Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[relientr]

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I'm so sorry if you guys have already talked about this, but I couldn't find it so I thought I would ask.

What are you supposed to wear on the first day (for a meet and greet type thing)? And if they say that you are welcome to bring comfortable shoes on the same day as your interview, what does that mean and wouldn't comfy non-dress shoes look ridiculous with your suit?

You seem to have fashion down, so thanks for the help!

 

[ar2388]

I'm so sorry if you guys have already talked about this, but I couldn't find it so I thought I would ask.

What are you supposed to wear on the first day (for a meet and greet type thing)? And if they say that you are welcome to bring comfortable shoes on the same day as your interview, what does that mean and wouldn't comfy non-dress shoes look ridiculous with your suit?

You seem to have fashion down, so thanks for the help!

meet and greet? you meant he interview or something else?

 

[amerz404]

so i have eight piercings in my ear and i know i should probably take out all but two of them however you'll still be able to see the holes themselves and i'm wondering if this will look weird...its probably better than having eight earrings tho, right?

 

[lol.psych]

so i have eight piercings in my ear and i know i should probably take out all but two of them however you'll still be able to see the holes themselves and i'm wondering if this will look weird...its probably better than having eight earrings tho, right?

I doubt they would look that closely. And if they do, they'll notice that you went far out of your way to look "professional." I don't think they'll judge you harshly at all. If they do, you probably don't want to be taking their classes or working under them, anyway 😀

 

[relientr]

Well all the interviews I've been invited to (they're all in Texas, so maybe this is a Texas thing?) have some kind of social the night before, where you talk with current students. One of them has sort of an informational then too. That's what I meant by meet and greet...

I'm not sure how formal these things are supposed to be clothing-wise. 😕

 

[thesecretgarden]

Well all the interviews I've been invited to (they're all in Texas, so maybe this is a Texas thing?) have some kind of social the night before, where you talk with current students. One of them has sort of an informational then too. That's what I meant by meet and greet...

I'm not sure how formal these things are supposed to be clothing-wise. 😕

You mean UT Southwestern, right? I was planning on wearing my pant suit for the friday informational thing, probably without the jacket. Then I'll wear the skirt with jacket for the interview. I don't really think it matters, though.
As for the other Texas social nights, I think it's entirely casual since it's just with students and they're not supposed to be evaluating you.
Good luck!

 

[Druzie]

Amerz404, if you have a tragus piercing or similar, you could probably take it out without it being too noticeable. The others I, personally, would wear a small, unobstrusive stud in. Or don't they have those clear plastic studs? Though I guess what would be the point in that? Anyway, I don't think you have to go all the way down to two, as long as you can still look respectable. But maybe I'm just saying that because I like piercings. 🙂

Relientr, I think the secretgarden has the right idea. Trousers and a nice blouse or maybe even a dress for the Friday thing, full suit for the interview. As for the comfy shoe on interview day thing: it sounds like there will be a walking tour. It's been discussed on here that you can/should change shoes between the interview and tour.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=6966570#post6966570

 

[student1799]

I doubt they would look that closely. And if they do, they'll notice that you went far out of your way to look "professional." I don't think they'll judge you harshly at all. If they do, you probably don't want to be taking their classes or working under them, anyway 😀

One of the attendings in the ED where I worked (a well-known teaching hospital) had several ear piercings and a nose piercing. I was pretty surprised to see that, because I'd assumed hospitals were a lot more conservative about such things.

Having said that, I wouldn't take it as a recommendation that you wear your piercings to the interview. But as long as you take them out beforehand, I think you'll be fine. (As lainapox says above, the fact that you removed them will be seen as a sign that you understand the dress code.)

 

[TheVerve]

does it matter if the blouse under a suit is full or short sleeved? i know in men, full sleeve is a must since, according to the rules, u should be able to see a little bit of the shirt under the suit at the wrist... does this apply to women?

 

[LizzyM]

does it matter if the blouse under a suit is full or short sleeved? i know in men, full sleeve is a must since, according to the rules, u should be able to see a little bit of the shirt under the suit at the wrist... does this apply to women?

