Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

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kac714 said:
Ok, I know this has been talked about before but: do you think adcoms would look negatively on a designer handbag? also, do you think a black longchamp
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2941048...gchamp+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

is nice enough? my only other black bags a coach or a kate spade (purses are my main indulgence)
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The Longchamp is fine, carry what you want. I've never understood the appeal of them, myself (I don't get the leather + nylon thing) but I realize that they're really popular. I'm partial to Kate Spade but go ahead and use the Longchamp if you want. I've seen a few other girls with those on the interview trail.

I've also seen a couple of girls carrying clutches. Now that's something I don't get. Nothing looks stranger than wearing a suit to an interview and carrying a satin evening clutch as your bag.
 
efitzpat said:
Any thoughts? I feel like the jacket makes me look wide and boxy, even though I had it tailored. But interviews are this week?!?!?!:scared:
Also, the skirt is separate from the suit, but just was wondering what people's thoughts were.
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As has already been pointed out, efitzpat, something is not working here. I would recommend, if/when you get a new jacket, that you get one that is not only bigger in the bust, but that also has a higher stance. The fact that the top button is right below your bust emphasizes it. If the top button were a little higher (over the bust, rather than under), it would help streamline the silhouette. (I also agree that the blouse needs a little more buttoning, if you stick with a button-down.) Good luck with your interviews this week! :luck:

As for bags, why would anyone care? I don't think anyone's going to judge you for your personal tastes... as long as you look clean and professional. 😉
 
Druzie said:
As has already been pointed out, efitzpat, something is not working here. I would recommend, if/when you get a new jacket, that you get one that is not only bigger in the bust, but that also has a higher stance. The fact that the top button is right below your bust emphasizes it. If the top button were a little higher (over the bust, rather than under), it would help streamline the silhouette. (I also agree that the blouse needs a little more buttoning, if you stick with a button-down.) Good luck with your interviews this week! :luck:
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone. The jacket really isn't too small at bust and the button isn't that high. Its a result form me pressing the button on my camera, running across the room, and trying to turn around before the picture is taken. I guess I should've looked at them more closely before I subjected myself to fashion crucification here on SDN. I'm getting the waist taken in which will help. I did the right thing and fit the biggest part of me (the bust which DOES fit but looks off in the pictures) so the rest looks big.

End of topic (I hope)
 
K, guys, I'm going to wear this black suit/skirt combo:

br-otf-out11807odv01.jpg


With these shoes:

br587132-00qlv01.jpg


And this shirt inside:

br608819-03p01v01.jpg


My question... do I go with sheer nude tights? Or sheer black tights? I've been hearing that sheer black tights would go better with the outfit, but I thought nude was more professional?

Thoughts?
 
Hey girls, I have a quick question....do any of you know if bebe's pencil skirts are a bit too fitting? I'm fairly small ... like zero small, so if it's not fitting it looks like I'm seven years old and I've just been through my mother's closet.

I have a few bebe suits and I absolutely love them, but I'm a little worry they might be ...too sexy? lol. I don't think that I'm showing anything I'm not suppose to though.... Just a little more hip bc of the "pencil" length/form....

any comments would be great!! thanks! 🙂
 
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I like the outfit, and honestly I think either nude or sheer black is fine. However, since it's a peep-toe shoe, I might be inclined to go with sheer black.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like wearing nude hose with a peep-toe gives the self-conscious impression of "I chose to wear nude so it would look like I'm not wearing tights, but now you can see my toes in the tights and I'm hoping you will pretend not to notice that." Heh.

If you wear the black (or a pattern! that would be fun and spice up a simple black and white ensemble), it looks more confident to me, like, "Yeah, I'm wearing tights with peep-toes. Cute, right?"

But maybe this is just me being obsessively over-analytical.

unsung said:
K, guys, I'm going to wear this black suit/skirt combo:

With these shoes:

And this shirt inside:

My question... do I go with sheer nude tights? Or sheer black tights? I've been hearing that sheer black tights would go better with the outfit, but I thought nude was more professional?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

P.S. I think black tights are more professional because nude tights give the impression of bare leg. This is mostly based on seeing other interviewees in nude tights.
 
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Coffee said:
Hey girls, I have a quick question....do any of you know if bebe's pencil skirts are a bit too fitting? I'm fairly small ... like zero small, so if it's not fitting it looks like I'm seven years old and I've just been through my mother's closet.

