interview on monday - don't have a suit

[mikeross]

applied for a job Thursday, had a phone interview Friday, and now a one-on-one Monday at noon. the only thing is that I left my two suits at college and not going back to get them until later next week.

I was going to buy a new suit or two anyway.

two options:
1. wear grey slacks (tailored), white shirt, tie (no jacket)
2. buy a new suit, wear that

problem with 2 is that I will not have time to get it tailored (shopping tomorrow (Sunday), interview Monday)


I would much rather wear a suit, but would it be worth it if it will look bad?
where can I get a decent suit that will have the best fit off the rack?

I am 5'10.5 and 155lbs (skinny, athletic).
The position is doing accounting work at a small, local real estate company (4 managers)

thank you very much



edit: I am near Philadelphia and the King of Prussia Mall (many options: Nordstrom, J. Crew, Banana Republic, H&M, Macy's, Men's Warehouse, JoS A. Bank, etc., but I don't want to spend much right now because this is my parents' money and I feel bad. will upgrade to nicer suits when I start earning money)

 

[Breedlove]

Couldn't hurt to see if any of those suits fit well off the rack.

 

[ballmouse]

Since you can't really get the suit tailored, would it be problematic to find the best fitting suit, hem the trousers, go to the interview, un-hem the trousers, and return the suit?

For the suit, I would check on J. Crew, Banana Republic, H&M, and all the brands that target the young, skinny, athletic demographic. It's your best shot at finding a suit that fits without tailoring.

 

[GBR]

What business? A suit may not even be necessary for a low end job for which a student is a candidate. You would not be thought of any the less if you told the truth - that the short notice of the interview prevented you from collecting your suits. It is you that is being interviewed not your clothes.

 

[mikeross]

basically an accounting job at a small real estate company (they own 5 apartment buildings)

 

[Blamm]



What business? A suit may not even be necessary for a low end job for which a student is a candidate. You would not be thought of any the less if you told the truth - that the short notice of the interview prevented you from collecting your suits. It is you that is being interviewed not your clothes.

I agree. Likely that even if you find a suit - it won't fit the way you want it to and you'll be less than 100% confident wearing it. Better to wear something you are comfortable and confident in - and focus on the interview and position. My $0.02

 

[bellyhungry]

Instead of a suit, see if you can find a blazer that fits reasonably well without tailoring.

 

[GBR]



basically an accounting job at a small real estate company (they own 5 apartment buildings)

On the basis of this and other comments - go for Option 1 in your original post and simply explain why you do not have a suit to hand.

 

[mikeross]

Instead of a suit, see if you can find a blazer that fits reasonably well without tailoring.

I've thought about this, but never purchased a blazer before. What would I look for? The only I blazer own is navy blue and I've only ever worn it with khakis to fraternity events. My pants are a darker grey, what color blazer with that? or are you suggesting khakis and a blazer? do you have a picture I could look at?

thank you

 

[Gibonius]



I've thought about this, but never purchased a blazer before. What would I look for? The only I blazer own is navy blue and I've only ever worn it with khakis to fraternity events. My pants are a darker grey, what color blazer with that? or are you suggesting khakis and a blazer? do you have a picture I could look at?

thank you

Darker grey trousers and a navy blazer would be fine.

 

[amemovox]

Good luck whatever you choose to wear.

There is a larger lesson here whether you get the job or not. Be prepared!
The old saying "dig your well before you are thirsty" applies here.

 

[jt10000]

Blazer is the way to go. Don't worry about sleeve length - without tailoring it will probably be too long but most people won't know.

Don't bring up why you don't have a suit in the interview - just put it out of your mind.

 

[philosophe]

Go to your local Nordstrom or Brooks Brothers. They usually have "rush" tailoring.

 

[mikeross]

went to a bunch of places today. Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom didn't have anything under around $800. Banana Republic had a couple suits, but needed to be tailored. H&M, JoS A Bank, and a couple other places had nothing charcoal or navy with no stripes in my size (38R, 30/32 pants approx). Went to Macy's and bought this:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...k-texture-slim-fit?ID=647664&CategoryID=17788
fit me the best off the rack. the label says "color: black", I know you are supposed to avoid black, but it looks charcoal, so I don't know. website says "black texture". thoughts?


going to try it on again tonight and double check it. maybe take a couple pics and see what you guys think

 

[dorolf07]

What business? A suit may not even be necessary for a low end job for which a student is a candidate. You would not be thought of any the less if you told the truth - that the short notice of the interview prevented you from collecting your suits. It is you that is being interviewed not your clothes.

True.