internship interview dress help

I'm in my junior year (double major in financial planning and accounting) and I have an interview wednesday for a finance internship. I have a new pair of black BR wool pants and plenty of shirts/ties to wear. My question is can I/should I wear a VERY dark blue(basically black) sport coat with my black pants? It would not be appropriate for me to wear shirt/tie without a jacket right?

what kind of firm/position?

I'm in my junior year (double major in financial planning and accounting) and I have an interview wednesday for a finance internship. I have a new pair of black BR wool pants and plenty of shirts/ties to wear. My question is can I/should I wear a VERY dark blue(basically black) sport coat with my black pants? It would not be appropriate for me to wear shirt/tie without a jacket right?

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That wouldn't be my choice, but it's better than going jacketless. If you don't have another option, I'd say fine. If you have charcoal pants, wear those with the jacket.

I agree with tdial - I don't think navy/midnight blue and black pants are going to look good. At best they will look like a mis-matched suit - depending on how the fabrics compare.

I also agree that shirt and tie without a jacket looks bad - invokes the picture of a waiter. If you were an engineer you might get away with this - but finance is a bit more savvy.

Suit and tie is standard fare for interviews, and you will definately need one for your professional interviews in the near future. I realize your time is limited - but if you have the resources a suit would be preferable and useful.

As tdial mentioned gray pants will work much better than black. Worst case even khaki might be better than black on black.

Good Luck,
Scott

I would recommend a suit (navy or charcoal) and wouldn't recommend the blue sport coat with black pants (although if you had absolutely no alternatives, it would likely be better than not wearing a jacket/tie IMO) I agree about even khakis being better, khaki with a (more or less) navy jacket, shirt/tie wouldn't be a bad combo although certainly not optimal.

This is just about the only time I would suggest this route, but I'd suggest that you go to Mens Wearhouse, get a plain navy or charcoal suit, and have them do rush tailoring to fit and finish the trousers. I think they do same-day or maybe next day service.

In the alternative, go somewhere that sells suit separates with finished (i.e. hemmed) trousers (I think Macy's does) and assemble a plain navy or charcoal suit.

I agree with drizzt--blue coat and black pants should only be considered if there is absolutely no other way to get something different in time for the interview. If money and time are both tight I think you can run out and get a pair of gray slacks instead of the black, but you are at a point in life where you definitely need to invest in a suit. An inexpensive one will do, but you need at least one suit.

Don't wear dark blue with black. It's one of those rules that everyone knows and follows, for good reason. I don't think you should go drop good money on a bad suit for just this interview either. Unless you want to go buy a good suit, buy some charcoal pants to wear with the jacket. You will get a lot of use out of them and you will look fine.

Retro, you could probably get a similar rush service at Macy's or Nordstrom. I would recommend one of those two.

A suit for your interview is very important. Please take the above advice, if you have time, all of it is very sound. If you do not have the time wear a nicely pressed pair of grey or khaki trouser with your blue blazer. Internships are very important you do not want to let any opportunity to make a favorable first impression slip away.

You should be able to find a simple Charcoal suit at any local department store for a reasonable price. Do not be pressured to purchase soimething more then you can afford, just make sure that it fits you well. Do not assume you are a certain size, take the few minutes and allow them to measure you.

Best of luck.

BR and GAP have pleated and cuffed pants (both wool and cotton) in various lengths and waist sizes, you might want to try them and see what they have. Yes, its not RLPL, but its better than nothing.

Jon.

Retro, you could probably get a similar rush service at Macy's or Nordstrom. I would recommend one of those two.

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Shows you how long it's been since I bought a suit at a retail store. Outlet/online suit + my local alterations tailor = 1-2 weeks.

So would charcoal/grey pants with a nice shirt/tie and dark navy/black sportcoat be good?

I think you will be safe with that. Don't forget shoes, conservative, black, leather soled. No French cuffs.

I'm in my junior year (double major in financial planning and accounting) and I have an interview wednesday for a finance internship. I have a new pair of black BR wool pants and plenty of shirts/ties to wear. My question is can I/should I wear a VERY dark blue(basically black) sport coat with my black pants? It would not be appropriate for me to wear shirt/tie without a jacket right?

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DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT wear a shirt/tie without a suit.

It doesn't matter if you are dressed too well in a suit, because they will appreciate your taking the time to dress well for the interview. But ANY company worth working for, and any position worth having, will require at least a blazer with that shirt/tie, and preferably a good suit. They will expect it. Go traditional with it - SB 2 or 3 button navy or charcoal.

NEVER dress down for any interview. Of course, don't get all crazy and overdressed either. White shirt, repp tie, charcoal/navy SB suit, black shoes. That is generally expected at an interview, especially in finance. French cuffs are okay, just don't get carried away, keep the 'links simple, understated, no gold, no colors, and small enough so that they would have to try to see them. The main point is to appear serious, sobre, self-disciplined, intelligent, thoughtful, etc. What does that look like to you? More important, what will that look like to them? I can tell you right now most interviewers will not take an applicant seriously if they show up in anything other than suit & tie.

Most important of all: RELAX. It is important that you communicate effectively during your interview. Being nervous makes that very difficult. Remember that during any interview, you are not selling your resume - that is already done. They are judging your communication, personality, mannerisms, etc. So it is best to show them your real character, rather than allowing nervousness to blur that. Be confident, and be relaxed.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

Of course, don't get all crazy and overdressed either.

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Unless you are trying to get an internship at the Pimp Hall o' Fame and *don't* have the magic stick. Even then, you may be construed to be trying too hard.

This, Jon, is how you get an inordinate number of posts.