Is this grey suit too light or is it fine for an interview?
I have an interview for a boutique strategy consulting firm coming up, and only had a black suit. Calvin Klein had a pretty good sale so I purchased this suit for my upcoming interview (and also other interviews I may have, e.g. in investment banking) --
http://www.calvinklein.com/product/index.jsp?prod…
However, now I'm not sure if it's too light of a grey? Seems like people on this forum say that DARK grey / charcoal, or navy/blue are the ideal choices. I'm not sure if my grey suit is appropriate or not. It probably doesn't help that I'm pretty terrible with colors.
Considering the price tag, and my expected use (this interview, future interviews either for grad school or other positions), I want to be sure I get it right, and if this isn't it, I can return it.
What do you think?
Thank you!
It's fine, but depends on your skin color/tone.
Agreed with BankingWaffle. I would go a bit darker but it really depends. You won't get dinged for it unless you completely screw it up with some extreme tie or shirt.
I'm Indian, so skin tone is brown (neither dark or light).
If its even somewhat questionable, I can easily return it. I just bought it today, unfortuanely I'm terrible with colors.
Should be fine
Have one in the same color, never heard anything said (to me or through the grapevine)
Cool, thanks!
What shirt / tie combination would you recommend?
I've only owned a wso/">black suit, so not sure what colors make the most sense given the context of an interview. Was thinking either white or light blue shirt, probably white though. Not sure on tie.
white shirt/black tie light blue shirt/ dark blue tie
two good combos
do not wear a black tie.
That suit + white shirt + navy tie.
You're good to go.
You're fine. Agree with white shirt + navy tie. It's a conservative, crisp look, and will work well with the gray suit.
Broadly speaking, however, people take fashion too seriously. As long as you don't look foolish -- that is, you're not wearing anything extreme, and your clothes more-or-less fit -- you will be totally fine. Your interviewers care much more about your personality and intelligence than your looks and fashion sense.
That said, someone who is well put together is often more likely to come off as intelligent, likable, etc.
Oh the suit is just fine dude, just remember that its normally not only about the color of the suit but the entire attire and how you conduct yourself during the interview. Just wearing a very expensive suit would not get you anywhere at all. Trust me on that...
Suit question (Originally Posted: 04/10/2009)
I am looking to purchase a light gray suit (not necessarily for business). This sounds really weird but similar to the style of Brad Pitt's in Oceans Twelve http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/489775/oceans-twelve/images/oceans-tw…
It sounds a little gay but I need another suit and this is the color I am going for. Any suggestions on where to go and what brand to buy. I would like to stay under 1k and preferably under my $850 Hugo Boss suit.
I found this site http://italiancart.com/ (Armani suits ~ 200) I am assuming it is a scam, anyone know anything about this place?
Thanks,
Chris
Would a light gray suit be acceptable for business wear?
Go somewhere else and ask these ridiculous questions.
that place looks like a scam. English is way to broken to warrant any trust.
For the first guy; I said NOT for business. The second guy, most people here are professionals and need suits so they know where to get them, but thanks for your useless response. I was assuming the same youngmoney, but I could not find any negative feedback on them or positive for that matter.
could also just be knock off suits, in which case its even worse than a scam because at least if its a scam you could stop-pay.
personally, I'd caution against the brad pitt suit, not just because it's unprofessional, but because it looks too slick - just because brad pitt can pull it off doesn't mean you can, because, well, you're not brad pitt.
Haha, I know, it's not for business though. I just personally like that color for going out etc.
I don't like it the picture's suit. It's way too light imho. I've got a light gray zegna mohair suit. Looks nice with brown shoes (but black shoes make you look like a total looser, I made that mistake once, my friends at the office put like 100+ stickers on my jacket when i left my desk for a few minutes. I still wonder how'd they get them).
clavocat, thanks for telling me. I do have the ability to read. I was asking for myself. Rather than create a topic asking if light gray is acceptable for a professional setting, I asked here because it fit.
So are light gray suits acceptable for a business formal environment? Maybe not quite as light as the one Brad is wearing, but something like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2957729?tuid=000006cb-006f-0861-6c61-726765…
Not that actual suit, but that color. Or this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3018702?tuid=000006cb-006f-0861-6c61-726765…
Thanks.
Not joking about this man, go to Hong Kong or Shanghai and get it tailer-made.
You can have really nice bespoke suits, with every detail like you want it. And you can probably choose from a series of grey-ish colors...
