What are your thoughts on interview attire?

[Meractik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZELzn6207c

All you need to know

ohhh so what i need is a tux!!!

 

[Meractik]

classic look =/= looking like everyone else

maybe im fashionably challenged.... I do not see a problem with that suit... Is there a scheme you think one could go with for the suit and just buy different shirts/ties to swap out to not look the same?

 

[Ns1]

maybe im fashionably challenged.... I do not see a problem with that suit... Is there a scheme you think one could go with for the suit and just buy different shirts/ties to swap out to not look the same?

There is no problem with that suit. I'm pointing out that you can have a classic suit that's not black with a white shirt and a colored tie (what I like to call the accountant look).

And yes, I would get the grey suit and then get a small selection of shirts/ties that go along with said suit.

If you got one near you, Nordstrom Rack is great and they offer free or discounted tailoring.

 

[Meractik]

There is no problem with that suit. I'm pointing out that you can have a classic suit that's not black with a white shirt and a colored tie.

okay cool so do you have any recommendations as far as places to go to get a good suit? any national chains you recommend or certain brands?

 

[Ns1]

okay cool so do you have any recommendations as far as places to go to get a good suit? any national chains you recommend or certain brands?

nordstrom rack/off saks for discounted expensive suits
brooks brothers during their semi annual sale ONLY


you can find a decent suit at Macy's and they're on sale often. FWIW I think a $350 CK suit is fine (what you would find at Macy's), but I would personally check Nordstrom Rack first since they're pretty cheap and they tailor.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Depends on the company (and industry). Entry level at most places slacks, button up shirt, and a tie will be fine. Make sure the colors are right (i.e. don't go with brown shoes, black pants and belt, and a yellow shirt), and pay attention to the details of the outfit. I.e. shoes should look nice. Stuff shouldn't be wrinkled. Learn how to tie a tie if you don't know. For senior or management, add a jacket/blazer. For VP and higher... well you just have to be friends with the guy on the board anyways so it doesn't matter.

 

[Meractik]

nordstrom rack/off saks for discounted expensive suits
brooks brothers during their semi annual sale ONLY


you can find a decent suit at Macy's and they're on sale often. FWIW I think a $350 CK suit is fine (what you would find at Macy's), but I would personally check Nordstrom Rack first since they're pretty cheap and they tailor.

thanks for all the info!

 

[Doppel]

No on the vest of course, but basically any white collar job you should be wearing a tie and jacket. They are cheap and you want to risk being overdressed rather than under--and truly it's going to be the very rare circumstance indeed in which a simple suit is overdressed for any kind of office job.

 

[brianmanahan]

IMHO:

DO NOT DO BLACK DO NOT DO BLACK DO NOT DO BLACK

racist

 

[brianmanahan]

=/=

=/= != !=

 

[Ns1]

=/= != !=

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

No pants.

 

[Cattlegod]

+1 for ascot

 

[acheron]

Short skirt, lots of cleavage.

 

[bononos]

Short skirt, lots of cleavage.

Perhaps for an internship.

 

[Jeeebus]

why no black? no crazy agent suit... black suit, white shirt, red tie?

In terms of "fashion," navy and/or charcoal are considered the two staple colors that are the most versatile. Black is generally reserved for weddings and/or funerals. All that said, I'll rock my black Oxxford suit every now and then at court, and it's not like everyone points and sneers.

Point being, if you're going to buy ONE suit, go with charcoal or navy, as they're more easily adaptable to all situations in which you may wear a suit.

 

[bignateyk]

Meh I wear Jeans and a Polo to work every day and usually throw a suit on when I interview places. I usually take the jacket off though as soon as we get to the room where the interview is taking place.

 

[Abe Froman]

Always a (pressed) suit, tie and dress shoes. Also shave your face and polish your shoes.

 

[AMCRambler]

3 piece suit? As in with vests? That sounds so old-world and stuffy. I've never seen anyone wear a 3-piece, nevermind interviews.

As for any white collar jobs, I've always went with nothing less than a tie, jacket, and slacks.

I guess if you're in IT or new-culture work like Google, just biz casual may work. But I wouldn't risk it unless it's explicitly stated.

Dress like this and you're all set for 99% of white collar jobs:

I never understood so many 'how do i dress for interview' threads here. Just do above.

Does that include the driving gloves with the holes for the knuckles? Come to my interview wearing those and I'm going to laugh at you. I guess if you got an M3 though those are mandatory.

 

[Zeze]

Does that include the driving gloves with the holes for the knuckles? Come to my interview wearing those and I'm going to laugh at you. I guess if you got an M3 though those are mandatory.

Or you could learn to read.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I agree with NS1, and it isn't because I always buy charcoal gray suits either.

 

[DougK62]

I have to post and defend the vest. They're back in style these days, and if you have a slim build I suggest at least trying a three-piece when you're shopping.

I agree to avoid the black suits. Gray, charcoal, brown, navy all look great.

 

[PowerYoga]

Suit up and shut up.

^^^

Better to be overdressed than under.

 

[deadlyapp]

One step higher than whatever they wear in the workplace.

IE if standard attire is slacks and dress shirt or polo, wear slacks, dress shirt, and tie. If they wear tie, then have a jacket. If its an executive level position you're already in a full suit.

 

[mizzou]

This is what happened last time a person asked me about interview attire, "Hey, I think I'm going to wear this lime green undershirt, pinstripe black jacket, and purple tie for my interview. I want to stand out and look like I can be confident in any situation."

Me:"That's a bad idea, you should go with something more undertone like a charcoal/navy/or black suit. You can add a little color with maybe your tie or undershirt, but keep it subtle. If you want nice designs, get a good looking tie."

Them,"Nah, I think I'll go with what I got!"

fast forward

Me: "How did that interview go?"

Them: "I didn't get the job, but the secretary said I looked fly!"