How far is too far with interview attire?

[AR_Six]

Granted, we can all agree on the safe choices for interview attire... charcoal or navy suit, black or very dark brown cap toe bals, white shirt, conservative tie, no accessories. But how far can one go before it's going to cause a "why is he wearing that"? Example. I have a whole bunch of law interviews coming up. The first is this coming thursday. To it I will be wearing a light brown / dark beige suit, blue shirt, brown double monks (I posted a picture of the ensemble recently; http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7381/002kwj.jpg). Let's say I wear a charcoal 3 button suit and black plain toe bals, but opt for a lavender shirt? I'll definitely be wearing dark brown semibrogues to at least one of these things. Now personally I don't think any of this would (or will, in such cases as I actually end up doing it) hurt my chances of getting an offer. Does anyone disagree? Would it make you think twice if you were interviewing? Anyone ever wear something a little outside of the norm to an interview of this sort (or something similar)? Discuss.

 

[Nicola]

Originally Posted by JD_May

Discuss.

Remember different locations will have different standards. Take that into account when people post.

 

[Blackl3232]

It doesn't seem like it should make a difference, but you have to remember how important first impressions are in situations like these, and how much of that is done subconsciously. Personally I wouldn't stray too far from the standard interview attire, just because I don't see a real reason to...doing so probably won't help, but it's possible it could hurt.

 

[Nexus6]

Then again...if you have an ass***e interviewing you,
the company wasn't worth working for in the first place.

 

[California Dreamer]

The only time I recall an interviewer getting hung up on clothes was when a noted IT firm told me not to wear a suit under any circumstances.

I think it would depend on the law firm, and probably the clientele they serve also. A little research should help there.

My own thought is if you look in the mirror and think you look good, then you're probably set to go.

 

[quicksilver916]

In all honesty you shouldn't worry about the clothes, I would just trim the hair a bit.

 

[CDFS]

Off-topic, loose the beard, comb your hair...

Edit: partly^pre-empted.

 

[Ich_Dien]

Comb your hair and shave off the beard.

 

[joewee]

In Japan they make all the new graduates who go for interviews dye their hair black (if it was dyed something else, or even if its naturally brown) and wear black suits. Just because its better to conform in Japan.

The good thing about wearing a boring pattern for interviews is that the focus is on you and not your ability or inability to color coordinate.

I would shave and shape up the hair, you can always grow it out again once you have the job. Some HR staff, the worse are only one notch about the guy who writes parking tickets, try hard to eliminate potential non-comformist in the first interview. Beards are up on the top of the list (in Asia and NYC).

 

[Style Pontifex]

A closely-trimmed and well-maintained beard is perfectly fine even in a conservative profession such as corporate law. I echo the rest of the sentiments here, however.

 

[globetrotter]

white shirt. white shirt. white shirt

 

[Frodo]

Hello -

I think the suit looks fine. But your haircut is very immature. I don't mean you're immature for having it, I mean it's a little boy's haircut. Similar to the moussed-up "spikey" look. It says "I'm all about having fun!" It also makes your beard look sloppy by association. A neat, professional haircut would enable you to wear a beard, once you get the job. I would not interview with your hair and beard the way they are now.

Good luck! And let us know what you did and how it all shook out. Interviews are a big deal, sartorially, and it would be helpful to hear what's going on out there.

 

[IUtoSLU]

Show some self-respect and at least trim the beard. In any case, if your grades/credentials are good enough for the firm you are applying to, it may not make a difference. But if your goal is biglaw, and your grades are on the bubble, I'd make sure I wore a white shirt, shaved, got a haircut, and wore normal oxfords.

 

[JayJay]

I'd be sure the grooming is top notch which means trimming the beard and getting a haircut. Personally, I'd wear a white or light blue shirt.

 

[boo]

I don't understand the need to seek the edge of what constitutes proper interview attire. If someone isn't interested enough in a job to wear a white dress shirt (for example), they're probably just wasting their time and don't really want the job anyways. I would gladly wear a chicken costume to an interview if I thought it would give me an edge.

On second thought, I encourage people to dress as wildly as they want so that I'll look that much better in comparison