Can I wear a black suit to a job interview?
July 13, 2010 2:08 PM Subscribe
Can I wear a black suit to a job interview? With what?
I have an interview to manage online media content for a fairly large international daily print publication.
Problem is I just learned of this interview opportunity happening day after tomorrow, only have a black suit, and really, really don't have money for another suit. Especially because I have a really slim body, so it's very difficult to find off-the-shelf suits and even then they *still* require moderate alteration.
I know men are "supposed" to wear a neutral conservative color like navy or gray. Though the person interviewing me is close to a really good friend of mine, and we've already informally chatted, and this person didn't sound like an overly formal person and is young-ish 30-something.
Can I wear the black suit? It seems a little severe when I put it on. What do I wear as the shirt? Tie?
I've 'stepped into' many jobs but never formally interviewed for one ever so I'm a little nervous. Thanks!
I have an interview to manage online media content for a fairly large international daily print publication.
Problem is I just learned of this interview opportunity happening day after tomorrow, only have a black suit, and really, really don't have money for another suit. Especially because I have a really slim body, so it's very difficult to find off-the-shelf suits and even then they *still* require moderate alteration.
I know men are "supposed" to wear a neutral conservative color like navy or gray. Though the person interviewing me is close to a really good friend of mine, and we've already informally chatted, and this person didn't sound like an overly formal person and is young-ish 30-something.
Can I wear the black suit? It seems a little severe when I put it on. What do I wear as the shirt? Tie?
I've 'stepped into' many jobs but never formally interviewed for one ever so I'm a little nervous. Thanks!
I would think that a bright "soft" color like the right shade of purple or green would tone down the severity of a black suit. I have no idea if you should wear a tie.
posted by phunniemee at 2:13 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by phunniemee at 2:13 PM on July 13, 2010
I know men are "supposed" to wear a neutral conservative color like navy or gray.
I am a man and I have never heard this in my life. Maybe this is a "thing" in super-conservative professions like law, but I doubt it's an issue in media. I have worn a black suit to pretty much every interview ever and gotten many jobs.
The level of "severity" all depends on the color shirt and tie. The good news is black matches almost anything. White shirt/black tie is out unless you're auditioning for MiB 4. White shirt/red tie is very middle-of-the-road, "all business." A little boring for me, but that may be what some employers look for. I personally tend to go with a purple tie. Mainly because I own and like that tie, but also because it gives me a splash of interesting color without going over the top.
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:14 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
I am a man and I have never heard this in my life. Maybe this is a "thing" in super-conservative professions like law, but I doubt it's an issue in media. I have worn a black suit to pretty much every interview ever and gotten many jobs.
The level of "severity" all depends on the color shirt and tie. The good news is black matches almost anything. White shirt/black tie is out unless you're auditioning for MiB 4. White shirt/red tie is very middle-of-the-road, "all business." A little boring for me, but that may be what some employers look for. I personally tend to go with a purple tie. Mainly because I own and like that tie, but also because it gives me a splash of interesting color without going over the top.
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:14 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
FWIW, I've worn a dark suit to every job interview I've had - although this is in the UK. If you've got no choice, you've got no choice - wear it, look professional (if a bit stern!) and don't sweat it. Good luck with the interview!
posted by prentiz at 2:15 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by prentiz at 2:15 PM on July 13, 2010
I wouldn't think twice about wearing a black suit to interview. Have done so several times in fact. If you're worried it'll be too formal, then try wearing a coloured shirt underneath.
I'd wear a tie normally, but would go open-collar if it was too hot to wear comfortably.
posted by Lorc at 2:19 PM on July 13, 2010
I'd wear a tie normally, but would go open-collar if it was too hot to wear comfortably.
posted by Lorc at 2:19 PM on July 13, 2010
Having worked in online media for a long time, in a number of capacities, including being a manager who interviewed people, I would say that it's difficult to underestimate the importance of the color of the suit you wear to the interview.
posted by bingo at 2:22 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by bingo at 2:22 PM on July 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Yep, another vote for black suit being perfectly fine. White or light blue shirt with solid tie for a conservative or middle-of-the-road environment; brighter colored shirt, either with flashier tie or without tie entirely, for more creative environment.
posted by scody at 2:23 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by scody at 2:23 PM on July 13, 2010
I found a couple really nice grey suits at the thrift store recently for less than fifty bucks. And I'm pretty tall. Just saying...
