Women's Interview Attire

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qwerty0987

qwerty0987

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I've looked all over the place and can't find a definite answer. I was planning on wearing ankle cut pants and loafers for my interview. Is this unprofessional? Is there such thing as too much ankle? Thoughts?
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qwerty0987 said:
I've looked all over the place and can't find a definite answer. I was planning on wearing ankle cut pants and loafers for my interview. Is this unprofessional? Is there such thing as too much ankle? Thoughts?
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I've been struggling with the same thing. I don't think it's unprofessional because the ankle cut style is pretty popular and doesn't seem to be going away. I also love the loafers because they're comfy (especially for tours).

I have both an ankle cut pant and a skirt. Depending on how I feel I might go either way!

I say go for it. If you feel comfortable then that's all that matters. Confidence also comes from being comfortable with what you're wearing.

Good luck!
 
Honestly, I think if you look clean and presentable then its fine whatever you wear as long as its not over the top and crazy
 
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I have always been a fan of what Nicki Minaj wears.....
 
qwerty0987 said:
I've looked all over the place and can't find a definite answer. I was planning on wearing ankle cut pants and loafers for my interview. Is this unprofessional? Is there such thing as too much ankle? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I wore ankle cut and I've seen other girls wear it at interviews too. It looks completely professional as long as you make sure it's the right material (not cotton). One of my interviewers was even wearing ankle cut. You're totally fine to wear that
 
Sorry, I don't know how to quote from other threads, but this was in the 2016 guide to interviews and I thought it was really good!!

"As a semi-fashion-conscientious-person, here is my advice for women's interview clothing. Remember you are interviewing for professional school, not a regular job. It is always better to go more conservative and less "business casual".

Suits:
  • Wear a suit but it doesn't matter if it is a skirt or pants.
    • If it is a pant suit: make sure that the hem of your pants is appropriate. If you plan on changing shoes, adjust for the difference when going from heels to flats.
    • If it is a skirt suit: practice bending over, sitting down, getting in and out of the car. You need to make sure that the skirt does not go up too high. You want to aim for a skirt that falls right by your knees for a flattering but conservative look.
  • For your suit jacket, try on a million of them to see what kind is most flattering on you. Again, go conservative and don't get anything that is super dramatic. You need to practice moving around in the jacket as well. If you have a large chest, make sure your buttons are not stretching.
  • Go conservative for the color of your suit: black, dark gray, navy, etc. This isn't the time for the bright red jacket. You will feel like you stick out and feel self-conscious. I personally think that you should match your jacket and pants so they are the same color, but I did see some girls wearing outfits like this. The pre-med forum is pretty adamant against different color jacket/pants, so I would lean on the more conservative side and not wear it.

Shoes:
  • Closed toe ONLY.
  • Like I said earlier, if you are wearing heels, make sure you can walk in them for extended periods of time. You need to be able to go up and down stairs, on concrete/soil/carpet/grass/etc., and on tours of the school. I personally wore my interview heels almost full time for 2 weeks.
  • Pack a pair of flats in your bag just in case your heels are a failure. It is much better to excuse yourself to the bathroom when you have a moment and change shoes than to be limping around day. Make sure your flats are also broken in. You don't want blisters.
  • If you need to stuff your shoes with all sorts of padding, you are wearing the wrong size.
  • The color needs to match your suit. I refuse to wear black shoes with navy (despite what others in SDN say), so match accordingly.
Shirt/Blouse:
  • Go look in the career sections at women's stores for some good shirts. They should be conservative but not frumpy. Solids look best and I would suggest staying away from most patterns
  • Remember when you take off your jacket that your sleeves need to be an appropriate length.
  • Find a material that is breathable and will not show sweat. It's possible you could be interviewing down south when it is still 80+ degrees out. You don't wear giant sweat marks on your shirt. Some people also sweat when nervous.
Accessories:
  • If it is going to be cold where you are interviewing, have a coat. I bought a knee length pea coat for interviewing.
  • Simple jewelry. Leave the statement necklace at home
  • Either leave the nail polish off or have a simple manicure. Pick polish that is neutral in shade. One girl I interviewed with had on bright blue nail polish and it looked really silly.
  • Go for a "no makeup" makeup look.
    • NO INSTAGRAM BROWS.
    • Leave the eyeliner wings at home
    • Be sure that your foundation does not oxides poorly and your concealer matches.
    • If you don't know how to contour, don't make your interview the first day you try it.
    • Spray with a setting spray to ensure nothing budges (my favorite is by Urban Decay but Mac has a nice one too)
    • Water proof mascara
    • If you want your lips to have some color, go for a neutral matte color (or chapstick).
  • Your purse needs to match your shoes. Do not bring an oversized tote. Do not have a bag with tons of zippers, frills, or other metal things on it. Mine looked like this
Underwear:
  • Make sure your bra fits properly.
  • You must wear nude/skin-colored panty hose if you are wearing a skirt. No exceptions. Trust me I hate them too.
    • PACK AN EXTRA PAIR IN CASE YOURS RIPS!!!! I accidentally brushed up against a screw that was sticking out at my UNE interview and ripped my panty hose. But I was able to sneak off to the bathroom to change before it was noticeable.
    • Do not wear leggings.
  • WEAR SPANX. Just do it. It'll smooth you out and make your outfit fit better.
Hair:
  • Wearing it up or down doesn't matter. Just make sure that it looks clean and professional.
Piercings:
  • Take everything out except for ear lobes. Premed forums will tell you "no" towards anything more than 1 earring per ear, but I wore two simple studs in each ear and didn't think it was a big deal. My hair also covered it.

