Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
lstone13 said:
Okay ladies, quick question. Since the winter months are rolling in, is it appropriate to wear a turtleneck with a skirt suit? And if so, is there a particular fabric that would look best?
Click to expand...

Instead of wearing a dress shirt I've worn a lighter weight mock turtleneck sweater (because I'm top heavy and it's so hard to find a button down that lays they way it should 'up top'). It's like a half turtle neck kinda. I feel like I kinda look like a professor or something, but I don't think it looks any less professional than any of the other tops I've seen girls wearing. In fact, I kinda like it because it's classy but a little different.

All that to basically say, yes that'll work. lol
 
Cezanne said:
I'm interviewing in the Northeast next week...is it okay to wear a skirt suit in this weather (40's)? My suit got damaged at the dry cleaners and there's not enough time to get it fixed 🙁 so I only have a generic black skirt suit as a back up.
Click to expand...

I'd be sure to wear pantyhose or maybe even tights.
 
Cezanne said:
I'm interviewing in the Northeast next week...is it okay to wear a skirt suit in this weather (40's)? My suit got damaged at the dry cleaners and there's not enough time to get it fixed 🙁 so I only have a generic black skirt suit as a back up.
Click to expand...

i'm not sure if you're asking whether it's okay in terms of comfort or appropriateness. it is 100% appropriate. comfort-- only you can decide. it hasn't even been *that* cold here (or in boston, where i'm going next week) lately... i'm talking like 50 degrees. not winter weather at all. although that can change really quickly. and now i'm just blabbering. moral of the story is that you'll be totally fine, IMO. i'll be wearing a skirt suit at BU next week.
 
lstone13 said:
Okay ladies, quick question. Since the winter months are rolling in, is it appropriate to wear a turtleneck with a skirt suit? And if so, is there a particular fabric that would look best?
Click to expand...

I'm glad you asked this, Istone - I've been wondering myself! I've been thinking of wearing a light cotton turtleneck with my black suit for my next interview. Most of the interview rooms I've been in lately have been pretty warm, so I don't think a heavier shirt would be a good idea. Is the general consensus that turtlenecks are classy enough for an interview, if the suit jacket is kept on?
 
NotSur said:
i always wear a tank top underneath the button down shirt to keep the core warm, and a nice scarf. i've been toying with the idea of putting on some thin bike shorts over the pantyhose if it's really cold. of course, that would require acquiring said bike shorts...
Click to expand...

Granted, I've never worn bike shorts for anything but exercising, during which you sweat a lot... but I think that you might be too hot and if you did start to sweat in skintight shorts it would be somewhat uncomfortable to be in that situation for an entire day...

Keep in mind that aside from getting to and from the interview, and maybe a part of the tour, you will be inside all day and getting too hot will be a bigger problem than getting too cold.
 
Hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving!!🙂

So I have an interview in January..and I bought this silky top to wear with my black pant suit.. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/691/691148/main/br691148-00p01v01.jpg

Would this work, or is having patterns pushing it a bit? I have black hair, and thus with a black suit there would be a lot of black. Would the outfit be too gloomy?
Also, is it okay for women to wear short or 3/4 sleeved shirts under their jackets, or does the shirt have to be long sleeved? (I was thinking sleeve length shouldn't matter since shells are sleeveless and they're considered fine)

Thanks!!😀
 
annieka88 said:
Hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving!!🙂

So I have an interview in January..and I bought this silky top to wear with my black pant suit.. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset...Product/691/691148/main/br691148-00p01v01.jpg

Would this work, or is having patterns pushing it a bit? I have black hair, and thus with a black suit there would be a lot of black. Would the outfit be too gloomy?
Also, is it okay for women to wear short or 3/4 sleeved shirts under their jackets, or does the shirt have to be long sleeved? (I was thinking sleeve length shouldn't matter since shells are sleeveless and they're considered fine)

Thanks!!😀
Click to expand...

I think that shirt looks fine. Length of sleeve doesn't matter much unless you plan to take your jacket off. If you do, than long sleeved or 3/4 sleeved should be OK. Personally, I prefer 3/4 sleeved to long sleeved...just feels less cramped. =]
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Cezanne said:
I'm thinking of wearing a cowl neck silk blouse underneath a black suit. It's the shirt below, but a light purple shade..

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...faultColor=Blackberry&defaultSizeType=Regular

Is that okay? Or would the cowl neck be considered too unprofessional??? I just hate the way button up shirts feel underneath the jacket and want something light. I don't know how guys do it.
Click to expand...

