Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[Druzie]

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Thank you! (and thanks to everyone else who commented). I think that's probably a really good idea. Problem - my brighter shirts are long-sleeved and the interview was in Texas. I've been trying SO hard to find a shorter-sleeved collared shirt, but with no luck! I guess I'll look prettier in the winter 😛

Try H&M or Uniqlo (if you're in NY). I have gotten several cute, short-sleeve button-up blouses from those two places.

i will be buttoning... and i finally got my shoes and the VS shirts i ordered go really well with my suits i think:

i appreciate any thoughts...

Agreed that the first one looks odd with the high-collared button-down. Try a sweater or shell? The second one looks good. In general, I would undo the top button of the shirt.

So jealous, ladies. Everyone looks great and seems to be having fun. Wish I had interviews!

 

[doomknight]

qute.

I personally like the first one more, but I'm just an undergrad

okay, so here are my suit options. for the first pic, i got the cami from old navy - they didn't have my size in any other color.


for this second pic, i currently don't have any shirts that button up higher. but i'm trying to lean away from wearing a long-sleeved/buttoned shirt anyway because its hard for me to find shirts that fit correctly because my arms are kinda long. i had issues moving my arms to fix the collar, so i'm sure that can't be a good sign. the suit coat is the same in both pictures.



here is my nine west bag from marshalls. it's just big enough to carry a folder, small umbrella, wallet, etc.

 

[ChemGrad08]

I have a question for all of you brilliant women out there. I have a gray suit with dark pink pinstripes. And I have a matching pink shirt to wear underneath (I also have a blue shirt that looks nice). But I was wondering what color shoes you would recommend. I have always liked the pink/brown combination but my mom looked at pictures and said I probably needed black shoes. Is there a consensus that black goes with gray and brown doesnt?

Thanks!!

 

[ar2388]

yeah.. i would get balck shoes and a black bag

 

[coffeebeanjenn]

I have a question for all of you brilliant women out there. I have a gray suit with dark pink pinstripes. And I have a matching pink shirt to wear underneath (I also have a blue shirt that looks nice). But I was wondering what color shoes you would recommend. I have always liked the pink/brown combination but my mom looked at pictures and said I probably needed black shoes. Is there a consensus that black goes with gray and brown doesnt?

Thanks!!

Not having seen the pictures... you could go for a deep red/wine colored shoe. But having a pair of black shoes is probably more useful to you in the long run. I think it is hard, but not impossible, to make brown and gray work.

 

[mezmerized7]

Pllleeease ladies...I need your help. Yesterday, I bought a dark gray suit at Macy's. It was a 3 piece suit and the main reason I bought it was because of the underblouse - light blue (not too light) polyester blouse (kinda looks satiny). When I told one of my friends, much older, he told me that I should wear a white shirt under it, because that's what you wear to be "safe" at interviews...let me know your thoughts...I was looking for a pic but could not find it online

 

[ChemGrad08]

Pllleeease ladies...I need your help. Yesterday, I bought a dark gray suit at Macy's. It was a 3 piece suit and the main reason I bought it was because of the underblouse - light blue (not too light) polyester blouse (kinda looks satiny). When I told one of my friends, much older, he told me that I should wear a white shirt under it, because that's what you wear to be "safe" at interviews...let me know your thoughts...I was looking for a pic but could not find it online

I think the consensus is that a colored shirt is fine (probably even preferable) for interviews.

 

[ronicajay]

I think the consensus is that a colored shirt is fine (probably even preferable) for interviews.

i personally dont own a white shirt. i bought two different colored shirts to go with my navy suit. im sure light blue will be perfect with your dark gray.

 

[ar2388]

yeah i am avoiding a white shirt actually.. wearing eitherlavendar or red. lol or beige silk

 

[mezmerized7]

Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to stick with my light blue and dark gray...

 

[ProAthleteMD]

Disclaimer: I haven't read this entire thread; I've only looked at a couple of pictures.

Why does every girl (well, not "every" but you get my drift) seem to wear the same thing? Best believe I'll be wearing a fancy, fuchsia (or anything bright) collard shirt. My suit will be will be dark but there's nothing wrong w/ adding a little color to your outfit. I guess I'm just not a fan of fitting in...😀

 

[ar2388]

what do you suggest? how can we look different?

 

[ProAthleteMD]

what do you suggest? how can we look different?

Fishnets! 👍 I'm totally kidding.

Wearing a dark suit is standard but we, as women, can add a little fashion to our suit. A bight colored collard shirt. A colored, collard shirt w/ pinstripes. Anything but the boring white, grey or light blue solid shirt. Barf.