But yeah, I think black is fine.
posted by Jawn at 2:24 PM on July 13, 2010
But yeah, I think black is fine.
posted by Jawn at 2:24 PM on July 13, 2010
I've heard this same thing about wearing black suits and I don't buy it. I don't notice men's suits unless they're weird-looking (wide pinstripes, double breasted, etc.). I vote for a blue shirt with the top button unbuttoned if you're worried about looking too formal. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone come to a job interview looking too formal so I personally would play it safe and wear a shirt and tie.
posted by kat518 at 2:25 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by kat518 at 2:25 PM on July 13, 2010
If you owned a blue or gray suit and a black, I'd probably suggest wearing the non-black; if it's the only one you've got, don't worry at all. As others have suggested, add enough color to not look like an FBI agent and you'll be fine.
posted by Tomorrowful at 2:26 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by Tomorrowful at 2:26 PM on July 13, 2010
Most media people I know in NYC would not be turned off by an interviewee who wore a black suit. They would be more interested in your qualifications and personality than whether your suit makes you look too conservative.
posted by dfriedman at 2:28 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by dfriedman at 2:28 PM on July 13, 2010
I wouldn't sweat the black suit, but as others have indicated, pair it with a colored shirt. If you wear a white shirt, you'll look like an undertaker. Also, I would absolutely wear a tie, preferably a colorful pattern.
posted by deadmessenger at 2:30 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by deadmessenger at 2:30 PM on July 13, 2010
Some places are indeed weird about black suits. I have been told by the (stodgy, old) bankers I work with that every man should own a suit and only wear it to funerals and weddings. I have a black suit and wear it, though, cause fuck 'em.
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:31 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:31 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
FWIW, I've worn a dark suit to every job interview I've had - although this is in the UK
It's a UK thing. More specifically, it's a The City (i.e. London bankers and financiers) thing.
Everywhere else, black suits are only for weddings, formal parties and funerals.
I would suggest you wear the nicest non-black trousers you have, a white shirt, matching tie, and buy a jacket that complements the trousers well. Once you build a good-looking ensemble, I guarantee that you'll use it many times again in different situations.
posted by randomstriker at 2:34 PM on July 13, 2010
It's a UK thing. More specifically, it's a The City (i.e. London bankers and financiers) thing.
Everywhere else, black suits are only for weddings, formal parties and funerals.
I would suggest you wear the nicest non-black trousers you have, a white shirt, matching tie, and buy a jacket that complements the trousers well. Once you build a good-looking ensemble, I guarantee that you'll use it many times again in different situations.
posted by randomstriker at 2:34 PM on July 13, 2010
If you had a grey suit I would wear that but you don't, so it's fine. I'd also wear a blue shirt that's not too dark with a white and blue striped (or spotted) tie. Totally fine.
posted by jeff1010 at 2:35 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by jeff1010 at 2:35 PM on July 13, 2010
Definitely wear a tie because you also don't want to give your potential new co-workers the impression that you had any preferential treatment.
posted by cazoo at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by cazoo at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
No one is paying attention to the precise color shade (or lapel width, or cut, or vent style) of your suit during an interview. They will look at you and think simply, "This person is wearing a suit, and thus has enough of a clue to dress appropriately during an interview."
On a more fashion-related note, it used to be that black suits were only for funerals or format events (in which case it was a tuxedo). But now a black suit is considered fashionable. I wouldn't sweat it in the slightest.
posted by deanc at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
On a more fashion-related note, it used to be that black suits were only for funerals or format events (in which case it was a tuxedo). But now a black suit is considered fashionable. I wouldn't sweat it in the slightest.
posted by deanc at 2:40 PM on July 13, 2010
Everywhere else, black suits are only for weddings, formal parties and funerals.
