Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[obgyny]

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I feel like all the suits I find in stores look the same...and boring. I'm sure this is just a thing I need to get over...right?

Yeah... it seems like you can't get around wearing a boring suit. But you can be a little more "fun" and colorful with the blouse you wear, just don't go too crazy 😉

I went with a gray suit since it seems that everybody tends to wear black. I know gray is still a boring color, but at least it's not black, and I think it looks better on me.

 

[obgyny]

On a related note, I just got a really simple, crew-cut purple blouse (short sleeve) to wear under my gray suit. Would this be appropriate if I have to take off my jacket during the tour?

It's not like a cotton t-shirt, it looks more formal (silk and nylon). It looks almost like a sweater, but the material is much thinner. The purple is a darker lavender. Sorry it's hard to describe and I can't find it online.

Thanks, I just want to double-check. I hate wearing button-down blouses because they bunch up under the jacket and I look silly with a collar.

bump 🙂

 

[LizzyM]

bump 🙂

Americans have become a cuture of casual dressing.... at the same time, we do have the expectation that there are some situations for which one gets "dressed up" and one of these rare occasions is "the interview". So, you are buying a costume, similar to buying a wedding dress (but much less expensive). Sure you can do something unconventional but for the most part you should shop at a store (or that section of a department store) that specialize in business attire. You could also check out thrift shops (particularly in affluent areas or those run by charities that tend to receive donations from affluent donors) but be prepared to spend more time hunting and then needing to find a tailor on your own to help you make adjustments for a perfect fit.

Get a tailor to go over whatever you buy to adjust the buttons, cuffs, hems, etc. If you have gapping, bunching or other problems with fit, you don't have the right size or you don't have the right cut. Stores that specialize in business clothing tend to have tailors on staff who can help with fit issues and sales staff who know the merchandise and who can direct you to those that will be a good match to your body type.

A round neck blouse (sometimes called a jewel neckline) that comes to the collarbone is fine. I do see some women in lower cut tops and in camisoles and that can be ok but I'd be very, very careful about cleavage, particularly if you are viewed from the front while bending over to pick up something you've dropped.

 

[tr0gd0r]

I have a hair question. I often have my hair cut to my hairline. The length looks good on me, and I can pull it back into a little Jedi Padawan-like ponytail if I have to. The problem is, however, that that ponytail is not interview appropriate (It looks something like this, only a little less shaggy), and I have a horrible tendency to unconsciously futz with my hair when it's down. I don't even realize I'm doing it. I'd much rather have it pulled back.

Right now, my hair is longer than usual. Since interview season is approaching, I'm debating keeping it longer, so I can pull it back into a smooth ponytail for interviews. The problem now arises that, even flat-ironed, a low ponytail will probably be too short to be interview appropriate. Is a higher ponytail alright, like even with my eyes? It still won't be very long, about 6", but at the bottom of my head it's only about 4" and it's too short to look very neat. Basically, is a ponytail of about this length and height okay (only, you know, with a band on it, because that picture just looks ridiculous)? My first interview is the end of September so there's really not much more time for it to grow.

I have a short-ish hair problem, too. The back of my hair is cut short and the front is longer, except for little not-quite-bangs in the front. D'oh...so a ponytail would look absurd on me. I'll probably just leave my hair down and use at little clip or barrette to keep the front bits out of my eyes, then flat-iron the rest.

 

[Dianyla]

You could also check out thrift shops (particularly in affluent areas or those run by charities that tend to receive donations from affluent donors) but be prepared to spend more time hunting and then needing to find a tailor on your own to help you make adjustments for a perfect fit.

Exactly. I just scored an Ann Taylor Loft petite suit at my local Goodwill for $24 that fits me almost perfectly. I have no idea who these women are that donate all these near-new condition goodies from AT, Banana Republic, etc. but God bless 'em. 😍

 

[obgyny]

Americans have become a cuture of casual dressing.... at the same time, we do have the expectation that there are some situations for which one gets "dressed up" and one of these rare occasions is "the interview". So, you are buying a costume, similar to buying a wedding dress (but much less expensive). Sure you can do something unconventional but for the most part you should shop at a store (or that section of a department store) that specialize in business attire. You could also check out thrift shops (particularly in affluent areas or those run by charities that tend to receive donations from affluent donors) but be prepared to spend more time hunting and then needing to find a tailor on your own to help you make adjustments for a perfect fit.

