Ask Angie: Interviewing in Hot Weather

Dear Angie,

After five years of staying at home with my son I am reentering the workforce. I have applied for positions in my former field (paralegal) and I am also applying for positions in professional arenas that are less conservative fashion-wise (for example: assistant retail merchant). My concern is the interviews, as it has been ten years since I have been interviewed. I have a black wool trouser suit (JCrew) that still fits very well and would normally be just fine except that it seems way too heavy to wear during an interview in the dead heat of the summer; just trying it on at home makes me sweat and feel silly. The legal positions I am applying for call for a conservative suit for the interview, but I need one that is more appropriate for summer. I would like to convey more personality with my outfit during the interviews for the other positions. I am drawn to JCrew because it fits my budget, their cuts fit my body very well, and I know how to order my pre-tailored sizing through them. I can only afford to purchase one suit. My questions are:

1) Is it acceptable now to wear a color other than black, grey or navy to an interview in a conservative field? I like the idea of JCrew's wool crepe suiting in "cool dusk". I am also drawn to the "classic seersucker" suiting, but fear these may be too informal for the legal positions. Khaki next to my face is horrible or I would consider the stretch chambray suiting.

2) Are closed toe shoes still required for the interview?

3) If I go with a skirt suit, are hose mandatory for the interview?

4) Are suits still absolutely required for interviews or am I out of date?

5) Why would one opt for a two-button jacket over a three-button jacket?

My interview outfit is weighing heavily on my mind and with the current job market so competitive it seems even more important than it did ten years ago to give an impeccable first impression. Thank you for your guidance in this matter.

Paige Wilson

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

I think your instincts are spot on. Law firms are still conservative places in terms of dress, and a conservative, tailored look would be more appropriate than something more fashion-forward. J Crew has a great vibe for a conservative environment. Have you tried their 4-season wool? Is it too heavy and itchy for summer? If not, I'd think that a 4-season wool in brown or gray would work well.

I don't know if Banana Republic works for you, fit and cutwise, but they have lighter gray suiting in 4-season wool that looks a little more summery than J Crew's darker palette.

Can you get more info before you make an expensive decision on a suit? Do you have friends who are still in the field, or can you connect with someone who works there now? Would it be possible to call the HR person at the firm to ask if they have guidelines for interview wear? Could you stop in, sit in the reception area, and politely reconnoiter (receptionists are sympathetic if they know why you're there)?

It's tough to go back to work after a hiatus and harder in competitive times. Getting the interview outfit right can take a load off your mind.

PalmFronds

Hi Paige,
Congrats on taking the huge leap of reentering the "work force".I now you have been working plenty at home too

I was in a similar position a few years ago after taking a year and a half away from work in the medical field when I had my daughters. Given the very professional setting similar to yours, I went very conservative overall even though I would like some "personality" in my clothes I left that for AFTER I was hired The problem is that you don't know who will be interviewing you, so I think it is best to play it safe and follow the dress guidelines by the book while you are job hunting.The last thing you want is for your great interview day to be shafted when you interview with a senior person in the department who is distracted by your clothing.

--black is too heavy for the summer esp if in a heaver material.I think navy or grey is fantastic.You can inject some life into the basic outfit with some color in your underpining/shirt/blouse. When I interviewed it was in a grey pinstripe skirt suit, but I wore a leaf-green shirt with the collar over the suit collar, so it was JUST enough color to be interesting.
--the number of buttons on the jacket will probably depend on your chest size and how best it fits you, but I think most professional jackets are in 2-3 buttons for most people.
--absolutely closed toe shoes.
--the question about the hose will depend on how absolutely conservative the practice is--I would think the answer is yes, hose, but tis is where you would benefit from asking around within law practices, or just snooping to se what folks are wearing to work

Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow! Such wonderful responses from PF and Garmenta. I echo what they say wholeheartedly. If you have further specific questions, let us know.

Welcome to the forum and good luck.

wilson

Thanks guys. I will try a Banana Republic lilghtweight suit; there is a BR store about an hour away whereas I would have to place an order and wait from JCrew. It would be nice to get the alterations underway sooner.

I don't know if you're still looking for a law-appropriate suit, but I just found a fashion blog that's aimed at women in the legal profession. Most of the readers are attorneys and law students rather than paralegals, but it gives you a good idea of how formal the legal look is. It's at http://corporette.com. They actually recommended the gray BR suit you're considering! Best of luck in your job search.

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