If you knew the fashion sense of most of the adcom... just focus on what makes you feel confident.


The only major issue I can recall from 5+ years on the adcom is an applicant whose blouse didn't cover enough of her bosom.

 

[medstar21]

Is a jacket completely 100% necessary for the interview? I just wonder if its too casual to wear a nice cardigan sweater and be okay? I like the looks of this http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...ry/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~95737/95737.jsp

and I am definitely going to get this jacket to go with it:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...ry/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~95735/95735.jsp

But would it be okay at an interview or two to just wear that sweater in the first link?

And if you do have to wear a jacket, does it always have to be buttoned?

 

[Raryn]

Is a jacket completely 100% necessary for the interview? I just wonder if its too casual to wear a nice cardigan sweater and be okay? I like the looks of this http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...ry/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~95737/95737.jsp

and I am definitely going to get this jacket to go with it:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...ry/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~95735/95735.jsp

But would it be okay at an interview or two to just wear that sweater in the first link?

And if you do have to wear a jacket, does it always have to be buttoned?

I'd say anything but a suit (complete with jacket) wouldn't be formal enough.

 

[lisasimpson87]

yikes i need major fashion help. i just bought my sweet from the limited...i can't find it online but it was really dark navy blue (almost black) with white pinstripes. this is the closest i can find to it online....but it's navy! i really love the sweet but i have no idea what color bag/shoes/undershirt to get. people are telling me black doesn't go with navy! anybody have any ideas?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...001&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=19-8023171-2

 

[callherpetrol]

yikes i need major fashion help. i just bought my sweet from the limited...i can't find it online but it was really dark navy blue (almost black) with white pinstripes. this is the closest i can find to it online....but it's navy! i really love the sweet but i have no idea what color bag/shoes/undershirt to get. people are telling me black doesn't go with navy! anybody have any ideas?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...001&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=19-8023171-2

black and navy dont go together, but brown and navy do! so for bag and shoes, go for brown leather, and for a shirt try a cream color

 

[ar2388]

i know black doesnt go with navy, but i have a navy suit and i will probably use a black bag and black shoes with it bc its really dark and well.. shoes and bags are pricey and i think black would be better than another color.. then again, we shall see when i get the bag/shoes and ill take a photo and see how it looks.
btw, i just got the shirts i ordered from victorias secret and they are awesome! they were on sale for $19 and are really nice - cotton, good style,comfy.
in case anyone is interested they are these:
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-202122&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-165085&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947
and VS has a lot of really nice shirts and suits and jackets. ive been buying from them for quite a while and have yet to be disappointed.
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/col...name=OSCLOBLOSAB&cgnbr=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947

i also have one of these bc i LOVE LOVE LOVE silk!
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-231338&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947

 

[foster033]

yikes i need major fashion help. i just bought my sweet from the limited...i can't find it online but it was really dark navy blue (almost black) with white pinstripes. this is the closest i can find to it online....but it's navy! i really love the sweet but i have no idea what color bag/shoes/undershirt to get. people are telling me black doesn't go with navy! anybody have any ideas?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...001&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=19-8023171-2

technically black does go with everything but a lot of people don't like how they look together, me included....

you could wear brown or navy but I think burgundy looks the best with navy...I posted a link earlier in this thread to some nice burgundy shoes that should go with a navy suit

 

[lol.psych]

i know black doesnt go with navy, but i have a navy suit and i will probably use a black bag and black shoes with it bc its really dark and well.. shoes and bags are pricey and i think black would be better than another color.. then again, we shall see when i get the bag/shoes and ill take a photo and see how it looks.
btw, i just got the shirts i ordered from victorias secret and they are awesome! they were on sale for $19 and are really nice - cotton, good style,comfy.
in case anyone is interested they are these:
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-202122&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-165085&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947
and VS has a lot of really nice shirts and suits and jackets. ive been buying from them for quite a while and have yet to be disappointed.
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/col...name=OSCLOBLOSAB&cgnbr=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947

i also have one of these bc i LOVE LOVE LOVE silk!
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...C-231338&page=1&cgname=OSCLOBLOSAB&rfnbr=3947

I really want to get one of those bodysuits - how is the sizing there? I've heard (from here) that they tend to be bigger than average for their sizes, but how much bigger? Sorry if this is a weird/difficult question to answer

 

[Druzie]

Those bodysuits look like a great idea, but I would be nervous about when I had to use the restroom. Maybe I'm just a klutz (I am), but I just know it would be too much grief for me.

