What Your Clothes Say About You: In an interview (and in life) your attire plays a supporting role. Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed. If you are primarily remembered for your interview attire, this is probably because you made an error in judgment! In some industries, customer contact and image presented to the customer are the most critical element. In such industries, your attire will be judged more critically. Your attire should be appropriate and most importantly, well-fitting. It should not take center stage. Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to. Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer. Changes in fashion may change some things, like the width of lapels, the cut of pants, or the colors of blouses available in the stores. Basic professional attire does not change with the whims of fashion. A good suit should last five to ten years, depending on its quality, how hard you wear it, how well you care for it, and if it continues to fit you well. You can express fashion's whims in your off-the-job clothes, and to some extent in your accessories. Cost / quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a CEO, but you should invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first few years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse and tie combination. Attire Specifics for Men: • Always wear a 2-piece suit in a conservative color. No double-breasted. No suit jackets with different pants. This is NOT a suit. • Color/Pattern: Solid Navy or Dark Gray. (I would never deviate) Very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are sometimes ok. Although commonly worn by many, black for men is considered overly formal (weddings, funerals, clubbers) or for the hospitality industry. Avoid Bold pinstripes. • Fabric: Wool, NEVER polyester or anything that is a blend (typically add too much sheen and look cheap) • Lapel: Standard notch, not peak or skinny lapels (too fashion forward) • Ties: Select good quality silk ties. No Mickey Mouse or Corporate/university logos. This is also not the place for wool, knit, or skinny ties. I would go with 2.5" or wider. Stick with four-in-hand or half windsor knot. No double windsor (screams pompous). • Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer (you shouldn't even own short sleeve unless you were a missionary). Choose white or light blue solid cotton, that is it! No silk or fancy fabrics. Button-downs are less formal and inappropriate. Go with a simple straight collar, not spread unless conservative. • Cuffs: Barrel cuffs, no French/double cuffs. Do NOT wear contrasting cuffs/collars. They scream executive, which you are not. They also scream Michael Douglas circa 1980s. • Socks: Dark, matching socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down. No crazy colors or patterns. • Shoes: Shined and clean Leather lace-ups. No slip-ons. No synthetics. No rubber soles. Black, dark brown, or cordovan. Plain toe, split toe, and cap toe are fine. Brogues and semi-brogues are typically more casual. Invest in a good pair; even if you don't wear them daily on the job, you'll need them for other occasions and you should expect to get lots of years out of good shoes. Your choice in footwear says a lot about you as a person in a very subtle (or not so subtle) way and is the most judged thing about you. This rule applies beyond just interviews, i.e. dates, meeting your girlfriend's family, meeting clients, etc. • Belt: Leather and reasonable slim. Should exactly match your shoes. No crazy belt buckles. No suspenders/braces. (Again, 1980s) • Accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Wedding ring is the only other piece that can be worn. No ear or face rings for men (duh). No tie bars. No cufflinks. Cufflinks are fine in everyday business wear, but I would NOT wear them for interviews at b-school or otherwise. Same goes with pocket squares, flashy socks, etc. I think cufflinks would be fine for something like an information session or something more casual. If I did, I would go with something like fabric knot links instead of flashy metal generally. No pocket squares. They scream fashion forward, not conservative. • Details: Clean and well pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents — on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer / tailor doesn't. If you buy off the rack, that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to stay there. Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads, etc. Attire Specifics for Women (not absolutely positive on the rules here): • Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment. • Suit: see above • Suit - pants / skirts: Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc. • Skirt lengths: Should cover your thighs when seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. O n a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate. • Color / fabric: Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the type that looks solid across a room). Women generally have more options with suit color than men. For example, while a women could look conservative in a slate blue or light gray suit, these colors would be inappropriate for men. Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are appropriate for women's suiting. • Shirt / sweaters: Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage. • Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry. • Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries. • Shoes: Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance. • Hosiery: Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer is most conservative (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color. • Purse / bag: If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable. Avoid purses that look like beach/pool totes, partyish, or little-girlish. Tips for everyone: • Hair: Should be clean and neat. • Details: No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes. • Hands: Clean fingernails. • Fit: Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly. • Smell: Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. Remember that some people have allergies/sensitivities; you'd hate for that to derail an interview. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke. • Pad folios: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly. • Book bags: Absolutely not. Leave it at home. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions or want advice or examples.

Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 07:48

It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 07:48

Toolkit

Business School and MBA

Business School Life

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Nov 19
Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with ARINGO
09:00 AM PST
-
10:00 AM PST
What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.
Nov 19
ENDS SOON: Get 50% Off My Admit Coach + FREE 1-Hour MBA Consulting Call ($250 value)
10:00 AM EST
-
01:00 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 19
MBA Round 2: Strategy, School List Size, Scholarships, Low GPA Fixes & Deferred MBA
11:00 AM PST
-
12:00 PM PST
Round 2 is here — and it’s your chance to make your MBA dream happen! Join GMAT Club’s LIVE discussion with two top experts from The Red Pen, Gunjan Jhunjhunwala and Natasha Mankikar, as we break down everything you need to know
Nov 12
ENDS SOON: Get 50% Off My Admit Coach + FREE 1-Hour MBA Consulting Call ($250 value)
01:00 PM EST
-
11:59 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 20
UCR MBA Impact - Live Q&A with UCR AdCom & Student
07:30 AM PST
-
08:30 AM PST
Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
Nov 20
CBS vs. NYU Stern vs. Yale SOM: What Admissions Really Wants
10:00 AM EST
-
10:30 AM EST
If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
Nov 20
Essay Workshop: Mastering Essay Questions
09:00 PM IST
-
10:00 PM IST
Join our free expert-led Essay Workshops to discover how to choose impactful stories, highlight your core values, and align your background with each school’s distinct culture, making every word truly count.
Nov 21
Emory MBA Info Sessions (Online)
08:30 AM EST
-
09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Nov 21
Live Coffee Chat- The MBA Application Essays: How to Master the 3 “WHY” Questions That Define Your Story
09:30 PM IST
-
10:30 PM IST
Learn how to craft powerful, authentic essays by mastering the 3 “WHYs” every top MBA program looks for: Why MBA, Why Now, and Why This School.
Nov 24
FREE Prospects Evaluation!
08:00 PM PST
-
09:00 PM PST
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!

Back to Forum

Create Topic

JB's Guide to Dressing & Interview Attire

1 2 3 4

shadow

Joined: 25 Aug 2009

Last visit: 01 Nov 2016

Posts: 928

Own Kudos:

252

Given Kudos: 113

Affiliations: Consortium (CGSM.org), NSHMBA

Location: New Haven

Schools:Yale SOM Class of 2012

WE 1: Investment Banking Summer Associate (Boutique tech M&A)

Products:

Posts: 928

Kudos: 252

17 Oct 2010, 12:10

Kudos

Bookmarks

Jerz

For good or bad, the blue shirt with contrasting white collar is pretty much associated in younger people with type A banker types. If that's the impression you want to give someone, then go with it. But realize that that impression may not be favorable in all settings.

i only rock that to the club. i leave it in the closet for interviews

jordanhendrix

Current Student

Joined: 07 May 2010

Last visit: 19 May 2013

Posts: 722

Own Kudos:

108

Given Kudos: 66

Posts: 722

Kudos: 108

17 Oct 2010, 13:06

Kudos

Bookmarks

shadowsjc

Jerz

i only rock that to the club. i leave it in the closet for interviews

I bet the collar is popped and you got sunglasses on too. Damn Yale boys 8-)

whiplash2411

Joined: 09 Jun 2010

Last visit: 02 Mar 2015

Posts: 1,761

Own Kudos:

3,578

Given Kudos: 210

Status:Three Down.

Concentration: General Management, Nonprofit

Schools: HBS '17 (M) Stanford '17 (A)

Posts: 1,761

Kudos: 3,578

17 Oct 2010, 17:02

Kudos

Bookmarks

jordanhendrix

Damn Yale boys 8-)

LOL

jb88

BSchool Forum Moderator

Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Last visit: 24 Nov 2015

Posts: 230

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 23

Status:Enjoying Class

Concentration: Consulting, Strategy

Schools:Booth

GPA: 3.4

GMAT 1: 690 Q46 V39 Verified score

Posts: 230

Kudos: 88

17 Oct 2010, 20:20

Kudos

Bookmarks

jordanhendrix

^^^ at least you'd give them a reason a smile for once

Oh, they are definitely smiling as they toss your resume into the trashcan. Buddy of mine who use to be involved in recruiting at a hedge fund said they literally print out all the resumes, put them in a stack, split the stack in half and dump one straight into the garbage.

jordanhendrix

Current Student

Joined: 07 May 2010

Last visit: 19 May 2013

Posts: 722

Own Kudos:

108

Given Kudos: 66

Posts: 722

Kudos: 108

17 Oct 2010, 20:50

Kudos

Bookmarks

^^You're right man, thats a tough industry to break into. I worked in entertainment and we would just print out resumes to laugh at them, i fell bad about it now, but you get caught up in it.

supereco87

Joined: 06 Nov 2009

Last visit: 09 Nov 2013

Posts: 172

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 3

Concentration: Finance, Strategy

Posts: 172

Kudos: 9

22 Oct 2010, 11:26

Kudos

Bookmarks

hey!!!
thanks for the advice, it helped me a lot for my interview last week!!
got the job and i am happy with that!!!