Get a tailor to go over whatever you buy to adjust the buttons, cuffs, hems, etc. If you have gapping, bunching or other problems with fit, you don't have the right size or you don't have the right cut. Stores that specialize in business clothing tend to have tailors on staff who can help with fit issues and sales staff who know the merchandise and who can direct you to those that will be a good match to your body type.

A round neck blouse (sometimes called a jewel neckline) that comes to the collarbone is fine. I do see some women in lower cut tops and in camisoles and that can be ok but I'd be very, very careful about cleavage, particularly if you are viewed from the front while bending over to pick up something you've dropped.

Thanks for the response, Lizzy! The blouse is not at all revealing, it's exactly a round neck blouse that comes maybe just below the collarbone. No cleavage whatsoever, it's a conservative cut with short sleeves, but not too short. I'll only be taking my jacket off if it gets too hot during the tour.

 

[IncantoCharms]

So do you guys think black suit, black shoes, portfolio AND a black bag = wayyy too much?? I know it's not a fashion show or anything but I'm afraid adcoms will subconsciously associate me with gloom and doom = rejection.

 

[Dookie2010]

So do you guys think black suit, black shoes, portfolio AND a black bag = wayyy too much?? I know it's not a fashion show or anything but I'm afraid adcoms will subconsciously associate me with gloom and doom = rejection.

Do you have a colored shirt you can wear under your suit? A nice little pop of color can make you look a little less funeral procession-esque. Furthermore, do you need both the portfolio and the bag? Can you fit the stuff you're putting in the bag in the portfolio or vice versa? I think a lot of schools have places you can store your things for the day, so maybe store one or both of those unless you absolutely need them and that could take away from the amount of black accessories you have

 

[glasshalfMD]

Do you have a colored shirt you can wear under your suit? A nice little pop of color can make you look a little less funeral procession-esque. Furthermore, do you need both the portfolio and the bag? Can you fit the stuff you're putting in the bag in the portfolio or vice versa? I think a lot of schools have places you can store your things for the day, so maybe store one or both of those unless you absolutely need them and that could take away from the amount of black accessories you have

Related, somewhat: Does everyone bring a bag or a portfolio?? I know the school where I'm interviewing gives you a folder w/ your information for the day - so can I just bring a pen and call it a day? Or will I need anything else?

 

[startswithb]

Does anyone know where to find women's buttoned blouses that actually have buttons up to the collar?? The new style of making them V neck with buttons starting at the bust does not look at all professional in my opinion. For me, cleavage would definitely be a problem in those. Even in woman's department stores I am having trouble finding the more traditional shirt. Help? (for reference, my suit is from Banana Republic, and I like a thin silhouette.) Thanks 🙂

 

[startswithb]

Related, somewhat: Does everyone bring a bag or a portfolio?? I know the school where I'm interviewing gives you a folder w/ your information for the day - so can I just bring a pen and call it a day? Or will I need anything else?

I found a medium sized black tote. It fit all my personal belongings (wallet, chapstick, compact, car keys) and I stuck my folder in it. Similar to this http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/wom...668/Nine+and+Co+Janis+Megaville+Logo+Tote.jsp

 

[CurrySpice]

Related, somewhat: Does everyone bring a bag or a portfolio?? I know the school where I'm interviewing gives you a folder w/ your information for the day - so can I just bring a pen and call it a day? Or will I need anything else?

Wallet? Cell phone? You don't want those awkward bulges in your pockets if you can prevent it.

 

[glasshalfMD]

Wallet? Cell phone? You don't want those awkward bulges in your pockets if you can prevent it.

Was planning on just leaving these things in the car. It's not like I'll be making a call during my interview. Do I need identification? If so, I'll certainly bring a bag w/ a wallet, etc. but I just don't want to if it isn't necessary.

