Interview attire: OCBD with charcoal suit?

[Valproate]

I searched the forums and AskAndy, but can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for. I know it's not as ideal as a white shirt, but can I wear a striped Brooks Brother's OCBD with a charcoal suit? I'll wear a decent tie and Park Avenues.

I have a white shirt but am going on a handful of back-to-back interviews.

Thanks!

 

[Another New Yorker]

White and blue striped? that would look fine I think.

 

[bellyhungry]

Just pair the outfit (OCBD with Charcoal suit) with a rep tie, you will be fine.

 

[porcelain monkey]

It's fine. Some here will say never to wear an OCBD with a suit, but I don't have a problem with it, and depending on your age and the type of interview it should not be a problem.

 

[Valproate]

Great, thanks. Yes, it's a subtle white and blue stripe OCBD.

 

[radicaldog]

Fine.

 

[southbound35]

Originally Posted by porcelain monkey

It's fine. Some here will say never to wear an OCBD with a suit, but I don't have a problem with it, and depending on your age and the type of interview it should not be a problem.

I think these variables need to be identified. Personally, I would never wear an OCBD with a suit (especially a stripe and especially for an interview). But, 95% of the population would think nothing of it.

If you've got back to back interviews and time/budget permits, it might be worth picking up two non-iron white dress shirts.

 

[Wideknot]

I'm gonna get flamed for this but I have to say it: If the interviewer judges you negatively for wearing an OCBD with a suit, it's not the kind of place you're going to want to work. That level of scrutiny signals a profoundly negative work environment.

 

[Valproate]

30 years old and am interviewing for physician residency positions (post-medical school). It's generally a conservatively dressed environment.

 

[Spark]

As long as everything is crisp and well fitting, I doubt anyone will even notice.

But, strictly on a personal level, I have always been baffled as to why a button down - which is technically a sport shirt - is worn as a dress shirt in conservative business environments.

 

[JG000]

Originally Posted by radicaldog

Fine.

+1

 

[butterflystyle]

Originally Posted by Valproate

30 years old and am interviewing for physician residency positions (post-medical school). It's generally a conservatively dressed environment.

What you are describing is a conservative outfit.

 

[DocHolliday]

Another vote for "fine." And I'm as hidebound as they come on interview attire.

 

[HKTenor]

Like Doc I am both traditional and highly scrutinous of interview attire, but this sounds fine to me. It's not generally my taste, but OCBD with a (single-breasted only, please) suit is perfectly unexceptional conservative business dress. Yes, the OCBD has its roots in sporting clothing, but so does the suit itself, albeit further back, no?

Age has nothing to do with this question, as far as I'm concerned, nor is it really ever a factor in what one should wear for an interview after the age of 18.

 

[Sazerac]

I don't know, guys. I think it depends entirely on the shirt. A lot of people mistake sport-shirt BD's for so-called "dress" BD's. Can the OP post pics of the shirt or give us more information about it? Why not just get a good white dress shirt?