Women's suits for interview

[adoggie]

Hi guys. Where (online) can quality women's suits be found? I don't really have a spending limit (of course, I'm not planning on dishing out $1000). So maybe I should say that I have a fairly reasonable spending limit. Most places seem to have cheap suits, but I could only find one velvet blazer that I really liked. This is really tough stuff.

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[mave]

Dillards, Macy's, and mid- to high-end department stores. Also, Ann Taylor. Be sure to factor in any tailoring into what you're willing to pay for.

 

[FlowLimited]

There was a thread on women's interview attire fairly recently. Try a search and it should come up. It might have some good tips.

 

[silverlining1]

I recommend J. Crew and Ann Taylor.

 

[acedens]

Jcrew has worked well for me. (If you get a JCrew credit card, you save a certain % and you get free alterations.)

But are you sure you want to buy a suit online? Online would be great for gathering ideas, but unless you're planning on working with a tailor, getting a suit off the internet is as hit-or-miss as buying bathing suits online 😱 Maybe I am just picky about the fit of a suit...

 

[adoggie]

Thanks for the advice. I just thought there would be a larger selection online. Most online retailers also have sizing charts, so it's not so bad.

 

[ssquared]

Unless you know that Jcrew pants, size 4, always fit you, I would go ahead and go to a place like Nordstrom. You can try on suits with a salesperson, and they'll tailor it for free (if it's full price). It's difficult to buy suits online because sleeves, shoulders, and the back are difficult fits to get exactly right.

At least with a big budget you can afford good alterations. Take advantage of that.

 

[nick_carraway]

Thanks for the advice. I just thought there would be a larger selection online. Most online retailers also have sizing charts, so it's not so bad.

From my experience with men's suits, it's really hard to use store websites. They often don't post more subtle suits since textures or light patterns don't show up in photographs.

 

[doctortobe2012]

I had great luck at Macy's. I got a great Tahari suit for not much $$. Theory is also an excellent brand for quality suits (though they are a bit pricey). I think you can find Theory at Nordstrom. I've heard good things about Jcrew. I think The Limited is also a pretty good place to find suits. They're pretty stylish, but aren't as good quality as Theory (although they will definitely last you through the interview season). I went to Banana, but the suits there looked quite matronly.

 

[ssquared]

oooh, I vote for theory.

Bloomie's, Saks, and Nordstrom carry theory suits.

It'll cost you $600-700, but the sheer fact that every other girl will be jealous will justify the cost.

(I love theory....😍)

 

[Decicco]

You should really be fitted for a suit, even if it is inexpensive. You can't do that online.

 

[nick_carraway]

You should really be fitted for a suit, even if it is inexpensive. You can't do that online.

Agreed. Shopping for the perfect suit is really hit or miss short of having one made for you. Going to stores is really the only way although you can sometimes use the web to see what your options are. Since it's still early in the season, you have plenty of time to shop in stores and to be picky.

 

[sendwich]

I've gone with Banana Republic, though that might run you about $500. Simple, clean cut, and probably can get you through residency interviews. Shopping online, especially for suits, probably isn't too wise. There's so many types of cuts, which may sit well for some body types, and not for others.

 

[sehnsucht]

I've gone with Banana Republic, though that might run you about $500. Simple, clean cut, and probably can get you through residency interviews. Shopping online, especially for suits, probably isn't too wise. There's so many types of cuts, which may sit well for some body types, and not for others.

nordstrom racks...

 

[sendwich]

nordstrom racks...

i've visited a couple and unless you have a lot of time (and patience) to sort through the racks, it's a no can do (just my experience).

 

[nick_carraway]

I've been to two Nordstrom Racks and it really is hit or miss. If the OP periodically visits between now and interview season, though, she might find a great steal.

 

[Despina]

When I held a financial district job, I went with JCrew. They will tailor them for free, and replace them for free if the lining rips. The lining in my pants ripped after 6 months of wear and they still replaced them! Also, if you open a credit card with them, you can get 10% of your first purchase. For suits, that usually saves you around $30.

 

[Writer1985]

I'll put in my vote for a bricks-and-mortar store, but why is everyone recommending such expensive places? I got my suit at Hecht's for about $70, and I did just fine on the interview trail. As long as your suit fits well and looks professional, you'll do fine. Save your money for important things.

Outlet stores are also a good, inexpensive option, especially if you really want a particular brand name.

 

[Catalystik]

Here is a link to last year's most extensive discussion on women's suits: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=315372&highlight=%22Ann+Taylor"

A nice summary of 'the total look' to go for is in Cymy's post #20.

 

[anotherpremed]

When I held a financial district job, I went with JCrew. They will tailor them for free, and replace them for free if the lining rips. The lining in my pants ripped after 6 months of wear and they still replaced them! Also, if you open a credit card with them, you can get 10% of your first purchase. For suits, that usually saves you around $30.

