Vest with a suit appropriate for a Summer Analyst interview?
Title
Keywords
Title
Career Resources
WSO Virtual Bootcamps
Career Advancement Opportunities
November 2026 Investment Banking
Overall Employee Satisfaction
November 2026 Investment Banking
Professional Growth Opportunities
November 2026 Investment Banking
Total Avg Compensation
November 2026 Investment Banking
“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”
Leaderboard
| 1 | 99.2 | |
| 2 | 99.0 | |
| 3 | 99.0 | |
| 4 | 99.0 | |
| 5 | 98.9 | |
| 6 | 98.9 | |
| 7 | 98.9 | |
| 8 | 98.9 | |
| 9 | 98.9 | |
| 10 | 98.8 |
“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
No, if a candidate walked in with a 3 piece suit for a SA position I would automatically label him a tool in my mind. If you really like the suit just wear it without the vest.
Got it! Thanks @"bearing"!
Second this. While three-piece suits can looking great, it is inappropriate for an entry-level interview.
Never wear anything flashy into an interview. Always be plain.
I think the notions presented on 3 piece suits so far in this topic speak to the insecurities of the interviewer rather than of the interviewee, one way or another. Definitely a flawed analytic thinking process at the least.
They'd have you wear polyester suits from Wal-Mart and intentionally not dress your best just because you are entry level. So sad some people are so insecure of people dressing better than them.
Irregardless of whether the suggestions given thus far can be traced back to insecurity of the interviewer (I doubt that a full-time employee making a significantly higher salary would have much to feel insecure about in terms of clothing quality in comparison to a prospective intern), they are representative of the reality of how an interview is conducted as echoed by innumerable topics here, on other forums, as well as in interview guides. Whether this is a "flawed analytic thinking process" is arguable, however it is a virtually systemic attitude and the simple fact is that they gave the correct advice to the OP.
They also said nothing about "polyester suits from Wal-Mart" which would have a detrimental effect on the candidate's chances as much or more so than wearing the vest. Just sayin'.
The only person I would judge harder than a candidate wearing a vest is one who used the (quasi) word "irregardless".
u would get hot anyway
When people wear a vest, they look like Aladdin.
yes to the vest. it is a necessity
" You want your personality and cognitive capabilities to stand out in an interview, not your attire."
In other words he should wear transparent clothing then. I thought I was doing something wrong.
Still remember the deleted thread where someone was chewed out simply for spending more than the MD for lunch.
I swear, some of you see the systemic assumptions driving the industry as religion and directors as deities. Some eccentric people are needed in order to make sure that all options are considered in a crisis. Maybe the recession could have been avoided if we worried less about 3 piece suits and more about sound analytic process.
What about for Associate interviews/networking events (at b-school)? Still no to vests? 3 piece suits look good.
Where a three piece vest without a shirt and tie. Golden
Squared toe shoes, vest and bow tie... and don't forget to keep your personal/ID business cards on your person to network better
NO WAY! You will look completely ridiculous, trying way too hard to look impressive. Let's not forget increased likelihood of sweat stains/odors. Instead, try a single button suit in a lightweight wool in a lighter color--not navy and definitely not black. A white shirt is still a classic and you can wear a lighter colored tie--think SUMMER SMART.
Charcoal grey suit comes to mind
Yes, even a tinge lighter, but def not full on light grey--depending on the suit can come across too slick or too frivolous--a medium grey is good. Also, depending on the person's coloring, features, and personality, can enter into the realm of naturals and beiges, but must be careful on selection--nothing too casual.
Quos dolores odit atque enim. At temporibus harum quia. Et pariatur similique perspiciatis rerum temporibus excepturi. Ipsam possimus nesciunt natus vero sunt. Laboriosam atque consequatur soluta sint adipisci velit rerum. Voluptatem ipsam quibusdam ut iste libero.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Corporis aut similique iste. Et enim qui nemo soluta doloremque. Eius at ut molestiae omnis. Et non et nihil nesciunt. Molestias nihil suscipit libero et.
Illo eos perspiciatis est rerum fuga. Perspiciatis dolore impedit in et architecto veniam. Commodi et sed dolor vitae.