Women's suit colors for interviews Forum

[NoDayButToday]

For interviews at OCI is black the safest bet or are navy, slate blue, grey, etc. okay? Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

You can't go wrong with black or navy, in my personal opinion. My favorite outfit to interview in is a navy blue skirt suit with an ivory blouse and nude heels.

Grey is a little trickier because I think that lighter shades are seen as less formal/professional so it'll be important to make sure that your charcoal is indeed charcoal.

[fistfullofdollhairs]

A friend who is a senior associate and does recruiting for her firm has told me that navy or gray is the way to go. Never black. I've never been a fan of black suits anyway so I go with navy.

[Anonymous User]

A friend who is a senior associate and does recruiting for her firm has told me that navy or gray is the way to go. Never black. I've never been a fan of black suits anyway so I go with navy.

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

[fistfullofdollhairs]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

[ek5dn]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I wear a black suit, but I don't pair with a white blouse - I wear colors to brighten up the black. Also, there's a thread about interview outfits already somewhere

[A. Nony Mouse]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I'm sure someone did tell you that, but at least where I was almost every woman was in a black suit. And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

[JenDarby]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I'm sure someone did tell you that, but at least where I was almost every woman was in a black suit. And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

I'm pretty sure "heels are more professional" is a universal sentiment

[ek5dn]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I'm sure someone did tell you that, but at least where I was almost every woman was in a black suit. And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

I'm pretty sure "heels are more professional" is a universal sentiment

Speaking of heels - do NOT wear sparkly or brightly colored heels. Or heels that you have trouble walking in. I saw a girl at the off-campus program wearing heels encrusted with glitter. I think she was leaving a trail of sparkly pixie dust everywhere she walked.

[fistfullofdollhairs]

And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

Men and women's suits are so similar that I think if it looks bad for a man to wear it then it's also going to look bad on a woman. What I'm talking about is aesthetics. I know that black suits are more than okay in the eyes of employers for women. My point I think it looks bad on any gender outside of a wedding or a funeral.

[fistfullofdollhairs]

Speaking of heels - do NOT wear sparkly or brightly colored heels. Or heels that you have trouble walking in. I saw a girl at the off-campus program wearing heels encrusted with glitter. I think she was leaving a trail of sparkly pixie dust everywhere she walked.

There was a student who wore bright red heels to a job fair I went to recently. She definitely stood out in a bad way.

[ek5dn]

Speaking of heels - do NOT wear sparkly or brightly colored heels. Or heels that you have trouble walking in. I saw a girl at the off-campus program wearing heels encrusted with glitter. I think she was leaving a trail of sparkly pixie dust everywhere she walked.

There was a student who wore bright red heels to a job fair I went to recently. She definitely stood out in a bad way.

a real-life Dorothy.

I saw a girl in a black cocktail dress and pearls interviewing...

also PSA: Please don't button the second button on your suit jacket! I see this ALLLLL the time. And when you sit down, you unbutton your jacket.

[A. Nony Mouse]

And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

Men and women's suits are so similar that I think if it looks bad for a man to wear it then it's also going to look bad on a woman. What I'm talking about is aesthetics. I know that black suits are more than okay in the eyes of employers for women. My point I think it looks bad on any gender outside of a wedding or a funeral.

Sure, but the rule for men isn't about aesthetics - it's more like not wearing white after Labor Day. Black suits for men were reserved for the most formal occasions, like funerals (and tuxedos). Because women's weren't wearing suits at the time these rules got made up, the rules didn't apply to them. When people say men shouldn't wear black suits, that's what they're talking about - that they're too formal for business day wear -not that people look bad in black suits.

I also think rules about jacket buttons don't apply to women's suits - like if you're wearing something really traditionally tailored just like a man's suit, maybe. But women's suits come with so many possible button combinations, a rule like "don't button the second button" doesn't make sense (what if you have 3 buttons? Or 4?).

Of course, I just never button my jackets, but if I did.

(But totally agree on avoiding red/glittery heels!)

[NoDayButToday]

.

