suit for interview

edit: Temporarily stickied for the interview season.

Hi,
I am interviewing at UCLA soon (and hopefully at Haas in a few weeks). I am a software engr and haven't worn anything besides jeans and T-shirts (and old t-shirts of Rush and Iron Maiden, at that!) for 8 years. I guess I need to buy a new suit and tie.

Amongst the GQ crowd here, can anyone give me some suit advice? For the suite -- what color and fabric, color of tie, etc.? I'm Indian, and think a light-blue shirt goes best with my dark skin. Striped suits are out since I am thin and will look like a scarecrow in one.

How much should I expect to spend, and do you know a good place to buy a suit (I live in the SF bay area)? Of course I don't want to bust my son's college fund!

For the well-groomed -- here's your chance to show off your knowledge! =)

Thanks,
DF

I would go to Men's Wearhouse and get a charcoal gray or navy blue suit. Solid colors and wool only.

I paid $300 for my suit a couple years back and there was a similar suit for $200. Prices are probably similar nowadays. There's no need to spend loads of money for a suit. As long as it fits well any new suit will look good.

Go with a navy pinstripe suit. The pinstripe should be subtle so that only someone within a handshake's distance can notice it. If not, solid navy is fine.

Skip the same color shirt tie combo. That died a long time ago. Beyond that I can't comment on the tie, it really depends on the shirt. But just don't wear anything that screams out loud.

As for the suit, remember two things in this order:
1. FIT - you're better off getting a cheap suit tailored than an expensive suit off the rack.
2. fabric quality - the better fabric will show in the sharpness of the suit and will hold its shape better.

Beyond that, make sure your belt matches your shoes in color and material. socks color = pants color (or close enough).

navy suit = blk/brown shoes

just make sure the shoes are shiny.

Almost any suit will do IF ITS TAILORED. A $300 suit can look better than a $2000 untailored suit.

Check out men's warehouse for some decent reasonably priced suits. Nordstrom's can have good prices as well.

My suggestion: Go dark blue (almost black) but NOT black (its too funeral). These are classic colors and will suit well almost any situation. Be warned, they dont last as long as a charcoal gray suit, so if you want something that will last and last, consider a charcoal gray one. Personally, I own one charcoal gray suit and all dark blue's, and one black.

I prefer single breasted jackets. For an explanation of the difference see:

http://www.dress2kill.com/single_breasted_suits.asp

http://www.dress2kill.com/double_breasted_suits.asp

Generally speaking the single breasted, in my view, looks a lot better. Some people prefer the other look. There's also the whole 3 button vs 2 button argument - either way, its a safe bet. 2 buttons tend to be the traditionally safe choice, but its really what you like more. Try both.

As for the back "vent" you can choose to have this opened or closed. I prefer closed, but opened will give you some extra breathing air and wiggle room when you sit down.

NO MATTER WHAT, GET THE SUIT TAILORED. If they ask if you want a full break, say yes.

Any shirt is fine, blue or white. For tie's, try and stick to simple patterns, avoid anything that is a "picture" or non-repeating design.

So lets talk tie's. I prefer ones where the pattern is not obvious and is part of the overall design. Here's an example of a pattern I think is too strong - too noticeable:

http://www.rugbyrelics.com/images/aaaaa ... Cowden.jpg

And an example of a tie that integrates it's pattern:

http://www.europe.co.jp/img/hermes/herm ... -lbl-1.jpg

Here's an example of a BAD tie because its an image. Works if you happen to be a nasa engineer, doesn't work otherwise.

http://www.exploratorium.edu/hubble/pla ... cr61_b.jpg

Try and avoid ones that are especially strong:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProd ... ent_Id=210

Ones that blend will look a lot better:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProd ... ent_Id=210

Also....


Do NOT wear white socks.

Make sure you use METAL collar stays - they will make sure your shirt color stays crisp. Plastic ones suck, they bend with the shirt, they are worthless. Metal ones look like this :

http://image.bizrate.com/resize?sq=160& ... &mid=24108

Any decent store will have them. Saks Fifth Avenue will for sure.

Some more points...

If you're only going to have 1 suit, I would get a solid black suit.

1. You can wear it to weddings and funerals and any other formal outings.

2. You can wear it to 2 different interviews and nobody will really notice.

3. The style will never go out.

4. If you're short and stocky, get a 2 button suit. Otherwise, get a 3 button suit.

5. If you're tall (over 6'2") make your pants cuffed. You'll look leaner and taller. Other wise get them hemmed.

What's a full break?

Maybe people have a different name for it. It has to do with how the suit pants sit on your shoe...Full break means trousers are hemmed to reach the top of the heel of a standard dress shoe, naturally breaking over the front of the shoe - so there is a natural crease.

According to Ralph Lauren:

What is a trouser “breakâ€

730 on your GMAT - $1200 prep course and 200 in books for $1400

Advice on fashion from Ryme with 5 tie suggestions none of which are under $80 - priceless.

Way too kind on image ties. Image ties work if you are a dad, and are quite happy with the job you have. Mostly because you certainly won't get another one.

I don't mind the red valentino tie. Otherwise, my thoughts on ties are similar (paisley is awful), but a clear repeated design tie with a white shirt is fine. Simple rule is plain shirt allows more on the tie, a striped shirt or pattern means go easy on the tie.

I like a stronger color... maybe pink... Like this Trump tie...
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-49-Donald-J-Tru ... dZViewItem

I think rhyme is being kind. If you show up in a double breast and you're under 50, people will give you weird looks and the interviewer may think you have a stick up your a$$.

They were just examples of designs, that's it. Sigh!

Some quick-hit thoughts:

When it comes to dressing well, the Brits do it best, so 3underscore may be the best resource on this board.

I agree w/ Rhyme, go w/ full-break, nothing looks worse than pants that aren't quite long enough. Also make sure your tailor gives you you about a half-inch of shirt cuff exposed at the end of the jacket sleeve.

Personally I think french cuff shirts and cuff links may be a little too flashy for an interview, although if you're European or over 30 you might be able to pull this off.

Make sure when you tie your tie, that it just covers your belt buckle, nothing shorter or longer. Don't wear your Iron Maiden t-shirt underneath your dress shirt.

Only wear a white or light blue shirt. Stripes can look salesman-ish or cheap, not always, but a solid shirt is just a safe bet.

Polish shoes before an interview. Wear calf-length socks, you don't want any part of your leg exposed when you sit down.

^^^^ Good advice. Especially about tie length and the iron maiden shirt.

I like French cut but cuff links should be subtle for an interview. If you have flashy cuff-links save them for a business casual, trying to look pimp'in occasion. Subtle cuff links are just fine for an interview. If you don't get your jacket off they might never be seen anyhow.

No Iron Madien shirt... How about one of those "I'm great in bed, or at least that is what your gf said last night" type of shirts with the words visible thru your white shirt? Is that acceptible?

I agree, I am a fan of french cuff shirts for formal interviews/meetings, but conservative cuff links are a must - nothing crazy like dollar signs or a football team's logo.

Mark-I think that's totally acceptable. A "Big Johnson" t-shirt might be another smart choice.

I wore cuff links but they were pretty basic.

My original plan was to wear my Sponge Bob Square Pants tie with my teal silk shirt from middle school, but I changed my mind at the last minute.