I'll be starting up the interview process soon and am wondering about what I should wear. I generally stick to all black clothing (even in everyday life, lol), and thus generally wear a lot of black to interviews.
Are nice jeans okay? If not, what kind of pants are best? Really just wondering what everyone's go to interview look is.
Guys here, feel free to chime in and say what looks best/most professional on women in interviews! I'd like all opinions.
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Is this for IB/finance in general? Go with a matching blazer+skirt combo with a silk shirt (you could do pants as well but I find that they look awful on us most of the time unless you get a more expensive custom tailored suit) or something of the like on the inside, or a solid colored dress. Black is fine but I feel like all black is a no-no.
Black on black too gothic or something? Lmao. Thanks for the suggestions!
-I wear a lot of black too and that is usually my go-to for work attire. -Definitely don't wear jeans in finance that will be seen as unprofessional (this is depending on the culture and city you're in - but no jeans is a rule I always follow) -I go to Nordstrom for a lot of my work clothes. Recommend Rag and Bone or Veronica Beard black work pants, but make sure they're not too tight. Then getting a few pencil skirts, dresses, blouses, and blazers should be good. Don't forget heels!!
Great advice, ty! Any fav heel brands? A lot of my heels are too high/eccentric for interviews and I’ll be shopping for a more neutral pair. I have some Ted Bakers that are more professional but more is better.
Yep stripper heels not advised, no open-toe ones
Yeah! I have a few pair or Sam Edelman, Dior, Gucci, and Louboutins that are my go-to. Here's a link to some of them: https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/womens-shoes/womens-pumps/womens-m…
https://www.samedelman.com/en-US/Product/EC0230217-3015547/Sam+Edelman/…
Jeans are not OK. Black is an acceptable color for woman but men always stick to dark grey and dark/navy blue. Personally, I think black is a bad idea because it doesn't wear nearly as well as grey or blue which is important if you're spending on high quality clothing.
Black on black is an absolute no-go, this isn't a funeral you are going for - unless you consider it the funeral of your candidacy.
White + any other color should be fine if not too crazy.
I get your sentiment but black on black does NOT look like funeral clothes if you do it right. But I agree that it should be broken up a bit for interviews.
I've bought one suit and have used it pretty much for all interviews (dry clean after each round).
I think a black suit set is okay, but don't wear black for the blouse. Choose something that lightens the face, such as white, off-white etc. I always go against black blouses because you don't want to be blending in with everyone else who wears dark colors. Colors are okay! Just be conservative with the choice of colors.
I would go with a suit: blazer, blouse, and pants. Make sure to get a matching set, the blouse could be a white shirt but typically it is better to go for a silky/chiffon blouse rather than a button up shirt. I like going to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic (sizing seems larger for petites), and Macy's --especially their Calvin Klein section. Personally as low income, the brand doesn't matter, but as long as the fit is right, and you look clean and professional, and you personally feel confident in whatever you wear, then you are set. Alternatively you could get a blouse and skirt set or wear a knee length dress, but I personally like the blazer/pant situation, it depends on you. The pants are more conservative though. Shoes - honestly it is better to go on the conservative side, so 1.5"-2" heels are best bet. I'm sure other people wear 2.5" or higher, but it doesn't leave the best impression. I wear flats because I can't wear heels haha. Bag. The bag isn't very important especially if there will be bag check so you just need a really nice resume pad. It isn't needed to get the next in season bag, I like the tote bags because it will come in handy in the future. There are budget faux leather bags as well that I've gotten compliments on for $25 on amazon. If you want to, Kate Spade is having a sale for totes around $85 from $200 reg price. Nordstrom rack has a great selection of bags/shoes but recommend going in the store in person for any fit required items. Resume pad - get a nice one, it could be as low as $30 too. But remember, the look isn't the most important part, as long as you look professional, everything comes down to the actual interviews and making sure you are well versed. Looks aren't that important.
Good luck!!
Agree with everything you said, except "Looks aren't important". Come on, this is banking, not tech. Looks are definitely important. However, it's more important to blend in vs standing out
Hit up your nearest Ann Taylor. Black suit jacket + suit pants or skirt. White or cream colored blouse or shirt (I think blouse looks better imo). 1-2 inch heels at the most.
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