Dress Guidelines

Question

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

AAu

Leverandon · Answer

Looks good to me.

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.

refurb · Answer

That made me laugh...

Make sure the neckline is high enough so that your interviewer's face looks like this :lol:

, not like :shock:

or

or

. Right? RF

aaudetat · Answer

yeah, it took me a while to come up with the mot juste when I was writing that.

rgajare14 · Answer

That made me laugh too :-D

I would add a few more interviewers face: :yes

Jivana · Answer

bump! I read somewhere that navy pinstripe or dark gray suits are the most recommended for men. Also, black is a big no-no... :?:

for gurus: Why is black no good?

Any other colors that works for the interviews?

Noodles · Answer

black is absolutely fine for a suit.

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.

sm332 · Answer

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.

Som1 · Answer

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.

ksjhawk · Answer

I wore a conservative black suit for my interviews

, I've always felt black is very appropriate for interviews.

Noodles · Answer

black is appropriate for interviews, dont worry.

in fact most things are appropriate unless u dress like a clown.

The focus should be on your delivery, your message and your competencies for your interview as sm332 said.

annae · Answer

In my opinion, black is for tax attorneys and funeral guests. :lol:

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!

topa · Answer

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.

egy · Answer

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.

Jivana · Answer

For men, What's the deal with stripes? Do you want pinstripes, no-stripes, solid color?

egy · Answer

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.

sm332 · Answer

well put ...

annae · Answer

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.

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

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