Women OCI Interview Attire? Forum

[Anonymous Associate]

I know dark, conservative colors are TCR for suits and shoes, but what about accessories?

Aside from my normal skirt suit, I have a black dress, blazer, pumps, and purse, and I was thinking about getting a skinny belt in a different color. I'd probably be wearing this outfit to informational meetings with attorneys or "business casual" events, rather than interviews themselves.

Thoughts? I'm afraid the black-on-black-on-black-on-black (though my purse does have gold hardware) will look too "I work for a secret government agency." Or is that just standard for attorneys?

For reference, I'm mostly aiming for SF and LA, along with some NY.

Thanks ladies!

Black is fine. For business casual, you could spice it up with a statement piece of jewelry. Or could be more conservative with a string of pearls.

[Lwoods]

Great post + username + 'tar combo

+1

Welcome, Ms. Knope.

[Lwoods]

I know dark, conservative colors are TCR for suits and shoes, but what about accessories?

Aside from my normal skirt suit, I have a black dress, blazer, pumps, and purse, and I was thinking about getting a skinny belt in a different color. I'd probably be wearing this outfit to informational meetings with attorneys or "business casual" events, rather than interviews themselves.

Thoughts? I'm afraid the black-on-black-on-black-on-black (though my purse does have gold hardware) will look too "I work for a secret government agency." Or is that just standard for attorneys?

For reference, I'm mostly aiming for SF and LA, along with some NY.

Thanks ladies!

Conservative accessories are safe, but don't be afraid of color. Particularly in my interviews in LA, I regretted not letting more personality shine through in my wardrobe choices. I would probably steer clear of neons, though. They've been big this year, but are still probably too much for most legal employers. Jewel tones should be fine, though, particularly for networking events.

[JenDarby]

I haven't read through this yet, but I've received callbacks and offers in my favorite silk, magenta shell (including one from a Judge, wherein his clerk called me 5 minutes after I left to make the offer, so I don't think my colors offended his conservative side).

Wear what you are comfortable in as long as it looks polished. I wear 2-2.5" heels because I am a giant, but I walk better in heels than in flats. I wear skirts for interview (because I think I look better in them), but if you're more comfortable in pants than that's fine too.

[msridiculous447]

Ballet flats aren't appropriate for an interview—too casual. Something more structured with a pointy toe is much better.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/marc-by-mar ... s-_-1_22_B

As long as the shoe is structured, the heel height matters less. But no floppy, loosey-goosey ballet flats.

[sheD]

Pants are fine if that will make you more comfortable. If you cannot stomach heels, buy pointy black flats with no embellishment and make sure your pants are tailored to cover them without touching the floor. A two-inch pointy heel would be preferable (try Ann Taylor for a comfortable one).

[Anonymous User]

OP: I ended up with a pair of Naturalizer pumps in a slightly pointy toe style. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable heels could be when I went even slightly up in quality/price. Thanks ladies!

[Anonymous User]

With your height, I think sticking with a low heel or flat is the wisest choice. Your being tall and female shouldn't matter, but the reality is that it does. If I were in your position, I'd go with a black or very dark gray pantsuit with a solid colored blouse or shirt underneath (doesn't necessarily have to be white, gray or blue, but I wouldn't go polka-dot or bright pink). Pointy toed flats should be fine. Those flats are cute, but definitely casual, something to wear with skinny jeans, not a pantsuit. Simple, plain jewelry is fine, like pearl/diamond studs, a small necklace, etc., but don't really "accessorize" (as in, don't go with pink dangly earrings to match a light pink blouse or a wristful of bangles). You don't have to dress like a man, but you also need to be aware that you'll likely be interviewed by an older man...he's likely a bit old-fashioned and traditional. Best of luck!

[atcushman]

A coworker and I were discussing suits for OCI and the no black suit thing got mentioned. A female coworker had never heard of it so does no black suit apply to women?

[rinkrat19]

A coworker and I were discussing suits for OCI and the no black suit thing got mentioned. A female coworker had never heard of it so does no black suit apply to women?

Nope, only to men. Black suits for women are pretty standard and totally acceptable.

[Xifeng]

A coworker and I were discussing suits for OCI and the no black suit thing got mentioned. A female coworker had never heard of it so does no black suit apply to women?

Nope, only to men. Black suits for women are pretty standard and totally acceptable.

Yeah, they're totally fine.

[melanne89]

I have a few questions I'd like to get opinions on:

1) My heels are matte black, but my tote is patent black, does this look bad? I love both my shoes and my bag, but if necessary, I'll buy a new bag.

2) I have a suit shirt that is THIS COLOR, is this too bright for summer in Los Angeles? I have a white shell too, but I think a white shell with a black suit might be too bland. My concern, though, is that the purple is too bright.


