Hi guys, I'm an incoming summer analyst and noticed most of the threads in this forum talk about men's fashion. I was wondering what is considered appropriate office attire for women? Most of my blazers and skirts are black and blue, but is it appropriate to wear other colors? Should a blazer be worn at all times, or can I get away with wearing a dress shirt and dress pants/skirt? If anyone has any advice or rules of thumb, that'd be great!
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For your reference: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/wall-street-fashion-for-the-girls
Keep it tasteful seems to be the general thought.
Why is color not appropriate? I would say try not to look too bright, but that would be for every day situation. Skirt and blazers ok, even a blouse and pants. I would suggest to put some color here and there but nothing too flashy
Colour is totally appropriate, unless it's lime green or some shit. It's alright to leave your blazer on your chair during the day, unless you're meeting clients. TBH, you're probably overthinking it man. Only rule of thumb is don't look like a slut. Don't wear skirts way above your knees, tank tops etc. - pretty straightforward stuff, but there are people who think this rule doesn't apply on casual Fridays.
It's totally fine to wear thick strap tank tops, I'd even say it's the norm at most banks in the summer. Nothing about it makes someone look like a "slut"
A few more:
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/female-banker-attire-why-everyon…
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/womens-investment-banking-attire
everyone should be super fashionable and wear the most expensive stuff.. Also Skirt and blazers are super fantasy
Ladies : Should I wear a jacket vs coat ? (Originally Posted: 10/11/2017)
I'm getting ready for my interviews, please help me figure out if I should just wear a jacket / coat
It's getting quite chilly here so I don't feel warm enough in my jacket, but given that I will be spending most of the time indoors, should I just bear this few minutes of cold ?
I don't want to wear a coat over my jacket because it's not that winter yet and that would be too cumbersome. But, if I just put my coat on and that's it, I would probably look funny when I take it off at the interview without a jacket.
What are your thoughts on this ladies ? Also, do you think wearing a turtleneck rather than a shirt/blouse to an interview is fine ?
I'd recommend wearing the jacket and taking a cab. The worst way to start your interview is to show up freezing (for you) and with cold hands (for your interviewer).
Turtlenecks are perfectly fine, although best if you aren't too busty. If you have one, mock necks look slightly better under a suit jacket as they are a bit sleeker and tend to be a lighter weight knit.
Interview attire for woman (Originally Posted: 04/14/2017)
Hey, girls! I don't see finance topics adressing women often, so I decided to create this one. I have an ib interview next week and don't know what to wear. It's actually my first interview, so I don't really know anything about it. Do you have any tips for a beginner?
Hi! It's probably too late, but in case you got the job and need an office wardrobe or have other interviews to go, there is this great website, called Corporette, where they give you tips and advice about everything related to female officewear.
Good luck!
Corporette is great for women's fashion. It seems to have skewed a little "older" lately but people age so I understand if she has as well.
Womens interview attire is a little easier than men's, especially if you're interviewing with primarily males. You can go one of two routes and present well:
IF you have a strong sense of style: something with a jacket/blazer is acceptable with coordinating pants or a dress in a similar weight - don't worry about matching but be careful to ensure it doesn't look like a half-assed suit. Don't fall into a trap and wear accessories which scream "branding": no Coach bags with obvious logos, LV, David Yurman stacks, or Louboutin.
If style isn't your strong suit, follow the same rules as the men (with one exception: black suits are appropriate) and make sure your bra doesn't show under your shirt. This includes getting your suit tailored because much more emphasis will be placed on it than if you go the route above.
Informational interview dress code for female students (Originally Posted: 10/01/2014)
Hi,
So I am a junior female student and is coming up with an informational interview with a senior person at his company. Should I go business casual or formal? Is it okay if I wear a suit, which is a shirt, jacket and a skirt, or would it be better to go less formal by wearing a nice dress with a jacket?
Thanks!
As a general rule, err on the side of less clothing.
Beat me to it. Wear that low cut shirt and 'lean in'.
I say go a bit more casual with a dress. To state the obvious, don't listen to the guys up there.
Thanks! Would take the advice:)
"A shirt, jacket and a skirt" or "a nice dress with a jacket?" They're very similar from a guy's pov. Be comfortable for yourself and don't show much skin. Knee length skirt/dreS, no boob or shoulders.
Sure! Thanks.
Appropriate clothing for Women for interview (Originally Posted: 01/09/2016)
Hello All,
I am looking for proper clothing for women for an interview. I am planning to wear a black suit with a white shirt.
I have a white shirt with strips, but should I go and get a plain one?
Also what other clothing advice would you give? Thank you
I usually stick with the safest alternative - black suit & white (plain) shirt. I avoid wearing accessories & jewellery that may attract attention as well.
The striped shirt is probably fine as long as the total look is not too busy.
Some people make a fuss about skirt suit vs. pant suit: unless the company is very conservative either should be fine. If you can, make sure the pieces look good as separates while buying a suit. Hopefully you will be keeping the job for awhile and you will get a lot more use out of the pieces if they do. You will see why with my next point.
Buy the most expensive interview suit you can afford (within reason). A seasoned professional can tell a cheap suit from a solid mid-range one and the more polished look will only add to your credibility.
Accessories can be an ice breaker with female interviewers but probably will not be noticed by male ones. There are a few times that I have complimented an interviewee on her necklace, bag or shoes and we have built an immediate rapport. That said, if you don't regularly wear accessories and have little experience incorporating them it's probably best to leave them out. There is a fine line between "nice" and "busy" which takes practice to get down.
Lastly, don't be afraid to show some personal style. The great thing about being a woman is that we can incorporate damn near any individual piece as long as the overall "look" is there. Men going on job interviews cannot say the same. Obviously, the amount of leeway you get is larger as you progress in your career.
Thank you for the advice whiterabbit and thank you managerette for the detailed explanation
Female Fashion advice? (Originally Posted: 07/27/2015)
,,
It would help to know what's in your wardrobe now and what designers you favor.
Hi, I have faced the same issue in my previous days. unable to find a good dress up for office. One of my friends suggested me to wear light colors for the office. Because bright colors won't give you the formal look. Try to avoid dark colors in your formals.
Thank you all for such cool information. I can tell you that satin dresses are great for anyone who wants to show off their beautiful figure! Good luck to you!
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