Show your student (college/grad) ID at a Jcrew store and get 10% off too!

 

[isoquin]

Hi guys. Where (online) can quality women's suits be found? I don't really have a spending limit (of course, I'm not planning on dishing out $1000). So maybe I should say that I have a fairly reasonable spending limit. Most places seem to have cheap suits, but I could only find one velvet blazer that I really liked. This is really tough stuff.

.. ....srsly? 🙄

 

[pirata]

Absolutely LOVED my suit from JCrew (and free alterations are a plus!).

 

[Fiddlergirl]

I got my suit from a used clothes store for $40. I probably won't win any fashion prizes, but it looks fine.

 

[ssquared]

I'll put in my vote for a bricks-and-mortar store, but why is everyone recommending such expensive places? I got my suit at Hecht's for about $70, and I did just fine on the interview trail. As long as your suit fits well and looks professional, you'll do fine. Save your money for important things.

With suits, you can definitely tell the more expensive ones over the inexpensive ones. Of course there's a threshold over which money spent doesn't make a difference, but that's up at the couture level.

If you have the money, you might as well spend it to get a suit that fits nicely and you'll want to wear. You never know when having a nice suit will come in handy.

 

[nick_carraway]

With suits, you can definitely tell the more expensive ones over the inexpensive ones. Of course there's a threshold over which money spent doesn't make a difference, but that's up at the couture level.

If you have the money, you might as well spend it to get a suit that fits nicely and you'll want to wear. You never know when having a nice suit will come in handy.

I agree. From my shopping experience for suits these last 2 weeks, I'm starting to be able to tell between the quality of suits. They're usually all around $200-300 but discounted suits from usually more expensive brands feel very different (in a good way).

 

[kbear12]

try some discounted places that often sell high quality suits. tjmaxx, Ross, Marshall's, Nordstrom Rack, or other discount/outlet stores.

 

[alphaeve]

If you're wanting to shop online, you could always try a place like bluefly.com

 

[searun]

I've gone with Banana Republic, though that might run you about $500. Simple, clean cut, and probably can get you through residency interviews. Shopping online, especially for suits, probably isn't too wise. There's so many types of cuts, which may sit well for some body types, and not for others.

Average weight gain in med school is 30 pounds so that nice suit may be a tad bit snug when residency interviews begin.

 

[ssquared]

Average weight gain in med school is 30 pounds so that nice suit may be a tad bit snug when residency interviews begin.

Please tell me you're kidding. The freshman 15 was bad enough!

 

[etf]

Average weight gain in med school is 30 pounds so that nice suit may be a tad bit snug when residency interviews begin.

yeah, but all that weight gain is in fat - inside your cranium.

 

[searun]

yeah, but all that weight gain is in fat - inside your cranium.

Wow, you a testy. Jeans getting a little tight?

 

[shantster]

I bought my skirt and jacket from Express and my shirt and a pair of pants from NY and Company. I highly recommed Express for their coats since the fit is amazing.

 

[Ohiogeekgirl]

I got mine (a nice black skirt suit from Liz Claiborne) yesterday at Macy's for 50% off. With cost of alterations (sleeves and skirt were a little too long for me), I'll have spent only $202 total. I still need shoes and a portfolio or whatever though.

 

[gujuDoc]

I bought my skirt and jacket from Express and my shirt and a pair of pants from NY and Company. I highly recommed Express for their coats since the fit is amazing.

You beat me to it. I love Express. Limited also has good stuff sometimes but I'm a bigger fan of Express.

And the awesome thing with Express is you can get the pants and jacket for just a bit over 200 dollars in total rather then spending 700+ on a suit, much less 500.

 

[gujuDoc]

try some discounted places that often sell high quality suits. tjmaxx, Ross, Marshall's, Nordstrom Rack, or other discount/outlet stores.

All of the above stores sell things from places like Express or other big name stores, so I'd recommend this if you can find something good.

I found a graduation dress, that was originally a 70 dollar dress from Express, at Marshalls for 10 dollars one time.

I'd look in all the malls: dept stores, Express, Nordstrom, Banana republic, etc.

As per the issue of weight gain in med school, I think it is relative to person. I know a lot of current 3rd/4th years who look not that much different then they did in undergrad. It is all relative to your eating and exercising habits. Many med students even make it a point to make time to work out when they can which is at least once a week if not more if they choose to get up super early.

 

[bigman43]

i thought the suit Micheal Scott from the office was wearing was pretty stylish. you should wear it.

 

[whattodoahh]

The Limited is the best. Its pretty cheap comparatively....I got mine there for about $100 total.

