Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[lstone13]

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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!!

Here's the basic idea, at least from what I have gathered on SDN (and from what I've seen in interviews). You wear a boring, conservative suit with boring, conservative, comfortable shoes. However, you get a chance to shine with the blouse you choose to wear. I've seen brightly colored blouses, frilled blouses, and patterned blouses. Of course, I've also seen the standard white.

 

[beebee0]

Here's the basic idea, at least from what I have gathered on SDN (and from what I've seen in interviews). You wear a boring, conservative suit with boring, conservative, comfortable shoes. However, you get a chance to shine with the blouse you choose to wear. I've seen brightly colored blouses, frilled blouses, and patterned blouses. Of course, I've also seen the standard white.

Ok that makes sense. If I wear a sweater. are turtle necks the way to go?

 

[lstone13]

Ok that makes sense. If I wear a sweater. are turtle necks the way to go?

Do you mean a sweater instead of a suit jacket?

 

[LizzyM]

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...

Turtleneck or other sweater under a blouse would be too much and you might swelter indoors. It might also look a little too infomal, like bundling up for the ski slope. A turtleneck or round neck (jewel neck) sweater under a suit jacket might be fine (it is my usual winter uniform) but again, you might be too warm. Interviews are held indoors and we do have central heat. 😀

For tours the key items are something to cover your ears, something to cover your hands and something to cover your feet (think, climbing over plowed snow or slush at the curb). No one will fault you for needing a minute to change out of your outdoor garb and put on regular shoes. We all do it. There is often a substantial amount of down time between when you take off your coat and when the interviewer will see you.

Even at low temps a quick jaunt across the street without a coat won't kill you (provided you have good, young coronary arteries).

 

[caniac]

Ok that makes sense. If I wear a sweater. are turtle necks the way to go?

so this (typical black suit) and these ("comfortable", somewhat ugly shoes)

and then anything ranging from this to this or this Here is where you can do whatever you want.

As it's 20 outside, I'd go long sleeve with an overcoat over the jacket. But that's just me.

 

[starl3tte]

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

haha, yeah...i definitely tend to overthink things. when i visited ohio in early dec, i was expecting temperatures to be in the 30s, but it ended up being in the teens. i learned my lesson and bought thermals for next time. one of my friends interviewed in snowy weather last year and warned me about getting the proper shoes with enough traction b/c she nearly slipped during the campus tour. i don't mind winter weather...i just want to be prepared. sorry you all have to witness my obsessive behavior 😳

 

[premad]

haha, yeah...i definitely tend to overthink things. when i visited ohio in early dec, i was expecting temperatures to be in the 30s, but it ended up being in the teens. i learned my lesson and bought thermals for next time. one of my friends interviewed in snowy weather last year and warned me about getting the proper shoes with enough traction b/c she nearly slipped during the campus tour. i don't mind winter weather...i just want to be prepared. sorry you all have to witness my obsessive behavior 😳

Haha. Lizzy M's advice above is really solid. Relatively 'normal' look for indoors (too much extra under the suit will likely make you uncomfortably hot) and then a slightly modified look for outdoors (reasonable shoes being the key difference).

And, don't worry about the extra concern. I felt the same way when I was interviewing in the south in mid-August. I was thinking, "A suit? And hosiery? In 90 degree weather? Are you sure that there isn't some trick that I'm missing?" We only know what we're used to. 🙂

 

[beebee0]

Do you mean a sweater instead of a suit jacket?

oh no, I mean, a sweater plus a suit jacket. I have never worn a suit before though 🙁

 

[beebee0]

haha, yeah...i definitely tend to overthink things. when i visited ohio in early dec, i was expecting temperatures to be in the 30s, but it ended up being in the teens. i learned my lesson and bought thermals for next time. one of my friends interviewed in snowy weather last year and warned me about getting the proper shoes with enough traction b/c she nearly slipped during the campus tour. i don't mind winter weather...i just want to be prepared. sorry you all have to witness my obsessive behavior 😳

I think I'm the same when it comes to overthinking things... I almost don't own any winter clothes, except a down jacket, and really don't want to spend tons of money on them... I think that's why I "over think" so that I can plan everything well.

 

[beebee0]

Are these too unprofessional (3'' heel) ? These are the only heels I have; if they are too flashy, then I will go buy a plain pair of heels!