 

[ar2388]

i got an XS. i am 5'7 and fairly skinny. i would say go one size lower than you usually buy. also no worries about the bathroom. the er.. crotch part has snappy thingies that very easily unsnap.

and burgundy with navy sounds like a great idea actually. my only concern is what if the shirt is a diff color too? like a lavendar color. wont that be too much?

 

[Druzie]

Snappie thingies! Brilliant! I had horrible visions of those bodysuits that were big in the late '80s/early '90s. Anyway, snappy thingies change everything.

I think lavender with navy and burgundy would be overkill. In that case I would suggest brown or cream instead of burgundy. If you stick with the burgundy and switch out the lavender... don't go too matchy-matchy with the burgundy.

 

[shemarty]

Is this skirtsuit professional enough? I can't find a picture that shows the entire skirt, but it's just brown and pinstriped, nothing different about it.

 

[ar2388]

thats great! esp with that shirt too! lol

 

[shemarty]

I might have to return it. My mom and I tried ironing the back to get it to stay down, but it keeps puffing up. Also, the material seems to wrinkle/crumple. I might just stick with my original black pantsuit.

*sigh* Why do the adcoms make us do this?! I just wanna be a doctor damnit.

 

[Raryn]

I might have to return it. My mom and I tried ironing the back to get it to stay down, but it keeps puffing up. Also, the material seems to wrinkle/crumple. I might just stick with my original black pantsuit.

*sigh* Why do the adcoms make us do this?! I just wanna be a doctor damnit.

They should interview us all in scrubs+crocs. That would be more egalitarian 😉

 

[foster033]

and burgundy with navy sounds like a great idea actually. my only concern is what if the shirt is a diff color too? like a lavendar color. wont that be too much?

I think it would look good...the point of the burgundy is that it acts as a neutral so you can wear any other color with it. You would only run into a problem if you're going to bright with the burgundy...you want it to be pretty muted.

Do not match your shirt to your shoes...

 

[LizzyM]

I think it would look good...the point of the burgundy is that it acts as a neutral so you can wear any other color with it. You would only run into a problem if you're going to bright with the burgundy...you want it to be pretty muted.

Do not match your shirt to your shoes...

I think that the color you want is "oxblood". A good shoe salesman will know what I'm talking about.

As for the comment about the adcoms making you do this... as if! There is no dress code or expectation that applicants will wear suits, heels, etc. As I've said, the only person ever rejected on account of dress wore a top that had the girls out on display to such a degree that everyone who saw her (and them) was uncomfortable. I think that interviewing applicants in scrubs and crocs would be a hoot.

 

[lol.psych]

They should interview us all in scrubs+crocs. That would be more egalitarian 😉

Scrubs? Sure! I love them! Personally, I'm looking forward to spending every day of 5-10 years (depending on where I work post-residency) wearing what can basically be considered pajamas!

Crocs? Not so much. They look like the result of a manic fisherman who took a knife and day-glo paint to his galoshes. I prefer basic white sneakers.

 

[ar2388]

shemarty, you mean the back of the suit jacket puffs out? i have that too!!! i was wondering if i should get it tailored or something bc i dont know what to do about it... anyone have any ideas? does it mean the jacket is too big or something?

 

[Lacheln]

Scrubs? Sure! I love them! Personally, I'm looking forward to spending every day of 5-10 years (depending on where I work post-residency) wearing what can basically be considered pajamas!

Crocs? Not so much. They look like the result of a manic fisherman who took a knife and day-glo paint to his galoshes. I prefer basic white sneakers.