1 bespoke suit of equal quality as hugo boss in HK/SH= +/- 500 USD Taking into account the travel costs to go there, buy two suits at once, and you'll spend less than on 2 hugo boss suits, however, you will be much more exclusive
At the same time, you can enjoy a 'free' trip to China.
No, don't wear light grey. Not very professional, will get dirty very easily, tends to have a sheen, and is going to make you look washed out unless you're black/ridiculously tan
Thanks for the advice.
...Though I do look stunning in a light gray suit.
I was accosted by a 5 feet tall Jesus Freak in Murray Hill wearing that same exact suit. He had black shoes on too. I would never wear something that light, only B.Pitt can pull it off.
Generally, light gray is a "summer" color, but here are a few good-looking gray suits that can basically be worn all year long. Some other WSO posters had referenced these suits which is how I had heard about them.
Brooks Brothers - Fitzgerald Plaid with Deco 1818 -- http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Se…
Brooks Brothers - Golden Fleece Plaid Regent: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Se…
Ralph Lauren Black Label Wool Gabardine Suit: http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3445594&cp=17607…
Someone else mentioned going to a good tailor in Hong Kong and getting a great deal on a bespoke suit, which I second. If you ever have the chance to go out there, pay a visit to W.W. Chan, A-Man Hing Cheong or H. Baroman. These are the "big 3" Hong Kong tailors and they'll be able to put together an awesome bespoke suit to your specifications for around $1,300-1,500.
a light-gray number like this can be totally baller at work:
CANALI
Those suits are sketch man, my family's tailoring business makes better knock offs in their sweatshops in India.
London, Saville Row - the best suits in the world
London, Jermyn street - the best shirts in the world
If you want bespoke, if you want quality, then invest in the $500 flight and go get yourself 3 suits and 10 shirts - TOTALLY worth it!
Interview Suits - Standard banking suit? (Originally Posted: 06/15/2010)
What is the standard first banking interview suit? All black/blue? Then what is the standard 2nd round? When is it proper to wear a pinstripe?
I heard you shouldn't wear a black suit. I was told it's reserved for more important/senior people. Is this true? It sounds kinda silly to me, but I'm really not knowledgeable about this sort of stuff.
This thread is going to turn into another Breitling thread, I can tell it.
Be safe and wear a grey suit. Some places wont care about pin stripes, others will. Is it really worth the chance?
Wear a navy suit with burgundy shoes and belt. A white or blue shirt shirt should be worn and pick a nice tie. Double or single cuffs are both acceptable, but use conservative cuff links.
I have an older navy wool italian suit with thin and subtle lines in a couple of colors, that got me plenty of comments here in the office, I'm pretty sure I'm rocking it the next time I interview.
I wore a pin stripe suit to both rounds and I got the offer. I would say if it's a thick stripe, think twice. If it's a traditional thin stripe it's perfectly fine. Good luck.
Blue/Navy suit. Black belt and shoes. Blue/Red tie with a subtle pattern. Blue/White shirt.
Safest way to interview.
brown suit... yellow tie... show them what you really think
Just go to your local verizon wireless store, look at what the manager or salespeople are wearing, and try to emulate that as much as possible. They know how to dress...
This is my key to a career in interview science.
INTERVIEW suits - How flexible is gray? (Originally Posted: 07/31/2010)
hey guys i know normally you go with the navy blue or a gray..........but how flexible is the gray? can you wear a light gray suit (seems like most people go with the charcoal gray)? cause i only have either a light gray (i attached the pic of the one i have) or a black (pinstripe) suit.....do you guys think i need to purchase a dark gray or a navy blue or am i good with the light gray?
black pinstripe??? who do you think you are? Don Corleone?
so i guess no black pinstripe but what about the light gray? or do i need to buy the navy?
I sometimes wore light gray suits for my first two years in New York. You definitely stand with it, but it depends on the motif you're going for and how confidently you can wear it. A light gray suit is going to look like it either came out of the '80s or a Methodist church service in downstate IL, and might signal a little bit of innocence/naivete, but that's either a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you want to brand yourself at work.
I don't use the term "brand" lightly. It's something you have to truly believe reflects who you are. For me, I saw myself as a hokey Midwesterner- and I felt uncomfortable trying to come off as a sophisticated New Yorker while I worked in Analytics. However, I was perfectly comfortable sometimes showing up to work like I had just been teleported from a small town in the Midwest. It was part of a larger package of being the hard-working Midwesterner who didn't imagine himself as smarter than anyone else, but was pretty competent when it came to programming, math, and finance.
