suits for OCI (for women) Forum

[BaiAilian2013]

^^What other colors would suits even be? (Although I did have this elementary school principal who would wear a full skirt suit every day in like hot pink or bright red or electric blue, always with exactly matching shoes...) But yeah I think those are the major colors. I don't see many women out and about in dark brown, I guess.

On the topic of hose, here is a tip in case anyone is as clueless as me: apparently, they come in Tall (and Short)! I hated hose since I was little, because it's this epic struggle to get them to go up to your crotch, and then they creep back down anyway and you have to waddle around like a penguin. But getting them in Tall fixes this! (I'm only 5'8", fwiw.) I got mine at JC Penney because they have a lot of different brands and are affordable. Hose are still a preposterous concept (although not a lot worse than ties), but I no longer feel like they are ruining my life.

[JJDancer]

I just wasn't sure if people only wore black and charcoal and pinstriped. I wasn't sure if brown and light grey were acceptable colors. I've also never worn a navy suit so I was unsure about that as well.

Thanks.

Are peep-toes ok to wear as an SA or is it close-toed shoes only, even in the office (not just interviews)?

[Dany]

My problem with navy is what color shoes do you wear? I feel like navy + navy looks like a flight attendant, but is nude (what I think would look best) conservative enough?

[plum]

what length skirts?

[keg411]

My problem with navy is what color shoes do you wear? I feel like navy + navy looks like a flight attendant, but is nude (what I think would look best) conservative enough?

Unless you have a navy suit already, just get black or charcoal (leave navy for the guys). It's really hard to pull off navy without looking like a flight attendant. I think light gray is fine for the office (and possibly OCI) as are some browns.

Pretty sure skirts should be about knee length. Mine probably sit very slightly below the knees, but I'm on the shorter side. When in doubt, try it on. I think skirt length is kind of a "you know it's too short/too long when you see it" type thing.

[anteater85]

Are short sleeve jackets ok for OCI? I don't know why, but I get hot really easily, especially in pressure situations. It's not a matter of being nervous - I actually do well with interviews/speeches/etc, but I think I'd start sweating if I were to wear a full long sleeved suit. I have the following and a matching skirt:
http://reviews.thelimited.com/9023/2219 ... ffiliation

I'm also debating pair a work dress from the limited (cream silky top with a black suit material bottom) with a black blazer (possibly short sleeved), but it may be too will probably nix it for being too "sexy".

[Lwoods]

Are short sleeve jackets ok for OCI? I don't know why, but I get hot really easily, especially in pressure situations. It's not a matter of being nervous - I actually do well with interviews/speeches/etc, but I think I'd start sweating if I were to wear a full long sleeved suit. I have the following and a matching skirt:
http://reviews.thelimited.com/9023/2219 ... ffiliation

I'm also debating pair a work dress from the limited (cream silky top with a black suit material bottom) with a black blazer (possibly short sleeved), but it may be too will probably nix it for being too "sexy".

That's really cute, but you'll probably want to stick to long-sleeve jackets for OCI. You can wear a sleeveless blouse underneath, though.


Also, for those who like suiting from The Limited, it's 40% off everything this weekend for their Memorial Day sale.

[Other25BeforeYou]

Are short sleeve jackets ok for OCI? I don't know why, but I get hot really easily, especially in pressure situations. It's not a matter of being nervous - I actually do well with interviews/speeches/etc, but I think I'd start sweating if I were to wear a full long sleeved suit. I have the following and a matching skirt:
http://reviews.thelimited.com/9023/2219 ... ffiliation

I'm also debating pair a work dress from the limited (cream silky top with a black suit material bottom) with a black blazer (possibly short sleeved), but it may be too will probably nix it for being too "sexy".

That's really cute, but you'll probably want to stick to long-sleeve jackets for OCI. You can wear a sleeveless blouse underneath, though.


Also, for those who like suiting from The Limited, it's 40% off everything this weekend for their Memorial Day sale.

Definitely agree. That suit would be nice for once you start working, but for OCI you should be as conservative as possible. Black or grey formal suit with long sleeves, formal shirt underneath (although can definitely be sleeveless since you'll never take off the suit coat), and black leather close-toed shoes without any detailing or straps or anything. You want to be remembered for your charm and intelligence, not your outfit.

[anteater85]

Thanks girls. I guess I'll just have to sweat it out I would try to sneak a mini fan into my shirt, but I don't want to freak anyone out with any weird lumps in my suit.

[cornellbeez]

what length skirts?

right above the knee, and don't forget black stockings. i'd go with as formal as possible for OCI.

[upfish]

So I have kind of a weird question (and kind of off-topic, but there are VERY few female suit threads): for interviews I am cool w/skirting it up and pretending I wear this shit all the time, but is it generally acceptable for women to wear pants to work post-interview?

