Graduating College in Two Months, What do I Wear to Interviews?

[thirdseventh]

Hello,

I will be graduating college in about two months and am practically clueless as to what to wear. I'll be applying for jobs at engineering firms but my field of study is broad so I could end up working in mostly any industry.

Is the black suit with a tie an interview staple? I prefer a navy suit but I don't know if this is too informal. The only pair of "nice" shoes I own are a pair of Allen Edmonds Strand's in walnut but I feel that these are a little too flashy for an interview. Can someone recommend me some footwear to go with my suit assuming the suit is the standard of interviews?

Thank you.

 

[davidnmaker]

http://www.styleforum.net/a/what-should-i-wear-to-a-job-interview

This should answer any questions you may have. Your preference for navy suits is wise; a navy suit is infinitely better suited for an interview than a black one.

 

[nautikal]

By black I assume you mean charcoal. True black is reserved for formal occasions and funerals.

Navy, charcoal, or a medium/dark grey suit is what you want to wear, and I would stay away from any flashy patterns (e.g., pinstripes and plaids). If you're applying to engineering firms I wouldn't be too concerned though. Most of the engineering guys I knew in college barely even knew what a suit was.

Allen Edmonds Park Avenues are a good conservative shoe for interviews as well.

 

[thirdseventh]

Would a pair of dark brown Park Avenues work nicely with a navy suit?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF270_1_40000000001_-1

 

[nautikal]



Would a pair of dark brown Park Avenues work nicely with a navy suit? 

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF270_1_40000000001_-1

Yes, navy and brown go very well together. It is a bit more flashy though, especially the lighter the brown.

 

[archibaldleach]



Would a pair of dark brown Park Avenues work nicely with a navy suit? 

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF270_1_40000000001_-1

Navy and brown look great together. Black shoes are a bit more conservative and are probably a better choice for an interview, though. If brown is all you have, I wouldn't worry about getting a new pair. If you're looking to buy a pair vs. showing us one you already have, I'd go with black. Opinions on black shoes differ around here, but I think if you are going to have one pair of black shoes, they should be in a conservative style like the Park Avenue.

 

[Papa Doble]



Hello,

I will be graduating college in about two months and am practically clueless as to what to wear. I'll be applying for jobs at engineering firms but my field of study is broad so I could end up working in mostly any industry.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Is the black suit with a tie an interview staple? I prefer a navy suit but I don't know if this is too informal. The only pair of "nice" shoes I own are a pair of Allen Edmonds Strand's in walnut but I feel that these are a little too flashy for an interview. Can someone recommend me some footwear to go with my suit assuming the suit is the standard of interviews?

Thank you.

This is what I recommend:

• Suit: Well-fitting solid navy or charcoal two piece suit with notch lapels. Mid grey can also work. Black is not ideal. -- I go with navy.
• Shirt: Solid white spread color dress shirt with barrel/button cuffs. Light blue could also work, but white is better IMO.
• Socks: Solid socks that match your suit color.
• Tie: Others might have a stronger/more knowledgable opinion about ties, but I'd choose something conservative with navy, burgundy, or a shade of grey as the main color, such as a solid, pin dot, or repp stripe -- I wear something like this.
• Pocket square: No pocket square, even though you'll look better with one. If you must, solid white linen in a TV/presidential fold.
• Shoes: Non-SF people care so little about shoes in my experience that as a minimum I'd just say something conservative (not AE strands), ideally in black, but possibly dark brown (if navy suit) or burgundy (if charcoal suit) if you want -- I go with black AE PAs.
• Belt: Simple leather belt that matches your shoe color.

 

[NORE]

Trench coat, bucket nekkid. I guarantee you'll get the job or you can come work for me.

 

[thirdseventh]

Trench coat, bucket nekkid. I guarantee you'll get the job or you can come work for me.

Given what I hear about the current state of the job market that may have to be an option.

Seriously though, thank you everyone for your advice, I now have the task of finding a well fitting suit...any suggestions regarding material or brand etc.?

 

[Papa Doble]



Given what I hear about the current state of the job market that may have to be an option.

Seriously though, thank you everyone for your advice, I now have the task of finding a well fitting suit...any suggestions regarding material or brand etc.?

Do you have an idea of how much you want to spend?

 

[thirdseventh]

Do you have an idea of how much you want to spend?

I don't really have a specific budget in mind because I've never actually purchased a suit, so recommendations for any price range will be helpful (although realistically I'm probably in the mid price tier category).

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Approximate location and measurements, please?

 

[jhwendland]

I made a thread on this exact subject and was crucified.