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

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

Omg I feel your pain girl! I tried on like 50 different suits of which none would button in the bust. And button ups are 99% impossible on me. I usually wear a M but I always try on a XL for button ups. My advice is the cut has to be right. Look for button up shirts with wrinkles (not ruffles) around the bust area. They are cut to be more flexible and are much better fitting than just a straight button up. The ONLY button ups I found to be okay on me are ones from the Limited size XL. Check it out!!!

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

Don't worry gals you are not over thinking things because simply we have much more uncomfortable and complicated outfits than the boys.

I can't wear my Uggs because they are new and I decided that I didn't want to ruin them. I live in CA so everyone's boots out here are very clean and new looking.

I have been having a really hard time trying to find flats 🙁 Also bringing Uggs would mean I need a very large bag which I don't have. So I have a shoe dilemma at the moment. I just started another thread about possibility wear Converses? What do you guys think (for the tour portion)?

I also bought a white button up --> is that too boring? I feel like it looks good with my suit, kind of standard but sharp and neat? Plus White looks good on me. I heard you aren't supposed to wear red/pink hues.

 

[riverjib]

All of the other women's interview clothing threads are old. Let's get another one going!

I've never worn a suit before, and am not quite sure what kind of suit to get! Skirt suits are adorable, but they bring more attention to the shoes - what's the heel height at which professional shoes turn into going-out shoes? I'm also concerned about shoulder pads - they really bother me. Are there suits without shoulder pads?

I fell in love with the suit below (Give it a chance! It's cute!). Is it ok?

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/com...B-213859&page=1&cgname=OSCLOSUIZZZ&rfnbr=4695

I really hope I missed something, because all I saw when I clicked on your link was a woman in a bra, and below that, a woman in a T-shirt with a casual scarf wrapped around her.

Stick to a suit, preferably one with pants, not a skirt. A skirt is fine, but a pants suit just looks professional. I invested in one from Ann Taylor that is flattering, but overall very neutral.

 

[dw2158]

I really hope I missed something, because all I saw when I clicked on your link was a woman in a bra, and below that, a woman in a T-shirt with a casual scarf wrapped around her.

Stick to a suit, preferably one with pants, not a skirt. A skirt is fine, but a pants suit just looks professional. I invested in one from Ann Taylor that is flattering, but overall very neutral.

you did miss something-- that was the first post in the thread and it's so old that laina has already started medical school. 😉

 

[Question123]

Don't worry gals you are not over thinking things because simply we have much more uncomfortable and complicated outfits than the boys.

I can't wear my Uggs because they are new and I decided that I didn't want to ruin them. I live in CA so everyone's boots out here are very clean and new looking.

I have been having a really hard time trying to find flats 🙁 Also bringing Uggs would mean I need a very large bag which I don't have. So I have a shoe dilemma at the moment. I just started another thread about possibility wear Converses? What do you guys think (for the tour portion)?

I also bought a white button up --> is that too boring? I feel like it looks good with my suit, kind of standard but sharp and neat? Plus White looks good on me. I heard you aren't supposed to wear red/pink hues.

Ha! I've worn a pink shirt on each of my interviews... whelp!

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

Ha! I've worn a pink shirt on each of my interviews... whelp!

Ya I'm surprised! From what I heard, pink is not appreciate! But it's good to know that maybe it is.

Is white too boring?

 

[LizzyM]

Buttons or no buttons, white, pink or any other color. As long as it isn't low cut or see-through it doesn't much matter.

Seriously, if you can't find a button-up that looks good and fits well, wear a pullover style or one with a small button at the back of the neck.

 

[Question123]

Ya I'm surprised! From what I heard, pink is not appreciate! But it's good to know that maybe it is.

Is white too boring?

Honestly, I really doubt that what you wear will make or break the interview. I had a mild freakout before an interview when I ripped my tights and had to go bare-legged, but I still got in. I've worn pink to every interview and have done fine (well no one has rejected me yet, those will come in March). Finally, I started w/ heels and switched to flats mostly b/c I kept forgetting to put my heels on, so they sat in the bag... all this being said, just be comfy and not inappropriate and you will be fine.

 

[diosa428]

No one cares if you wear pink, unless, as LizzyM stated, your shirt is see through or too low cut. I've seen all sorts of suit/blouse combinations and I couldn't care less. I have not looked at a single applicant's footwear, but even if I noticed them wearing something bizarre, the comment area that I have to review applicants after the interview does not include a space for "dress", nor do I think the admissions committee would appreciate me commenting on it unless it was totally inappropriate.

White IS boring, but, same as above, no one really cares.

For residency interviews, I usually throw a spare pair of nylons in my bag, as well as one of those travel bottles of hairspray, just in case I get a run.