But this simply isn't true now, even if it once was. I'm in L.A., work at an art museum, and just this morning was in the elevator with a male coworker who was wearing a (very nice) black suit. It's possible he was on his way to get married, get toasted, or get buried, but I'm pretty sure he was just going to the third floor.
posted by scody at 2:42 PM on July 13, 2010 [7 favorites]
But this simply isn't true now, even if it once was. I'm in L.A., work at an art museum, and just this morning was in the elevator with a male coworker who was wearing a (very nice) black suit. It's possible he was on his way to get married, get toasted, or get buried, but I'm pretty sure he was just going to the third floor.
posted by scody at 2:42 PM on July 13, 2010 [7 favorites]
I think black suits are totally lame, but I think it'll be fine in a pinch. I agree that you ought to wear a light blue shirt, but I'd say don't wear a solid tie. If you have a conservative patterned or regimental stripe tie, those would work. I'd worry that a black suit/solid tie combination would come off looking like what you'd wear to a nightclub.
posted by mullacc at 2:54 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by mullacc at 2:54 PM on July 13, 2010
Sounds like you'll definitely be fine tomorrow since your friend is interviewing you, and it's not terribly formal. However, if you are going to be wearing suits even occasionally after you get the job, invest in a good charcoal suit and get it fitted.
But this simply isn't true now, even if it once was. I'm in L.A., work at an art museum, and just this morning was in the elevator
Black suits might be OK in the non-profit world in L.A., but in business environments on the East Coast of the US, a man in one is definitely going to get a few lifted eyebrows. They're considered a sign that the guy wearing 'em doesn't wear a lot of suits and doesn't have enough taste/experience to know better.
A navy jacket with matching navy pants will result in somewhat fewer eyebrows, but will look fuddy-duddy if they're the wrong color or if you're under 45.
posted by joyceanmachine at 2:57 PM on July 13, 2010
But this simply isn't true now, even if it once was. I'm in L.A., work at an art museum, and just this morning was in the elevator
Black suits might be OK in the non-profit world in L.A., but in business environments on the East Coast of the US, a man in one is definitely going to get a few lifted eyebrows. They're considered a sign that the guy wearing 'em doesn't wear a lot of suits and doesn't have enough taste/experience to know better.
A navy jacket with matching navy pants will result in somewhat fewer eyebrows, but will look fuddy-duddy if they're the wrong color or if you're under 45.
posted by joyceanmachine at 2:57 PM on July 13, 2010
Can you wear a black suit? Sure.
Should you? Most people won't care. Some people will think it strange. Traditionally speaking, black suits are for funerals and weddings. Other formal events as well but if its formal enough to wear a black suit it's probably formal enough for a tuxedo or other evening dress.
Like others have said, though, these days you can get away with it. In terms of formalwear I'm probably a little more traditional than a lot of people so I'd wonder if you just came from a funeral, but I'm not the one hiring you.
posted by Justinian at 2:59 PM on July 13, 2010
Should you? Most people won't care. Some people will think it strange. Traditionally speaking, black suits are for funerals and weddings. Other formal events as well but if its formal enough to wear a black suit it's probably formal enough for a tuxedo or other evening dress.
Like others have said, though, these days you can get away with it. In terms of formalwear I'm probably a little more traditional than a lot of people so I'd wonder if you just came from a funeral, but I'm not the one hiring you.
posted by Justinian at 2:59 PM on July 13, 2010
They're considered a sign that the guy wearing 'em doesn't wear a lot of suits and doesn't have enough taste/experience to know better.
This matches my experience. But then, my experience was formed in WASPy wasperville, Connecticut. OP should probably have mentioned where this interview is and what kind of corporate culture is involved. It matters.
posted by Justinian at 3:00 PM on July 13, 2010
This matches my experience. But then, my experience was formed in WASPy wasperville, Connecticut. OP should probably have mentioned where this interview is and what kind of corporate culture is involved. It matters.
posted by Justinian at 3:00 PM on July 13, 2010
Black suits might be OK in the non-profit world in L.A., but in business environments on the East Coast of the US, a man in one is definitely going to get a few lifted eyebrows. They're considered a sign that the guy wearing 'em doesn't wear a lot of suits and doesn't have enough taste/experience to know better.