I'm not a huge fan but if you can pull it off and feel comfy knowing you look professional than that is what matters. I've seen girls with big ruffles hanging out their suits and I know I would look crazy wearing it but they seemed to pull it off well.

My only concern with the cowl neck is will it lay right under a jacket? It might get all bunched up under the collar and look lumpy or weird
 
Cezanne said:
I'm thinking of wearing a cowl neck silk blouse underneath a black suit. It's the shirt below, but a light purple shade..

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...faultColor=Blackberry&defaultSizeType=Regular

Is that okay? Or would the cowl neck be considered too unprofessional??? I just hate the way button up shirts feel underneath the jacket and want something light. I don't know how guys do it.
Click to expand...

I also hate button up shirts so I haven't been wearing one under my suit. I do like the shirt you linked, but like the last person said, make sure it looks ok under the jacket. Also, make sure it doesn't look too sloppy with the bottom of that shirt hanging out the back of your jacket (it might be too loose/flowy to tuck in properly).
 
Ilovewater said:
I think that shirt looks fine. Length of sleeve doesn't matter much unless you plan to take your jacket off. If you do, than long sleeved or 3/4 sleeved should be OK. Personally, I prefer 3/4 sleeved to long sleeved...just feels less cramped. =]
Click to expand...
That's good to hear because I have a 3/4 sleeved shirt but not a long sleeved one.. and yeah I don't plan on taking my jacket off. Thanks!!🙂

NotSur said:
a bit dark but not inappropriate
Click to expand...
Yeah that was my concern. I'll think about it. I might just wear a different shirt. Thanks for your opinion!

Cezanne said:
I'm thinking of wearing a cowl neck silk blouse underneath a black suit. It's the shirt below, but a light purple shade..

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/pr...faultColor=Blackberry&defaultSizeType=Regular

Is that okay? Or would the cowl neck be considered too unprofessional??? I just hate the way button up shirts feel underneath the jacket and want something light. I don't know how guys do it.
Click to expand...

This blouse is really cute!!! I don't like the button up shirts either.. Like the others said, as long as it fits well under your jacket it should be fine. If you're not planning to take the jacket off, tucking it in just might work...
 
NotSur said:
any chance that short, neat, square nails with dark polish are ok for interviews?
Click to expand...

i don't know if there are really any rules on this but I think if the color is something an interviewer would notice when they shake your hand, you shouldn't wear it.
 
NotSur said:
any chance that short, neat, square nails with dark polish are ok for interviews?
Click to expand...


I've always heard that dark nail polish shouldn't be worn for interviews. Basically, natural, French or American manicure, or a very light pink polish are appropriate. Anything else would be a "faux pas."
 
.
 
Last edited:
NotSur said:
ah, figured as much. so sick of all these light pink polishes! after interview season is over i'm going vampie at least until summer!
Click to expand...

I echo that thought exactly! After three months of nude/light pink nails, I went straight for the dark stuff last week. (I'm done interviewing.)

Felt awesome -- definitely needed the change!
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
michiganpsych08 said:
do you guys think this shirt is okay under a black skirt suit? I wanted some color since the suit is all black and I have long black hair as well... thanks for your thoughts

http://www.thelimited.com/detail/gathered-peasant-top/5051669
Click to expand...

I agree that a colorful blouse would be a good idea. However, I would be concerned with how this particular shirt makes the suit jacket look. For instance, with the cap sleeves of the shirt, it could make the shoulders of the suit jacket look bunchy. Also, with the ruffles around the entire neckline, once again, it might make the shoulders look a little bunchy.
 
.
 
Last edited:
OK, so I know what I'm wearing - black skirt suit with pretty button-up (no collar) fuschia shirt and black heels. My real issue is the HAIR. I have long wavy/curly (unpredictable) light goldenish brown/red hair. Sometimes it looks really messy later in the day but sometimes it looks great. It's hard to predict and I can't comb it to fix it because it's curly. I know that the suggestion would be to "wear it up" but I really think that my hair is unique and sets me apart/adds character. I feel more comfortable with my hair down, but I don't know what's a better idea and I'm not great at styling it half-up of all the way up. Do any girls have any hair suggestions?
 