 

[KTDseven77]

So I bought a skirt suit for my interviews because I had heard adcoms preferred this, since it showed that you aren't trying to hide your femininity. I am now of the opinion that skirt or pants makes very little difference, as a tailored pants suit looks just as feminine as my skirt suit. This suit has served me well in my fall interviews (and I'd like to not have to spend money on a new one), but I'm not sure how to deal with potential cold/snow this winter. Just changing my heels to flats for the campus tour won't really help if it's really snowy, but obviously I would look like a fool in a skirt suit and boots. Thoughts?

 

[LizzyM]

So I bought a skirt suit for my interviews because I had heard adcoms preferred this, since it showed that you aren't trying to hide your femininity. I am now of the opinion that skirt or pants makes very little difference, as a tailored pants suit looks just as feminine as my skirt suit. This suit has served me well in my fall interviews (and I'd like to not have to spend money on a new one), but I'm not sure how to deal with potential cold/snow this winter. Just changing my heels to flats for the campus tour won't really help if it's really snowy, but obviously I would look like a fool in a skirt suit and boots. Thoughts?

I guess I looked like a fool yesterday when I cane to work wearing a dress with boots. 🙄

When you are indoors you can swap your boots for heels and the admissions office will have a place for you to stash your boots. When it is time for the tour you put on your boots and your coat and you are ready for outdoors. If the place is such that you NEED to wear boots, you will look "normal" to be wearing boots when outdoors or on a walking tour.

 

[Alwaysbehopeful]

It's not that we are over-thinking things, I think it's just such an important event, I just want to make sure everything is okay! But it's good to know that as long as you look neat, professional, and kempt, it really doesn't matter. It is true because no one is going to think "oh she would make a horrible doctor because of that ugly shirt".

Thanks gals for the sound advice. I have a suit skirt too and it's because the pants I tried on looked weird on me.

Still working on some flats but might just wear my grey converses if all fails.

Good luck ladies!

 

[KTDseven77]

I guess I looked like a fool yesterday when I cane to work wearing a dress with boots. 🙄

When you are indoors you can swap your boots for heels and the admissions office will have a place for you to stash your boots. When it is time for the tour you put on your boots and your coat and you are ready for outdoors. If the place is such that you NEED to wear boots, you will look "normal" to be wearing boots when outdoors or on a walking tour.

Thanks for the advice. I'm sure your dress-boots combo looked great. 🙂 I will have to look for some similar boots that will be snow-proof, but still professional in appearance.

 

[dw2158]

Thanks for the advice. I'm sure your dress-boots combo looked great. 🙂 I will have to look for some similar boots that will be snow-proof, but still professional in appearance.

honestly, it doesn't matter if they are ugly-ass snow boots. i KNOW i've posted this a gajillion times in this thread, but it bears repeating. this is the cold-climate way: show up to work in whatever outerwear and footwear will get you there safely and comfortably, and just take off your parka and boots when you get there. seriously. everyone relax about the snow.

snow also doesn't stick around forever. it melts, and then it snows again, and then that snow melts... etc. so IF you see snow, chances are it'll look more like this:

than this:

nothing to be afraid of.

 

[Geekchick921]

Hey ladies. I won't be interviewing until the fall at the earliest, and I won't being buying a suit until then for fear of jinxing myself (and I hope to lose a significant amount of weight by then). That said, I've still been looking online for things I like. I'm 5'3", pale, and well-endowed. I think a straight up black suit, given my complete lack of tan, might not be the best choice. I'm leaning towards a skirt because I feel like I don't have near enough leg to look good in a pants suit.

So far, I'm really liking this suit here. I like the color, and I think the pinstripes would be slimming. I also really dig at the skirt is more of an A-line than a pencil. I think it would be flattering on me. The price isn't too bad, either. http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=442567&CategoryID=39097

I'm planning on pairing that with a colored shell. I'm thinking a blue, purple or pink. Maybe this in Hydrangea or Pink Blossom http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=408175&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results or this one in the Plum (I like this color the best but I'm concerned the material is too casual) http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=405384&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results.

For shoes I like these (and I know the brand is very comfy, I could probably just walk in these all day) but I think they might be a bit too plain. http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=WISEGUY (In black, obviously).

I also like these shoes, too. http://www.naturalizer.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC0218356&pg=3005597
http://www.naturalizer.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC0219805&pg=3005932 (if these were a little darker I think they'd be great).
http://www.naturalizer.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC0214452&pg=3003495

I'm pretty hair challenged and have a tendency to fuss with it without even thinking about it so I expect I'm just going to flat iron it, and do a side-part low ponytail.