Heh. I honestly find this pretty amusing, given that our museum director, who is from New York and is one of the mostridiculously highly compensated museum execs in the country, wears virtually nothing but black Prada suits.
posted by scody at 3:17 PM on July 13, 2010
Heh. I honestly find this pretty amusing, given that our museum director, who is from New York and is one of the most
posted by scody at 3:17 PM on July 13, 2010
in business environments on the East Coast of the US, a man in one is definitely going to get a few lifted eyebrows. They're considered a sign that the guy wearing 'em doesn't wear a lot of suits and doesn't have enough taste/experience to know better.
It really depends on the work environment. For most all places I've interviewed, I was the only guy in the building wearing a suit, and that's because I was the guy being interviewed. In that case, no one cares that it's clear you don't wear a lot of suits, because no one else at the company does, either, and the "wearing a suit" convention is only being followed because an interview is taking place.
That said, now that I'm a grown up, I have charcoal suits, striped suits, light gray suits, etc. But outside of a "formal corporate" environment, it is considered perfectly normal to have one "interview suit," and employers are perfectly fine with a guy who is wearing a suit that he is clearly only wearing because he's being interviewed. People will look at him and think "man in suit" not "man in italian cut black suit with notch lapels."
posted by deanc at 3:20 PM on July 13, 2010
It really depends on the work environment. For most all places I've interviewed, I was the only guy in the building wearing a suit, and that's because I was the guy being interviewed. In that case, no one cares that it's clear you don't wear a lot of suits, because no one else at the company does, either, and the "wearing a suit" convention is only being followed because an interview is taking place.
That said, now that I'm a grown up, I have charcoal suits, striped suits, light gray suits, etc. But outside of a "formal corporate" environment, it is considered perfectly normal to have one "interview suit," and employers are perfectly fine with a guy who is wearing a suit that he is clearly only wearing because he's being interviewed. People will look at him and think "man in suit" not "man in italian cut black suit with notch lapels."
posted by deanc at 3:20 PM on July 13, 2010
If you owned a blue or gray suit and a black, I'd probably suggest wearing the non-black; if it's the only one you've got, don't worry at all. As others have suggested, add enough color to not look like an FBI agent and you'll be fine.
This is the best answer.
I'm in Chicago, and I agree that the black suit is not the optimal choice. It is hard to pull off looking appropriate in one for the reasons listed above, and also because that's what undertakers and priests wear.
But again, if that's all you have, and you feel like you are better off wearing a suit than not, go for it.
Whatever you do, don't wear a shirt with a weird collar. Black suit plus weird collar equals warning bells. Get a standard dress shirt with a standard, non buttoning collar. If you wear it open collared, don't wear an undershirt that shows through. If you wear it with a tie, get one that isn't on the fringes of the current wideness or narrowness fashion. I would choose solid colors or a really fine pattern.
You could also choose to go all out and do the white shirt black tie thing.
posted by gjc at 3:34 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
This is the best answer.
I'm in Chicago, and I agree that the black suit is not the optimal choice. It is hard to pull off looking appropriate in one for the reasons listed above, and also because that's what undertakers and priests wear.
But again, if that's all you have, and you feel like you are better off wearing a suit than not, go for it.
Whatever you do, don't wear a shirt with a weird collar. Black suit plus weird collar equals warning bells. Get a standard dress shirt with a standard, non buttoning collar. If you wear it open collared, don't wear an undershirt that shows through. If you wear it with a tie, get one that isn't on the fringes of the current wideness or narrowness fashion. I would choose solid colors or a really fine pattern.
You could also choose to go all out and do the white shirt black tie thing.
posted by gjc at 3:34 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
The problem with black suits is that if you do not accessorize them correctly you will look like a Mafia don or a undertaker. I think black suits, accessorized properly, look very continental and sharp.
Wear a colored or tastefully patterned tie. If you think it is important to wear a suit to an interview, then you really should wear a tie. Unless you are interviewing in Hawaii, then the fact that you are dressed would be enough (I live in Hawaii). A light blue shirt, or a very subtly patterned shirt with a solid color tie would be nice. You might go to a good haberdasher with your suit and ask them for help accessorizing it.