 

[Dookie2010]

Does anyone know where to find women's buttoned blouses that actually have buttons up to the collar?? The new style of making them V neck with buttons starting at the bust does not look at all professional in my opinion. For me, cleavage would definitely be a problem in those. Even in woman's department stores I am having trouble finding the more traditional shirt. Help? (for reference, my suit is from Banana Republic, and I like a thin silhouette.) Thanks 🙂

I share your cleavage woes. If you're just looking for a simple oxford shirt, land's end has a variety of shirts with buttons up to the collarbone

http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-clothing/Women/Tops/Shirts-Blouses/index.html?seq=1~2~3~4&catNumbers=83~84~116&visible=1~2~1~1&store=le&sort=Recommended&tab=2&setPageSize=72

Kind of blah in terms of fashion, but gets the job done.

However, if you're planning on keeping your suit jacket on for the duration of the day, you could also go with a tank w/ ruffles or some other detail up at the neck such as:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...rue&defaultColor=Port&defaultSizeType=Regular

They're very popular right now and in a lot of stores. Just take your blazer with you when you shop and try the shirt on with it to make sure it doesn't end up looking weird.

 

[startswithb]

I share your cleavage woes. If you're just looking for a simple oxford shirt, land's end has a variety of shirts with buttons up to the collarbone

http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-clothing/Women/Tops/Shirts-Blouses/index.html?seq=1~2~3~4&catNumbers=83~84~116&visible=1~2~1~1&store=le&sort=Recommended&tab=2&setPageSize=72

Kind of blah in terms of fashion, but gets the job done.

However, if you're planning on keeping your suit jacket on for the duration of the day, you could also go with a tank w/ ruffles or some other detail up at the neck such as:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...rue&defaultColor=Port&defaultSizeType=Regular

They're very popular right now and in a lot of stores. Just take your blazer with you when you shop and try the shirt on with it to make sure it doesn't end up looking weird.

Thanks! One of my banker friends also suggested the Limited, which makes shirts with bottons. I like the silky blouses, but I'm torn on their value as a professional look. They are not very traditional. Hmm...

 

[ai009]

Does anyone know where to find women's buttoned blouses that actually have buttons up to the collar?? The new style of making them V neck with buttons starting at the bust does not look at all professional in my opinion. For me, cleavage would definitely be a problem in those. Even in woman's department stores I am having trouble finding the more traditional shirt. Help? (for reference, my suit is from Banana Republic, and I like a thin silhouette.) Thanks 🙂

I saw some basic shirts with button going up pretty high (if not all the way up to the collar) on the sites like Banana Republic, The Limited (which is having a 40% off shirts sale right now), and Ann Taylor. Target also has some less expensive options on their site.

My go-to dress shirt is a white oxford from JCrew (that I got for $6 at a thrift store), which has buttons up to the collar and is long enough to tuck in (too-short dress shirts are a pet peeve of mine) - similar to this one: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtstops/classicshirts/PRDOVR~29866/29866.jsp

 

[tr0gd0r]

Does anyone know where to find women's buttoned blouses that actually have buttons up to the collar?? The new style of making them V neck with buttons starting at the bust does not look at all professional in my opinion. For me, cleavage would definitely be a problem in those. Even in woman's department stores I am having trouble finding the more traditional shirt. Help? (for reference, my suit is from Banana Republic, and I like a thin silhouette.) Thanks 🙂

NY and Company had some good button-downs...I have this one that I wear to work http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/br...0002&FLCat=cat840002&addFacet=1002:cat2130002
They also have the long-sleeve variety, though I don't see it online for some reason (I found it in the store).

 

[LizzyM]

So do you guys think black suit, black shoes, portfolio AND a black bag = wayyy too much?? I know it's not a fashion show or anything but I'm afraid adcoms will subconsciously associate me with gloom and doom = rejection.

If that were the case only 500 students would be matriculating this year in the US because almost everyone is dressed in the way you've described. It's been going on for more than a decade so we are used to it. The tide seems to be turning and a few people are wearing gray or other professional colors.


other comments.... you may be asked to show ID so keep that with you. You may want a chapstick or lipstick, etc so you may want to have some kind of purse or tote for those things. Also, you might consider locking stuff in your trunk, not just in the car, because cars are broken into all the tiime (even happened to LizzyM near a med school campus).

 

[cyanide]

Is it acceptable to wear a short sleeve button-up shirt under the suit jacket, even in colder weather? For some reason, I thought that the shirt had to be long sleeve, but maybe that was for men only...