[JenDarby]

Thanks to all of you for responding - I appreciate the help. Seems like there's some debate on black, but that it's probably okay, and that navy and dark grey are a safe bet, too. Thanks all for the input!

I've never until right now from this one person heard any debate on black. Most women wear black to OCI. Ive often seen women debate grey due to tone (too light is questionable), and you'll hear "navy makes you look like a flight attendant." There's someone with every opinion. Definitely do not count out black based on this thread as the vast majority of your female classmates and interviewers will almost certainly be in black.

Wear a darker tone suit that fits well, and most importantly don't be a weirdo and you'll be fine.

[Anonymous User]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I'm sure someone did tell you that, but at least where I was almost every woman was in a black suit. And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

I'm pretty sure "heels are more professional" is a universal sentiment

Can they be wedges instead of pumps?

I am guaranteed to fall over in anything but wedges. My feet aren't built for heels, period, but I can at least stand in wedges. If I have to choose between those or flats, which is considered more "professional"?

[lawstoodent]

I spent a lot of time during law school and during OCI worrying about what I should wear. In retrospect, this was kind of a waste of time. The most helpful bit of advice regarding clothing was to: (1) wear something comfortable and (2) not stand out. In other words, do not allow your clothing to become the center of attention during an interview. It is just the backdrop and you are the selling point. Most of the time, no is going to hire you (or not hire you) just because you're wearing a navy suit over a black suit. Just my .02.

That being said, during my OCI and other interviewing fairs, many, many females wore black suits. So, I'd say it just comes down to personal preference.

[goodman1]

I'm sorry but women have no business attending OCI. Women belong in the kitchen.

[Anonymous User]

I agree with other posters that a black suit is 100% the norm for women. I see it in court daily.

I think wedges are tricky with a skirt suit, but they're totally fine a pant suit (which women can absolutely wear to OCI). Just make sure the hem length works with the heel height.

If you prefer to wear a skirt and flats, just make sure they're very boring -- and that they don't make you look like a cute little ballerina (bows, etc).

Or you can try some very low heels with a wide base that will be easier to walk in, like these: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/aerosoles+crede ... dId=361969

[A. Nony Mouse]

I'm sorry but women have no business attending OCI. Women belong in the kitchen.

Not funny. Banned.

[JenDarby]

I'm sorry but women have no business attending OCI. Women belong in the kitchen.

Not funny. Banned.

I figured you'd be on that, it wasn't even well executed.

[A. Nony Mouse]

apparently suralin actually stealth beat me to it, it's not my fault I'm time-zone challenged!

[bretby]

Black suits are 100% acceptable for women. They're not for men (other than funerals/weddings), though. The vast majority of women at my OCI wore black suits. In general, people consider the most conservative interview suit option to be a black skirt suit

I'm just repeeating what was told to me and expressing my personal preference.

I find it odd that a dude shouldn't wear a black suit but women supposedly don't look like their attending a funeral when they wear black.

I'm sure someone did tell you that, but at least where I was almost every woman was in a black suit. And it's not really weird that women and men face different standards when their clothes are overall so different.

I'm pretty sure "heels are more professional" is a universal sentiment

Can they be wedges instead of pumps?

I am guaranteed to fall over in anything but wedges. My feet aren't built for heels, period, but I can at least stand in wedges. If I have to choose between those or flats, which is considered more "professional"?

I personally think wedges look too casual - even "fancy" wedges, which is why I always go for a kitten heel. Has the formal look of a pump without the discomfort. Zappos has a million styles.

[LizLemler]

[quote="Anonymous User"

Can they be wedges instead of pumps?

I am guaranteed to fall over in anything but wedges. My feet aren't built for heels, period, but I can at least stand in wedges. If I have to choose between those or flats, which is considered more "professional"?[/quote]


If I ever had to wear heels again it would be something like this with a nice short block heel. I even fall over in kitten heels! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vaneli-asty ... =item_page

[mb87]

If you can't wear heels, I'd go with pointed toe flats rather than wedges.