As thousands of fourth year medical students across the country are putting the finishing touches on their residency applications (we submit on Thursday...eek!), we're all starting to think about the next step...interviews. For the majority of us, we haven't really worn a suit since our medical school interviews, and I know for me, my interview suit doesn't really fit me the way it once did...which lead me to start the task of finding a new suit.
Unlike men, women really have a tougher time finding suits as we don't have full sections of stores dedicated to suits of all sizes, colors, and styles. Even stores like Ann Taylor and The Limited rarely have extended sizes in stores. I went to Ann Taylor last week, and they had one style of blazer in straight sizes, and one style of pants, again only in straight sizes (i.e. no petite or talls). I've been casually checking out stores for the past few months, looking to see what was out there. Using
Elyse's and
Joyce's guides for interview suits, here is what I personally want for my interview suit.
A pantsuit: I feel most comfortable wearing pants, so it only makes sense for me to get pants instead of a skirt or dress. As far as I know, skirts or dresses with blazer is equally as professionally, I just personally really don't want to deal with pantyhose (what if I get a tear?!), and like I said, I feel more comfortable in pants.
In black: Many will advise that black is too dark and too serious, but in my mind, it's timeless and always looks appropriate. I also think it's the easiest when it comes to accessories. If I weren't set on a black suit, I'd go for a navy suit, but those tend to be more difficult to find, and also tend to show a bit more wear and tear (and wrinkles!). I think as long as the suit fits you well and the fabric doesn't show major wrinkling, a suit in black, navy, or grey are all appropriate. I just chose black because I know it's what I will feel most comfortable wearing. I ordered this four pocket blazer, and three styles of pants to try on.
With a non-button up blouse: I have tried everything to stop button ups from gaping at the bust - I've sized up and altered, I've sewn them shut, I've used fashion tape. Nothing makes it lay completely flat, so instead of fighting it, I'm going to completely remove it from the equation! I plan on buying several sleeveless or short sleeved blouses, and will rotate them throughout the interviews. I asked on twitter if anyone ever removed their blazers during the interviews, and feedback shows that no, they didn't, which is why the sleeves of the blouses don't matter as much.
Simple accessories: I plan on wearing my black wedges I've been wearing for years - I can comfortably walk in them and I don't want to buy another pair of black shoes (I don't think my Revas would be a good shoe to wear with my suit). I plan on using my black Mulberry purse, and wearing my simple diamond necklace and pearl earrings.