Make sure you have on black or dark gray shoes. They should be shiny and simple, with a thin sole. Wear thin black dress socks.
Don't wear a white shirt and a black tie, unless you are interviewing with a funeral home or as a vampire's assistant.
And avoid bright red, it will look odd with the black suit, but you can go with a dark brick red.
posted by fifilaru at 3:34 PM on July 13, 2010
Wear a colored or tastefully patterned tie. If you think it is important to wear a suit to an interview, then you really should wear a tie. Unless you are interviewing in Hawaii, then the fact that you are dressed would be enough (I live in Hawaii). A light blue shirt, or a very subtly patterned shirt with a solid color tie would be nice. You might go to a good haberdasher with your suit and ask them for help accessorizing it.
Make sure you have on black or dark gray shoes. They should be shiny and simple, with a thin sole. Wear thin black dress socks.
Don't wear a white shirt and a black tie, unless you are interviewing with a funeral home or as a vampire's assistant.
And avoid bright red, it will look odd with the black suit, but you can go with a dark brick red.
posted by fifilaru at 3:34 PM on July 13, 2010
Looking severe in a black suit is better than looking unprofessional in your other options.
Anybody who tells you otherwise is living in an old paradigm, which (supposedly) media is not.
(And anybody who is wearing a black suit and tie to a nightclub is going to an even older nightclub.)
Good luck.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:35 PM on July 13, 2010
Anybody who tells you otherwise is living in an old paradigm, which (supposedly) media is not.
(And anybody who is wearing a black suit and tie to a nightclub is going to an even older nightclub.)
Good luck.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:35 PM on July 13, 2010
Heh. I honestly find this pretty amusing, given that our museum director, who is from New York and is one of the most ridiculously highly compensated museum execs in the country, wears virtually nothing but black Prada suits.
That is because he has (i) works in an art museum, (ii) works in a prestigious art museum, (iii) works in a prestigious art museum where people can tell it's Prada, and (iv) is the effin' director of a prestigious art museum where people can tell it's a Prada, and he got it custom-tailored and has a great eye, so he probably looks fantastic in it. Seriously. I think you're underestimating how much hipper your working environment is than most, especially if this is one of the Big Deal Museums.
In every last one of the business environments I've seen (East Coast, generally somewhat conservative, not fashion forward, not a cool museum), no, as deanc says, people won't be able to tell that it has Italian cut with notch lapels. They'll just see that it's black and make a not-positive note in their heads about it.
I don't want to derail the answers, though. OP, here are my two cents: it's your friend doing the interviewing. He presumably knows you want the job and care. If you have the black, wear the black. Rock the interview, and your friend won't care.
posted by joyceanmachine at 3:40 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
That is because he has (i) works in an art museum, (ii) works in a prestigious art museum, (iii) works in a prestigious art museum where people can tell it's Prada, and (iv) is the effin' director of a prestigious art museum where people can tell it's a Prada, and he got it custom-tailored and has a great eye, so he probably looks fantastic in it. Seriously. I think you're underestimating how much hipper your working environment is than most, especially if this is one of the Big Deal Museums.
In every last one of the business environments I've seen (East Coast, generally somewhat conservative, not fashion forward, not a cool museum), no, as deanc says, people won't be able to tell that it has Italian cut with notch lapels. They'll just see that it's black and make a not-positive note in their heads about it.
I don't want to derail the answers, though. OP, here are my two cents: it's your friend doing the interviewing. He presumably knows you want the job and care. If you have the black, wear the black. Rock the interview, and your friend won't care.
posted by joyceanmachine at 3:40 PM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
There have been enough comments on specific shirt/tie combinations stated so far that I can't add to that portion. However I do have two points to add.
#1. Accesories are important - shoes should be shined, pick gold or silver for belt buckle, match your watch and any other accessories including your pen (if possible). If it is raining, your umbrella should compliment either the tie or the suit.
