, you MUST wear a blazer for your interview.

 

[DokterMom]

Egads!

If the outfit in question can be described as "Cute!" then it's wrong. You are going for professional. Simple, classic, demonstrating maturity and good judgement. Professional.

The bow blouse is fine provided the neckline works with your suit jacket.

 

[predent000]

I know this is old, but just my opinion for future viewers. If you are on a tight budget, like me lol, buy a black blazer from Forever21 and formal pants from elsewhere (like Ross, etc). I paired them with a blouse tucked in, then wore the blazer. Looked like a simple, full suit and was professional.

 

[kingtp]

Major props to all you girls who have to deal with determining what's "professional". Us guys have it way easier and I can't imagine going through what you guys go through

 

[smallmediumbig]

I wore a ribbon blouse very similar to that, although mine was sleeveless, so I definitely had to wear a blazer. I got accepted.

 

[SmileItsLife]

Blazer is absolutely necessary... don't worry about the shirt underneath as long as you feel comfortable and confident. The shirt seemed appropriate to me, but I would have a hard time eating in a shirt like that. Also if your finky with your hands, I don't that shirt would be appropriate; otherwise, like I said before the shirt is fine.