Have to buy a suit for interviews... advice? Forum

[shiloh26]

I looked really good in a navy pinstripe and I'd like to buy it but I'm afraid the pinstripes are too prominent. Should I go with a charcoal with lighter stripes? I'm a dude, btw.

Generally, what is the interview suit etiquette? I keep reading charcoal or navy and to be conservative with the pinstripes, but I don't know what that means.

[Dr. Review]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =2&t=63606

[Renzo]

This has been covered to fucking death, but here's the summary: charcoal or navy, no pinstripes. You want your outfit to be as nondescript and non-memorable as possible for legal interviews.

[General Tso]

for budget suits you need to go to Macy's. they are on the verge of bankruptcy so they have been having killer sales for the last year or two.

I got 2 suits by calvin klein and kenneth cole at a buy one get one free sale for around $350-375 before taxes. just get one grey and one black

[PDaddy]

for budget suits you need to go to Macy's. they are on the verge of bankruptcy so they have been having killer sales for the last year or two.

I got 2 suits by calvin klein and kenneth cole at a buy one get one free sale for around $350-375 before taxes. just get one grey and one black

On the other hand, suits are like computers: you should invest in the best one you can afford b/c you will get more use out of it. If you can put together $650-$1,000, you can get a killer Armani, Hugo Boss or Dolce and Gabana on sale, and it will last you throughout law school and beyond. A man's suit should fit well in the shoulders and chest, and the pants should have the right "rise". And it needs to be comfortable. Don't get me wrong, the KC and CK suits will look nice for awhile, but why not invest in a really nice suit, one you can keep for a decade or longer and that will always impress. You don't have to spend $2K on a suit to look like you spent $2K on a suit.

[Esc]

for budget suits you need to go to Macy's. they are on the verge of bankruptcy so they have been having killer sales for the last year or two.

I got 2 suits by calvin klein and kenneth cole at a buy one get one free sale for around $350-375 before taxes. just get one grey and one black

On the other hand, suits are like computers: you should invest in the best one you can afford b/c you will get more use out of it. If you can put together $650-$1,000, you can get a killer Armani, Hugo Boss or Dolce and Gabana on sale, and it will last you throughout law school and beyond. A man's suit should fit well in the shoulders and chest, and the pants should have the right "rise". And it needs to be comfortable. Don't get me wrong, the KC and CK suits will look nice for awhile, but why not invest in a really nice suit, one you can keep for a decade or longer and that will always impress. You don't have to spend $2K on a suit to look like you spent $2K on a suit.

Personally I would advise staying away from some of the uber-expensive, non-traditional designer brands like Armani or D&G....while there's no need to wear a bad suit, you don't want to waltz into an interview outdressing your interviewers and looking like a fashion-conscious freak.

If you're looking for good professional clothing at cheap prices, go to Nordstrom Rack. They have a lot of the quality brands they carry at their normal stores there for 50 - 60% off the list price, you just have to go often and look for the hidden gems. I'm pretty much putting together an entire wardrobe of stuff that I could never justify paying full price for, and all for less than if I went to the hellhole that is Jos A. Bank.

[ToTransferOrNot]

Have to be really careful about Nordstrom Rack, though. A lot of the stuff there has flaws that aren't particularly noticeable--to which you may respond "if they aren't noticeable, who cares?"--but a flaw that isn't noticeable can turn in to a noticeable one after wearings and such.

Also--I disagree with the no pinstripes comment above. Non-screaming pinstripes can be fine for an interview, and are quite appropriate if you are on the shorter side or the "rounder" side, as pinstripes thin you out/make you look taller.

Also, lol@the comment about getting black. No. Black is for funerals and nightclubs; not interviews, not office wear. Get grey and navy.

[LegalGENius]

Armani, John Varvatos, and other designer labels are nice but you do not want to look too fashion-forward.

Head to Brooks Brothers. Very professional, high-quality. Avoid pinstripes (only a fine, barely noticable, complimentary color is acceptable if you must) and do not wear a black suit to an interview -- navy, charcoal or brown is best. Black is far too bold for an interview setting.

IMO, do not get your suit at a place like Nordstrom Rack. You need to consider this to be an ivestment in your future. Spend what you can!

Oh and for a lower price range, head to Dillard's. As far as deep discounts on acceptable quality men's suits -- you can't do any better.

[kinch]

This is conservative business dress, so don't go too fashion forward with Armani, RLPL, Dolce, etc.

Brooks Brothers is a great traditional brand for business suits, and they have some slimmer stuff (narrower lapels, higher armholes, so on) that looks modern without being overly flashy.

If your interview isn't for a while, try to get your suit on sale. They usually aren't worth retail, no matter what brand you're looking at.

Oh, and you can't wear black.

[tdubsWI]

Screw name brand anything. Fly to Japan or Hong Kong and have a tailor make a custom suit for you. Costs the same as a rack suit in the States and fits like a glove.

Edit: You also get a nice vacation out of it.

[thedogship]

Subtle pinstripes are fine on a charcoal suit.

Avoid black suits at all costs unless you want to be taken for an undertaker or a mobster.

[jdhonest]

OP,
Don't listen to these flatfoots. I look at how most 1L men dress for interviews, and it makes me want to laugh and puke at the same time.

