Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

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LizzyM said:
No, you don't need to wear make-up. Most of the interviewers (female) don't except, maybe, some lipstick.
Click to expand...

interesting. i ALWAYS wear makeup. i even did in college when i had early classes. and by makeup, i mean foundation, concealer, bronzer, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. i guess most people don't... news to me!

oh, and i've been straightening my hair and wearing it down to all my interviews. the crazy, curly jew-fro doesn't make me feel as professional as straight, nicely brushed hair. i just try not to play with it too much :laugh:
 
dw2158 said:
interesting. i ALWAYS wear makeup. i even did in college when i had early classes. and by makeup, i mean foundation, concealer, bronzer, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. i guess most people don't... news to me!

oh, and i've been straightening my hair and wearing it down to all my interviews. the crazy, curly jew-fro doesn't make me feel as professional as straight, nicely brushed hair. i just try not to play with it too much :laugh:
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Haha, that is foreign to me too! It seems like every female wears make-up, at least at this university & the high school I went to. I did not start wearing a bit (mascara, foundation, blush) until I went to college.
 
dw2158 said:
i posted this in the class of 2104 thread but it'll probably get more attention here--

laydees of 2014... can you help me come up with stores where you can buy the pieces of suits separately? today i did the department store thing, and it did not work. my top is 1-2 sizes smaller than my bottom :lame:

i'm planning to go to ann taylor, banana republic... not the limited because there are none in NYC. other ideas?
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Someone might already have said this but I got mine at Talbots (2 on the top, 4 on the bottom) - they have no problem selling separates. You might have some trouble finding clothes either in those small sizes or at the upper end of the size range - they do seem to concentrate on the middle of the spectrum.
 
texaslily said:
I would like some comments on my outfit... help please?
These pictures were kind of in a rush, I'm obviously wearing a higher neck blouse and buttoning the jacket. What colors do you recommend for the blouse with this shade of gray? Do the heels look appropriate? Is it necessary to button all 3 buttons or can I get away with 2? Sorry.. my interview is on Friday and I'm a little nervous... thanks girls 🙂
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Just a note on the buttons if you see this. I have always read the recommendation on buttoning is top- sometimes, middle-always, bottom-never. If it is two button top-yes, bottom-no.
 
Question: is tweed appropriate for an interview suit?
 
lstone13 said:
Question: is tweed appropriate for an interview suit?
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obviously it would depend on the specific suit, but in general i'd say sure. my suit has a tweedy feel to it and i love it-- it appears gray but has black and white running through it... hard to explain. i am a big fan of fabrics with subtle texture as opposed to the boring black wool everyone wears.
 
orange1587 said:
Hi ladies,

Could I wear this under my suit? I have it in the "cerise" color. Would that be too bright/out of the norm?
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=408841&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

I would wear it with a high-waisted pencil skirt so I would definitely tuck it in. I have a hard time finding button-up shirts that fit well, and I don't want to wear something I would get too hot in.

Thanks so much!
Click to expand...

it's fine. but i know on me that shirt would lead to cleavage city, so be careful about that.
 
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I put down designing jewelry as one of my EC's and I am now regretting that, because with my first interview looming next week I feel like an obvious question is "Hey ladylightning, you design jewelry, that's cool! Did you make what you're wearing?"

I do NOT want to have to answer "no" because then they might think I lied on my app! But on the other hand, I don't want to show up wearing something too non-conservative because that might make a bad impression. I know LizzyM's advice through this thread has just been "as long as you're not showing too much skin you're fine" but I'm honestly not much of a mold breaker. I'm posting the necklace and bracelet I was thinking of wearing (I designed and made both of these) - can you guys comment on if they're too out there or if they would work?


Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31575267
Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31576673

Thanks!!
 
LadyLightning20 said:
I put down designing jewelry as one of my EC's and I am now regretting that, because with my first interview looming next week I feel like an obvious question is "Hey ladylightning, you design jewelry, that's cool! Did you make what you're wearing?"

I do NOT want to have to answer "no" because then they might think I lied on my app! But on the other hand, I don't want to show up wearing something too non-conservative because that might make a bad impression. I know LizzyM's advice through this thread has just been "as long as you're not showing too much skin you're fine" but I'm honestly not much of a mold breaker. I'm posting the necklace and bracelet I was thinking of wearing (I designed and made both of these) - can you guys comment on if they're too out there or if they would work?


Bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31575267
Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31576673

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

gorgeous, gorgeous. wear them! (also, i'm totally checking out your other stuff on etsy and it's awesome!)
 
LadyLightning20 said:
I'm posting the necklace and bracelet I was thinking of wearing (I designed and made both of these) - can you guys comment on if they're too out there or if they would work?
Click to expand...

I agree with the other posters, they are beautiful and you should totally wear them. GL!
 
Is this grey too light? Is it that bad to wear this color in the winter/fall season? I'm a petite size, and had a terrible time looking for suits. It's well fitted and gives me the illusion of height (4'11".) California is not a suit wearing state, so the stores don't really carry soo many.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=7317&oid=OUT15449

Also, do I have to wear a button down? Is a shirt like this one alright?

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5042&vid=1&pid=691165&scid=691165002
 
ducki303 said:
Is this grey too light? Is it that bad to wear this color in the winter/fall season? I'm a petite size, and had a terrible time looking for suits. It's well fitted and gives me the illusion of height (4'11".) California is not a suit wearing state, so the stores don't really carry soo many.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=7317&oid=OUT15449

Also, do I have to wear a button down? Is a shirt like this one alright?

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5042&vid=1&pid=691165&scid=691165002
Click to expand...

have you been to an actual banana store and tried the suit on? i tried that one on, and i have to say, for a $300 suit it looked really, really cheap. but maybe it will look better on you.

and yes, the shirt is fine.
 
@ Wheee, dw and AGLAIA -

Sweeeeet! thanks so much! I just got this nice shell in ruby from the United Colors of Benetton that goes well under my suit jacket and sets these pieces (particularly the necklace) off really well. So I'm ready to go - thanks for your help!
 
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dw2158 said:
gorgeous, gorgeous. wear them! (also, i'm totally checking out your other stuff on etsy and it's awesome!)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! I have been meaning to open an etsy shop forever but just never got around to pricing stuff and posting it. I originally did put this profile down just so that I could link to it in my AMCAS work-activities section where I talked about jewelry design so if any adcoms wanted to look they could, but then i started thinking I could really use some extra cash so I should probably link that med school account to another one where people can actually buy stuff.

I'm just a little nervous about that, you know, because it's tough to put your artwork out there and then have nobody buy it (which, on a place as large as etsy, is actually quite likely!) It's a lot like the med school app process, really - just put yourself out there, put your best foot forward, and pray that someone likes you enough!
 
ducki303 said:
Is this grey too light? Is it that bad to wear this color in the winter/fall season? I'm a petite size, and had a terrible time looking for suits. It's well fitted and gives me the illusion of height (4'11".) California is not a suit wearing state, so the stores don't really carry soo many.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=7317&oid=OUT15449

Also, do I have to wear a button down? Is a shirt like this one alright?

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5042&vid=1&pid=691165&scid=691165002
Click to expand...


I didn't think the grey was too light - you'll stand out, but not in an "OMG, what's SHE wearing?" way. I'm not wearing a button down under my jacket - the collar always bunches up and it's just really awkward.

I'm pretty short (5'3") and I got my suit from Talbot Petites and I really like what it does for me. They don't have many suit choices but one of the ones they did in petites has a slightly longer jacket and a skirt that hits you mid-calf, and it did a lot to make me look long and lean. It was a little pricey (I bought it 2 years ago) - the jacket ran me about $200, but you can get a matching skirt and pants for like ~$200 more, so you end up with two good quality outfits for $400. (It's really good material - I'm pretty rough on my stuff and I have never had it wrinkle on me. It's also pretty resilient to light clothing spills, which is a major plus too.)
 
dw2158 said:
have you been to an actual banana store and tried the suit on? i tried that one on, and i have to say, for a $300 suit it looked really, really cheap. but maybe it will look better on you.
Click to expand...

I agree! I went to the store to try this on and it looked awful! The same suit in black looked great, but man, the gray one made me look so weird!
 
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I recently got an MD/PhD interview invite, which will be two days long. The first day is mostly hanging out with other interviewees and MD/PhD students, so it is "causal dress". The second day has all the interviews so I will be wearing my suit for that. Anybody have suggestions for the casual day?
 
MapleLover said:
I recently got an MD/PhD interview invite, which will be two days long. The first day is mostly hanging out with other interviewees and MD/PhD students, so it is "causal dress". The second day has all the interviews so I will be wearing my suit for that. Anybody have suggestions for the casual day?
Click to expand...