I have a few bebe suits and I absolutely love them, but I'm a little worry they might be ...too sexy? lol. I don't think that I'm showing anything I'm not suppose to though.... Just a little more hip bc of the "pencil" length/form....

any comments would be great!! thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

Generally I think Bebe's stuff is too sexy to be professional, but if you're petite enough you might be able to pull it off. Really, I'd have to see a picture to judge.

P.S. I don't think "hip" is a problem as much as "@$$" is. Look at yourself from the side in the mirror. How curvaceous does your junk look?
 
unsung said:
K, guys, I'm going to wear this black suit/skirt combo:

With these shoes:

And this shirt inside:

My question... do I go with sheer nude tights? Or sheer black tights? I've been hearing that sheer black tights would go better with the outfit, but I thought nude was more professional?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I don't think peep toe shoes are particularly appropriate for interviews, especially during the winter: they look completely out of season, to start with. Closed toed shoes are a much better choice.

Also, I would stick with the nude hose (not tights!) for interviews. With black tights, you will have a black jacket, black skirt, black tights, and then black shoes-that's entirely too much black. I can imagine it swallowing you in a sea of black.

And while the white shirt is fine, here's my plea for originality: color is ok! Honest! Where on earth did people get the idea that wearing a blue or pink or green shirt is totally verboten?
 
Sorry! I meant hose, not tights. I tend to use the words interchangeably, though they are different things. If you go with black hose, get something sheer, so it's not so overwhelming.

I agree with beachblonde (as I usually do), that I personally would add in some colour, but if you're not in the mood to purchase something new... Well that's when I would suggest spicing up the outfit with patterned hose.

Edit: To add to beachblonde's comment, you should also consider your complexion/skin tone before you wear so much black.
 
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Druzie said:
Generally I think Bebe's stuff is too sexy to be professional, but if you're petite enough you might be able to pull it off. Really, I'd have to see a picture to judge.

P.S. I don't think "hip" is a problem as much as "@$$" is. Look at yourself from the side in the mirror. How curvaceous does your junk look?
Click to expand...



http://www.bebe.com/gp/product/imag...378571&bbBrand=core&img=1&childASIN=undefined



Clearly that is the model, but the skirt fits me similarly (not this skirt either, couldn't find a picture of my skirt). Too much?? I was always under the impression that pencil skirts are very professional but then I read somewhere that you shouldn't have your skirt clinging to your skin. And then I got paranoid. As far as my bottom is concern I believe the jacket covers it. or at least half of it.
 
Druzie said:
I agree with beachblonde (as I usually do), that I personally would add in some colour, but if you're not in the mood to purchase something new... Well that's when I would suggest spicing up the outfit with patterned hose.
Click to expand...

Please don't wear patterned hose! It's not appropriate for an interview and I think you will feel ridiculous. I would second beachblonde's rec that you consider wearing close-toed shoes with a lower heel.

Overall, though, the outfit is fine and I don't think the interviewers are going to scrutinize it as closely as we are. 🙂
 
Coffee said:
http://www.bebe.com/gp/product/imag...378571&bbBrand=core&img=1&childASIN=undefined



Clearly that is the model, but the skirt fits me similarly (not this skirt either, couldn't find a picture of my skirt). Too much?? I was always under the impression that pencil skirts are very professional but then I read somewhere that you shouldn't have your skirt clinging to your skin. And then I got paranoid. As far as my bottom is concern I believe the jacket covers it. or at least half of it.
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i'd get a different suit, that looks too.. sexy lol. nordstrom and jcrew have great petite suits.
 
Druzie said:
I like the outfit, and honestly I think either nude or sheer black is fine. However, since it's a peep-toe shoe, I might be inclined to go with sheer black.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like wearing nude hose with a peep-toe gives the self-conscious impression of "I chose to wear nude so it would look like I'm not wearing tights, but now you can see my toes in the tights and I'm hoping you will pretend not to notice that." Heh.

If you wear the black (or a pattern! that would be fun and spice up a simple black and white ensemble), it looks more confident to me, like, "Yeah, I'm wearing tights with peep-toes. Cute, right?"

But maybe this is just me being obsessively over-analytical.



P.S. I think black tights are more professional because nude tights give the impression of bare leg. This is mostly based on seeing other interviewees in nude tights.
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Thanks! My preference is for nude hose too, but maybe with the peep toe, I'll go with a sheer black. Sheer black actually looks pretty good on me. Yeah... I know the peep toe is not in season or whatever but I just HAD to get those shoes... they look to die for and makes my 5'4" self look *tall* :laugh:.