#2. Don't wear the black suit like its the only suit you own. Wear the black suit like like you are choosing to wear it, that you have a blue and a grey suit at home in the closet. Wear the suit with confidence.
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:40 PM on July 13, 2010
#1. Accesories are important - shoes should be shined, pick gold or silver for belt buckle, match your watch and any other accessories including your pen (if possible). If it is raining, your umbrella should compliment either the tie or the suit.
#2. Don't wear the black suit like its the only suit you own. Wear the black suit like like you are choosing to wear it, that you have a blue and a grey suit at home in the closet. Wear the suit with confidence.
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:40 PM on July 13, 2010
Seriously. I think you're underestimating how much hipper your working environment is than most, especially if this is one of the Big Deal Museums.
Seriously, I think you're overestimating how much I'm arguing with you.
posted by scody at 3:44 PM on July 13, 2010
Seriously, I think you're overestimating how much I'm arguing with you.
posted by scody at 3:44 PM on July 13, 2010
Everywhere else, black suits are only for weddings, formal parties and funerals.
Add me to the chorus of people that disagree with this statement. I've worn a black suit to every interview I've ever had and it's never seemed to steer me wrong. I'm in Australia as well, so if anywhere would expect a laidback attitude, you'd think it would be here, but I have seen many people wear black suits to interviews.
I also used to wear a black suit to work almost every day when I worked in Sydney and don't remember getting any funny looks. In fact, I think my boss tended to wear one as well!
posted by ranglin at 4:03 PM on July 13, 2010
Add me to the chorus of people that disagree with this statement. I've worn a black suit to every interview I've ever had and it's never seemed to steer me wrong. I'm in Australia as well, so if anywhere would expect a laidback attitude, you'd think it would be here, but I have seen many people wear black suits to interviews.
I also used to wear a black suit to work almost every day when I worked in Sydney and don't remember getting any funny looks. In fact, I think my boss tended to wear one as well!
posted by ranglin at 4:03 PM on July 13, 2010
Wear the black suit and don't sweat it. As others have said, if you would like it to look less formal, wear a colored shirt. Otherwise, wear a french cuff white shirt, cufflinks, and a tie in any color but black.
I've conducted multiple interviews in my current position and the individual's suit color has never been a dealbreaker.
posted by cad at 4:32 PM on July 13, 2010
I've conducted multiple interviews in my current position and the individual's suit color has never been a dealbreaker.
posted by cad at 4:32 PM on July 13, 2010
I would approach your question from a different direction. I'm saying this from the viewpoint of someone who wears a suit or a sports coat + tie every day, and interviews job seekers. If you can (maybe by asking your friend?), you'll want to understand what the dress code norm is for that group, in that company, and just make sure you are on the formal side of that norm, but not off the scale on the formal side. After all, we can all agree that a tuxedo is even more formal than a black suit, and agree that you probably shouldn't wear one to an interview? You don't want the interviewers to mock your suit after you leave when they could be discussing your qualifications and what a great fit you'd be. If you have no intel on the group or find out they do veer to the formal side, you'll be fine in the black suit, and all of the earlier posters gave good suggestions on how to accessorize so they'll think you've got a closet full of charcoal suits at home.
posted by kovacs at 5:01 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by kovacs at 5:01 PM on July 13, 2010
I know people who have worn black suits to job interviews and got the job.
posted by ishotjr at 5:53 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by ishotjr at 5:53 PM on July 13, 2010
These are some of the most bizarre responses ever. I've interviewed a lot of people, and not once have I made any judgement based on what color suit they are wearing (the only thing I've ever noticed in fact is if someone is NOT wearing a suit). I think that as long as you have a splash of color along with your black suit you'll be totally fine. The men I work with wear black suits on a regular basis, by the way (and I'm on the east coast, OMG).
posted by echo0720 at 6:22 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by echo0720 at 6:22 PM on July 13, 2010
I think you're underestimating how much hipper your working environment is than most, especially if this is one of the Big Deal Museums.
In every last one of the business environments I've seen (East Coast, generally somewhat conservative, not fashion forward, not a cool museum), no, as deanc says, people won't be able to tell that it has Italian cut with notch lapels. They'll just see that it's black and make a not-positive note in their heads about it.