Personally, do what works for your body type and skin tone. Some guys with a lanky, athletic build look a lot better in a 3 button, than 2. If you're shorter or wider, than a 3 button may not be for you. If you're wide enough, you may even look at a double breast. Also, navy doesn't work for everyone's skin tone. The point is that you need to shop and buy for YOU. If you're not sure, do some research, go to a store, and ask for help. Also be sure to get the right dress shirt for your face shape. Here's a link to help: http://www.bestcustomshirt.com/How-to-C ... Collar.asp

That whole thing about being nondescript and being unmemorable is a sure fire way to not get remembered or called back. Law is a conservative area, but conservative does not mean boring. I agree with the advice of not necessarily buying an Armani suit to start with, but whatever suit you buy, you should definitely get tailored and taken in (it's not expensive at all)

Based on my physical appearance, I go with a 3 button black/dark charcoal suit for interviews, worn with a stark white shirt and a solid, but bold colored tie. I feel confident, and it looks good. I'm 3/3 (including a big law offer) with interviews.

If you dress like most of the people here suggest, you'll look like them too, and that ain't good.

[General Tso]

okay morons obviously I dont recommend getting a JET BLACK suit....black with stripes okay. you guys are such pedants with your "superior suit knowledge"...everybody knows about the rule against pure black suits

[umichgrad]

OP, the most important thing is fit. Get pants that break at the right place (or get them tailored)--they should break right at the laces of your shoes without bagging or sagging. Get a jacket that doesn't pull (make an "X" shape) in either the back or the front. If you're shorter than average, don't wear three buttons because it makes you appear shorter, and never button all the buttons on any jacket (only the top or top two if it's a three-button). If you're thinner, it doesn't really matter if you do double-vents or single, but if you're heavy don't do double-vents because it makes you look wider. Get a very well-made pair of shoes (navy, brown or black) and keep them polished. Generally avoid solid black suits, though in some places (like DC) it's pretty common and acceptable. Avoid cuff links and skinny ties. It's fine to wear a patterned shirt as long as it's subtle, but generally solid blues are the safest choice.

[Renzo]

If you dress like most of the people here suggest, you'll look like them too, and that ain't good.

Worst. Advice. Ever.

I was talking with a young, fashion-sensible LRW prof who was in biglaw until this year, and we were discussing dress. Not only did he agree that law is far more conservative than business in general, but he had an anecdote: after several years as an associate, he wore a nice, expensive, not-too-bold, pale green shirt to work. One partner offered to send him to court to argue a motion, but the supervising partner said, "In that shirt? I think not."

Absolutely NOTHING good can come from dressing in a memorable way for a legal interview. The only thing you want the interviewer to notice about your suit is that you know how to wear one.

[motiontodismiss]

Screw name brand anything. Fly to Japan or Hong Kong and have a tailor make a custom suit for you. Costs the same as a rack suit in the States and fits like a glove.

Edit: You also get a nice vacation out of it.

I think you can get quite a few suits for $2k+cost of suit. Because that's what it'll cost you to do a 2 day turnaround to Japan or Hong Kong.

Don't do this unless you're already going to Japan or HK for some reason independent of getting a suit. Now if you were to go out and get 10+ suits in HK it might be worth it. But to get 1 or 2? No way.

[RVP11]

for budget suits you need to go to Macy's. they are on the verge of bankruptcy so they have been having killer sales for the last year or two.

I got 2 suits by calvin klein and kenneth cole at a buy one get one free sale for around $350-375 before taxes. just get one grey and one black

On the other hand, suits are like computers: you should invest in the best one you can afford b/c you will get more use out of it. If you can put together $650-$1,000, you can get a killer Armani, Hugo Boss or Dolce and Gabana on sale, and it will last you throughout law school and beyond. A man's suit should fit well in the shoulders and chest, and the pants should have the right "rise". And it needs to be comfortable. Don't get me wrong, the KC and CK suits will look nice for awhile, but why not invest in a really nice suit, one you can keep for a decade or longer and that will always impress. You don't have to spend $2K on a suit to look like you spent $2K on a suit.

TINTCR.

Brooks Brothers and, failing that, Jos. A. Bank, are the correct responses. You're entering a conservative profession.

[Esc]

eff JAB to hell. used car salesmen have more integrity and knowledge their product than JAB's salespeople...

[mikeytwoshoes]

Made to Measure ftw.

http://www.bestcustomsuit.com/

Bespoke ftw x 10

--LinkRemoved--

[TTTennis]

Made to Measure ftw.

http://www.bestcustomsuit.com/

Bespoke ftw x 10

--LinkRemoved--

Tom Ford bespoke ftw

[RickyRoe]

eff JAB to hell. used car salesmen have more integrity and knowledge their product than JAB's salespeople...

I have been to Jos A Bank a handful of times and every time the salesman measures me a different size. Then he stands over me while I look at the 3 suits they have that fit me. Still, they have crazy sales; I bought my wardrobe at their buy one get two free sale.

Also, feel free to negotiate with some of these stores; I got them to throw in the tailoring for free.

[nax425]

whats so bad about wearing a chic fashion forward suit??? I think people think too much about this. be yourself and look sharp. hopefully you have a great resume...

[Cunning Lynguist]

either or

[RickyRoe]

Any of these would be acceptable.

[vamedic03]

I vote for Brooks Brothers with the Lexis 15% corporate discount that they announced a few weeks ago.