 

[Geekchick921]

I swore up and down I wouldn't get a black suit...

Then I did. It DOES have pinstripes, though. If you go to the larger image/zoom thing you can see them. It's just what wound up looking best on me.

Is something like this okay for underneath? If not, I'll just keep it because it was only $20, but I thought the color was nice (I got it in the last color, violet petal, but it's actually more pinkish/fuschia than the image there) and the neckline was high enough for me not to worry about the girls making a cameo if I have to bend over at any point.

 

[Ilovewater]

Is it acceptable to wear a short sleeve button-up shirt under the suit jacket, even in colder weather? For some reason, I thought that the shirt had to be long sleeve, but maybe that was for men only...

Definitely! It'll be more comfortable if you're interviewing during hot season.

I swore up and down I wouldn't get a black suit...

Then I did. It DOES have pinstripes, though. If you go to the larger image/zoom thing you can see them. It's just what wound up looking best on me.

Is something like this okay for underneath? If not, I'll just keep it because it was only $20, but I thought the color was nice (I got it in the last color, violet petal, but it's actually more pinkish/fuschia than the image there) and the neckline was high enough for me not to worry about the girls making a cameo if I have to bend over at any point.

I saw many girls wore something like that, and they looked fine to me.

 

[ssahjm]

The problem now arises that, even flat-ironed, a low ponytail will probably be too short to be interview appropriate. Is a higher ponytail alright, like even with my eyes?

While your hair length may not be the "ideal" for the professional look, I think that your suit, hygiene, and etiquette are way more important. I saw women at my interview with longer hair, but their styling choices with that long hair didn't seem as "professional," IMO. Just keep it neat and out of your face (something LizzyM has mentioned several times), and play around with a barrette instead of a plain elastic scrunchie. The faculty/staff/interviewers I've talked with so far didn't seem like people who were that concerned with appropriate hair lengths. I'm guessing they'll be much more interested in what you have to say. 🙂 You'll most likely be facing them, too, if that helps alleviate your concerns about the back of your hair.

So do you guys think black suit, black shoes, portfolio AND a black bag = wayyy too much?? I know it's not a fashion show or anything but I'm afraid adcoms will subconsciously associate me with gloom and doom = rejection.

Does it look funny seeing a bunch of 20-somethings in black suits with black shoes and portfolios? Yes. But within one day's interview group, there were only a couple exceptions of non-black suits. From what I've read (LizzyM and administrators that I know in real life), black suits are becoming the norm, and adcoms are used to this.

Related, somewhat: Does everyone bring a bag or a portfolio?? I know the school where I'm interviewing gives you a folder w/ your information for the day - so can I just bring a pen and call it a day? Or will I need anything else?

Most of the women in my group had some sort of bag. Some carried smaller bags (i.e. clutch or wristlet) with their pen, cell phone, lady necessities, etc. and then held the folder separately. Others carried a larger bag and put the folder in it. Didn't seem to make a difference either way. I carried a larger bag, but that was because I brought flats to wear on the walking tour. 😉

Does anyone know where to find women's buttoned blouses that actually have buttons up to the collar?? The new style of making them V neck with buttons starting at the bust does not look at all professional in my opinion. For me, cleavage would definitely be a problem in those. Even in woman's department stores I am having trouble finding the more traditional shirt. Help? (for reference, my suit is from Banana Republic, and I like a thin silhouette.) Thanks 🙂

I found some very traditional blouses with buttons up to the collar at Gap.com. Not sure what your budget is, but you can always try retailmenot.com to see if there is a coupon code you can use.


Wow! I know that was long and wordy, but I hope it was useful. I was definitely curious before my interviews to see what the dress code would be like, so hearing other people's observations prepared me for what to expect. Good luck, ladies!

 

[pinkpanther88]

I found a medium sized black tote. It fit all my personal belongings (wallet, chapstick, compact, car keys) and I stuck my folder in it. Similar to this http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/wom...668/Nine+and+Co+Janis+Megaville+Logo+Tote.jsp

I really like that bag in purple... I think it will match my charcoal/purple pinstriped suit!

 

[Dianyla]

Does it look funny seeing a bunch of 20-somethings in black suits with black shoes and portfolios? Yes. But within one day's interview group, there were only a couple exceptions of non-black suits. From what I've read (LizzyM and administrators that I know in real life), black suits are becoming the norm, and adcoms are used to this.

