Build my interview outfit

[Lee Jones]

Hi all,
Ok, so it is time to get myself a nice outfit, both because I need to update my wardrobe and for an upcoming interview. I own a nice pair of tan wingtip chukka boots that I really like, so I'd like to build the outfit around those.
I am really, really bad at matching, especially with multi piece outfits. I'd like to get a sweater vest/blazer combo, both for the warmth and because I feel like it fits my look and the type of job I am interviewing for.
So, with tan shoes, what color pants/sweater/shirt/tie/jacket?
TIA

 

[Braid]

It would be helpful to know for what kind of job you are interviewing and in which part of the world as there are different kind of dos and don't based on that.

For example if you are interviewing in consulting I would avoid tan shoes and chukka (at least in Italy and UK) and I would just wear a suit with dark brown or black Oxford (if banking only black Oxford).

 

[Lee Jones]

It's a University position in the US. I have a black suit already, but I need a business casual outfit as well.

 

[ter1413]

You want to build an interview outfit around chukkas? Black suit? No bueno!

 

[Lee Jones]

It's a dark gray suit and I don't they are actually chukkas.
Anyway...what matches tan shoes?

 

[Braid]

It's a dark gray suit and I don't they are actually chukkas.
Anyway...what matches tan shoes?

You can match tan shoes with grey, blue or light blue trousers, white shirt and a sport coat. I am not familiar with US academic environment so I can't say if it's an appropriate outfit for an interview. In Europe in most cases it wouldn't be appropriate for an interview. In any case it's a perfectly fine business casual attire you can wear after you are hired.

 

[Lee Jones]

Thanks.
At US universities, the "interview" is actually a one to two day event with campus tours, a teaching demonstration, presentations, and formal dinners. It wouldn't be appropriate to wear the suit for the entire time. The "casual" outfit is for the tours and teaching. I need something in between formal and what I might wear at the job.

 

[Braid]

Thanks.
At US universities, the "interview" is actually a one to two day event with campus tours, a teaching demonstration, presentations, and formal dinners. It wouldn't be appropriate to wear the suit for the entire time. The "casual" outfit is for the tours and teaching. I need something in between formal and what I might wear at the job.

In that case I think it's fine to pull off a smart casual outfit, more than one if you need it for a couple of days.

 

[Waldo Jeffers]

-Khaki pants
-White or pale blue oxford shirt
-Navy blazer or mid to light gray tweed jacket
-Repp striped tie in colors of your choosing (optional)

ive never done an interview not in a suit so I may not be the best person for advice but trying to follow the rules you’ve described

 

[Waldo Jeffers]

I would skip the sweater vest personally

 

[manowar]

I might expect to see a university professor at home in a sweater vest or cardigan. I personally enjoy my light gray tweed jacket and it goes with a lot of stuff. Navy sportcoat is an even easier option with khaki pants. Be careful of cotton chinos that wrinkle excessively, you may want some wool trousers instead.

Might be helpful to google for some ideas then try to emulate a look that you like. Feel free to post photos here so we can give more specific recommendations.