Ladies - Interview Attire?

Have a commercial banking super day coming up - looking for advice on interview attire. Have already been to a couple BB CB super days that didn't work out.. and while I'm sure my choice in heels wasn't the reason I didn't get the job, I'd rather play it safe than sorry next time.

So -- any advice on pant suits/skirts/shoes/totes/brands is greatly appreciated. Interview is in NY for CB at a (JPM/Citi/BoA).

 

Hey justpeaky, sorry about the delay, but are any of these useful:

  • What to Wear to Pre Interview Dinner for Ladies? So there are threads about this for guys, but what should a female wear to a pre-interview dinner? ... specific context, went with the latter. What to Wear to an Interview Dinner for Women? When attending ... a pre-interview dinner, women should plan to wear something that could be worn in both business casual and ...
  • Female banker attire? Why everyone is not fashionable at all? bit fashionable than the rest? female banking attire ... fashionable at all. I am not saying that everyone should be super fashionable...and wear the most expensive ... http://us.sandro-paris.com/collection/women-summer...... http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/170359 I don't own formal clothes that much and ...
  • Female intern clothes student! Banking Intern Dress Code for Females Most of the fashion advice is here is can be simplified into ... dancer wore last night Recommended Reading Appropriate Attire For Women? A Female Intern's Wardrobe ... clothes I have is one smart dress. We haven't been told anything specific from HR about any kind of ...
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  • Women's Investment Banking Attire. I'm very slim and not very curvy at all-- most of my clothes now are fitted sleeveless dresses in dark ... conservative should colors be for women? Is a color like cerulean blue too flashy for a dress? Will I be called ... a funeral director if I wear a black dress with a black blazer? I'd really appreciate any thoughts ...
  • Wall Street Fashion for the Girls (really?!?) etc, I figured it's totally legit to start one measly thread about women's attire ... i always wear black, navy, etc? *example of questionable dresses ... newbie female bankers even more clueless than me (or cross dressing traders), here two tips of my own: 1) ...
  • S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide Appropriate Attire for Women Wall Street Fashion for the Girls Fashion for Business Forum trading sales ... turned to preparing for summer internships. One of the main concerns of every intern is in the attire ... arena, as for many this may be the first time you have to dress for a business environment for an ...
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  • More suggestions...

Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.

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Most Helpful

For commercial banking I'd opt for as conservative as possible: navy or grey well-tailored suit (doesn't have to be expensive but does need to fit), a moderate heel unless there is some reason you can't wear any, understated blouse, and professional bag. Be sure to wear a watch, even if it's a cheap one.

Stores you can consider are Nordstrom, Banana Republic (sometimes their suits have weird details though), Macy's, etc. You also might have luck with a blouse, bag, and shoes at Century 21 - but anything professional will suffice.

Good luck at your super day!

 

rule #1 be hot rule #2 don't be ugly

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/53/0a/77/530a77cb9b467db0dd8245db2b5efb91--in…" alt="do vs don't" />

(i know girls won't like this answer...but the majority of wall street is male...its not fair...but it is reality...and unless your interviewer is an idiot and looking for a sexual harassment lawsuit...they'll never tell you this...but looks matter..study after study has been done showing that more attractive people get more job offers, make more money, and on avg statistically, are more successful...so while i suggest dress conservatively, such as a skirt suit....also try to "be attractive" whatever that means for you. Of course there are examples of unattractive people who are successful...but statistically, your chances are better if you look good...and you have a degree of control over that).

On the flip side, i've also seen my female colleagues be VERY judgmental of what junior girls wear to work/interview. If your skirt is too short...they judge...too much cleavage showing...or any at all...they judge. So, its a fine line you must navigate. I've seen skirt suits from Theory that looked very good (do they still exist?)

You probably can't go wrong with a pencil skirt to the knees and a clean button down shirt (no ruffles or frilly stuff). Minimal if any jewelry...maybe a thin watch...minimal if any perfume. I would avoid open toe shoes.

just google it...you're welcome
 

Would recommend the Ann Taylor seasonless suit -- the peplum jacket is very modern and looks feminine yet sharp. That with matching pants, a crisp white shell and Sam Edelman Hazels -- you're good to go.

If you want regular work clothes -- J. Crew Cameron pants, Brooks Brothers button downs, and Tory Burch Chelsea Pumps.

Array
 

My go-to interview outfit is a gray or navy blue Theory suit, white silk blouse, a J Crew belt, and my Ferragamo Vara heels.

The brand doesn't really matter - just make sure you look professional and conservative.

I recommend focusing more on FIT. Eg. Spend the money to have your shirt sleeves and suit sleeve tailored to the length of your arm! It goes a long way in making you look crisp and feel confident too.

 

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