STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kenzie · Chanel

I need some new interview clothes!

Elle · Hermes

I think I would go with a gray suit - seems like it would be more versatile (and probably easier to find) in the long run.

Fun suit tops!

$65$68$36

$38$40$45$50

$40$30$42

jj · Kate Spade

I would vote grey, although I like all your options. My suggestion is to get a suit that comes with pants and a skirt, because then it's like a whole new outfit when you go back for a second interview. Like this:

Just add a new top and different shoes. Since the blazer is usually the more expensive part, it has saved me $$$.

stellanotte · Nine West

Definitely grey. I am in college and we are grilled constantly about dress etiquette, especially for interviews. You might even want to go with black. Navy is "older" and not really recommended until you start piling up your collection.

I am a smaller, thinner size that has a lot of trouble with suits, and I got a great basic black one from Zara for about $250, which is a really good price. (They also carried the same suit in grey.) I get a lot of wear out of it though. Zara will also have some of the more "trendy" styles for cheaper.

Oh, and since so many things I go to are business formal, I usually just try to accrue regular collared shirts or basic shell tops rather than anything very nice...we're told that anything besides very neutral colors and pastels are no-nos! I can't even wear the red button-down I have. Express has nice-fitting button-downs and shells that are still classy and stylish.

-- Edited by stellanotte at 14:24, 2005-10-25

laken1 · Hermes

stellanotte wrote:

Definitely grey. I am in college and we are grilled constantly about dress etiquette, especially for interviews. You might even want to go with black. Navy is "older" and not really recommended until you start piling up your collection.
I am a smaller, thinner size that has a lot of trouble with suits, and I got a great basic black one from Zara for about $250, which is a really good price. (They also carried the same suit in grey.) I get a lot of wear out of it though. Zara will also have some of the more "trendy" styles for cheaper.
Oh, and since so many things I go to are business formal, I usually just try to accrue regular collared shirts or basic shell tops rather than anything very nice...we're told that anything besides very neutral colors and pastels are no-nos! I can't even wear the red button-down I have. Express has nice-fitting button-downs and shells that are still classy and stylish.-- Edited by stellanotte at 14:24, 2005-10-25

Wow - that sounds really stringent - what type of corporate atmosphere will you be in? I'll make sure to stay away Also, who grills you about the dress etiquette, etc? I'm just curious because I've never heard of this in college - is it a class or some type of group you belong to? I managed to get a degree without a bit of "grilling". So I'm really curious what type of program you are in.

-- Edited by laken1 at 14:41, 2005-10-25

kenzie · Chanel

stellanotte wrote:

Definitely grey. I am in college and we are grilled constantly about dress etiquette, especially for interviews. You might even want to go with black. Navy is "older" and not really recommended until you start piling up your collection. I am a smaller, thinner size that has a lot of trouble with suits, and I got a great basic black one from Zara for about $250, which is a really good price. (They also carried the same suit in grey.) I get a lot of wear out of it though. Zara will also have some of the more "trendy" styles for cheaper. Oh, and since so many things I go to are business formal, I usually just try to accrue regular collared shirts or basic shell tops rather than anything very nice...we're told that anything besides very neutral colors and pastels are no-nos! I can't even wear the red button-down I have. Express has nice-fitting button-downs and shells that are still classy and stylish.-- Edited by stellanotte at 14:24, 2005-10-25

Thanks for the info! I wish I had a Zara closer to me, but I'd have to get into Philly to shop at one. Is it worth the trip?

I already have black (and beige) and have been wearing it (black) for the past three years. I think it's time for a change. And I've actually read that black can be considered too harsh for interviews and that navy/grey is best.

I am more inclined to go with grey pinstripes, but since you said navy seems 'older' maybe I should try that. People think I'm younger than what I am and I think that's working against me. I think I like grey better, though.

That's interesting about the colors that you mentioned. I don't really think that applies as I am in a creative and casual field, so I can get away with a little more self-expression.

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 14:41, 2005-10-25

shopgirl82 · Chanel

bcbg has a gray/dark orchid (purple) pinstripe suit right now that is gorgeous. they also have two plain gray ones (dark and light) and gray with blue and brown (sounds gross but is really nice) stripes.

the good news is that they will go 50-70% off soon, so maybe just check them out and try on sizes if you like them, and then one of the SA's can send you your size if they sell out. the price for the suit would be less than $200.

stellanotte · Nine West

I missed what you said about being in a creative industry I definitely think grey is the nicest, but for some reason the grey felt like it was cut looser than the black so I went with black. I agree that black can seem too "formal," and that grey definitely places you as someone who is taking the interview seriously but not overdressing. I also think grey just looks nicer than navy on most girls.

Zara was good for my size because I am small and thin with a terribly thin frame...nothing else fit me. (It sucks.) But if you're a standard size, J.Crew and Banana Republic are definitely nice as well.

I go to NYU Stern...I'm a marketing major and actually pursuing more creative things, but most of the seminars and such on business formal dressing gears towards the financial services industry, which can be very strict with that type of thing. Sign your life away in black suits and plain shirts! I doubt I will be, but for the time being, they want us to know the strictest end of the spectrum and then go from there

member · Hermes

stellanotte wrote:

I missed what you said about being in a creative industry I definitely think grey is the nicest, but for some reason the grey felt like it was cut looser than the black so I went with black. I agree that black can seem too "formal," and that grey definitely places you as someone who is taking the interview seriously but not overdressing. I also think grey just looks nicer than navy on most girls. Zara was good for my size because I am small and thin with a terribly thin frame...nothing else fit me. (It sucks.) But if you're a standard size, J.Crew and Banana Republic are definitely nice as well. I go to NYU Stern...I'm a marketing major and actually pursuing more creative things, but most of the seminars and such on business formal dressing gears towards the financial services industry, which can be very strict with that type of thing. Sign your life away in black suits and plain shirts! I doubt I will be, but for the time being, they want us to know the strictest end of the spectrum and then go from there

Honestly, I learned the same strict rules w/what to wear to an interview when I was in school and I followed them for my interviews. I work at a bank now (have for the last 5 years) and I will say that you definitely don't have to be that strict and boring w/color choices. I think those are very old fashioned rules. And nyla, I really like the idea of a gray pinstripe suit - I think that would look great w/more fun, colorful top under it.

kenzie · Chanel

stellanotte wrote:

I go to NYU Stern...I'm a marketing major and actually pursuing more creative things, but most of the seminars and such on business formal dressing gears towards the financial services industry, which can be very strict with that type of thing. Sign your life away in black suits and plain shirts! I doubt I will be, but for the time being, they want us to know the strictest end of the spectrum and then go from there

Ah, yes, my bf is in the finance industry and his work clothes are pretty blah. Suits, suits and more suits, mostly grey, black and navy. Definitely a contrast to me and my creative field.