ISO suggestions: two-day job interview in freezing cold - YouLookFab Forum

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ISO suggestions: two-day job interview in freezing cold

K.M.

Veteran

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here on the Forum and I hope I'm doing this right!

I have been fretting over what to wear for a job interview in a month from now. Here's the challenge: the job interview lasts for two full days. It involves individual meetings, two public lectures, meals with the interviewers (including dinner), and lots of walking around between buildings in a college campus. Also, it'll be in a freezing cold Midwestern city. I just read Angie's excellent recent post on job interviews, so I'm up to speed on those tips (I also read all of the comments there). What I need now are more tailored suggestions specific to my situation.

I am trying to put together an outfit that will be both comfortable and appropriate. I want to wear a suit, or at least a jacket, but I always have trouble coordinating it with outerwear. I'm planning to wear my warmest coat, which is the Modern Down Coat from Landsend in Orange (it's an orangey-red). I get cold very easily and I don't think I can get by with a wool coat. But I always have trouble fitting a coat over a suit jacket--it can get bulky and uncomfortable, when it fits at all.

My other challenges: I need sensible shoes because I'll be walking and standing on my feet a lot, possibly also on snowy or icy grounds, but the shoes need to be dressy enough to go with a suit or skirt (my furry BearPaw snow boots won't cut it...)

While a suit isn't required, it is expected that I would wear something with a similar level of dressiness (separates, or dress + jacket, a dressy sweater etc.), but neutral enough that it doesn't take attention from my professional abilities. Something versatile enough to transition from the classroom to a dinner at a restaurant.

Ah, and did I mention I will likely bring my laptop and printed documents, and will therefore need a roomy, structured, but dressy bag? On top of it all, it's an out-of-town trip, so I also don't want to bring a huge number of different items.

I know it's a lot to ask, but I hope your collective wisdom will help me with suggestions of pieces, outfits, etc. I will welcome general ideas and also specific items you might have spotted.

Thanks!

K.M.

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Makrame

Anonymous

Sounds like an academic job? If it is a midwest college, they are used to people wearing boots when outside, so don't discount wearing boots when outside. It would be far worse to have freezing cold feet or slippery shoes when you are trying to walk around.

Can you get a dressier lined pair of winter boots? If the job pans out they will be suited for there and you will be wearing them a lot.

(I work at a university in a very cold place).

K.M.

Veteran

Yes, it is an academic job! I dress supercasual for my current job and haven't been in an interview in a long time, so I realized that my wardrobe is a little depleted of interview attire. (I've also since had a child and my interview suit from the past just doesn't fit anymore!)

Thanks! I'll look into dressier lined boots.

Liz

Veteran

My suggestion is to buy clothes that you would be able to use if you get the job. Basically, you're putting together a work capsule: two bottoms, two or three tops, and two toppers. Off the top of my head, I'd do two pairs of trousers, a neutral shirt (crisp or drapey), a blouse or shell in a print or color, and a third blouse, shirt, or laying t. Then two toppers: a structured neutral cardigan for one, and a jacket for the other. Both toppers should go with both trousers. The necklines and colors of all tops should work with both toppers.

catgirl

Veteran

What do you have to start with? Or are all of these items needed purchases?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Here is a great blog post on what to wear for on campus interviews, including cold weather tips. The site also has a whole section on academic "what not to wear," that is definitely worth checking out:

http://theprofessorisin.com/2011/11/15/1947/

shiny

Veteran

You might want to click on my name and check out my recent business travel capsule posts; may give you some ideas. I had two recent trips, both about 3 days.

For the laptop bag:
I bought a Briggs & Reilley travel tote, it's vinyl and lightweight, and fits over the handles of my B&R carry on suitcase. Of course I would have loved to have a stylish bag, but the reality is this is way smarter for business travel. It has a padded compartment for the laptop and is generous enough to stuff a whole bunch of things into it - including a pair of shoes. I just tucked a stylish clutch bag inside of it -- so I didn't have to lug an entire laptop bag to the bathroom and back -- and the clutch also worked for the evening activities. My strategy going forward is to stock up on interesting clutches because they do not take a whole lot of room in your luggage.

For the suit jacket:
I brought two the first trip, a funky black ponte knit jacket and a charcoal gray Theory blazer. For the second trip, I only brought the charcoal grey, since it goes with pretty much everything.