I'll add other stuff as I think of them. Again, this is just a guide and do not have to follow anything that I say. Except for panty hose with a skirt. That you have to do."
 
I am wearing a black skirt with nude hose, a nice banana republic blouse, and a VERY light pink blazer. I am short so dress pants look awful on me lol but will the blazer be okay? it's VERY VERY light pink pastel
 
Allaboutteeth5 said:
I am wearing a black skirt with nude hose, a nice banana republic blouse, and a VERY light pink blazer. I am short so dress pants look awful on me lol but will the blazer be okay? it's VERY VERY light pink pastel
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What color is the blouse?
 
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Most interviews I've been to, everyone (male and female) wear black, navy or grey suits and white shirts. Everyone looks like a carbon copy of each other. I've always worn some kind of color (red shirt or burgundy blazer jacket). I think this pop of color makes me stand out from the rest.
 
mafiacat8 said:
Do you guys think a suit top like this acceptable? Minus the pockets.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/nine-west-plus-size-crepe-open-front-framed-jacket?ID=3180107&CategoryID=67592#fn=COLOR=Brown;;Gold&SIZE=&sp=1&spc=32&ruleId=77|BOOST SAVED SET|BOOST ATTRIBUTE&searchPass=matchNone&slotId=27&ranMID=3184&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-Lxijvp7SI1I2DRc0Efwkjw&LinkshareID=TnL5HPStwNw-Lxijvp7SI1I2DRc0Efwkjw&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-5-_-63-_-MP563
Click to expand...
That’s a tough one. My gut says no, but it might be because of the color and not the cut. If you already have it in a dark color and don’t want to buy another jacket, then it might be alright. If you’re looking for one to buy I would suggest picking a different style, but keep it in mind as a fall back plan. Then again I’m not a fashion queen so I could be wrong.
 
MLC45 said:
That’s a tough one. My gut says no, but it might be because of the color and not the cut. If you already have it in a dark color and don’t want to buy another jacket, then it might be alright. If you’re looking for one to buy I would suggest picking a different style, but keep it in mind as a fall back plan. Then again I’m not a fashion queen so I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

I agree. This color is too far off the palette. If you want to add color just do it by having a different color for the blouse.


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I would do it. Its still a fairly neutral color.
 
Ah think I will buy a blue suit then. Thanks guys!
 
Anyone have good suggestions on what to wear for interview in cold regions? I'm from AZ so winter isn't even a concept for me. The only thing I own is a turtle neck so I was going to wear that underneath a suit. Any thoughts on that?
 
yaya97 said:
Anyone have good suggestions on what to wear for interview in cold regions? I'm from AZ so winter isn't even a concept for me. The only thing I own is a turtle neck so I was going to wear that underneath a suit. Any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...
Don’t.
Wear neutral tights with a skirt suit, undershirt and some kind of coat. You will be fine
 
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