Whether or not you want one, you're going to have your own brand. The gray suit definitely makes a statement when 95%+ of your coworkers will be showing up wearing a darker suit; just make sure you're comfortable wearing it- and having your brand wear it, too.
Now that I've been moved to the trading floor and the traders are saying I'm part of their team, I've had to adjust the brand a bit. The underlying values of choosing words thoughtfully, being fiercely loyal to my friends, and straightforward with everyone are still there, but the Midwesterner image and gray suits that came with it have sadly had to disappear. If I ever start my own hedge fund, though, the gray suits and occasional sweater-vests will be back if we wear business formal.
My take is that light gray says the following:
-I'm not all that sophisticated. -I might work hard, but I'm not incredibly competitive. -I reject the culture of New York City. -I'm different than the other guys. -I might be more worthy of your trust.
Very nice, but what does adding "double breasted/white pinstripe/bespoke" to the light gray mix tell the street?
oops i should mention that this is an INTERVIEW that I wanted to wear the light gray suit to!! sorry i think that might change your comments but now that you know this, is the light gray or black suit (both of which I currently own) out of question to wear to the interview? therefore will i have to buy a navy blue or dark gray for the interview? i am a bit new to all this, i never have been to an interview to a larger nyc firm and thus far i have gotten away with wearing my black suit to the smaller firms during my internship interviews
Interviews just require you to be well groomed and clean. Be confident and know your stuff inside out, and no-one will care about what suit you wear. Once you get the job and signing bonus, invest in a dark charcoal and navy suit.
Did you see the pinstripe suit T-bow wore during his big interview before last season? Don't wear that, and you should be fine.
Hmmm, I have a light grey pin stripe suit and a light grey solid suit and I always thought there were fine. They look particularly sharp with a yellow tie.
I want to say something. I really think the suit plays second fiddle to the accessories. You put on a nice white shirt, sharp tie, perfectly shined shoes with a pressed and clean suit and you will look like a million bucks.
Only if you can pull it off like Don and Roger do.
Why dont you become a little professional and get some plain dark colored suits. Please do not do the pinstripe youll come off looking like you just came out of a scene from goodfellas.
Light grey is fine. It's a timeless and versatile choice. Save the black suit for a funeral.
If you can afford a new, dark colored suit and still have enough time to have it properly tailored, then go that route.
The grey suit isn't going to kill your shot at a FT job, but if you are standing in a room with some of the other people interviewing for the job then you might feel awkward because you look different...and that might have a negative impact on your self confidence.
I doubt it is the "end all be all" but if cash and time aren't tight...don't risk it. Keep in mind you will get use out of the new suit also, so it's not like a one time expense. Good luck.
Regards
Dark navy and Charcoal grey suit (Originally Posted: 05/07/2011)
I'm trying to get a feel for what these colors look like. Is dark navy an almost-black color?
http://www.indochino.com/product/Navy-Performance-Suit
http://gearpatrol.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gray-suit.jpg
Are the above colors what they're supposed to look like? Or is the navy too dark?
Thanks.
Navy and don't get either of those
.
That isn't charcoal. Click the link for charcoal http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/canali-charcoal-wool-suit/3062246?cm_cat=da…
Thanks guys so I guess they both have to be really dark grey and blue. Yeah those suits weren't the ones I was going for....just used them as samples for colors only.
Biz suit for interviews- light gray/gray/navy/charcoal (Originally Posted: 08/04/2011)
Hello,
I would like to buy a business suit and I'm not sure if light gray or gray are good for interviews.
light gray: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=449323&CategoryID=1… Fit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D56
regular gray: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=552711&CategoryID=1… Fit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D56
The regular gray seems very much like my charcoal suit.
Here is the one I have: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=281167&CategoryID=1… Fit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D56
Navy is my last option, I don't really like this color :\ But, I will take it if the first two options are no good... I don't want to take another charcoal.
Thanks.
I like the charcoal one and regular gray.
Either of the bottom two are fine. Honestly though, people worry way too much about the suit they wear. \
As long as it doesn't stand out too much no one cares. A guy at one of my superdays got an offer in a black suit, a black shirt, a white skinny tie and brown shoes.
You're kidding....right?
First one is too light unless you will be interviewing this summer or next spring
Charcoal or navy only. Then go to JCPenny and get a wool Stafford there for less money.
It doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to be Navy or Charcoal with light, or no, pinstripes.