I thought black suits have always been the norm, actually. Honestly, if you don't have good sense of aesthetics or style, a conventional black suit that fits you is always a very safe choice. I'm not sure how you could mess up a black suit (though I'm sure it's been done) yet there are so many ways one can go wrong with a poorly chosen non-conventional color or style.

I've also been hunting for a non-black suit, but they're not as easy to find. I have two backup black suits, in case I don't find the charcoal/grey suit of my dreams.

 

[ssahjm]

I thought black suits have always been the norm, actually. Honestly, if you don't have good sense of aesthetics or style, a conventional black suit that fits you is always a very safe choice. I'm not sure how you could mess up a black suit (though I'm sure it's been done) yet there are so many ways one can go wrong with a poorly chosen non-conventional color or style.

I've also been hunting for a non-black suit, but they're not as easy to find. I have two backup black suits, in case I don't find the charcoal/grey suit of my dreams.

You are right. I'm the youngest in my family, so I'm used to hearing my older siblings, cousins, etc. refer to times when navy or gray were more common. For the past decade or so, black has definitely been the common staple and always looks classic and professional (IMO).

 

[natxbug]

so, would wearing a black suit and a button-up shirt that happens to be one of the colors of the school I'm interviewing at be cheesey?


The school-color shirt is this one (the button-up under the vest) and the other shirt I got today is this one in green. I've got red hair, so anything orange-y, pink-y, red-y, etc doesn't work so well for me.

I also have white (too service industry-y?), royal blue (black & blue?), white w/ thin black stripes, and navy with grey stripes.


Any thoughts? I'm kind leaning towards the purple b/c it is a full-length sleeve, button-up, no cleavage, etc etc

Thanks for your help!


ps, thanks to everyone that responded to my previous post - i'm leaning against the express shirt.. why chance it, you know?


pss, for those interviewing in areas that will be hot/pretty warm, the buildings will likely be -4000 degrees inside, so keep that in mind.

 

[SNS]

two questions:

1) do girls ever wear a skirt suit in the winter? i ask b/c this is what i have right now. i tried to buy the matching pants that go with it but they're sold out. this means that i need to hunt for pants that match (which will be difficult and noticeable) or buy a whole new suit with pants.

2) i believe guys generally unbutton the last button on their suit when seated. do women have the same etiquette? my suit has two buttons.

 

[sedaniel]

two questions:

1) do girls ever wear a skirt suit in the winter? i ask b/c this is what i have right now. i tried to buy the matching pants that go with it but they're sold out. this means that i need to hunt for pants that match (which will be difficult and noticeable) or buy a whole new suit with pants.

2) i believe guys generally unbutton the last button on their suit when seated. do women have the same etiquette? my suit has two buttons.

I'm not sure about #2 but for #1, I might wear my skirt suit in the winter, but definitely with nylons. It's mainly because the only suit I have is plain black and I don't feel like wearing that, I really love the material of the skirt suit I have (skirt and jacket, obviously with the sleeves pulled down normally though 🙂 ). If it's snowy out, though... I might opt for the pants suit. I think you will be fine as long as you look professional.

 

[cyanide]

I'm not sure about #2 but for #1, I might wear my skirt suit in the winter, but definitely with nylons. It's mainly because the only suit I have is plain black and I don't feel like wearing that, I really love the material of the skirt suit I have (skirt and jacket, obviously with the sleeves pulled down normally though 🙂 ). If it's snowy out, though... I might opt for the pants suit. I think you will be fine as long as you look professional.

I'm wearing that skirt in a different color! And I'm also from MI. Perhaps I'll see you around, skirt twin.

 

[natxbug]

2) i believe guys generally unbutton the last button on their suit when seated. do women have the same etiquette? my suit has two buttons.

My boyfriend said guys only button the top button if there's two buttons.. My jacket has two buttons and looks weird if I don't unbutton the bottom button when I sit (I have no waist). So it probably just depends on how your jacket looks when you sit down.

 

[SeizeFate]

I'm a guy.

For a 2-button suit, one always just buttons the top button when walking around, etc.

When you sit down, you unbutton all the buttons.