TwoThrones

Joined: 21 Sep 2010

Last visit: 26 Feb 2015

Posts: 246

Own Kudos:

108

Given Kudos: 56

Posts: 246

Kudos: 108

28 Oct 2010, 09:32

Kudos

Bookmarks

jbharris88

jordanhendrix

^^^ at least you'd give them a reason a smile for once

Wow, that is horrible! Although I understand the thought process of the recruiters, it sure is horrible for all of us applying!

oldguru82

Joined: 12 Apr 2010

Last visit: 09 Sep 2020

Posts: 454

Own Kudos:

371

Given Kudos: 151

Products:

Posts: 454

Kudos: 371

30 Oct 2010, 16:53

Kudos

Bookmarks

how about having the interview at Starbucks with an Alumni on Saturday morning? would you wear also business formal?

jb88

BSchool Forum Moderator

Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Last visit: 24 Nov 2015

Posts: 230

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 23

Status:Enjoying Class

Concentration: Consulting, Strategy

Schools:Booth

GPA: 3.4

GMAT 1: 690 Q46 V39 Verified score

Posts: 230

Kudos: 88

14 Dec 2010, 18:27

Kudos

Bookmarks

Dress to Impress, UBS Tells Staff
https://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 81042.html

Quote:

The UBS Dress Code: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
For women:
*Wear your jacket buttoned.
*When sitting, the buttons should be unfastened.
*Make sure to touch up hair regrowth regularly if you color your hair.

For men:
*Store your suit on a large hanger with rounded shoulders to preserve the shape of the garment.
*Schedule barber appointments every four weeks to maintain your haircut shape.

Don’ts
*Eating garlic and onions
*Smoking or spending time in smoke-filled places
*Wearing short-sleeved shirts or cuff links
*Wearing socks that are too short, showing your skin while sitting
*Allowing underwear to be seen
*Touching up perfume during or after lunch break
*Using tie knots that don’t match your face shape and/or body shape

PadawanOfTheGMAT

Joined: 31 Mar 2010

Last visit: 30 May 2013

Posts: 381

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 26

Location: Europe

Posts: 381

Kudos: 71

15 Dec 2010, 12:41

Kudos

Bookmarks

I don't see the deal about cuff links, maybe at UBS they don't wan't to be seen as higher status as customer? And it's the first time I hear that a face or body shape will dictate your tie knot!

BabyBeagle

Joined: 30 Nov 2010

Last visit: 23 Jan 2012

Posts: 82

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 5

Schools:Haas Darden Ross Booth Sloan (that's right, HDRBS)

Posts: 82

Kudos: 24

06 Jan 2011, 11:22

Kudos

Bookmarks

Yikes, forgot about pocket squares.

Linen, white, hand-rolled edges. TV fold. No crazy points and such. Again, for salesmen and pimps.

Ivan91

Joined: 26 Jul 2010

Last visit: 02 Sep 2022

Posts: 293

Own Kudos:

164

Given Kudos: 41

Location: European union

Posts: 293

Kudos: 164

06 Jan 2011, 11:54

Kudos

Bookmarks

What about shirt with supporters ? I really like that James Bond style

BabyBeagle

Joined: 30 Nov 2010

Last visit: 23 Jan 2012

Posts: 82

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 5

Schools:Haas Darden Ross Booth Sloan (that's right, HDRBS)

Posts: 82

Kudos: 24

06 Jan 2011, 12:31

Kudos

Bookmarks

Ivan91

What about shirt with supporters ? I really like that James Bond style

Do you mean suspenders (braces) or sleeve garters? In either case, don't. Granted, you shouldn't be taking your jacket off anyway, so if you're a portly guy who for whom braces make more sense than a belt, then by all means, go ahead. Otherwise, play it safe and just wear a belt.

Sleeve garters, if they are part of your style, are cosplay. Just. Don't.

Ivan91

Joined: 26 Jul 2010

Last visit: 02 Sep 2022

Posts: 293

Own Kudos:

164

Given Kudos: 41

Location: European union

Posts: 293

Kudos: 164

06 Jan 2011, 13:35

Kudos

Bookmarks

Yeah, I mean suspenders . Nope, I am like 5"10 65kg

BabyBeagle

Joined: 30 Nov 2010

Last visit: 23 Jan 2012

Posts: 82

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 5

Schools:Haas Darden Ross Booth Sloan (that's right, HDRBS)

Posts: 82

Kudos: 24

06 Jan 2011, 13:40

Kudos

Bookmarks

Ivan91

Yeah, I mean suspenders . Nope, I am like 5"10 65kg

If you're not taking your jacket of, it doesn't really matter, but you won't be wearing a belt, which might look weird to an interviewer who's not accustomed to seeing this.