For casual dress, you should probably go with business casual - so nice pants (not jeans) or a skirt (that is knee length), appropriate shoes, and a nice top (not a tank top, not anything low cut).
 
MapleLover said:
I recently got an MD/PhD interview invite, which will be two days long. The first day is mostly hanging out with other interviewees and MD/PhD students, so it is "causal dress". The second day has all the interviews so I will be wearing my suit for that. Anybody have suggestions for the casual day?
Click to expand...

I'm applying MD/PhD too and I had a similar question...my interview invite actually said "blah blah is casual (jeans)." Can I actually wear jeans to that? I mean, they said so...but then I'm scared everyone else is going to do business casual and then I'll be the only poor schlub in jeans!!
 
I know the whole you can't where white year-round thing, but what about other lighter colors? I already have a dark charcoal grey pant suit, but I found another one on sale and I was wondering if the color is ok to wear for fall/winter interviews. It's a light brownish-grey type color like in these pants. What do you guys think? The color looks really good on my skin type, so I kinda like it.

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/cassidy-triple-button-flare/6624891
 
snitchseeker88 said:
I know the whole you can't where white year-round thing, but what about other lighter colors? I already have a dark charcoal grey pant suit, but I found another one on sale and I was wondering if the color is ok to wear for fall/winter interviews. It's a light brownish-grey type color like in these pants. What do you guys think? The color looks really good on my skin type, so I kinda like it.

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/cassidy-triple-button-flare/6624891
Click to expand...

White is considered a summer color. The color you've shown appears to be appropriate for any time of the year.
 
LadyLightning20 said:
I'm applying MD/PhD too and I had a similar question...my interview invite actually said "blah blah is casual (jeans)." Can I actually wear jeans to that? I mean, they said so...but then I'm scared everyone else is going to do business casual and then I'll be the only poor schlub in jeans!!
Click to expand...

I think if it says jeans, it's ok to wear jeans. I also think for girls it's a lot easier to be casually dressed and still look like you could pass for business casual. For example, shirts like these:
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalo...efaultColor=Deep Blue&defaultSizeType=Regular

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalo...ltColor=Cedar Heather&defaultSizeType=Regular

are casual but nice. A pair of pants like the ones snitchseeker posted are also nice but wouldn't make you stand out like a sore thumb in a group of people in jeans if paired with a non-button up top.

For those of you that don't own clothes like this, you will need to wear dress clothes frequently as a medical student (no jeans or open toed shoes in patient care areas) so you might as well get some now.
 
tea1018 said:
Question about hair: did you get a haircut before the interview? I have long layered hair that reaches mid back. Do I tie it back for the interview (does not look good), cut it to a more professional length or just spray it so it's not in my way?
Click to expand...

I have the same question! im definitely straightening my hair but if I leave it all down it gets in my face most of the time unless i put it behind my ears (not the best look) and if i tie it back it doesnt look so good because i dont have bangs and it would be too casual for me! i dont know i was thinking of maybe clipping half of it back and then leaving some in the front but my bangs are now down to my shoulders and if i cut them unless i put my hair up it would give more volume thus more in my face loll so complicated.. any advice?!
 
snitchseeker88 said:
I know the whole you can't where white year-round thing, but what about other lighter colors? I already have a dark charcoal grey pant suit, but I found another one on sale and I was wondering if the color is ok to wear for fall/winter interviews. It's a light brownish-grey type color like in these pants. What do you guys think? The color looks really good on my skin type, so I kinda like it.

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/cassidy-triple-button-flare/6624891
Click to expand...

Exactly the same color as my suit, and it's gone over well at interview. I've gotten the "nice to not see black again" comment a few times.
 
dw2158 said:
have you been to an actual banana store and tried the suit on? i tried that one on, and i have to say, for a $300 suit it looked really, really cheap. but maybe it will look better on you.

and yes, the shirt is fine.
Click to expand...

I spent the whole day going throught the mall in palo alto and this was the only non-black suit that i could find that fit me properly. UGH! so i was half force to just shell out the money. the grey seems to work well with my complexion.

Questions: To tuck or not to tuck the shirt in?

Men have it so much easier. They have had this suit thing perfected over mannnny years.
 
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OneMCATAway said:
I have the same question! im definitely straightening my hair but if I leave it all down it gets in my face most of the time unless i put it behind my ears (not the best look) and if i tie it back it doesnt look so good because i dont have bangs and it would be too casual for me! i dont know i was thinking of maybe clipping half of it back and then leaving some in the front but my bangs are now down to my shoulders and if i cut them unless i put my hair up it would give more volume thus more in my face loll so complicated.. any advice?!
Click to expand...