Last edited:
melissaliss said:
OK, so I know what I'm wearing - black skirt suit with pretty button-up (no collar) fuschia shirt and black heels. My real issue is the HAIR. I have long (nipple length) wavy/curly (unpredictable) light goldenish brown/red hair. Sometimes it looks really messy later in the day but sometimes it looks great. It's hard to predict and I can't comb it to fix it because it's curly. I know that the suggestion would be to "wear it up" but I really think that my hair is unique and sets me apart/adds character. I feel more comfortable with my hair down, but I don't know what's a better idea and I'm not great at styling it half-up of all the way up. Do any girls have any hair suggestions?
Click to expand...

I don't think anyone is gonna be like "omg her hair is amazing, let's admit her on the spot." That being said, do w/e makes you feel comfy. Maybe bring a hair tie if your hair is unpredictable
 
red10 said:
I don't think anyone is gonna be like "omg her hair is amazing, let's admit her on the spot." That being said, do w/e makes you feel comfy. Maybe bring a hair tie if your hair is unpredictable
Click to expand...

Keep it off your face. I don't want to play peek-a-boo with an applicant. A headband can keep it off the face, or pull the hair that grows on the sides (as far back as the ears) up and back to the crown and fasten with a big barrette.
 
Hi Everyone,
What would you wear for a visitation day? I've never been to one before, so I have no idea how formally people dress. Suggestions?
 
Pre-application cycle. Just a day touring a school's facilities and interacting with students and directors of a program I'm extremely interested in.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Esio Trot said:
Pre-application cycle. Just a day touring a school's facilities and interacting with students and directors of a program I'm extremely interested in.
Click to expand...

Oh, I'd wear some nice slacks, heels (I'm short so I wear them anytime I'm in more than jeans and a tshirt, so flats would probably work too especially since you are touring), and a nice top. Business casual.
 
I have a few questions about what to wear:

1) I have dark brown skin and black would probably look best, but I feel this is too boring. Would grey look ok?

2) Are dark colored tops (such as burgundy) under a suit ok? Or are more toned-down colors better?

3) If I bring a peacoat, where can I leave it during the interview?

4) I'm leaning towards bringing a portfolio, but if I bring a purse, where do i keep it during the interview?
 
panasonic52 said:
I have a few questions about what to wear:

1) I have dark brown skin and black would probably look best, but I feel this is too boring. Would grey look ok?

2) Are dark colored tops (such as burgundy) under a suit ok? Or are more toned-down colors better?

3) If I bring a peacoat, where can I leave it during the interview?

4) I'm leaning towards bringing a portfolio, but if I bring a purse, where do i keep it during the interview?
Click to expand...

1) Black or grey is fine- I've seen both on my interview trail and honestly, as long as you look presentable, it doesn't matter.

2) Any color is fine. Just make sure its not low cut and is conservative.

3) Every admin. office I have been to has some kind of closet where you can keep your clothing items

4) I'm not comfortable leaving my purse anywhere so I always bring it with me. I'm sure you can leave it in the admin office though.
 
panasonic52 said:
I have a few questions about what to wear:

1) I have dark brown skin and black would probably look best, but I feel this is too boring. Would grey look ok?

2) Are dark colored tops (such as burgundy) under a suit ok? Or are more toned-down colors better?

3) If I bring a peacoat, where can I leave it during the interview?

4) I'm leaning towards bringing a portfolio, but if I bring a purse, where do i keep it during the interview?
Click to expand...
Yes.
Yes. No.
Coat closet in the admissions office
Beside your chair.
 
I'll be in NYC in late January for interviews, and I'm anticipating snow and rain. I will probably travel to the schools via subway (unless taxi is better - but I'm thinking there will be more traffic delays traveling by car in snow?) What do you ladies recommend for footwear? Are there any dressy shoes that I can wear with my suit that are appropriate for snow/rain? Or do you wear casual snow boots and pants, and then change your outfit/shoes once you arrive to the school?
 
starl3tte said:
I'll be in NYC in late January for interviews, and I'm anticipating snow and rain. I will probably travel to the schools via subway (unless taxi is better - but I'm thinking there will be more traffic delays traveling by car in snow?) What do you ladies recommend for footwear? Are there any dressy shoes that I can wear with my suit that are appropriate for snow/rain? Or do you wear casual snow boots and pants, and then change your outfit/shoes once you arrive to the school?
Click to expand...

I feel you! I'm going to Detroit in Jan and I'm from CA, I don't own anything made for that kind of weather.