Saying people worry too much about the suit they wear is a dangerous, and plain bad, comment. What you mean is most interviewers won't care. That's true. But all it takes is having one interviewer who adheres to standard fashion rules and you could be screwed. Why chance it?
I think it was IlliniProgrammer who said he wore a light gray suit to his interviews and played off his Midwestern sensibilities but, IIRC, even he said navy or charcoal was the better choice. That was a great thread if someone can dig it up.
Don't want your outfit to be an issue? Charcoal wool suit, white point collar shirt, Brooks Brothers Repp #1 tie in maroon, black belt, black captoe oxfords, black socks and a white undershirt.
That combination is safe for any interview you'll ever go on. And just change the tie to something else classic, striped or otherwise plainly patterned, for follow up interviews. A good one is BB Repp# 4 in navy.
thank you guys... I think I will take either another charcoal or a navy suit.... and, I'm sorry but I don't have bananas for all of the responders :)
Grey Canali Suit (Originally Posted: 08/11/2011)
I'm thinking about getting a light(ish) gray suit and thinking possibly Canali. Would a suit like this be OK for wearing around this office?
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-CANALI-Italy-Gray-Stripe-Wool-Suit-36-38-R-NWT-…
I won't buy in on Ebay but just wondering what people think of this color.
Thanks
I think this is totally fine. i see guys wearing much more edgy suits than this all the time.
However, i am in lodnon and find things to be a bit more progressive dress-wise here.
Sean,
I used to work at brooks, and we had similar suits to the one pictured. I would say it would be completely fine to wear that around the office, particularly because you are very young. If you were 30 years older, it might be a different question. This would not be a suit to wear to an interview, but nonetheless, still a great looking suit, and appropriate for the office.
Yeah that's one sexy suit. I need a gray one like that.
Is this grey suit too light? (Originally Posted: 09/06/2011)
I just bought a navy suit and have a charcoal suit, I'm extremely satisfied with both of them... Am thinking to buy another suit, what do you think of this:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=301933&CategoryID=1… Fit%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D56
This is lighter than my charcoal but seem to be just about right.
What do you think? will this one be appropriate for an interview (not first round interview) or other occasions (e.g. corporate events) ?
Thanks.
looks fine to me
Take this advice^
I GOT EXACT SAME SUIT
lol haha
Good choice.
Hey everybody I am considering this suit and it looks like somebody already asked about it. I was hoping to get some advice. I am just starting out and I do not have any suits. it is priced at around $200, a price point that works for me.
What are your thoughts? Should I pass on it as my first suit?
its fine
Looks fine, but for a first suit I'd buy one with a regular (noth) lapel, not a peak lapel.
Thanks for the advice on the notch lapel. I might consider the navy suit: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alfani-red-suit-separate-navy-solid-…
Will the suit be enough without a vest or is it recommended to get a vest?
Skip the vest.
Looks good
This grey suit for a job interview? (Originally Posted: 10/12/2012)
Hey Guys,
I have an interview and was wondering if the suit I owned is appropriate for the occasion. If you go to the link below (or look at the picture I have attatched), my suit is very similar to the third one from the left. If this suit is fine, what colour shirt/tie combo would you wear with it for interview purposes
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OG_nAkZ5cg…HL=en&sa=X&ei=yKN4UKCdIoXw0gHlg4CgDA&ved=0CEoQ9QEwBg&dur=265
3rd one is fine. imo theyre all fine but people say darker is better for interviews. shirt = white and tie = dark blue or burgundy. Charcoal if u want to look boring lol.
It's ok. A little light for a formal interview maybe. Navy is ideal. If you're gonna go grey I think a darker charcoal is better. Not a deal breaker though.
Wear a white shirt and a conservative tie.
Keep it simple, but not boring. White shirt, blue ish tie (some kind of pattern to spice it up, not ostentatious).
Good Luck!
.
Interview Suit (Originally Posted: 12/10/2012)
I'm starting to interview for internships and was wondering what suit I should buy? I did a search but a lot of the posts are a couple years old and I know things change. I was thinking something along these lines, in the grey. Let me know if this style/color is okay for an interview.
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fitzgerald-Golden-Fleece%C2%AE-Suit/MK001…
Do you own any suits already?
haha where do you come up with a cool 2 grand for a suit to do interviews for internships, must be nice to have rich ass parents
I'm not buying the actual suit. I want to know if that style/color is okay, then I'll go to Macy's,Nordstroms, or syms and try to find something that matchs that and have it tailored
No, first one besides a blazer and khakis.