I'm queer and kind of butch-leaning and really would prefer *not* to wear heels/skirts everyday...

But I mean, whatever, I guess I can if I don't land something non-profit/LGBTQ?

[cornellbeez]

So I have kind of a weird question (and kind of off-topic, but there are VERY few female suit threads): for interviews I am cool w/skirting it up and pretending I wear this shit all the time, but is it generally acceptable for women to wear pants to work post-interview?

I'm queer and kind of butch-leaning and really would prefer *not* to wear heels/skirts everyday...

But I mean, whatever, I guess I can if I don't land something non-profit/LGBTQ?

almost everyone interviews formal - meaning skirt, etc.

but almost every firm is business casual, including those in nyc and dc, so you can wear pants and a short-sleeved blouse or whatever

[upfish]

So I have kind of a weird question (and kind of off-topic, but there are VERY few female suit threads): for interviews I am cool w/skirting it up and pretending I wear this shit all the time, but is it generally acceptable for women to wear pants to work post-interview?

I'm queer and kind of butch-leaning and really would prefer *not* to wear heels/skirts everyday...

But I mean, whatever, I guess I can if I don't land something non-profit/LGBTQ?

almost everyone interviews formal - meaning skirt, etc.

but almost every firm is business casual, including those in nyc and dc, so you can wear pants and a short-sleeved blouse or whatever

This is good to hear. I kept getting the vibe that it was pantyhose from here on out and it was depressing me.

[keg411]

So I have kind of a weird question (and kind of off-topic, but there are VERY few female suit threads): for interviews I am cool w/skirting it up and pretending I wear this shit all the time, but is it generally acceptable for women to wear pants to work post-interview?

I'm queer and kind of butch-leaning and really would prefer *not* to wear heels/skirts everyday...

But I mean, whatever, I guess I can if I don't land something non-profit/LGBTQ?

almost everyone interviews formal - meaning skirt, etc.

but almost every firm is business casual, including those in nyc and dc, so you can wear pants and a short-sleeved blouse or whatever

This is good to hear. I kept getting the vibe that it was pantyhose from here on out and it was depressing me.

Unless you end up at a firm with a business-formal dress code, you're fine.

[Eugenie Danglars]

I thought pants suits were ok for business formal, just not interviews. No?

[Other25BeforeYou]

So I have kind of a weird question (and kind of off-topic, but there are VERY few female suit threads): for interviews I am cool w/skirting it up and pretending I wear this shit all the time, but is it generally acceptable for women to wear pants to work post-interview?

I'm queer and kind of butch-leaning and really would prefer *not* to wear heels/skirts everyday...

But I mean, whatever, I guess I can if I don't land something non-profit/LGBTQ?

almost everyone interviews formal - meaning skirt, etc.

but almost every firm is business casual, including those in nyc and dc, so you can wear pants and a short-sleeved blouse or whatever

This is good to hear. I kept getting the vibe that it was pantyhose from here on out and it was depressing me.

Flats are also definitely fine too once you're working. Although, I will say that most of the female attorneys at my firm wear heels every day. So far I've been switching back and forth between heels and flats depending on what my feet can handle.

[Lwoods]

^re: shoes

I have a pair of pumps from Kenneth Cole's 925 collection that are really comfortable. I've also heard great things about Cole Haan's collection with Nike Air technology, but I haven't tried those myself. Naturally, Christian Louboutin also makes a really comfortable shoe, but you don't need to spend $1000 to get nice, professional, comfortable heels.

[Eugenie Danglars]

I'm going this week to have a suit made. (can't beat tailor made for under $40!) How many buttons are usual on the jacket? I'm trying to find good pictures of suits to show what I want, but it's hard to find ones that show enough detail, and the number of buttons varies...

[kurla88]

I'm going this week to have a suit made. (can't beat tailor made for under $40!) How many buttons are usual on the jacket? I'm trying to find good pictures of suits to show what I want, but it's hard to find ones that show enough detail, and the number of buttons varies...

I think two is ideal. Just one tends to pull, and three doesn't let you see any shirt underneath. Unless you're tall or short, if so adjust accordingly.

[Lwoods]

I'm going this week to have a suit made. (can't beat tailor made for under $40!) How many buttons are usual on the jacket? I'm trying to find good pictures of suits to show what I want, but it's hard to find ones that show enough detail, and the number of buttons varies...

Jealous! Asia?

Anyway, 2 or 3 are appropriate; go with the one that looks better on your frame. I personally prefer 2 buttons because I'm short-waisted and like the top button to hit below the bustline.