Also, one is not supposed to take their jacket off unless given permission too.

 

[gravitywave]

Also, one is not supposed to take their jacket off unless given permission too.

horsehocky.

it depends entirely on the situation. in the actual interview, yeah wait for some kind of cue. at lunchtime or during one of the interminable morning info sessions, do whatevers going to make you most comfortable.

i'm a guy too. i button or don't button when sitting or standing based on whatever i feel like. the key here is not to be nervous or uncomfortable about or because of what you're doing. relaxed confidence.

we don't button the bottom button, ever. but it might different for women, that i can't speak to.

 

[SNS]

I'm not sure about #2 but for #1, I might wear my skirt suit in the winter, but definitely with nylons. It's mainly because the only suit I have is plain black and I don't feel like wearing that, I really love the material of the skirt suit I have (skirt and jacket, obviously with the sleeves pulled down normally though 🙂 ). If it's snowy out, though... I might opt for the pants suit. I think you will be fine as long as you look professional.

i love your skirt suit. it looks very flattering but professional at the same time.

 

[WUbear]

i have a couple questions about what to is appropriate to pair with my gray pants suit. I already have a yellow cotton/silk blouse to wear underneath.

1) I have plain black ankle boots w/ ~2.5" heel, very comfortable but are boots okay for the interview? I've heard they're not conservative enough, but they cover more of your foot then pumps do so that confuses me.

2) I also have black pumps similar to the pair attached, except without the woven detail at the toe, not as pointy, and with a tiny bow at the toe instead. I've worn them to job interviews, clinical shadowing, and poster presentations and they're super comfy. Do they sound okay for interview or too casual with the bow and cream details?

3) I just got a bag in a color similar to this dusty plum color. Is this appropriate for the interview or should I go with a plain black bag?
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=456472&CategoryID=33667

Sorry for all the questions, I just ordered a couple pairs of plain black pumps to be safe but if I can avoid buying a new pair of shoes I (and my wallet) would really appreciate it. Thanks for the help!

 

[tr0gd0r]

Question about facial piercings: I have a lip ring that I'm obvisouly not going to wear, but what about nose piercings? Should I take out a small silver bead, or is it common enough that no one will really care/notice?

 

[Raryn]

Question about facial piercings: I have a lip ring that I'm obvisouly not going to wear, but what about nose piercings? Should I take out a small silver bead, or is it common enough that no one will really care/notice?

You'll hear different opinions related to whether or not you should leave it in during interviews, but it really won't matter when you get to med school. There are quite a few of my classmates who have them.

 

[kevster2001]

Question about facial piercings: I have a lip ring that I'm obvisouly not going to wear, but what about nose piercings? Should I take out a small silver bead, or is it common enough that no one will really care/notice?

Why not just take it out. There's no way it can help you and some possibility that it could hurt if you get a conservative interviewer

 

[freckles788]

I'm wondering if this top would be too informal to wear under my black suit for my interview in a couple weeks. The interview's in AZ so it is going to be HOT. The top definitely doesn't go as low on me as on the model either. What do you think?

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5041&vid=1&pid=769723&scid=769723002

 

[wristbandMD]

I'm wondering if this top would be too informal to wear under my black suit for my interview in a couple weeks. The interview's in AZ so it is going to be HOT. The top definitely doesn't go as low on me as on the model either. What do you think?

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5041&vid=1&pid=769723&scid=769723002

Ohhh. That's cute. 🙂 I don't see anything wrong with it, but I'm not an expert either. As long as you keep the jacket on, obviously.

 

[yohji]

would black hose (opaque) be acceptable over nude? my suit is charcoal (and kind of girly too) and i'm wearing grey suede pumps. i'm not trying to make a huge fashion statement with it - it's just that i have a huge collection of black tights and nothing flesh colored.


oh btw, if anyone is looking at jcrew suits, if you order from the red phone in the stores and tell them you are a student, you get either 10 or 15% off.

 

[ladyoflies]

would black hose (opaque) be acceptable over nude? my suit is charcoal (and kind of girly too) and i'm wearing grey suede pumps. i'm not trying to make a huge fashion statement with it - it's just that i have a huge collection of black tights and nothing flesh colored.


oh btw, if anyone is looking at jcrew suits, if you order from the red phone in the stores and tell them you are a student, you get either 10 or 15% off.