This might be lame but I'm going to wear my large white Peacoat and Uggs. It looks okay over my suit because I'm wearing a skirt so a coat, black sheer tights, uggs looks kind of cute. Once I'm at the office I'm going to wear my fancy shoes.
 
Alwaysbehopeful said:
I feel you! I'm going to Detroit in Jan and I'm from CA, I don't own anything made for that kind of weather.

This might be lame but I'm going to wear my large white Peacoat and Uggs. It looks okay over my suit because I'm wearing a skirt so a coat, black sheer tights, uggs looks kind of cute. Once I'm at the office I'm going to wear my fancy shoes.
Click to expand...

The skirt & uggs sounds like a good idea! I was so set on wearing my usual pantsuit...but then I kept thinking about how I'd protect the bottom from getting wet, and how ridiculous it'd look if I tucked my suit pants into boots. I'm going to have to seriously consider getting a skirt now. Thanks!
 
starl3tte said:
The skirt & uggs sounds like a good idea! I was so set on wearing my usual pantsuit...but then I kept thinking about how I'd protect the bottom from getting wet, and how ridiculous it'd look if I tucked my suit pants into boots. I'm going to have to seriously consider getting a skirt now. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Maybe some cute high heeled black leather boots? I guess it depend how long your pants are for how wet the bottom might get but you could potentially cuff them while you walk. Hopefully you won't be trekking through a foot of snow. Most cities that get snow regularly know how to get it off their sidewalks quickly.
 
starl3tte said:
I'll be in NYC in late January for interviews, and I'm anticipating snow and rain. I will probably travel to the schools via subway (unless taxi is better - but I'm thinking there will be more traffic delays traveling by car in snow?) What do you ladies recommend for footwear? Are there any dressy shoes that I can wear with my suit that are appropriate for snow/rain? Or do you wear casual snow boots and pants, and then change your outfit/shoes once you arrive to the school?
Click to expand...

a few things. first, unless you're there *during* an actual snow storm, don't worry about traffic delays. and if you are there during a storm, chances are the subways will run more slowly as well. so... no diff. i'd still take the subway 'cause it's cheaper though 🙂

wearing whatever to the school is fine-- just change once you get to the office. i've worn flats to all of my interviews (since i take the subway/walk everywhere) and i just change when i get there. same deal with boots. and if you don't want to spend money on a skirt, just wear the pants and either roll them up or tuck them into your boots. don't worry, that kind of thing won't be necessary unless, again, you're there during the storm, because snow doesn't stick around in NYC very long. plus no one cares if you look ridiculous as you try to "winterize" your outfit. trust me, i look way stupid on my way to work everyday and so do a million other commuters.

so, that was long winded! sorry! but feel free to PM me with any NYC questions or if you need uber detailed transportation instructions/directions. i've been living here almost 6 years. just out of curiosity, which schools are you going to?
 
starl3tte said:
The skirt & uggs sounds like a good idea! I was so set on wearing my usual pantsuit...but then I kept thinking about how I'd protect the bottom from getting wet, and how ridiculous it'd look if I tucked my suit pants into boots. I'm going to have to seriously consider getting a skirt now. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I wanted to buy pants but for some reason they looked weird on me. Then I tried on this skirt and it's so much cuter. I find it hugs my hips and really show off my curves while looking professional and feminine at the same time. The great thing about a skirt is that you can buy the sheer black tights that a lot of of girls are wearing these days with boots and a long shirt with a big belt = super cute. So when I button my peacoat over my suit, you can't even see the skirt very much and the tights and uggs look super adorable.

Anyways good luck!!!!!!
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Alwaysbehopeful said:
I wanted to buy pants but for some reason they looked weird on me. Then I tried on this skirt and it's so much cuter. I find it hugs my hips and really show off my curves while looking professional and feminine at the same time. The great thing about a skirt is that you can buy the sheer black tights that a lot of of girls are wearing these days with boots and a long shirt with a big belt = super cute. So when I button my peacoat over my suit, you can't even see the skirt very much and the tights and uggs look super adorable.
Click to expand...

I'm the same way with the skirts/pants.. I only have a skirt suit, but I'm planning on wearing it (with a long coat and cute boots) to a NYC interview next week. I'm glad that other people are doing the same thing; I wasn't sure if it would be really weird to wear a skirt suit in the snow.
Do you wear the tights during the actual interview?