For the winter coat/outer wear:
I brought a lightweight puffer that layers easily over suit jackets and multiple layers. It has no hood so I also brought my winter hat. And I packed several different scarves, which came in very handy.

For the rest:
You can read my other posts, as I have to run, but basically I brought black ponte knit 5 pocket skinnies, black dress slacks, dark wash jeans, dressy silk collared blouses, a black cardigan, and a black jersey dress. For shoes I brought black tall boots and a pair of booties -- both were heeled but I can walk in heels and there was no snow on the ground to worry about. To keep my feet warm, thick cashmere socks.

Pretty much everything worked together. Lots of boring black, yes. I brought in interest with colorful scarfs; interesting printed blouses; micro fishnets; and a leopard clutch. For hose if you decide to wear dresses or skirts I might recommend thicker fleece lined tights with interesting texture or color.

I also brought camis and a long slip for layering -- which helped a lot.

LAYER, but don't go too overboard with layers that you can't easily peel off -- or you'll sweat inside, especially if nervous!

K.M.

Veteran

Wow, so many fantastic suggestions! Liz, what a great checklist for items that I need. Alaskagirl, I have some items, but I am not sure how they will go together (I will probably return here with some photos once I have the time to try things on), so I might have to buy a few new ones. Modgrl, what a great link, thank you so much! And shiny, thanks for the amazing and detailed description of items--I especially appreciate your comments on fabrics and brands. I had forgotten about ponte!!! I don't really like stiff suit jackets, but a ponte one would be great. I will definitely check out your posts.
Thanks again, everyone! This is a great starting point and I will sure come back with pics for some feedback!
(I've been so anxious about this that I even had a nightmare yesterday that I was at the interview and had nothing to wear!)

Diana

Veteran

Disclaimer: I'm planning on going on the academic job market in this coming fall, so I haven't actually had any interviews. But that said, I've thought about this a lot.

Here's what I would do:

--Wear trousers, not a skirt or dress. It makes the footwear situation a whole heck of a lot easier, plus you have something to clip the microphone pack to for your talks. It's warmer in winter too. Yes, the hems will probably get icky if there's snow or salt, so definitely bring a different pair for each day.

--If you wear trousers, you have some leeway with shoes as I mentioned above. You can wear most types of plain boots provided the shaft fits under the pants, and they are not too rugged looking on the bottom. The pants have to be the right length for whatever shoes you choose though.

--For nice lined boots with decent traction, I'd check out Blondo or La Canadienne.

-Bag: I have two that work, a leather tote similar to this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi.....#038;cm_it
(Down side is that this one, and mine, doesn't zip closed so you might not want to use this as your airplane bag.)
I also have a Longchamp Planetes, which is not as dressy looking but good for carrying your laptop and everything else on planes, and at conferences and things.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....sonalizeds
You could also do a traditional briefcase style, like this, but I personally don't find them comfortable because they're designed for men (who are generally larger):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tu.....7?origin=k

unfrumped

Veteran

I love Diana's cut-to-the-chase pants rec's. Very warm since you can always layer fleece tights or thermal layer under, and bootie styles are so readily available in lower heels and with pants only the foot shows (well, except when you sit down). Now, I'm not a tall-boot person but if you already have fab, walkable tall boots for skirts and dresses, you may want to rethink.
Or if you find pants a nightmare (which we all do at some point).
Then you would have the option of a knit top such as merino for warmth, or layer under as well.
I think dresses are tough for cold outdoor walking, and lengths are problematic. Pencil skirts may be easier to find and then allow a warmer top.

Even if you have specific targets for your planning and shopping, you may want to keep 4-5 options in mind based on what "shows up" in your search--the perfect pants vs. the perfect dress and so on--since you aren't limited to a strict corporate dress code.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I think that knee high ridng type boots would be fine with a skirt or a sheath dress, and as mentioned you can easily wear some nice warm socks with them. Fleece lined tights are also fantastic and even work under trousers.

Good luck in any case! The academic market is brutal right now, so congratulations on making it to the interview stage!

Greyscale

Veteran

Another common piece of advice is to bring everything in a carry-on and/or wear something on the plane that is at least minimally acceptable for the interview, in case of lost or delayed luggage.

My faculty interview outfit was a black suit jacket and matching slim ankle trousers from Club Monaco, an interesting silk blouse, and ankle-strap flats for day one. Then grey wool trousers, a dressy white cotton shirt from Theory, a colorful silk scarf, and lace-up flat combat boots under the trousers for day two. This was for moderate weather, not true winter. The combat boots, which are very nice leather and look like oxfords under long trousers, were good for rainy days. If I'd done a real winter interview I'd probably have worn those boots with wool socks. I am totally the type to wear combat boots to a faculty interview, though, and that might not be a univerally good idea.