Macys Alfani red line or whatever is good, like $400, get a charcoal/gray and you are good.
Oh ok that makes more sense, than yea the color looks good.
go to jos a bank, get one of their 60% off suits, get it TAILORED, get a nice shirt, a nice tie and a nice pair of shoes. The whole thing should cost you know more than $300, which is perfect for someone interviewing for an internship or a first time job. Anyone that tells you different is full of shit.
I agree with you on everything but the price point considering the cheapest JAB suit is $200. Yeah, you'll actually have three suits for $200 but it doesn't change the fact that going out and getting all that is going to cost more than $300.
OP, first suit should be either charcoal or navy. Second suit should be the the one you didn't get last time. Third suit is when you start branching out into the grays and the stripes and patterns.
Jos a bank suits can look really nice if done right. I have a grey one and it is way nicer than my suits that are in higher ranges.
That color is fine, though a darker charcoal or solid navy may be a better choice for a first time suit. Find one thats 100% wool and get it tailored, and no sqaured toed shoes.
Please don't buy shirts from JoS A Bank. They are toilet paper quality for twice the price of Charles Tyrwhitt. Also, you can't get a decent tailored suit, shirt, belt, tie, and shoes for under $300. That's just a flat out lie, even if you use eBay and coupons.
For shirts I was thinking Vineyard Vines and Brooks Brothers. I already own 6 brooks brothers and 4 VV. Are brooks brothers and VV okay for interviews?
For the mention of sales, I know that JAB has a buy one suit get 3 free or something crazy like that right now. But I agree with BTbanker, you cannot get a decent suit, shirt, belt, tie and shoes for under $300. This type of clothing especially if you are in the business world is an investment. You'll wear your shoes for years, you'll wear your suit for years (unless you are in it daily like some of you), shirts and ties can be skimped on in this situation if need be. Go to TheTieBar.com if you need a quick fashionable tie fix.
For nice shoes on a budget, go to your local Nordstrom rack. You can usually get a steal on Cole Haan's or something similar.
Jos.A. Bank has buy one get 3 free suits at the moment.
I could walk into a Steinmart today and get a Ralph Lauren suit for under 150, shoes for under 50, a tie for under 20, a shirt for under 25 and a belt for under 20.
Excluding tailoring costs:
150 50 25 20
20
265
When you pay your way through college, you learn to sniff out the deals and make every penny count. So don't piss down my back and tell me it can't be done.
hahahaha, what a hilarious phrase. Also, people that spend more than 300 on a monkey getup are probably not even fit to be monkeys, more like little fishes swimming around in some aquarium, looking at the world outside and thinking how it looks so bright and shiny.
Buy a nice suit. As much as you can afford reasonably. A suit is an investment; it is something that is rarely taken out (at least when you are only using it to interview), and when done so requires that you look your absolute best. Do not skimp on a cheap, badly tailored suit.
For your first suit, go with charcoal. No pinstripes or patterns of any kind.
Get it tailored. Go to a reputable shop when you buy it, or find a good tailor in your area. If you can find a good shop that sells suits, they will have a tailor on site and will be able to fit you before you even get your card charged; speaking with the tailor and salesman at the same time before purchasing is a big advantage.
Other than that, buy a nice pair of cap toe oxfords (keep it simple, no brogueing!). Ideally a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenue, but if these are too expensive then use them as a model. No square toed shoes.
White shirt that's pressed or ironed, doesn't matter what brand (if you can see through it make sure to wear an undershirt)
Black/gray socks, understated tie (I wear a plain black tie to interviews), black belt.
White pocket square if you want to look mature. Some think a pocket square is too "flashy" but I don't see how one simply folded is; I rather think that it shows someone that takes some care in how they dress themselves (they didn't just go to Jos. A. Bank and pick out a cheap suit off the rack because it's "necessary interview apparel").
Maybe a watch if you wear one, doesn't have to match anything just make sure it's not too flashy or informal.
This look is timeless conservative apparel that is appropriate for almost any occasion, most definitely job interviews.
Seriously, though, the fit of the suit is going to send the strongest message, so make sure it's tailored properly.
I get the socks thing, but what's wrong with wearing a black tie?
I was thinking a white/light blue shirt with a tie like this http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Dot-Repp-Tie/A450,default,pd.html?dwvar_A…
in the Burgundy-Lt Blue. Should I go with stripes or pattern?