Museums pay people a lot of money make them seem hip, but really, even the big, prestigious ones are somewhat old-fashioned and frequently only a few notches up from "college professor" on the fashion scale internally.
I've worked in both for-profit and non-profit, fairly conservative offices on the east coast. Most people really don't notice everyday fashion that much unless it's outrageous. You'll come across as "interviewy," and that's fine. If you were going to buy a new interview suit, I'd tell you to go with charcoal, but black is fine. Don't wear a white shirt. Do wear a tie.
posted by desuetude at 6:38 PM on July 13, 2010
In every last one of the business environments I've seen (East Coast, generally somewhat conservative, not fashion forward, not a cool museum), no, as deanc says, people won't be able to tell that it has Italian cut with notch lapels. They'll just see that it's black and make a not-positive note in their heads about it.
Museums pay people a lot of money make them seem hip, but really, even the big, prestigious ones are somewhat old-fashioned and frequently only a few notches up from "college professor" on the fashion scale internally.
I've worked in both for-profit and non-profit, fairly conservative offices on the east coast. Most people really don't notice everyday fashion that much unless it's outrageous. You'll come across as "interviewy," and that's fine. If you were going to buy a new interview suit, I'd tell you to go with charcoal, but black is fine. Don't wear a white shirt. Do wear a tie.
posted by desuetude at 6:38 PM on July 13, 2010
In Australia, fashion has come full circle and a black suit is very sharp for a young man about town. In fact, probably too sharp for a conservative job interview. The risk here is not that they'll laugh, but that they'll think you're a bit too hip or show-offy, like you were carrying a Louis Vuitton satchel to the interview or something. Not the "team player" vibe they're after. Of course, if you're applying at a museum, a hip suit is perfect!
posted by dave99 at 7:54 AM on July 14, 2010
posted by dave99 at 7:54 AM on July 14, 2010
You are only supposed to wear black suits to formal events. That said, it's still a suit. I can't imagine an interviewer being fussy about the ins and outs of proper fashion etiquette. I think they'll be more concerned about your qualifications.
Avoid a white shirt, and don't wear a black tie.
posted by chunking express at 8:37 AM on July 14, 2010
Avoid a white shirt, and don't wear a black tie.
posted by chunking express at 8:37 AM on July 14, 2010
No tie for an interview is a big mistake.
The only article of clothing I have that's black is a tux. I would say anywhere but NYC you would get away with wearing a "black suit"- whatever that is- and no one would notice.
Are you sute this suit is not just dark navy? I've never heard of a "black suit".
posted by L'OM at 8:49 AM on July 14, 2010
The only article of clothing I have that's black is a tux. I would say anywhere but NYC you would get away with wearing a "black suit"- whatever that is- and no one would notice.
Are you sute this suit is not just dark navy? I've never heard of a "black suit".
posted by L'OM at 8:49 AM on July 14, 2010
So I ended up buying a navy suit the night before and being nervous enough that morning that I inadvertently ended up wearing the black jacket with the new navy slacks, ha! But in any case the interview went very well and I received an offer! (Which I quickly accepted).
In retrospect I think a black suit would've been fine for this interview as I really don't think they would've noticed beyond the fact that I did present as "interviewable". Interesting how there's been so many different responses to this!
I guess the advice I would have for other people is: always wear a suit, I don't think it matters much the color as long as it's conservative. But really for a job interview that's not specifically related to fashion, your suit is really not the thing to focus on.
Thanks AskMe!
posted by artificialard at 8:55 PM on July 31, 2010
In retrospect I think a black suit would've been fine for this interview as I really don't think they would've noticed beyond the fact that I did present as "interviewable". Interesting how there's been so many different responses to this!
I guess the advice I would have for other people is: always wear a suit, I don't think it matters much the color as long as it's conservative. But really for a job interview that's not specifically related to fashion, your suit is really not the thing to focus on.
Thanks AskMe!
posted by artificialard at 8:55 PM on July 31, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 2:12 PM on July 13, 2010