I like 1-button jackets for everyday jackets and blazers, too, but not for interview suits.

[Eugenie Danglars]

I'm going this week to have a suit made. (can't beat tailor made for under $40!) How many buttons are usual on the jacket? I'm trying to find good pictures of suits to show what I want, but it's hard to find ones that show enough detail, and the number of buttons varies...

Jealous! Asia?

Anyway, 2 or 3 are appropriate; go with the one that looks better on your frame. I personally prefer 2 buttons because I'm short-waisted and like the top button to hit below the bustline.

I like 1-button jackets for everyday jackets and blazers, too, but not for interview suits.

Yup, China

I think two is the way to go- that's what I had thought, but a lot of suits online seem to have one, and I've been away from the West for so long I couldn't remember. Thanks!

[afcanoe]

This thread is awesome and relevant to my interests!

Any clue as to why the skirt suit is considered the most formal/conservative option for interviews? I'd think a nicely tailored pants suit would be just as formal/conservative. Is this something that pertains to the hilarious/ridiculous/sadly realistic rule below?

When you go to an interview, you should dress so that an 80 year old man would not disapprove/be confused about what you are wearing.

[Eugenie Danglars]

This thread is awesome and relevant to my interests!

Any clue as to why the skirt suit is considered the most formal/conservative option for interviews? I'd think a nicely tailored pants suit would be just as formal/conservative. Is this something that pertains to the hilarious/ridiculous/sadly realistic rule below?

When you go to an interview, you should dress so that an 80 year old man would not disapprove/be confused about what you are wearing.

I would imagine so. I know a lot of old men who think that women should only wear pants when it's cold or they're hiking or something. They may not say it because it's so ridiculously outdated, but they think it. And if they're hiring folks, I want them thinking happy thoughts

[Lwoods]

This thread is awesome and relevant to my interests!

Any clue as to why the skirt suit is considered the most formal/conservative option for interviews? I'd think a nicely tailored pants suit would be just as formal/conservative. Is this something that pertains to the hilarious/ridiculous/sadly realistic rule below?

When you go to an interview, you should dress so that an 80 year old man would not disapprove/be confused about what you are wearing.

Still an 0L, but I've been out in the workforce for a few years, including a stint as an assistant to a BigLaw attorney on the recruiting committee.

Unless you're dealing with a notoriously casual firm or company (e.g. Abercrombie & Fitch corporate wants you to wear their clothes to your interview), stick with a conservative suit in a dark neutral color.
I'm not sure why, but studies have shown that women appear more powerful in a skirt suit (or so I was told by an etiquette expert once). I personally feel more comfortable in skirts, but if you feel really awkward/out of place/uncomfortable in a skirt suit, you should go with a well-fitting pantsuit. Confidence will matter far more than the bottom half of your suit.

As for the 80 y/o man... the attorneys on the recruiting committee for my former firm are primarily young partners in their 30s and 40s. Also, for business jobs, I've typically received the names of the individuals I'd be interviewing with prior to the interview day. Is that the case with OCI, too or will you just know the firm? If you know the individuals, you can look them up on their firm website and/or LinkedIn prior to your interview, to get a general sense of who they are.

[afcanoe]

Still an 0L, but I've been out in the workforce for a few years, including a stint as an assistant to a BigLaw attorney on the recruiting committee.

Unless you're dealing with a notoriously casual firm or company (e.g. Abercrombie & Fitch corporate wants you to wear their clothes to your interview), stick with a conservative suit in a dark neutral color.
I'm not sure why, but studies have shown that women appear more powerful in a skirt suit (or so I was told by an etiquette expert once). I personally feel more comfortable in skirts, but if you feel really awkward/out of place/uncomfortable in a skirt suit, you should go with a well-fitting pantsuit. Confidence will matter far more than the bottom half of your suit.

As for the 80 y/o man... the attorneys on the recruiting committee for my former firm are primarily young partners in their 30s and 40s. Also, for business jobs, I've typically received the names of the individuals I'd be interviewing with prior to the interview day. Is that the case with OCI, too or will you just know the firm? If you know the individuals, you can look them up on their firm website and/or LinkedIn prior to your interview, to get a general sense of who they are.

Hmm. The bolded is v. interesting to me. I feel comfortable in a skirt/skirt suit, and the only suit I own at the moment IS a skirt suit...I guess I was just bristling a bit at the thought that I might be viewed differently if I chose to wear a pants suit. I'm working in a female-dominated industry right now (I'm a teacher), and it's a little strange to be making the mental transition into an industry that seems to be framed with a more of a male viewpoint. I totally agree with your statement about confidence being much more important than the bottom half of your suit, though. I really like your idea about checking out the firms beforehand with this focus in mind.