Wearing a black tie is exactly what it sounds like, black tie. That's a whole different formal dress code. Usually implies wearing a tuxedo or dinner jacket as well, but wearing a black tie is reserved for Galas and such, not interviews. Like others have said, throw on a navy or burgandy, conservatively patterned tie and you're good to go.
You can't go wrong with burgundy or navy ties.
Go on a style forum and they will tell you not to wear a black tie to an interview.
Yeah, I've always thought black suits/ties are strictly for black tie, funerals, and possible weddings if your in the party.
Yeah, I've always thought black suits/ties are strictly for black tie, funerals, and possibly weddings if your in the party.
Pocket squares for an internship? Give me a fucking break.
You guys are naive for being so quick to put down someone who gently urges this guy to consider spending more on his first suit. Yes, it's absolutely possible to look presentable for pennies. You can go buy the Lauren by Ralph Lauren downmarket suit for $149.99, the toilet paper Jos. A. Banks shirts at a 6-for-1 deal, the rubber-soled Cole Haan factory outlet shoes for $49.99, and a 3.5" Mens Wearhouse tie. That is the cheap move, and not solely in the financial sense.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of how you look. People respond well to a young person who is knowledgeable, articulate, impeccably attired, and respectful. You put countless hours into preparing for interviews (mastering the finance, accounting, and behavioral material), training yourself in school and getting the high grades to set yourself up for recruiting, and research the people and firms with which you'll interact. Why on earth is it so outlandish to reach further than the bottom rung when putting your wardrobe together?
Different people value different things. Rather than upgrading the whip with some new part, taking that extra weekend trip each month, or going out drinking four nights a week, some students prefer to spend a few extra dollars on a better suit, better shirts, ties, shoes, and learn more about menswear. Style makes the man. You can do very, very well for yourself without breaking the bank.
Not only that, but you actually get better return on your investment with better quality items. Allen Edmonds are going to last you a decade if treated properly; those rubber-soled junkers are destined for the trash bin within 18 months. A great suit will also last you years, whereas that fused JAB bedsheet is going to come apart at the seams before you hit the halfway mark of your analyst stint.
I also paid my own way through school (expensive private out-of-state target) and yet managed to put together a very respectable wardrobe. Yes, it cost me more and I definitely felt that pinch, but the self-confidence it lent me not only in interviews but in my daily life led to more offers, respect, and strange than I knew what to do with.
Long story short, it isn't always right to go the cheapest route when it comes to clothing. Far better to have people think you're impressively dressed (tastefully) than cheaply but suitably dressed. That goes for any situation in life, not just interviews as a junior. If you can't afford much, then by all means, stick within your budget. If you can do better, however, I urge you to. As long as you aren't rubbing it in people's faces (as I unfortunately did sometimes), being the best dressed around will open doors for you.
No bro, clothes make the man. Naked people have little to no influence on society.
Why not a black suit? I noticed nobody suggested this.
Black suits: - funerals - waiters, maître d' - musician - nightclubs
They are not considered appropriate for business. You won't burn and die for wearing one to an interview, and if you're not in a financial position where you can afford to go get a new suit, by all means wear the suit you own. You shouldn't be going and purchasing a black suit as your first suit though.
Wow, had no idea.. time to decide on a different suit to buy this month and start following this board more!
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alfani-red-suit-separates-grey-solid…
Was gonna but this suit tomorrow, what do you guys think? Without the vest.
Peak lapels, avoid it.
Wow didn't notice that.
Sharkskin gray suit for Job interview? (Originally Posted: 12/18/2012)
Hi guys. I've been looking to buy a interview suit. I found this one fitted suit but it is sharkskin gray and I'm not so sure on proper interview etiquiette for suit and color. What do you guys think?
Picture of the suit is linked below. You are going to have to remove the spaces since I'm not allowed to provide links apparently.
http:// media .kohls. com .edgesuite. net/is/image/ kohls/c24999?wid=400&hei=400&op_sharpen=1
Just get a navy suit. There's no sense in getting fancy with your first suit as something like that's not going to be particularly versatile. Say you get the job, you going to wear this suit twice a week as you build out the wardrobe? I would guess not.
I too also have a sharkskin grey suit. I haven't worn this to an interview yet, since it's not taliored. But going back to your point, I don't think there is anything wrong wearing this. As long you wear a shirt and tie that matches well with the suit, it'll be good. No crazy plaids or bold colors...keep it simple. Oh and tailor your suit.
No pleated pants.
