There have been a number of discussions around dress guidelines on the board, but I threw some together for some FYs I'm mentoring at school and thought I'd share them with you
I actually had a situation where my Kellogg interviewer specifically told me not to wear a suit because he wanted to keep it casual. I wore a shirt, tie, slacks and a conservative sweater instead. Other than specific situations like those, I think that your recommendations are sound.
I'd also add no bow ties. I'm a huge fan of bow ties, but I think they should be kept for nights out at the opera and quirky cocktail parties.
Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2007 Posts: 376 Location: Greater New York City area Schools: Tuck, Ross (R1), Duke, Tepper, ISB (R2), Kenan Flagler (R2) Followers: 3
unless u are talking about a black shirt.......in which case that is a big no no no no.
I personally went for a navy blue suit, light blue shirt, maroon tie.
In general men should not wear black suits except for black tie affairs. For interviews - I would avoid cuff links and even pocket squares which constitute my daily routine.
Plain navy or charcoal suits are the most flexible in terms of choices for men.
The focus of the interview should be your competence not your flair for dressing or lack there of.
_________________ INSEAD Sept 2010 Interview Invite Nov 5, 2009Admit & Matriculating Wharton Sept 2010 Interview Invite Oct 30, 2009Waitlisted & Ding Harvard Sept 2010 Ding without Interview Ivey May 2010 Interview Invite Nov 23, 2009Admit + $$
Does anyone have advice on the quality of suit to buy? Personally, I can't tell the difference between a $2000 Armani suit and a "but 1, get 2 free" suit from Jos-A-Bank, but if it makes a difference in recruiting I'd be willing to splurge.
In my opinion, black is for tax attorneys and funeral guests. Do wear at least a dark shade of gray.
I also don't think the price-tag of the suit matters. What matters is how it fits you. Shoulder seams on right places, arm length short enough to let the shirt glimpse but long enough not to look silly. No tight creases around the waist, a tight fit against the back of your neck. Pants have to be long enough to look good when you sit but short enough not to trail on the floor when you walk.
Better quality suits often also come with nice little details: trim seams, pretty lapel seams, stylish buttons etc. And pleas remember to remove the thread holding the jacket back hem slit together!
I wore a conservative black suit for my interviews , I've always felt black is very appropriate for interviews.
Black suits are normally reserved for non-professional scenarios but there's nothing wrong in a black suit. I would just say ensure you dress accordingly. If the interview is taking place in a casual environment like a cafe, don't land up in a black suit.
Also I find toning down the black suit with a somber (gray) tie helps bring down the "flash" quotient.
_________________ Do or Do Not.. There is no try -- Master Yoda
In terms of quality: as was mentioned, most important, by far, is fit. There's nothing more obvious and painful to look at than a really poor fitting suit. Keep in mind though that the tailor at saks is probably a lot better than the one at men's warehouse.
I would also caution against dressing too nicely. going too over the top is as bad as going too cheap. i don't think you want your interviewer to be too actively aware of what you're wearing.
I don't think black looks good professionally. It's not going to be a deal breaker of course, but if you're shopping for a suit now, just do yourself a favor and go charcoal. It's by far the most versatile and will work in any situation: Work, party, interview, funeral, with jeans, wedding, etc.
For men, What's the deal with stripes? Do you want pinstripes, no-stripes, solid color?
i think you need to be really careful on the pinstripes... could fall under the category of trying too hard.. if it's subtle, fine.. but i'd stay away from high-contrast pinstripes.
In terms of quality: as was mentioned, most important, by far, is fit. There's nothing more obvious and painful to look at than a really poor fitting suit. Keep in mind though that the tailor at saks is probably a lot better than the one at men's warehouse.
I would also caution against dressing too nicely. going too over the top is as bad as going too cheap. i don't think you want your interviewer to be too actively aware of what you're wearing.
I don't think black looks good professionally. It's not going to be a deal breaker of course, but if you're shopping for a suit now, just do yourself a favor and go charcoal. It's by far the most versatile and will work in any situation: Work, party, interview, funeral, with jeans, wedding, etc.
well put ...
_________________ INSEAD Sept 2010 Interview Invite Nov 5, 2009Admit & Matriculating Wharton Sept 2010 Interview Invite Oct 30, 2009Waitlisted & Ding Harvard Sept 2010 Ding without Interview Ivey May 2010 Interview Invite Nov 23, 2009Admit + $$
For men, What's the deal with stripes? Do you want pinstripes, no-stripes, solid color?
I agree, subtle pinstripes work better than bold ones. Pinstripes give an image of edge and confidence, and when worn right a pinstripe suit looks very dashing indeed. However, if you can't pull it off comfortably, don't wear it. And don't overdo the tie so you roll on the flashy side.
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