A black hose would be fine...but I'd be concerned about the opaque. You don't want to look like your have leggings on. And grey suede pumps? *drool*👍

 

[yohji]

A black hose would be fine...but I'd be concerned about the opaque. You don't want to look like your have leggings on. And grey suede pumps? *drool*👍

ooh thanks for the advice!

i have lots of these: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catal..._-Froogle-_-Product_Terms-_-Hue_Opaque_Tights

they aren't quite as sheer looking on me, since i'm shorter, but i don't think they fall into legging territory either. yay! 😀

 

[snitchseeker88]

One of my suits is this color, but a little lighter:

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/lexie-plainweave-flare-pant/6622362

Is it ok to wear black heels with it? My other suit is a charcoal gray so I want to find shoes that will go with both, and the only thing I can think of that goes with everything is black. I'm just not sure if it will go with this particular color. What do you guys think?

 

[obgyny]

One of my suits is this color, but a little lighter:

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/lexie-plainweave-flare-pant/6622362

Is it ok to wear black heels with it? My other suit is a charcoal gray so I want to find shoes that will go with both, and the only thing I can think of that goes with everything is black. I'm just not sure if it will go with this particular color. What do you guys think?

Oooh I really like that color! I think black shoes would definitely go with both suits you've mentioned. Can't go wrong with black 🙂. Especially since you're other suit is dark charcoal gray, I can't think of any other colors that would look better.

 

[slwhite3]

Hi ladies--
I'm wearing a blue pinstripe skirt suit with a simple purple top (not a button-down blouse), and I was wondering if I'm supposed to tuck the shirt in or not. Is it pretty standard for women to have untucked shirts?
Thanks!

 

[snitchseeker88]

Thanks for the replay bpost!

Hi ladies--
I'm wearing a blue pinstripe skirt suit with a simple purple top (not a button-down blouse), and I was wondering if I'm supposed to tuck the shirt in or not. Is it pretty standard for women to have untucked shirts?
Thanks!

As for the shirt tucked in question, I've heard that the bottom of your shirt shouldn't show from under the suit jacket. So if your shirt is fairly short and you can't see the bottom even without tucking it in, you're fine. I think this is particularly fine for some blouses that lay flat when you wear them. However, if you're wearing a button down that looks kind of bulky if its not tucked in, then I would definitely tuck it in.

 

[ai009]

Hi ladies--
I'm wearing a blue pinstripe skirt suit with a simple purple top (not a button-down blouse), and I was wondering if I'm supposed to tuck the shirt in or not. Is it pretty standard for women to have untucked shirts?
Thanks!

I'd say the general rule is to tuck in, unless the top has a belt itself (like some wrap tops) or is a sweater, where it would look weird to tuck in. However, if the top is a nice knit and fitted and doesn't extend past the bottom of the suit jacket, it probably wouldn't look weird to keep it untucked. But tucking in would probably be your best bet - just looks cleaner and more formal.

 

[tr0gd0r]

^
I wore this top (in purple) underneath my suit jacket http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=463001&CategoryID=255&LinkType=PDPZ1

My skirt sat pretty high up, so I didn't tuck it in... I think it would have looked weird since it's a little flowy.

 

[Playa]

I'd say the general rule is to tuck in, unless the top has a belt itself (like some wrap tops) or is a sweater, where it would look weird to tuck in. However, if the top is a nice knit and fitted and doesn't extend past the bottom of the suit jacket, it probably wouldn't look weird to keep it untucked. But tucking in would probably be your best bet - just looks cleaner and more formal.

I disagree, if I was male interviewer, I probably wouldn't complain at the thought of seeing more chest and lower skirt. Definitely harder to say no if you look good like that. If your fat or just ugly, tough luck.

 

[rhesuspieces]

time for a bump 😀

I've heard some people say (e.g. in the article on the main SDN page right now) that 1.5 inches should be max for a heel. I just bought these heels which are (gasp) 3 inches. I'm definitely more than capable of walking in them. I went for the higher heel because (A) I am vertically challenged and (B) I have huge feet that look like flippers in a low heel. Are these shoes appropriate with a skirt suit (hits mid-knee; I bought the regular length even though I'm petite)?