 

[beebee0]

Geekchick921, I think the first 2 pairs of shoes you posted look best.

Also, does anyone know if purses are that important? I don't want to spend any more money getting a new tote, especially if I'm only gonna use it no more than a few times..

 

[Sunbeam]

Geekchick921, I think the first 2 pairs of shoes you posted look best.

Also, does anyone know if purses are that important? I don't want to spend any more money getting a new tote, especially if I'm only gonna use it no more than a few times..

I don't think purses are really that important. I mean I wouldn't bring a really outrageous one, but as long as it looks somewhat professional I don't think your interviewers are really going to care. Just make sure to figure out what you are going to want to bring with you (snack, PS, secondary essays etc) and make sure it all fits in the purse and you should be good.

 

[bombshell]

about an outfit for a Feb interview 🙂
Can i wear a high waist black skirt, and a white blouse and just my jacket over it? Without the suit-type of jacket? Hope someone can reply soon! thank you very much in advance!

 

[premad]

about an outfit for a Feb interview 🙂
Can i wear a high waist black skirt, and a white blouse and just my jacket over it? Without the suit-type of jacket? Hope someone can reply soon! thank you very much in advance!

I would say wear some type of suit/business jacket, even if it doesn't match the skirt. You would probably feel a bit out of place without one, at least at the ~15 schools I visited. But, hopefully others will chime in with their take.

 

[dw2158]

I would say wear some type of suit/business jacket, even if it doesn't match the skirt. You would probably feel a bit out of place without one, at least at the ~15 schools I visited. But, hopefully others will chime in with their take.

this.

 

[drbuckingnicks]

As far as make up goes, would putting on blush be too much?

 

[lstone13]

As far as make up goes, would putting on blush be too much?

I think a hint of blush or bronzer would be fine.

 

[bombshell]

Thank you so much!!!
I certainly don't want to feel underdressed!
Hair - pony tail? Right?

I would say wear some type of suit/business jacket, even if it doesn't match the skirt. You would probably feel a bit out of place without one, at least at the ~15 schools I visited. But, hopefully others will chime in with their take.

 

[lstone13]

Thank you so much!!!
I certainly don't want to feel underdressed!
Hair - pony tail? Right?

Not necessarily... It depends. I always wore my hair down, but that's because I don't fidget and play with it and because it doesn't really fall into my face. In other words, it's not a distraction, and also, I prefer the look on me with my hair down over that with my hair back. However, if you feel like you look better with your hair pulled back and if you think it will keep your hair from being a distraction, then I say pull it back, either half-back or fully.

 

[LizzyM]

Out of your eyes: yes.
Keep your hands away from your hair: yes

Pulled back & up severely: to be avoided. Seriously, some of you look really pretty in your pictures (with hair over the shoulders) and like a freak show at the interview.

 

[dw2158]

Out of your eyes: yes.
Keep your hands away from your hair: yes

Pulled back & up severely: to be avoided. Seriously, some of you look really pretty in your pictures (with hair over the shoulders) and like a freak show at the interview.

👍

 

[Geekchick921]

Out of your eyes: yes.
Keep your hands away from your hair: yes

Pulled back & up severely: to be avoided. Seriously, some of you look really pretty in your pictures (with hair over the shoulders) and like a freak show at the interview.

So I shouldn't get a prom up-do, then? 😉

I'm thinking flat-ironed, side-part, low ponytail is the way to go for me. I play with my hair without even realizing. I've actually gone to sleep with my hair down and woken up with it pulled back into a ponytail. No joke!

 

[beebee0]

ladies, please pick one blouse for me!! I went and bought 3 shirts today because I wasn't sure which one is best. But they are all expensive and I'd like to know which one looks best: (I will be wearing it w/ a gray pants suit)

1. grayish purple, not bright:

2. classic white, very plain, big collar:

3. sorry the pic is not clear but it is just a plain white one with ruffles

Thank you!

 

[mediterranean]

I like #2. When in doubt, go simple.

 

[Ilovewater]

I like 2. I don't think 1 will look good in a gray suit....

 

[SunnyBlues]

I'm not a huge fan of white shirts, but I'd pick #2 or 3 out of these three choices (although it is hard to tell about #3 from this pic - it depends on how the ruffles look with the suit). I think that the blue-gray color of #1 would look fantastic with a gray suit, but the style of the shirt seems a bit casual for an interview. Good luck!