If you do end up wearing them, please for the love of god don't wear the clip-ons. You should have buttons in your trouser waistband to attach proper braces to. Apologies if you already know this; you never know who you're talking to on these fori.

PallMall

Joined: 01 Dec 2010

Last visit: 11 Dec 2013

Posts: 43

Own Kudos:

Schools: Tuck '16 Yale '16 Duke '16 McDonough '16

Posts: 43

Kudos: 4

Updated on: 20 Jan 2013, 16:42

Originally posted by PallMall on 06 Jan 2011, 14:59.
Last edited by PallMall on 20 Jan 2013, 16:42, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

...

PallMall

Joined: 01 Dec 2010

Last visit: 11 Dec 2013

Posts: 43

Own Kudos:

Schools: Tuck '16 Yale '16 Duke '16 McDonough '16

Posts: 43

Kudos: 4

Updated on: 20 Jan 2013, 16:42

Originally posted by PallMall on 06 Jan 2011, 15:05.
Last edited by PallMall on 20 Jan 2013, 16:42, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

...

BabyBeagle

Joined: 30 Nov 2010

Last visit: 23 Jan 2012

Posts: 82

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 5

Schools:Haas Darden Ross Booth Sloan (that's right, HDRBS)

Posts: 82

Kudos: 24

06 Jan 2011, 15:19

Kudos

Bookmarks

PallMall

BabyBeagle

Yikes, forgot about pocket squares.

Linen, white, hand-rolled edges. TV fold. No crazy points and such. Again, for salesmen and pimps.

Linen? Are you quite mad? Never linen. That is for a handkerchief not a pocket square.

Again this may be European specific, but silk is the only appropriate material and should ideally match the secondary colour of one's tie.

Walk into any magic circle (white shoe) corporate law firm or bulge bracket bank and loads of people from associate to partner will have a pocket square.

In any event, even in the 'States, it is far better to go without a pocket square then a linen one.

Yes. Linen. I realize that in the UK, preferences are different. For one, looking at all the stuff that the Jermyn St. shirtmakers sell, you realize that the English like their shirts a lot bolder, along with ties in heavy silk woven pattern, windsor knots, and pocket squares to complement that whole aesthetic.

In the US, a white linen pocket square is about as safe and versatile as you can get. Cotton/linen blends are great too.

https://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/200 ... -fold.html

The only thing I would add to ^^^ is that for an interview you should use a neat TV fold. Save the sprezzatura for when you actually have the job.

Please don't tell people to wear black suits. In the United States, you will look like a waiter. Maybe that's different in Europe. In the US, you do not wear a black suit in the daytime, ever, unless you are a waiter or driver or doorman or undertaker...you get the idea.

PallMall

Joined: 01 Dec 2010

Last visit: 11 Dec 2013

Posts: 43

Own Kudos:

Schools: Tuck '16 Yale '16 Duke '16 McDonough '16

Posts: 43

Kudos: 4

Updated on: 20 Jan 2013, 16:48

Originally posted by PallMall on 06 Jan 2011, 15:34.
Last edited by PallMall on 20 Jan 2013, 16:48, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

...

BabyBeagle

Joined: 30 Nov 2010

Last visit: 23 Jan 2012

Posts: 82

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 5

Schools:Haas Darden Ross Booth Sloan (that's right, HDRBS)

Posts: 82

Kudos: 24

Updated on: 06 Jan 2011, 23:13

Originally posted by BabyBeagle on 06 Jan 2011, 15:52.
Last edited by BabyBeagle on 06 Jan 2011, 23:13, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

PallMall

Even in the States it is still far better to go without a pocket square than cotton or linen. Linen is for handkerchiefs NOT pocket squares. Wear silk pocket squares (Aspinal, HN, Turnbull & Asser, G&H, E&R, and Drakes all do quality pocket squares) avoid linen like the plague. Perhaps you have never worn one or wear you work people had not been exposed to them overly, hence the linen error.

Again if you have ever been to London or even more so Paris, Milan, or Rome black suits are absolutely in style and if one has a well tailored suit, they will hardly look like a waiter. Perhaps the people who get mistaken for a waiter, etc. should actually invest in something other than cheap, off the rack nonsense. I can also speak to colleagues from the New York office of my old bank, and particularly from the more old money banks, well tailored black suits do make an appearance fairly regularly. This is a fallacy I've heard espoused by a few Americans, generally those who have never owned a tailored suit or are from the mid-west. One can always tell a quality suit and black, as long as it is good material, lends itself fantastically to the purpose.

OK.

1 2 3 4

Prep Toolkit

Announcements

Master in Management, Finance, Business Analytics and more Master’s Programs!

Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with ARINGO

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
09:00 am PDT | 10:30 pm IST
Location: GMAT Club Chat

Top GMAT Focus Debriefs

JB's Guide to Dressing & Interview Attire

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards