Interview Attire for London Interviews

Got an AC in October for consulting (hopefully get some in IB aswell). I just want to know what is acceptable to wear in The City.

I'm thinking of a black suit, black shoes, white shirt and red tie. I know brown shoes aren't accepted by some places. I'm just kinda freaked out by the social mobility report in the UK. After an interview a guy was told his tie was "too loud" so he didn't fit in with the bank.

Is what I'm thinking of wearing good? What other options exist? What brands are seen as good?

Oh and what kind of hair styles are acceptable? (I'm guessing getting a fade is not good?)

(I know I'm asking alot but I want everything to be as good as possible)

Thanks in advance

 

I would not wear what you have outlined. You cant put a foot wrong with a dark navy suit (for gods sake dont make it shiny), black shoes, white shirt (with cufflinks) and a non shiny tie single colour or gentle patterned tie. Depending on the company you might get away with some colourful socks but go with navy or black if you are not comfortable.

No fades- this is a professional interview get a sensible haircut.

 

Completely agree about if you are good that is the most important factor. But you cannot be anti-cufflinks. They are what are worn with proper shirts not a child's button down/casual shirt.

 

Ditto what's been said on no black suits. You're not a waiter or attending a funeral.

Wall Street and the City may have different ideas about what's fashionable, but they have very similar ideas about what's safe. Navy, charcoal, and sharkskin are good suit choices. Couple it with black or brown shoes depending on your belt - no quirky socks either. These are all simple, safe options for your tie: https://goo.gl/images/2asgct https://goo.gl/images/gLi0KY https://goo.gl/images/hycyxD

Your haircut should be conservative and non-attention seeking, the interviewer should look at it once and think "good, check" and then never notice it again. IMO with dressing for interviews your mindset should be to start off thinking that you're on track to get the job, and that every fashion choice you make is an opportunity to fuck that up.

 

As mentioned above, don't go for a black suit (personally I would stick to navy or charcoal for an interview to be safe) and certainly wear a tie that isn't too flashy.

Cuff links aren't a necessity, depends if you have French cuffs or not.

Definitely no brown shoes in London.

And haircut wise.. it seems pretty obvious, just go for something conservative that looks smart and isn't distracting (such as a side part)

 

Don't look poor, unsophisticated or uneducated. Take that with a grain of salt, but what it really means is: Wear classic and timeless combinations.

Plain Navy or charcoal suit, plain black oxfords, white or light blue shirt, conservative tie. Be properly groomed, with a new haircut and unoffensive glasses or accessories (watches, etc.)

 
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