My hair is straight, layered, with no bangs. I did a side part and then did half up (in a bun)/half down for my interview. It kept it out of my face and still looked professional. Also, it was better than my usual ponytail look or the badness it would have been if I had been walking around with it down all day.
 
ducki303 said:
I spent the whole day going throught the mall in palo alto and this was the only non-black suit that i could find that fit me properly. UGH! so i was half force to just shell out the money. the grey seems to work well with my complexion.

Questions: To tuck or not to tuck the shirt in?

Men have it so much easier. They have had this suit thing perfected over mannnny years.
Click to expand...

Why wouldn't you tuck it in?
 
AGLAIA said:
My hair is straight, layered, with no bangs. I did a side part and then did half up (in a bun)/half down for my interview. It kept it out of my face and still looked professional. Also, it was better than my usual ponytail look or the badness it would have been if I had been walking around with it down all day.
Click to expand...

thanks aglaia 🙂

in general is it more professional to have the hair up (ponytail, etc) or leave it down?!
 
OneMCATAway said:
thanks aglaia 🙂

in general is it more professional to have the hair up (ponytail, etc) or leave it down?!
Click to expand...

How will you wear it when you are on the wards?

My advice for interviews: wear it as you please but don't touch your hair and be sure that both eyes are visible. You'd be amazed at the applicants who are peeking though a curtain of hair!
 
diosa428 said:
For casual dress, you should probably go with business casual - so nice pants (not jeans) or a skirt (that is knee length), appropriate shoes, and a nice top (not a tank top, not anything low cut).
Click to expand...

i would wear my "uniform" for work (i have about, oh, 25 variation upon this theme): knee length skirt, tank top/cami/shell, cardigan, and ballet flats. just make sure the tank top is not super tight or low-cut.

ducki303 said:
I spent the whole day going throught the mall in palo alto and this was the only non-black suit that i could find that fit me properly. UGH! so i was half force to just shell out the money. the grey seems to work well with my complexion.

Questions: To tuck or not to tuck the shirt in?

Men have it so much easier. They have had this suit thing perfected over mannnny years.
Click to expand...

seriously? tuck it in. no brainer.
 
dw2158 said:
i would wear my "uniform" for work (i have about, oh, 25 variation upon this theme): knee length skirt, tank top/cami/shell, cardigan, and ballet flats. just make sure the tank top is not super tight or low-cut.



seriously? tuck it in. no brainer.
Click to expand...

really? The shirt's so short. I've never been one to tuck in my shirt.
 
LizzyM said:
No, you don't need to wear make-up. Most of the interviewers (female) don't except, maybe, some lipstick.
Click to expand...


I'll never understand why women like lipstick. I am not a fan... :shrug:


At any rate, I think this whole thread is useless without pics! Come on ladies, get to postin'!
 
ducki303 said:
really? The shirt's so short. I've never been one to tuck in my shirt.
Click to expand...

well, then the important question is why is your shirt too short to tuck in?
 
dw2158 said:
well, then the important question is why is your shirt too short to tuck in?
Click to expand...

My shirt is too short to tuck in.... I think that as long as it doesn't peak out of the bottom of the jacket, you should be fine ducki. I'm not going to tuck mine in, and with my jacket closed you won't see the bottom anyhow, so it shouldn't matter.
 
A story on belts from the business world:

my boss is the recruiting coordinator for my firm. I wore a belt today (pretty much because I bought it sight-unseen online and wanted to make sure it was comfortable before an interview tomorrow). He just talked at me for 10 minutes about how kids these days don't wear belts and it looks unprofessional when people wear suits, tuck their shirts in, and don't sport a belt.

Now the jury is still out on whether my boss is certifiable or right on the money, but I'll definitely be sporting a belt from now on. Mostly, because I realized at my first interview that my pants were too big and sagging pants = unattractive.

/random, slightly off-topic story
 
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caniac said:
A story on belts from the business world:

my boss is the recruiting coordinator for my firm. I wore a belt today (pretty much because I bought it sight-unseen online and wanted to make sure it was comfortable before an interview tomorrow). He just talked at me for 10 minutes about how kids these days don't wear belts and it looks unprofessional when people wear suits, tuck their shirts in, and don't sport a belt.