Haha why not pleated? Ya don't do sharkskin. Don't give the people interviewing you an opportunity to pick you off for something little like wardrobe
Pleats are for old, fat guys. You can still wear them for a classic look, but for younger guys, they just look weird.
I don't see very many people wearing those anymore. I usually go for black with pinstripes. I assume this should work anywhere as long as the stripes are not too wide.
If you do not own it already, don't spend the money. If you own it, wearing it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to you, but you could certainly do better.
Your first suit needs to be versatile and formal. You should be able to wear it to an interview, daily at the office if necessary, to an important meeting, etc. For that, navy and charcoal are best. Find something within your price range, make sure it's 100% wool, get the best fit you can off-the-rack, and go get it tailored. Tailoring is key; the difference between a guy with an ill-fitting $2,000 suit and a well tailored $200 suit is immediately noticeable.
Said it for me.
Agreed. Charcoal gray and navy are best. My vote is for navy as a first suit: charcoal gray can be a bit severe/unforgiving/very formal and may not be best for a wedding or something. Navy is a bit more forgiving (especially for pale skinned people, like me) and nobody would say that it's really "less formal" than charcoal gray.
Also, the most important thing is to try on as many suits as possible. Try on whatever Macys and Jos. Bank has for $200 bucks, go to Brooks, J. Press, pop into Paul Stuart and see what a $1200 off the rack Samuelsohn feels like. That's the only way you'll really know what feels/looks good. For me, a very natural shoulder is key--I had excessive padding, makes me feel like a linebacker or something. Fit is so much more important than brand when it comes to suits.
Show the love with SBs, fellas.
Suit for SA Interviews (Originally Posted: 01/04/2013)
Just wanted to get your guys' opinion on a suit for upcoming interviews. Not looking to spend more than 3-400. I'm more concerned about the fit rather than the quality of fabric and such at this point. Just need something that'll look decent.
Any thoughts on this: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_229130
Also, what do you guys think about suits from Macys and having them altered from a local tailor for fit. Thanks.
I like how that suit looks. Like you said, you just need something basic for the interview.
Classic look. Try to go for navy. Avoid pleated trousers.
I would go to 3 Day Suit Broker if there is one around. Got 3 suits (one three-piece), all altered, 3 Italian-made cotton shirts (all spread collar), 3 pairs of socks, 3 ties, 3 pocket squares, 3 belts, 3 pairs of shoes, two tie bars, a pair of suspenders, and one cardigan for $800 last summer. Insane deal.
Suit Supply. That's the place. Best suit for value.
Check out Gilt or MyHabit for deals. There were some Martin Greenfield suits on Gilt the other day for under $500. You'll generally find Hartmarx and Hickey Freeman suits for under $500 on those sites as well on certain days.
I think it looks good.
If you're in New York, go to Century 21 in FiDi. Most of the clothes are off season, but who cares about fashion trends when you can get designer labels for 70% off?
Honestly, go and get something cheap tailored/fitted. The hallmark of a young candidate is dressing poorly. Find clothes that fit properly before your interview and do not show that it is high end material if you can avoid it. Rolling in with Gucci shoes and a breitling would hurt you. Instead dress polished and well fitted but leave the high end clothes for when you are rolling in money.
Please don't get a suit from Joseph a Bank! That is where my friends from home would buy a cheap suit (and they dress like a blind person). The best you can do for your money is like afore mentioned site, suit supply. H&M also actually have pretty decent stuff that is already better cut than most anything else you'll find for that cheap. Also talia orange has decent cheap stuff.
what do you think of blue shirt+ charcoal suit to 2nd round interview? (Originally Posted: 02/19/2013)
I'm kind of tired of wearing white shirts to interviews, what do you think of the combination blue shirt+charcoal suit+ navy tie? It looks good, but don't know if it's formal enough for interviews...
That should be fine...I usually wear a similar combo. All the interviewer cares about is if you are the right guy for the job. However, not wearing a suit or an obnoxious one will certainly go against you. Just look professional.
It doesn't matter. I often wear blue shirts/charcoal suits.
Blue shirt? 96% of blue shirts would be ok. The fact that you are asking makes me wonder what's wrong with this shirt. Is this the blue version of a solid maroon ops shirt?
Thanks guys. It's a regular light blue shirt. Here is one that I have:
http://www.ctshirts.com/men's-shirts/men's-dress-shirts/Sky-twill-puppy…,||||||
But I have another 3 similar ones.
Yeah, that's definitely fine. Just stay away from the dark blue shirts, or pretty much any other color except white.