But then again, my personality probably reflects my bright colored clothing soooooo it may just be me. 😀 I'll try to find some cool, dress shirts online and post them...

Oh yeah, ruffles are good, too.

 

[ar2388]

i like bright too 🙂 but beyond wearing a bright shirt i dont see what else we can do 🙁

 

[coffeebeanjenn]

i like bright too 🙂 but beyond wearing a bright shirt i dont see what else we can do 🙁

I'm really struggling with whether to wear colored or black shoes. I have these really great teal faux snake skin heels... I'll probably wimp out and just wear black heels though.

 

[iA-MD2013]

How much did you girls end up paying for interview clothes?

Total bill: $500 <--one suit, 2 shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes.

 

[foodfood]

How much did you girls end up paying for interview clothes?

Total bill: $500 <--one suit, 2 shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes.

just curious, why two pairs of shoes? so far, I'm at 140 for my suit and shirt.

 

[ar2388]

40+85 for shirts
75 for shoes
will buy bag tomorrow
say about 20 for other stuff like pantyhose and whatnot.
wearing my mom's suits 🙂
tempted to by the skyroll garment bag for when i take a bus to boston or DC (if i ever get those freaking interviews lol)

 

[iA-MD2013]

just curious, why two pairs of shoes? so far, I'm at 140 for my suit and shirt.

one comfortable shoes, and one nicer shoes. i don't really know why i did that...

 

[iA-MD2013]

just curious, why two pairs of shoes? so far, I'm at 140 for my suit and shirt.

ohh btw, i did all my shopping in walnut creek/ emeryville. there's really no places in berkeley!

 

[ProAthleteMD]

I'm really struggling with whether to wear colored or black shoes. I have these really great teal faux snake skin heels... I'll probably wimp out and just wear black heels though.

Oooohhh...those sound F-I-E-R-C-E! 👍 😎

DON'T WIMP OUT!!!

 

[foodfood]

ohh btw, i did all my shopping in walnut creek/ emeryville. there's really no places in berkeley!

UGH I KNOW! i went back home this weekend [south bay] to shop!

 

[lol.psych]

Suit 1 (Black):120
Suit 3 (grey pinstriped) (suit 2 was returned): $85
Shirts (1 blue, 1 pink, 1 white, 1 green): ~85
2 pairs of shoes (1 of the pairs can be a professional-looking shoe and a dressy-looking shoe, depending on the outfit): 110
Assorted things (pantyhose, travel-sized bottles of things): ~50
Bag: Already had
Makeup: Already had
Suitcase: Already had

Total: 425-500
I like to think I'm good at finding bargains. 450-ish isn't so bad for two suits, four shirts, two pairs of shoes, and accessories.

 

[bobeara]

Is a suit really the only thing girls can wear? No formal, high-waisted pencil skirt + blouse with a cardigan/shell instead of jacket? I don't see the problem as long as you look dressy, conservative and well put-together.

I find that 22 year-olds in suits look frumpy, and/or like they've been playing dress-up in mommy's closet... it's hard to take them (us?) seriously

 

[diosa428]

Is a suit really the only thing girls can wear? No formal, high-waisted pencil skirt + blouse with a cardigan/shell instead of jacket? I don't see the problem as long as you look dressy, conservative and well put-together.

I find that 22 year-olds in suits look frumpy, and/or like they've been playing dress-up in mommy's closet... it's hard to take them (us?) seriously

If you get a suit that fits properly, you shouldn't look like you're playing dress up. If you can't find one that fits properly, I suggest getting one tailored. This isn't a fashion contest, it's an interview for PROFESSIONAL school, so it's in one's best interest to look as professional as possible. And certainly you can wear something conservative and appropriate that's not a suit, and I doubt it would affect how you are looked upon by your interviewer, but you would also probably stand out as the only person not dressed in a suit, and that tends to make people uncomfortable, so they conform.

 

[Druzie]

I don't think a cardigan/shell with no jacket would cut it. It's a professional interview and cardigans just aren't as professional as jackets. If the matchy-matchy makes you feel "frumpy," why not try separates? Or buy two suits and mix and match? But I have to say "jacket, definitely," and in any case, stress the importance of fit. Everything looks better if it fits properly, and you'll feel more comfortable (and therefore look more natural in it) also.

 

[Jonesie]

Is a suit really the only thing girls can wear? No formal, high-waisted pencil skirt + blouse with a cardigan/shell instead of jacket? I don't see the problem as long as you look dressy, conservative and well put-together.