Now the jury is still out on whether my boss is certifiable or right on the money, but I'll definitely be sporting a belt from now on. Mostly, because I realized at my first interview that my pants were too big and sagging pants = unattractive.

/random, slightly off-topic story
Click to expand...

LOL @ your story. I realized that I was wearing my pants suit for the first time at an interview yesterday (had been rocking the skirt suit), but TOTALLY FORGOT THE BELT THAT I BOUGHT FOR SAID PURPOSE. I kind of freaked out, but I doubt anyone noticed. Unless your boss was one of the interviewers. 😱
 
caniac said:
A story on belts from the business world:

my boss is the recruiting coordinator for my firm. I wore a belt today (pretty much because I bought it sight-unseen online and wanted to make sure it was comfortable before an interview tomorrow). He just talked at me for 10 minutes about how kids these days don't wear belts and it looks unprofessional when people wear suits, tuck their shirts in, and don't sport a belt.

Now the jury is still out on whether my boss is certifiable or right on the money, but I'll definitely be sporting a belt from now on. Mostly, because I realized at my first interview that my pants were too big and sagging pants = unattractive.

/random, slightly off-topic story
Click to expand...


AGREE.... AFter talking to my business etiqutte friend, he said that the belt ties it all together, and yeah you should tuck the shirt in. So I will be tuckin that shirt n sporting a nice belt too. It's just out of habit these days for the younger office people.
 
I don't get it.... I guess it totally depends on the style of your suit. Some are designed without belt loops and not meant to be worn with a belt. Men need belts to hold up their pants but most women have hips that do the job just fine. If it makes sense (you need to hold up your pants) go for it, but we don't need to dress like men to be taken seriously.
 
LizzyM said:
I don't get it.... I guess it totally depends on the style of your suit. Some are designed without belt loops and not meant to be worn with a belt. Men need belts to hold up their pants but most women have hips that do the job just fine. If it makes sense (you need to hold up your pants) go for it, but we don't need to dress like men to be taken seriously.
Click to expand...

That's vote #1 for my boss is certifiable 🙂

I've dropped 10 lbs since I bought my suits -- I bought the belt for functionality more than anything because I felt a little like a plumber at my interview last week 😳. The other side of the argument is that I've been working with the same company for the past 13 months having never worn a belt until today, and no one commented on my lack of belt. Just a funny thing that happened at work today...
 
will i freeze in a skirtsuit in november in the midwest?
 
caniac said:
A story on belts from the business world:

my boss is the recruiting coordinator for my firm. I wore a belt today (pretty much because I bought it sight-unseen online and wanted to make sure it was comfortable before an interview tomorrow). He just talked at me for 10 minutes about how kids these days don't wear belts and it looks unprofessional when people wear suits, tuck their shirts in, and don't sport a belt.

Now the jury is still out on whether my boss is certifiable or right on the money, but I'll definitely be sporting a belt from now on. Mostly, because I realized at my first interview that my pants were too big and sagging pants = unattractive.

/random, slightly off-topic story
Click to expand...

belts aren't always necessary. although i wear a super-skinny belt with my (skirt) suit. but that's just 'cause it's hot to wear one with a high-waisted pencil skirt, not 'cause i need it.

and caniac, maybe you should get your pants tailored :laugh:

LizzyM said:
I don't get it.... I guess it totally depends on the style of your suit. Some are designed without belt loops and not meant to be worn with a belt. Men need belts to hold up their pants but most women have hips that do the job just fine. If it makes sense (you need to hold up your pants) go for it, but we don't need to dress like men to be taken seriously.
Click to expand...

👍

NilamPatel said:
what about a suit with a vest and no jacket?

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=379801&CategoryID=39098
Click to expand...

no-go.
 
NotSur said:
will i freeze in a skirtsuit in november in the midwest?
Click to expand...

It depends on how much time you are going to be spending outside, the weather that day (which can vary quite a bit), and how well padded your legs are.

For the most part, I'd expect to be fine but I have chubby legs.
 
LizzyM said:
It depends on how much time you are going to be spending outside, the weather that day (which can vary quite a bit), and how well padded your legs are.

For the most part, I'd expect to be fine but I have chubby legs.
Click to expand...

:laugh: LizzyM FTW once again.

personally, i'd be fine because (a) i love cold weather, and (b) i have a long down coat that goes 'til just past my knees. if i were you, i would go with the skirt suit and bring uggs or some other type of tall boots to wear on the tour when you'd actually be cold. then you should be okay.
 
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