Btw, it sounds like some of you are the same size as me (~ 0 petite or 00 petite). I would LOVE to know where the rest of you get your suits/clothing! I had such a hard time even finding a suit, until someone recommended Banana Republic petites. I bought the black suit in 0p and the black skirt in 00p. So Bebe would have some stuff in that size too?
 
unsung, i really like the outfit! and i think nude tights, but i think closed toe shoes are better...
 
beachblonde said:
I don't think peep toe shoes are particularly appropriate for interviews, especially during the winter: they look completely out of season, to start with. Closed toed shoes are a much better choice.
Click to expand...

agreed
 
I know this is a silly superficial question... but it's probably right at home here on this thread! 🙂

I normally wear corrective contact lenses, but have pretty cute lavender JLo glasses I wear occasionally... I'm comfortable in both, but prefer to wear contacts for most of the time. Has anyone ever considered wearing glasses to an interview to give a more intelligent impression? I have very long blond hair and I have wondered if wearing glasses would help me look smarter?
 
dancindoc85 said:
I know this is a silly superficial question... but it's probably right at home here on this thread! 🙂

I normally wear corrective contact lenses, but have pretty cute lavender JLo glasses I wear occasionally... I'm comfortable in both, but prefer to wear contacts for most of the time. Has anyone ever considered wearing glasses to an interview to give a more intelligent impression? I have very long blond hair and I have wondered if wearing glasses would help me look smarter?
Click to expand...

Hey Dancin, I debated a similar question myself as well, and eventually went with the glasses because it made me look older (not necessarily smarter :laugh:). I've also discovered that for some reason my face looks my proportioned with glasses than with contacts.

Both have their advantages/disadvantages I guess. I see better with contacts, but other people see me better with glasses (I think!). If glasses look good on you, go with the glasses!
 
dancindoc85 said:
I know this is a silly superficial question... but it's probably right at home here on this thread! 🙂

I normally wear corrective contact lenses, but have pretty cute lavender JLo glasses I wear occasionally... I'm comfortable in both, but prefer to wear contacts for most of the time. Has anyone ever considered wearing glasses to an interview to give a more intelligent impression? I have very long blond hair and I have wondered if wearing glasses would help me look smarter?
Click to expand...

In a stressful interview situation, I would prefer to be as comfortable as possible, so personally I would say contacts since, that's what you usually do. I think your application/work will speak for itself, and your speech and manners should convey your intelligence. Besides, how un-intelligent can anyone look in a suit? 😛
 
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This is not so much a question about interview attire as it is professional attire in general. Reading the prior posts about the pencil skirts, I'm wondering what the fine line is between looking too sexy in professional attire and not looking like a man. Take Dr. Cuddy in "House", for example. A lot of what she wears is obviously too sexy for work, but some of her suits are really cute and yet work-appropriate, IMO.

If you do an SDN search for "pencil skirt", you'll find one for sale in the bookstore. But the Bebe pencil skirt was too sexy. Is it because of the length, or b/c of the fit? Or both?

I love being a girlie-girl and really don't feel comfortable dressing like I'm trying to be one of the boys for the sake of being professional. Or like I'm one of those nuns who no longer wear habits but still wear extremely modest suits. I like to wear cute clothes and shoes. Anyone else have any comments or thoughts on how to display your femininity and fashion sense w/o putting the goodies on display?

BTW, when I interviewed in October, I thought I was looking good in my brownish olive pantsuit, white wraparound blouse, and black cami. When I was rearranging my closet last week, however, I realized I forgot to remove that tack thread that keeps the rear flap closed in the store. AND it was really obvious.
 
What is wrong with putting the goodies on display?
 
just get a feminine looking suit- I bought 2 skirt suits. one is a pencil skirt that is not skin tight, but fits well, and the other skirt flares out a little more. both skirt hit at the knee, and both are feminine looking. also, you can wear girlier shirts, i got some from jcrew that are so cute: i got this
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...hirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~99742/99742.jsp
and this
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...misblouses/PRDOVR~99284/99101587514/99284.jsp
(its way on sale now,i hate when that happens)
hope that helps.
 
is it bad to wear a pantsuit? i feel more comfortable in pants and I feel like if I wear a skirt I will be adjusting it and fidgeting more, which is never flattering. My pantsuit still looks feminine in the cut and color, but it seems like everyone in this thread is going with the pencil skirt.
 
dohgrl76 said:
is it bad to wear a pantsuit? i feel more comfortable in pants and I feel like if I wear a skirt I will be adjusting it and fidgeting more, which is never flattering. My pantsuit still looks feminine in the cut and color, but it seems like everyone in this thread is going with the pencil skirt.
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its a personal preference for me. i like skirts better.
 
kac714 said:
its a personal preference for me. i like skirts better.
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Mine too...at most of my interviews most girls wore pants however. They of course looked smart and professional, I just prefer the femininity of the pencil.
 
jinx520 said:
Anyone else have any comments or thoughts on how to display your femininity and fashion sense w/o putting the goodies on display?
Click to expand...