 

[bigman43]

The Limited is the best. Its pretty cheap comparatively....I got mine there for about $100 total.

why did you buy a suit? you wont have any interviews to go to

 

[whattodoahh]

why did you buy a suit? you wont have any interviews to go to

OBviously you've never held a job in your life...too bad, you're going to be a crappy doctor if thats the way you talk to patients and judge on what you have no idea on.

 

[voirlesetoiles]

Velvet blazer?? ... are you sure? I think velvet looks too evening attire-ish, not professional enough for an interview.

I'm definitely not buying mine online. It's better to go into a department store and try on a few suits to see which styles/cuts suit you best (haha no pun intended). I'm not a fan of tailoring. Best to be conservative with the suit and express your personality through a few articles of jewelery. bling-bli-bling.

Oh and please ask Elle Woods for additional information 🙂

 

[etf]

Wow, you a testy. Jeans getting a little tight?

gah?

 

[Dr. Josh]

I'll put in my vote for a bricks-and-mortar store, but why is everyone recommending such expensive places? I got my suit at Hecht's for about $70, and I did just fine on the interview trail. As long as your suit fits well and looks professional, you'll do fine. Save your money for important things.

Outlet stores are also a good, inexpensive option, especially if you really want a particular brand name.

I agree. So many inexpensive suits look great, depending on how they fit you. Appearance is a package deal and interviewers are not going to acept or reject you based on how expensive your suit is. I can't believe girls interviewing would spend $500 for a suit. Who cares?

 

[musiclink213]

I bought my suit from Macys for $99. It was a Kaspar suit, really nice, and all I had to do was take the hem out a bit to lengthegn the pants, but that's a $4 alteration from my tailor.

Also, no matter what brand you go with, look at the material. You'll travel with this suit, you want it to hold up well. My suit is made with natural materials, I think a light wool or something. I threw that thing into my duffle bag, sat on it, etc., and when I got to the destination, you could never tell it had just been thrown into a bag. I saw some people show up with wrinkly suits, not the best idea. So pay attention to the fabric so it won't wrinkle. I remember my first interview, I carried hte suit in a suit bag, was very careful with it. On the way back, i just threw it into my bag figuring I could iron it when I get home. Got home, and it was still good as new.

 

[skinnylindsay]

I definitely have to agree with the people who mentioned Theory. They're expensive, but are great for people with small frames. It's the only brand that made their jackets small enough for me without being petite. Express also has a pretty nice selection at times.

 

[etf]

i just have to say that i met some pretty ravishing women on the interview trail last year, but alack, most of them were engaged/married. most girls don't need to wear fancy clothes to look good; it's us guys that have to visit the tailor to come off with equivalent polish...

 

[Nikki2002]

try Kohl's

 

[Nikki2002]

Average weight gain in med school is 30 pounds so that nice suit may be a tad bit snug when residency interviews begin.

even if you can only manage to work out for 20 minutes every other day---that really adds up over time. you can even study while working out....what could be better than that??!!!!!😉

 

[isoquin]

I can't believe girls interviewing would spend $500 for a suit. Who cares?

yeah i agree. I always thought getting into med school came with the prerequisite of being able to dress oneself 😛

 

[foreverLaur]

Don't shop for a suit online. Even stores that I shop it all the time - I have to try on 4-6 blazers to find one that looks good. Everything varies. There are a lot of stores you can shop in and try stuff on and if they don't have your size, most will find it at another store and ship it to you for no extra charge.

I personally got my suit at Express and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[Gunnerette]

Okay. I'd definitely suggest going to an actual store to try on suits, but if you find one you like and you can get the same suit online for cheaper, there's no harm in that. That said:

1) Your suit does not need to be expensive to look good or to make you look professional. I've seen cheap suits that looked stunning, and pricey suits that looked like utter crap. Pick one that makes YOU look good.

2) It doesn't need to be perfectly tailored and fitted (unless of course you need the tailoring for it to look good: see #1). Does it fit you pretty well? Do you stand in front of the mirror and say, "I look good!" Then don't bother with tailoring. You'll gain weight in med school, and that lovely interview suit won't do you a lick of good.

3) Regarding weight gain: think I'm being pessimistic? Get to third year. Try waking at 3 AM, eating breakfast 'cause you're hungry, then being hungry again at 9 AM (and when the team goes for breakfast, you just can't resist), then being hungry at 2 for lunch, and then being hungry at 8 for dinner, and then you're on call, so by 2 AM, you're famished again. It's the 4-5 meal a day plan. And unless you're dashing up the stairs to the 10th floor, you're probably not going to have a lot of time for exercise. So don't justify a really expensive purchase thinking you'll be able to use it again. You may not be able to.

Bottom line: buy a suit that you look good in, that you're comfortable wearing for extended periods, and that you can afford. I went to Macy's, and that worked well. A couple of my friends went to Ann Taylor. Those are really good places to start.