I'm probably overthinking this. I wish I could pull off wearing my cute ankle boots with a skirt suit (that way I wouldn't have to buy new boots OR stuff high heels into my small purse), but something about that feels more Buffy The Vampire Slayer than Potential Med Student.
 
marele86 said:
I'm the same way with the skirts/pants.. I only have a skirt suit, but I'm planning on wearing it (with a long coat and cute boots) to a NYC interview next week. I'm glad that other people are doing the same thing; I wasn't sure if it would be really weird to wear a skirt suit in the snow.
Do you wear the tights during the actual interview?

I'm probably overthinking this. I wish I could pull off wearing my cute ankle boots with a skirt suit (that way I wouldn't have to buy new boots OR stuff high heels into my small purse), but something about that feels more Buffy The Vampire Slayer than Potential Med Student.
Click to expand...

1. for the love of god, do not go to an interview in a skirt suit without hose/tights. ick.

2. snow does not stick around in NYC for very long. unless you're here during an actual snow storm, you don't need to worry about boots. for example, it snowed here on sunday morning and any evidence was gone by sunday night. too much foot traffic for it to really stick.

3. if you need to, wear boots and bring heels. put them in a plastic bag or whatever and change as soon as you get there-- don't worry about stuffing them into a small purse. you don't have to hide the fact that you're wearing weather-appropriate clothes/shoes. everyone does it, and many people change when they get to work. are you from the south?
 
yea definitely if you're worried bring your boots. Thats what I did for my interview yesterday. I woke up and it was snowing (from MI) so I put on my uggs and went to my interview. When I got there I changed to my heels. It actually paid off because we took a campus tour so I didnt have to mess up my nice shoes. The other girls were sad because they ended up getting salt all over their black shoes! So go with boots then you will look nice for your interview and not salty 🙂
 
michiganpsych08 said:
It actually paid off because we took a campus tour so I didnt have to mess up my nice shoes. The other girls were sad because they ended up getting salt all over their black shoes! So go with boots then you will look nice for your interview and not salty 🙂
Click to expand...

Did you change back into Uggs for the campus tour?
 
yep i just had my tote with me. We had to walk to our interviews so I was really glad I brought them so when I reached the interviewer's building I changed back into my heels inside and put the uggs in my bag.
 
michiganpsych08 said:
yep i just had my tote with me. We had to walk to our interviews so I was really glad I brought them so when I reached the interviewer's building I changed back into my heels inside and put the uggs in my bag.
Click to expand...

sweet. i'm concerned about having to walk w/ heels in ice/snow for the campus tour portion of my nyc interviews later this month. when i take the subway in the morning i'll be wearing my ugg-like boots w/ my suit, and then i was going to change into heels. i think i'll consider changing back into the boots for the campus tour though...
 
let me just say that all of you who are concerned about this winter weather business are waaaaay overthinking things. personally, i have brought walking shoes and heels to every interview without thinking twice about it. winter weather means the walking shoes would be boots. what's to obsess about? jeez
 
I read a few pages at the beginning of the post and just found it hard to find anyone who's posted my Qs below, so sorry if this is gonna be repetitive:

Anyone who's been to cold places like Minnesota (around or below 0 F) in winter, what did you wear underneath your jacket? Does it have to be a blous/shirt, or is a cashmere sweater OK? I am thinking about a sweater then a shirt on top of it, but it might be too much...

Also, I know that you can change shoes when you go outside, but that just sounds like a lot of trouble, taking off boots + socks and putting on heels and the interviewers may get annoyed (?)
 
Last edited:
NotSur said:
any chance that short, neat, square nails with dark polish are ok for interviews?
Click to expand...


I don't think it is good to be noticed for your nails. Some interviewers may not like the idea and remember you as the 'dark nails' girl
 
I also noticed that most people posted pictures of fashionable/funky blouses and shirts with ruffles and bright colors. I thought interviews were supposed to be very plain and formal? Would somebody clarify, please? Thanks in advance!!
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

atriablack
Interview Set Up + Clothing PSA/Tips
Replies
1
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
wysdoc
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*
7 8 9 10 11
Replies
516
Views
73K
wysdoc
wysdoc
chilly_md
  • Sticky
*~*~*~* Official AMCAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*
2
Replies
93
Views
20K
chilly_md
chilly_md
chilly_md
~*~*~*~*~* Official Letters of Evaluation Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*~
2
Replies
71
Views
9K
chilly_md
chilly_md
D
Virtual Interview PSA
Replies
0
Views
668
doctorendgame
D
Top Bottom