Accessories! Blouses with feminine details (ruffles, embroidery, embellishment), cute shoes, (minimal) jewelry with personality, a fun bag... Generally, I'm not good at accessorizing, but I understand that it's a great way to make any outfit more fun and up to date.

P.S. I think a well-fitted pantsuit can be very feminine and sexy.
 
I like skirts, too, but for the curvy gals out there: just how tight is too tight? I've been accused of wearing tight skirts when the skirt was so loose I could rotate it a full 360 without sucking in my gut; it's just that my booty made the skirt look tight, I guess. And this was an A-line skirt.
 
jinx520 said:
BTW, when I interviewed in October, I thought I was looking good in my brownish olive pantsuit, white wraparound blouse, and black cami. When I was rearranging my closet last week, however, I realized I forgot to remove that tack thread that keeps the rear flap closed in the store. AND it was really obvious.
Click to expand...

Oh dear. Not gonne lie, if you were at one of my interviews I was probably laughing at you (on the inside, at least). :laugh: The best is a black suit tacked with white thread. It ain't visible at all!

But at least you caught the problem now, before you wear the suit again.

jinx520 said:
I like skirts, too, but for the curvy gals out there: just how tight is too tight? I've been accused of wearing tight skirts when the skirt was so loose I could rotate it a full 360 without sucking in my gut; it's just that my booty made the skirt look tight, I guess. And this was an A-line skirt.
Click to expand...

In general, skirts should not appear to be skintight, nor should the fabric have wrinkles in it (due to being pulled).

I think that it might just taking some shopping around to find what fits right. Most of the suits I've seen have less of a true pencil skirt and more of a straight (not A line) cut where the skirt maintains the same width for the whole length (and doesn't narrow towards the knees). That way, they don't hug you so much.

For suits, it's best to find something that truly fits well, but if you're struggling, err on the side of a wee bit too large than too small. There's no better way to make something look cheap than to wear it too tight.
 
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beachblonde said:
Oh dear. Not gonne lie, if you were at one of my interviews I was probably laughing at you (on the inside, at least). :laugh: The best is a black suit tacked with white thread. It ain't visible at all!
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That's okay, I was laughing at myself when found the tack thread. I was yelling and laughing hysterically at the same time "NOOOOOO! My kingdom for a thead!" and my daughter thought I finally cracked. At least my thread was the same color as the suit.

My biggest problem is that I can't find clothes that fit me. I'm petite, small-framed, and curvy. So if I buy something that fits my frame it will pull open at the bust or be tight around the booty. If I go one size up I look like I raided mommy's closet. And I can't find a decent tailor around here. I just have to be really careful about the cut of the clothes, I guess.
 
I thought I would let other folks know what jcrew is having a massive sale (in store) on suits. I bought a 3 piece suit for 40 percent off, plus an extra 15 percent for being a student, and finally an extra 10 percent for getting a jcrew card. Also, they are hemming the pants AND shortening the jacket sleeves for free. Wooh!
 
So I went suit shopping the other weekend and found a dark navy (which looks black to me) striped pants suit. The shirt underneath is a white button down with ruffles.

I wanted to have some color in the outfit so I went with the following shoes (in red), but now I am wondering whether they are too bold:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/dress-fashion/71766468-woodroof

I felt great when I tried them on with the suit!

The bag I have for now is a darker red than the shoes...

too much?

I wanted to add some color to the dark suit 🙂
 
psychanxiety said:
I thought I would let other folks know what jcrew is having a massive sale (in store) on suits. I bought a 3 piece suit for 40 percent off, plus an extra 15 percent for being a student, and finally an extra 10 percent for getting a jcrew card. Also, they are hemming the pants AND shortening the jacket sleeves for free. Wooh!
Click to expand...
their super 120s suits are on sale online also, they're my fav 🙂
 
RuSkaya said:
So I went suit shopping the other weekend and found a dark navy (which looks black to me) striped pants suit. The shirt underneath is a white button down with ruffles.