I find that 22 year-olds in suits look frumpy, and/or like they've been playing dress-up in mommy's closet... it's hard to take them (us?) seriously

Not to burst your bubble, but now is absolutely not the time for your fashion sense to stick out (good or bad). Dress so they remember you for your application and not your outfit. You want to look as professional as possible, which means wearing a suit. If anything, it gives you a leg up -- a suit will make you look more polished and mature than an applicant wearing a skirt and cardigan. Unless you're an older nontrad, it's a safe bet that the person interviewing you will be older than you are -- meaning you will look young to them no matter what you wear.

If I saw an applicant wearing anything other than a suit, I would think they put absolutely no effort into dressing themselves for what is supposed to be a professional interview. Harsh, but true.

 

[Minea1010]

All this is great info - 🙂
I just have one questions... Is it o.k. to wear a plain tank top underneath the jacket? I have a shirt, but in case it gets too warm (and I don't intend on taking off the jacket-no worries....)...

So is it a go or a no no?

 

[bobeara]

No bubble here to burst, don't worry... Not trying to be a fashionista, just trying to dress so I feel confident, that's all.

 

[foodfood]

Is a suit really the only thing girls can wear? No formal, high-waisted pencil skirt + blouse with a cardigan/shell instead of jacket? I don't see the problem as long as you look dressy, conservative and well put-together.

I find that 22 year-olds in suits look frumpy, and/or like they've been playing dress-up in mommy's closet... it's hard to take them (us?) seriously

i actually had the same problem with suits! you should shop in the petite section, and anne klein has really nice suits that have a 'younger fit'. also, i tend to be slightly bigger around the hips, my suit jacket is 2p, but my pants are just a size 2 in womens. usually they don't allow it, but the lady at the reigster didn't notice haha. and you can always get stuff altered [$$]. you can definatley look good in a suit!!

 

[lol.psych]

I have that problem all the time - I am a rather small person and I have a round "cute" face, so I look like I'm 12 anyway.

My solution: H&M!!!!!! Best affordable suits for small-ish people EVER. No joke.

Re: pencil skirt and blouse - I personally think it would be okay, there was a girl who wore that kind of thing at my UTMB interview and she looked fine. I don't know what adcom members thought about it, but I thought she looked okay. What would be better: a pencil skirt with a blouse and a jacket! If it gets too warm or you feel uncomfortable, take the jacket off and you'll still look good.

As long as you get a suit that fits, you won't look like you're playing dress-up in mommy's closet!
(And don't shop in the petite section unless you're short [<5'3"] because they tend to have shorter sleeve lengths. I'm 5'4" and the sleeves were too short even for me (at the Anne Klein store, at least).

 

[kac714]

All this is great info - 🙂
I just have one questions... Is it o.k. to wear a plain tank top underneath the jacket? I have a shirt, but in case it gets too warm (and I don't intend on taking off the jacket-no worries....)...

So is it a go or a no no?

i wouldnt wear a spaghetti strap or ribbed tank top under, but like shell would be nice...
i have this one
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~97826/97826.jsp
they also have cotton ones that are way less expensive but its the same look.

i also bought a short sleeve turtleneck to wear under, so if it does get warm i can take off the jacket.

 

[Minea1010]

hmmmm... I really like the one you are getting but I am looking for something that is lower cut (not that low nor worries).... for some reason can't seem to find any... 🙁

 

[azuldelcielo]

look at first pic in post #353. is that the type of "lower cut" tank/cami that you're looking for? (it does have the thinner straps though.)

 

[diosa428]

The thin straps really aren't a big deal if you don't take off your coat, which you are unlikely to do. I don't think I saw a single person take off a coat on a single interview.

 

[kac714]

The thin straps really aren't a big deal if you don't take off your coat, which you are unlikely to do. I don't think I saw a single person take off a coat on a single interview.

what about on the tour though? thats when im worried about being hot/cold. does it not matter?

 

[diosa428]

what about on the tour though? thats when im worried about being hot/cold. does it not matter?

I suppose if you're interviewing in the south in the next few weeks, maybe. But realistically, fall is coming and it's going to start getting cold. And if you're really that hot, do you really want people looking at the sweat marks on the shirt that's underneath your coat? Also, I think most tours are mostly inside.

 

[Druzie]

Personally, I'd be inclined to keep the jacket on. If you think you might need to take it off though, stay away from spaghetti/thin straps.