3) I am having coffee with a partner at a big-firm who is an alum from my school, purely for networking purposes--not an actual interview or anything-- any suggestions on what I should wear for an occasion like this?

[Anonymous User]

I have a few questions I'd like to get opinions on:

1) My heels are matte black, but my tote is patent black, does this look bad? I love both my shoes and my bag, but if necessary, I'll buy a new bag.

2) I have a suit shirt that is THIS COLOR, is this too bright for summer in Los Angeles? I have a white shell too, but I think a white shell with a black suit might be too bland. My concern, though, is that the purple is too bright.


3) I am having coffee with a partner at a big-firm who is an alum from my school, purely for networking purposes--not an actual interview or anything-- any suggestions on what I should wear for an occasion like this?

I hate patent leather it looks cheap and tacky (no offense, just my taste). No one will care but I'd go with matte just bc it looks more classic and professional. That color is fine the suit will balance it but it doesn't even look like a loud or bold color. I think it's better than white/boring look and completely acceptable. For your coffee meeting just wear a pencil skirt and a blouse.

[Anonymous User]

On a related note, I may have broken my foot. Any suggestions of how to deal with having my foot in a brace or on crutches during OCI? I might just pretend it isn't and get it taken care of afterwards.

[Lwoods]

On a related note, I may have broken my foot. Any suggestions of how to deal with having my foot in a brace or on crutches during OCI? I might just pretend it isn't and get it taken care of afterwards.

Wear a conservative flat or kitten heal on the foot that you don't have the boot. No need to hide it, imo; I think a broken foot is a good conversation starter. Is there a good story to go along with it?

[Dany]

On a related note, I may have broken my foot. Any suggestions of how to deal with having my foot in a brace or on crutches during OCI? I might just pretend it isn't and get it taken care of afterwards.

That seems like a really dumb idea.

[Anonymous User]

On a related note, I may have broken my foot. Any suggestions of how to deal with having my foot in a brace or on crutches during OCI? I might just pretend it isn't and get it taken care of afterwards.

Wear a conservative flat or kitten heal on the foot that you don't have the boot. No need to hide it, imo; I think a broken foot is a good conversation starter. Is there a good story to go along with it?

No, no idea how it happened, unfortunately. Seems like I hit it just right on something. I am more concerned with dealing with it or being awkward with it. Thanks for the shoe tips - hopefully I can find one that fits well!

To the dumb idea comment: I've been walking on it for a while, and this isn't going to make it more painful or worse. Obviously I wouldn't do that if so. I'm more figuring I'll take off the brace for OCI days rather than buying new shoes and being uncomfortable the entire time. I understand why you'd say that, though!

[Anonymous User]

If you do want a skirt check out this one. It has a 27" inseam.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sk ... /44461.jsp

[Anonymous User]

What are people's thoughts on this? http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/su ... /64605.jsp
With a skirt like the one posted above, too casual because of the 3/4 sleeves?

[Anonymous Associate]

What are people's thoughts on this? http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/su ... /64605.jsp
With a skirt like the one posted above, too casual because of the 3/4 sleeves?

Yes, it is too casual. (And I am in CA.)

[sap]

What are people's thoughts on this? http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/su ... /64605.jsp
With a skirt like the one posted above, too casual because of the 3/4 sleeves?

I say too casual. I also would probably shoot for something with more and smaller buttons.

[Anonymous Associate]

What are people's thoughts on this? http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/su ... /64605.jsp
With a skirt like the one posted above, too casual because of the 3/4 sleeves?

I say too casual. I also would probably shoot for something with more and smaller buttons.

Yes, 3 button is preferable. 2 button is still better.

[Anonymous User]

Different person from above-- setting aside the cut of that jacket, is the color (heather gray) okay?

I have this suit as one of my OCI suits and now am worried since it's not charcoal/navy.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I really don't think the number of buttons matters for women. I always wear one-button jackets because they look significantly better on me (in fact, I think three-button jackets look good on very few women).

I also think that heather gray is fine. (Charcoal/navy is the rule for men; women can wear black without any problems, and I don't think that heather gray is too light to be appropriate. Though usually the lighter, the less formal - the light heather gray in the same item would probably be too light.)

[sap]

I really don't think the number of buttons matters for women. I always wear one-button jackets because they look significantly better on me (in fact, I think three-button jackets look good on very few women).

I also think that heather gray is fine. (Charcoal/navy is the rule for men; women can wear black without any problems, and I don't think that heather gray is too light to be appropriate. Though usually the lighter, the less formal - the light heather gray in the same item would probably be too light.)

I think the number of buttons matters less if the suit isn't designed to make the buttons stand out. However, when the suit is gray and has large black buttons, only having one really emphasizes the more casual style.

I personally wouldn't wear a suit that light, but I think the color is fine.