Yeah, should be fine. Just go into interviews wearing something conservative that will allow you to check the box of looking professional, and avoid wearing anything that is too "trendy" or "over the top".
True story: I received one of those light blue shirts with a white collar as a gift and wore it to an info session. A banker at that info session basically went out of his way and told me that it was going to "piss interviewers off by wearing that" and essentially said that I looked like a prick. Meanwhile, I just threw the shirt on under my suit not knowing that there was any stigma attached to it or anything of that nature. The guy then ended up being at the rest of the information sessions and conducted my interview, and in my eyes, disliked me in some capacity for that one instance. Ding city.
Would you wear this suit to an interview? (Originally Posted: 08/19/2013)
Ignoring the tie, would you wear this to an interview? (I attached the file)
Nah
Nope.
No. Gotta earn your stripes.
As Fredbird said. No stripes till you're in. Go for conservative charcoal or navy look.
and even if you were a senior guy - you shouldn't be wearing stripes on stripes (suit and shirt).
Nope! it you are tall forget stripes...NO STRIPES ON STRIPES...
Suit is ok, but learn how to match shirts and ties. That tie is awful too. I'd throw it out.
no. no. no.
Would these suits suffice? (Originally Posted: 04/12/2014)
Hey all!
I am in the process of getting myself some new suits, and am considering the following Charles Tyrwhitt pieces. Would these do well in a business setting in your opinions? Many thanks in advance.
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men's-suits/men's-business-suits/Charcoal-sha…
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men's-suits/men's-business-suits/Navy-Yorkshi…-?q=gbpdefault||BSA19NAV|||||||||||||
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men's-suits/men's-business-suits/Charcoal-lil…-?q=gbpdefault||EYA02CHA|||||||||||||
Hey pal,
First one is nice (the suit in the first link)...looks good...however for that price be careful on quality etc.
Try it out in the shop and get it tailored by your tailor and it will look even better :)..
Good luck
Thanks for the comment! Not too worried about quality as the price you are seeing is 50% of its regular price because the manufacturer is having a sale.
Ahaa okay great :)...go for it, just get it tailored as suits very rarely fit generally unless you are blessed with template size dimensions :)
I think the first choice would do well in a business setting.
Does it have to be from Charles Tyrwhitt?
If not, how about the J.Crew Ludlow suit jacket with double vent in Italian worsted wool?
or a bespoke suit from Brooklyn Tailors? (If you want to spend that kind of money of course.)
Thanks for the suggestions, I am really just aiming to take advantage of the 50-70% off sale at CT right now as it doesn't come along all too often, but will definitely take a look at J.Crew. As for bespoke, I can't really justify spending the extra dollars for such a suit just yet. Maybe in a few years :)
First is fine, links to the others just took me to their homepage for whatever reason
Thanks, let's see if these work:
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men's-suits/men's-business-suits/Navy-Yorkshi…|||||||||||||
I'm only sending one line, because I dropped the third option from my shortlist.
Both are fine, especially for someone just starting out. I've had a CT suit for a few years now..no complaints/
You can look at this cheaper option as well http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/men's-suits/men's-business-suits/Charcoal-nai…
Thanks for the reply and recommendation. I had looked at that piece as well but the sharkskin appealed to me more personally. In the end I pulled the trigger on the navy and sharkskin charcoal models. Now I just have to wait for delivery and then have them tailored.
Is a Light Gray Suit Appropriate for BB Banking/S&T internship? (Originally Posted: 04/20/2014)
I purchased a suit very similar to the one in the link below, but I'm wondering if it's going to be too light for a bulge bracket internship in Sales and Trading. Would this be appropriate?
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Milano-Fit-Grey-Herringbone-1818-Suit/MK0…
it's fine. Just dont wear some bright orange tie with it. Maybe a dark navy subtle tie. It'll be the summer so the color is fine.
Light gray stands in (respectful) contrast to the dark suits people normally wear and sometimes makes you look a bit dated, but it works.
I have a light gray suit. I sometimes wear a sweatervest with it, too, but it's a look I choose to go for when I wear it. I also figured it might help college students relax a little bit more during interviews to see someone dressed more like an old professor rather than a banker.
Is this grey suit appropriate for interviews? (Originally Posted: 12/22/2014)
This would be for med school/job interviews.
A picture is attached. This is Suit Supply Blue Line ~ $400, it's on their website.
Many thanks.
The white collar on the pic isn't suitable.
Any other opinions?
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