Haha, crocs are definitely low on the stylish list. So ridiculously comfy though. Check these out - croc SANDALS. Major step up in the style category. Not that it has any relevance to this thread since they're neither interview nor hospital appropriate.

Just so you guys know, there are some med schools that require professional dress at least a few days a week, either for preceptorships or even class, so you may want to start resigning yourself to that now, and building a wardrobe. It takes time to find a professional style you feel comfortable in. Of course, I'm 30, have had to wear suits on an off for 10 years, and still have a deep aversion to them.

 

[Lacheln]

shemarty, you mean the back of the suit jacket puffs out? i have that too!!! i was wondering if i should get it tailored or something bc i dont know what to do about it... anyone have any ideas? does it mean the jacket is too big or something?

What do you mean puffs out? Up top, across the shoulders, or around the waist?

 

[ar2388]

What do you mean puffs out? Up top, across the shoulders, or around the waist?

midback

 

[rjpark2]

I just bought a navy suit too and, although they were hard to find, I found some navy heels that are a perfect match. I probably went to 5 or 6 shoe places to find them but a lot of places say that they are getting more navy shoes in soon because of the high demand for them. If you get navy shoes, you could do pretty much any shirt. Oh and i bought a dark grey formal tote/purse to go with it and it seems to work well.

 

[Lacheln]

midback

It sounds like the cut of the suit is just wrong for your body type - too small across the waist and the shoulders compared to the body. You might be able to have a tailor add more shape by adding shoulder pads if the suit doesn't have them already, but you probably need to get a more shaped jacket.

 

[ar2388]

thats a shame, but its two different suit jackets with 2 very different style (wrt length, buttons, etc). could it be too narrow or too wide?

btw, i cannot wait to get paid on fri bc i want to order these shoes! the reviews sound really good!
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7315224/color/72

 

[DoctorSteinman]

Something like this would be best:

 

[ar2388]

i wish! i can TOTALLY pull it off! hahahahah

 

[DoctorSteinman]

i wish! i can TOTALLY pull it off! hahahahah

pics or it didnt happen

 

[ar2388]

pics or it didnt happen

all i can offer is a bathing suit pic

 

[DoctorSteinman]

You got me, didn't expect that one.

 

[majahops]

You girls are going to look GREAT! All of you! No matter what you wear! Best of luck to you all!

 

[Yuca77]

So, I'm at work and I am totally obsessed with this thread, even though I haven't gotten an interview yet. I assumed this question would go here, anyway here goes:
I have a nose piercing that is soooo small my mother didn't even notice when I got it six years ago. I currently work at Mount Sinai Medical Center and have never been told anything about my piercing. My question is, would it be totally inappropriate to wear this for an interview? I have some friends that say I should portray the "true" me and others that tell me it would be a stupid to gamble my medical school acceptance on something like this. (as if it all depends on interview attire!).

Maybe LizzyM (or anyone) has some advice on this? Thanks!

P.S.- you all have me super psyched to go shopping now!!😛

 

[Lacheln]

all i can offer is a bathing suit pic

If I looked like that all I would ever wear is a bathing suit.

 

[Adnama]

You girls are going to look GREAT! All of you! No matter what you wear! Best of luck to you all!

No matter what we wear? Hmmm...

Are you trying to sell merchandise? hehe, J/K

 

[Lacheln]

thats a shame, but its two different suit jackets with 2 very different style (wrt length, buttons, etc). could it be too narrow or too wide?

btw, i cannot wait to get paid on fri bc i want to order these shoes! the reviews sound really good!
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7315224/color/72

Those shoes are super cute!

Are the suit jackets the same brand? Brands often have a fit trend. The fact that it pooches implies that it isn't a problem of the overall fit, but more the shaping, however I suppose it could be too small. I assume you're ordering them online?

 

[Lacheln]

Is this skirtsuit professional enough? I can't find a picture that shows the entire skirt, but it's just brown and pinstriped, nothing different about it.

Looking at this again, it's not lying flat even on the model because of the gathers. With lighter fabrics you might want to go with a cleaner look since the fabric can't hold much structure.

 

[Adnama]

So, I'm at work and I am totally obsessed with this thread, even though I haven't gotten an interview yet. I assumed this question would go here, anyway here goes:
I have a nose piercing that is soooo small my mother didn't even notice when I got it six years ago. I currently work at Mount Sinai Medical Center and have never been told anything about my piercing. My question is, would it be totally inappropriate to wear this for an interview? I have some friends that say I should portray the "true" me and others that tell me it would be a stupid to gamble my medical school acceptance on something like this. (as if it all depends on interview attire!).

Maybe LizzyM (or anyone) has some advice on this? Thanks!

P.S.- you all have me super psyched to go shopping now!!😛

It is probably fine but I would take it out just to be safe.

 

[Adnama]

Can someone explain how they copy/paste a picture here please.

 

[Fulfuric]

This thread is interesting because I always wonder what shoes I would wear to an interview....

So I have a problem. My feet are really small. I actually wear a size 2 (once in a while, I'll fit in a 2 1/2) in kids, so as you can guess, it's impossible for me to find heels without them looking like little kids or all flashy.... Also, I've never worn heels my whole life, so they hurt my feet and are really uncomfortable.

Is it totally inappropriate to wear flat shoes to interviews? I can find normal looking flat shoes with strap (around the heels or something), so they won't fall off when I walk.

 

[foodfood]

So, I'm at work and I am totally obsessed with this thread, even though I haven't gotten an interview yet. I assumed this question would go here, anyway here goes:
I have a nose piercing that is soooo small my mother didn't even notice when I got it six years ago. I currently work at Mount Sinai Medical Center and have never been told anything about my piercing. My question is, would it be totally inappropriate to wear this for an interview? I have some friends that say I should portray the "true" me and others that tell me it would be a stupid to gamble my medical school acceptance on something like this. (as if it all depends on interview attire!).

Maybe LizzyM (or anyone) has some advice on this? Thanks!

P.S.- you all have me super psyched to go shopping now!!😛

same thing, i have a 'weird' peircing in my ear, i think it's called a 'conch peircing' but i forget. i can just cover it with my hair, right? or is that too risky?

 

[Druzie]

So, I'm at work and I am totally obsessed with this thread, even though I haven't gotten an interview yet. I assumed this question would go here, anyway here goes:
I have a nose piercing that is soooo small my mother didn't even notice when I got it six years ago. I currently work at Mount Sinai Medical Center and have never been told anything about my piercing. My question is, would it be totally inappropriate to wear this for an interview? I have some friends that say I should portray the "true" me and others that tell me it would be a stupid to gamble my medical school acceptance on something like this. (as if it all depends on interview attire!).

Maybe LizzyM (or anyone) has some advice on this? Thanks!

P.S.- you all have me super psyched to go shopping now!!😛

There are some piercings that are more "mainstream" these days. Multi-lobe and nose piercings are among them. I don't think a nose piercing is a big deal (I have one too) as long as you wear a small, not too flashy stud. A ring would be out of the question.

Foodfood~ Unfortunately I don't think a conch piercing falls into the "mainstream" category. (I assume this is what you're talking about.) Unless you can find a super-small, not obvious barbell (maybe with flat ends instead of beads?), I would suggest taking it out. (If you have long hair, that might work too).

This thread is interesting because I always wonder what shoes I would wear to an interview....

So I have a problem. My feet are really small. I actually wear a size 2 (once in a while, I'll fit in a 2 1/2) in kids, so as you can guess, it's impossible for me to find heels without them looking like little kids or all flashy.... Also, I've never worn heels my whole life, so they hurt my feet and are really uncomfortable.

Is it totally inappropriate to wear flat shoes to interviews? I can find normal looking flat shoes with strap (around the heels or something), so they won't fall off when I walk.

Flats aren't inappropriate, as long as they still look professional. If you can find it, I might suggest a pointed toe (particularly if you wear trousers). It would elongate the leg and foot, and I personally prefer the pointed-toe-with-trousers look to the round-toe-with-trousers.