I wanted to have some color in the outfit so I went with the following shoes (in red), but now I am wondering whether they are too bold:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/dress-fashion/71766468-woodroof

I felt great when I tried them on with the suit!

The bag I have for now is a darker red than the shoes...

too much?

I wanted to add some color to the dark suit 🙂
Click to expand...
i think they are a bit much for a med school interview... i think the heel is way way too high.
 
kac714 said:
i think they are a bit much for a med school interview... i think the heel is way way too high.
Click to expand...

agreed, especially if you are interviewing somewhere where it's snowing. you don't want to fall flat on your face :meanie: good luck for your interview
 
I agree that the heel is too high. Wicked cute though!
 
okay thanks for the input! I will keep looking
 
RuSkaya said:
So I went suit shopping the other weekend and found a dark navy (which looks black to me) striped pants suit. The shirt underneath is a white button down with ruffles.

I wanted to have some color in the outfit so I went with the following shoes (in red), but now I am wondering whether they are too bold:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/dress-fashion/71766468-woodroof

I felt great when I tried them on with the suit!

The bag I have for now is a darker red than the shoes...

too much?

I wanted to add some color to the dark suit 🙂
Click to expand...

So you'll be wearing red...white...and blue?

When using that color combination, here's a good way to determine whether it's appropriate or not:
1) Is it the 4th of July? Y/N
2) Are you campaigning for office? Y/N

If you answered "no" to both questions....I suggest finding another outfit. 😛

I love a good red shoe, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it's quite appropriate for an interview. Remember the fuss Sarah Palin created when she wore those red pumps at the convention? Plus, regardless of the shoe color, those heels are way too high. With red shoes + stiletto heels you run the risk of looking a bit like a hooker.
 
linguini said:
I agree that the heel is too high. Wicked cute though!
Click to expand...

I also agree about the height, but I think a red bag & shoes is fine with a dark blue/black suit and white shirt. Safe, classic color combo but you add a color accent where it is safest to--on the feet and the handbag. Too bad they don't have those shoes in a kitten heel--I'd buy them in every color!
 
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Well the tag on the suit says dark navy, but to the eye it looks black. I couldn't tell that it was navy

I will look at other heel lengths but whatever heel I end up wearing you wouldn't be able to see most of it because the pants will be covering them for the most part.
 
jinx520 said:
I also agree about the height, but I think a red bag & shoes is fine with a dark blue/black suit and white shirt. Safe, classic color combo but you add a color accent where it is safest to--on the feet and the handbag. Too bad they don't have those shoes in a kitten heel--I'd buy them in every color!
Click to expand...

hah yes it is a pretty shoe! 😳
 
ruskaya, if the pant is covering most of the heel height and you can only see say about 1 inch i think the shoe would be fine.
 
ar2388 said:
ruskaya, if the pant is covering most of the heel height and you can only see say about 1 inch i think the shoe would be fine.
Click to expand...

Yes that is how it is going to be. I have to get the pants shortened they are a little too long right now.. but in the end less than an inch will be seen
 
the second heel is much better. very cute shoe!
 
I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but there are way too many pages in this thread.

I'm going to a PA interview soon, and I'm expecting the temperature to be around 50 high, 40 low. I was planning on wearing my peacoat to the interview, and I think that that's not a problem and it's still professional; but my mom is suggesting I should bring my snowboarding jacket as well. If the weather is cold enough, would it be weird if I wear it? I'm not even sure if the interview day has any outside components to it (and I'd cut off all the lift tickets anyway 🙂).
 
Sangria said:
I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but there are way too many pages in this thread.

I'm going to a PA interview soon, and I'm expecting the temperature to be around 50 high, 40 low. I was planning on wearing my peacoat to the interview, and I think that that's not a problem and it's still professional; but my mom is suggesting I should bring my snowboarding jacket as well. If the weather is cold enough, would it be weird if I wear it? I'm not even sure if the interview day has any outside components to it (and I'd cut off all the lift tickets anyway 🙂).
Click to expand...

I don't know where you're from, but if you snowboard, you're probably used to cold weather. 50/40 does not seem to warrant a snowboarding jacket, if you ask me. A peacoat over your suit will be fine. I wore a trench over my suit when it was in the 50's and felt fine.

P.S. The low will happen in the middle of the night, when you probably will be done with your interview.
 
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