Women's Attire: Opinions Please

a 4.0 who wants to "die" her hair? a 4.0 who doesn't have enough judgment to decide how to dress for an interview? I didn't know that Southern Connecticut Community College was a semi-target...

(i wouldn't nitpick your spelling/grammar if this were a legitimate thread, but, honestly, if you think you’re smart enough to get a job in banking, but you aren’t smart enough – or don't have enough common sense – to know what to wear to an interview/on a day-to-day basis, then you’re seriously deluding yourself. these fashion threads are the absolute dumbest ones on this board)

give me a break. it's hmmm... 2:18 in the morning. yes, i made a mistake... don't we all? i'm not exactly proofreading my posts like i would a resume. yes, i do feel like a complete idiot now that i see i made that mistake... but hey, life goes on. it's not like you've never made one of those stupid blaring errors before. after i realized it, i changed it. i guess i should thank you... i'm really just oh so grateful you pointed it out to me so i was able to correct it!

and yes, i could decide on my own... but isn't this forum a place where we can come for advice from people who know more than we do? i don't think there is any sort of a problem with wanting to be prepared. you're not even in banking yet, so who are you to criticize me for asking a question?

if anyone would honestly like to share their input, i really would like it.

i would just ignore b2. he has obviously been very frustrated over the past few weeks and has been taking it out on anyone and everyone on WSO.

my opinion: If you can pull off a skirt and look good then go for it. I think you'll be taken seriously if you speak with confidence and can interview well. Sure, there might be some initial disadvantage for a 5'0" blond girl but that doesnt mean you can't get the job by being thoroughly prepared and starting the interview off well. as for matching and colors I'd just play it safe. Dark greys and navy blues are usually a safe bet.

good luck.

b2, the exact threads you hate continue to get bumped to the top because of people like you that criticize them. sorry this thread is not up to your standards -- next time I will check with you before allowing anyone to post on WSO. -Patrick

Like i said, it's not the grammar in your post that annoys me, it's the inanity of the content. Nonetheless, since we're spot checking even the most basic questions, can you tell me whether i should wear boxers or briefs tomorrow? how many squares should i use when i wipe? what time should i take my lunch break? what should i eat for lunch? your advice is greatly appreciated.

not in banking? if you ever make it to ny, i'll sell you my business card - doubt that you'll make it here, however, as I don't know many banks that recruit at SCCC, especially in these markets.

Where do you go to school?

appropriate attire for a woman -- nothing.

there, I said it.

To provide some clarity for a much needed opinion, I have always stuck with black or grey conservative fascade during interviews. Once you are familiar with the work environment, I would then introduce more color to your attire. Some colors are more tolerated at firms then others. For instance, with my experience at Lehman Brothers I have noticed that they are extremely conservative and very Business Professional. Namely Business Professional entails a color/material corresponding suit. Non-matching suit jackets will not fly unfortunately.

thanks for the opinions. i'm glad at least some of you see eye-to-eye with me that making a good first impression is important.

as far as where i go to school, i'd rather not say specifically. i go to a large state school that is actively recruited by most BBs and top boutiques.

and b2, your humility never ceases to amaze me.

I doubt b2 has ever seen a naked woman before, so that would explain why he's harboring so much angst toward such a benign topic. Or it's possible he had a traumatic childhood experience. My guess is: made out with his mother when she was drunk one time. Don't be too hard on the poor guy.

My take is skirt-suit is more not only more conservative, but makes me feel more feminine. As for wearing a pant-suit to interviews, well, let's put it this way, do you want to work at a firm that will only allow you to wear skirted suits? If not, then wearing a pant-suit might be a way to test out the waters.

Meh, mismatching outfits would be a no-go at interviews, at an the firm it would depend on the culture.

For me, business dresses don't really say banker. They seem more like something a girl in HR or a secretary might wear. Dresses in the office in general don't seem to give off the impression that a woman is competent.

It's important to be feminine, but not overly so. Don't wear anything that seems too girly and childish. Also, its important to not act like you're trying to be a man. Since you are small I don't think wearing a pant-suit will make it seem like you are intimidating or manly.

I'm about your height- barely make 5', but I'm not blonde. I think I get taken seriously, but your demeanor and not just your attire will matter in whether you get taken seriously or not.

Personally, I would go with the matching skirt suit. In terms of brands, I would invest in a quality Theory suit and get it tailored to fit perfectly. A typical Theory suit will run you around $600-700 but I always find good deals at the end-of-season sales. Also, I've been recently finding some great pieces on eBay which are brand new and I get them for a steal. For example, here is a pair of Theory pants selling right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-Theory-Womens-Mark-B-Pants-Light-Oak-Size-8_W0QQ...

Look professional, put together and know your stuff. That's all that it takes.

Wear would you are comfortable in. I have never worn skirts or dresses, only own like one, and so I wouldn't wear a skirt suit because I know I would feel uncomfortable and it would probably show. The last thing you want during an interview is feeling uncomfortable in what your're wearing.

The mismatching skirt and jacket, I wouldn't do it for an interview. If you work there and you see other people do it, then go ahead, but for an interview definitely not.

Also, even though this is not part of your question, I would always wear closed-toe shoes for an interview. Looks more professional and some places do pay attention to it.

A basic Navy or Black skirt suit works best. It's harder to find pants that fit properly - you'll likely need to get them tailored. My preference runs to Banana Republic, for the classic simple lines that work well with pretty much anything. I tend to wear Thomas Pink shirts for a formal look and if I'm looking to soften it, then a Tahari blouse. Low pumps with a narrow heel. Keep the hair neat and the jewelry simple. You want their eyes on yours, not on what you're wearing.

just put out. then it doesn't matter

coverthis knows what's up, listen to him.

that made me giggle.

For all my interviews at BB firms, I wore a slim Calvin Klein navy pantsuit with a nice silk blouse that I switched out. I got several compliments from recruiters, especially women. You can't go wrong with a pantsuit, especially since it takes the stress out of worrying about hose, undue attention on your shoes, or the length of skirt/how much of your legs you show. Especially considering your height, you might want to go with pants since they elongate the legs and you can get away with higher heels or even dress boots (this is especially good in the winter to keep your feet out of the NYC street sludge). It might be psychological, but the taller you can look the better, within reason.

Mismatching blazer/pants combo is not business formal or appropriate interview attire. Ever. Even if one has pinstripes and one doesn't, it sets a bad impression if the interviewer notices.

I wear dresses to work all the time (silk wrap or conservative Brooks Brothers type stuff), but then again that's after you get the job. My firm is business casual however. Managers I meet with (especially men) are approving of dresses, and most of the senior women at my firm wear dresses at least occasionally.