 

[Geekchick921]

I like 2. I don't think 1 will look good in a gray suit....

I agree. I'm all for adding a splash of color, but I think #1 will be too close to the color of the suit (just speculating here, of course).

 

[beebee0]

I agree. I'm all for adding a splash of color, but I think #1 will be too close to the color of the suit (just speculating here, of course).

Thank u guys... I think I will go shop for another color of shirt, maybe pink? or a shirt w/stripes?

 

[ducki303]

I was trying on my old pencil skirts. Since it's the professional thing to tuck in your shirt, I was trying it on with my shirts tucked in. Maybe they are too tight now, but you can see the shirt hem through the shirt. It's like to bulky and gives like a "pantyline" affect. The shirt alone fits ok, with out puckering around the hip. The shirts are essentially dressing T-shirt. Here's something similar:

http://k4.stylefeeder.net/thumb/cc/d7/ccd7e09859136af153d169341e51ee3bc8e8f83a-200.jpg

http://www.stylefeeder.com/i/ctcnlsxv/Gap-Women-Tuxedo-T-Optic-White

(ps, how do you wear dress shirts like this?)

Am I doing something wrong? Why am I getting the "pantyline" affect with my tops?

 

[jinx520]

I was trying on my old pencil skirts. Since it's the professional thing to tuck in your shirt, I was trying it on with my shirts tucked in. Maybe they are too tight now, but you can see the shirt hem through the shirt. It's like to bulky and gives like a "pantyline" affect. The shirt alone fits ok, with out puckering around the hip. The shirts are essentially dressing T-shirt. Here's something similar:

http://k4.stylefeeder.net/thumb/cc/d7/ccd7e09859136af153d169341e51ee3bc8e8f83a-200.jpg

http://www.stylefeeder.com/i/ctcnlsxv/Gap-Women-Tuxedo-T-Optic-White

(ps, how do you wear dress shirts like this?)

Am I doing something wrong? Why am I getting the "pantyline" affect with my tops?

Your skirt is most likely too tight. If you can see the "smile effect" in the front (a crease in your skirt where the tops of your legs meet the pelvis), then it is definitely too tight. Also, the cut of the blouse might be an issue if it is designed to have a lot of bulk at the bottom, although from the picture it should be okay.

 

[Ilovewater]

Thank u guys... I think I will go shop for another color of shirt, maybe pink? or a shirt w/stripes?

You can try pink. I wore a deep pink dress shirt with my gray suit.... I got compliments from a couple of strangers and 1 interviewer haha.

 

[Geekchick921]

Thank u guys... I think I will go shop for another color of shirt, maybe pink? or a shirt w/stripes?

I agree with the PP, a deep pink would probably look VERY nice. GL!

 

[illegallysmooth]

I was trying on my old pencil skirts. Since it's the professional thing to tuck in your shirt, I was trying it on with my shirts tucked in. Maybe they are too tight now, but you can see the shirt hem through the shirt. It's like to bulky and gives like a "pantyline" affect. The shirt alone fits ok, with out puckering around the hip. The shirts are essentially dressing T-shirt. Here's something similar:

http://k4.stylefeeder.net/thumb/cc/d7/ccd7e09859136af153d169341e51ee3bc8e8f83a-200.jpg

http://www.stylefeeder.com/i/ctcnlsxv/Gap-Women-Tuxedo-T-Optic-White

(ps, how do you wear dress shirts like this?)

Am I doing something wrong? Why am I getting the "pantyline" affect with my tops?

exactly how tight is this skirt...?

 

[illegallysmooth]

Does anyone else think having hair in your face looks too messy for a med school interview?

I have bangs that are on the longer side, and side-swept, but I elected to wear them back with a deep side parted ponytail because I didn't want to worry about hair in my face. At my interviews, I saw several girls with little wispy strands of hair around their face, in their eyes, etc. I thought it was distracting and messy.

I'm probably overthinking this, as I tend to do.

 

[lstone13]

Does anyone else think having hair in your face looks too messy for a med school interview?

I have bangs that are on the longer side, and side-swept, but I elected to wear them back with a deep side parted ponytail because I didn't want to worry about hair in my face. At my interviews, I saw several girls with little wispy strands of hair around their face, in their eyes, etc. I thought it was distracting and messy.

I'm probably overthinking this, as I tend to do.

I would think wispy strands would be distracting, both to the interviewer and interviewee... However, so long as your bangs don't bother you, I don't think it matters if you wear your bangs down or back.