 

[kac714]

I suppose if you're interviewing in the south in the next few weeks, maybe. But realistically, fall is coming and it's going to start getting cold. And if you're really that hot, do you really want people looking at the sweat marks on the shirt that's underneath your coat? Also, I think most tours are mostly inside.

i applied to USF, which is the one i'm worried about. even in oct/nov its pretty hot.

 

[medstar21]

i wouldnt wear a spaghetti strap or ribbed tank top under, but like shell would be nice...
i have this one
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Wom...sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~97826/97826.jsp
they also have cotton ones that are way less expensive but its the same look.

i also bought a short sleeve turtleneck to wear under, so if it does get warm i can take off the jacket.

Hmmm, I REALLY like this, not to mention im obsessed with J.Crew, Got my suit from them. But I was wondering, what would any of you think about a good color to choose. I will be wearing a black skirt suit. I like the royal violet color, but feel like it would blend in too much with the black. Any ideas?

 

[kac714]

Hmmm, I REALLY like this, not to mention im obsessed with J.Crew, Got my suit from them. But I was wondering, what would any of you think about a good color to choose. I will be wearing a black skirt suit. I like the royal violet color, but feel like it would blend in too much with the black. Any ideas?

i like the bright rhubarb personally...

 

[LizzyM]

I don't know much about Florida but I once froze in Houston in October because everything is (over) air conditioned all the time. I wouldn't worry about taking off a jacket...

 

[efitzpat]

Is a suit really the only thing girls can wear? No formal, high-waisted pencil skirt + blouse with a cardigan/shell instead of jacket?

I'd like to talk a bit more about this. I don't see why a suit is the only way to look professional. Jackets are really hard for me to find because I'm short and slim, but quite busty. So no matter what, it has to be tailored. Why is a jacket a must?

Also, on the topic of shoes, why are there objections to a nice shoe? Especially with a darker suit, who wanted want a fierce, brightly colored, pointy toe heel?

 

[LizzyM]

I'd like to talk a bit more about this. I don't see why a suit is the only way to look professional. Jackets are really hard for me to find because I'm short and slim, but quite busty. So no matter what, it has to be tailored. Why is a jacket a must?

It is highly unusual to go to an interview without a jacket. In 10 years I can recall one woman who wore a sweater dress with matching cardigan (she was living in Europe at the time and was being influenced by fashions there, I suspect) and a few Muslim women who wore embroidered full length coats. Otherwise, yes, you need to find a jacket that fits and is flattering or have it tailored.

Also, on the topic of shoes, why are there objections to a nice shoe? Especially with a darker suit, who wanted want a fierce, brightly colored, pointy toe heel?

I have never noticed anyone's footwear. However, if you are going to have trouble walking a mile or more, you might want to have a second pair of more comfortable shoes to slip into for the tour. (you may go up & down stairs, across cobblestone streets, through snow piles, and down long hallways).

 

[ami1983]

I don't know much about Florida but I once froze in Houston in October because everything is (over) air conditioned all the time. I wouldn't worry about taking off a jacket...

this is true!! first you freeze inside, then you walk outside and frizz up/sweat your ass off walking around.

 

[ami1983]

okay, so here are my suit options. for the first pic, i got the cami from old navy - they didn't have my size in any other color.


for this second pic, i currently don't have any shirts that button up higher. but i'm trying to lean away from wearing a long-sleeved/buttoned shirt anyway because its hard for me to find shirts that fit correctly because my arms are kinda long. i had issues moving my arms to fix the collar, so i'm sure that can't be a good sign. the suit coat is the same in both pictures.



here is my nine west bag from marshalls. it's just big enough to carry a folder, small umbrella, wallet, etc.

Did you buy those tops/bottoms together? It doesn't look like the blacks match.... might just be the pic.

 

[azuldelcielo]

^^^ everything should match. 😳

i bought the suit coat and the pants at the same time, but the skirt i got later. everything is the same brand/color number. i think the computer/picture is making it look like that b/c if there is a color difference it certainly is not that dramatic (but any difference is probably due to the material - the pants/skirt have slightly more spandex than the jacket).

 

[linguini]

Looks exactly the same black to me.

 

[ami1983]

what do yall think of these shoes? too crazy?
http://www.endless.com/Bronx Womens...ord_crt_shr/102-7748342-5567366?fromPage=cart

 

[kac714]

what do yall think of these shoes? too crazy?
http://www.endless.com/Bronx Womens...ord_crt_shr/102-7748342-5567366?fromPage=cart

those are really cute, and not boring at all.