In my male-heavy, low-fashion field, women usually don't wear skirts to interview, but you certainly could.

K.M.

Veteran

Diana, thanks for all the specific recs and for the pants advice. I love wearing both pants and dresses (huh... I guess I just love wearing clothes?).

unfrumped, I did find lots of cute options with my searches and now I'm having such trouble deciding! I will come back here with my options!

Mander, thanks for the nice words! It is indeed brutal and stressful...

Grayscale, your outfits sound so nice. I have been wondering if an ankle pant would be OK. Last time I was on the market many years ago, pant legs were all straight or slightly flared and always long.

I'll be back here soon with some options and hope that some of you can chime in!

Thanks again for all the advice! Makes me feel less alone in this anxious time...

K.M.

Veteran

OK, now for the options I found, if anyone is up for voting on what you think would be best:

1. I thought of getting this Fifties Jacket by Boden in black to pair with some items I already have: straight-leg (ever so-slightly flared) black tweed, long-hemmed pants (from Express from a couple years ago); slim-fitting, almost-skinny stretch black pants (I haven't hemmed them yet and I'm not sure if I want them ankle- or regular-length; will post a photo later); possibly with a structured dress.

2. I also fell in love with their Military Wool Jacket in green, which I think would go with my slim black pants mentioned above. But with what else? I liked a pair of Bistro Crop trousers in brown and thought they could go with said Military Wool jacket, but it's hard to tell from the pic and then I wonder if the outfit would just look too casual. Plus I would probably need brown shoes?

3. As for shoes, following the recommendations here and on the great "Professor is In" link posted above, I looked into La Canadienne. I liked this one (Jaden) but I am wondering about the square toe. Is that coming back? At this price this would be a major investment for me and I want to make sure I'll get a lot out of it.

4. I'm probably going to go with pants, but also saw some dresses and was wondering if they would look professional enough with a jacket: Libby Dress (color?), Winter Audrey, Lana. I imagine red would be a no-no?

I'm still looking into shirts. I have crisp shirts from many years ago and they fit weird under jackets, the collar never ends up where it's supposed to. I might wear a dressier blouse or t-shirt.

Would love any feedback! Thanks!

Liz

Veteran

You've had some fun "shopping," and these are very fun choices! Love those jackets.
I wonder about the somewhat retro/girly look (rosettes, peplum, peter-pan color, polka-dots), as it is not what I usually associate with a professional interview. I suppose it comes down to knowing your academic world and what is tolerated and what signals your clothing will give. Hopefully some academic types will weigh in.
On some practical notes...the cropped pants seem problematic when it comes to shoe choices, cold ankles, winter winds, etc. And if you get a black jacket, you'll want plenty of leeway to try it on with other items and see if the blacks and proportions look OK together or if it looks like you are wearing a mismatched "suit." I think a dress will definitely work. It will make your topper situation more complicated, as dresses usually require a shorter/more cropped topper than what you'd wear with trousers.
You're well on your way!

K.M.

Veteran

Liz, can you tell I don't really like suits? My field is a little less conservative (arts/humanities) so I think I do have some leeway, but I would love to hear from others.

shiny

Veteran

I am in high-tech marketing, another creative field, and yes, I would totally wear a jacket like those ones you've chosen to an interview. In fact I would skip the black and go for the red or other bold color. But this assumes I had no requirement for packing light and bringing only one jacket to work with everything.

However, one caution is that the weather may not be freezing cold and snowy a month from now. You'd think it would be, but you just never know anymore. For my business trips I assumed 50s-60s typical for the south; both trips got hit with the polar vortex and were just as cold as Boston normally is. I landed in 60 degree weather and the next day it hit 25 degrees and then stayed there.

So I don't know if I'd invest in heavy wool and tweed. I might suggest instead looking at 3-season suiting, since it's most versatile. Layer to make it warmer. It'll also fit more easily under your outerwear. Bulky does not always equal warmer, but layering does. When you get closer to the date, you can check the weather, and choose accordingly. A lightweight cashmere sweater (do you like turtlenecks?) under a 3-season wool jacket and your EB coat may be just the ticket, or if temps warm up and it is raining, you can wear a shell under it and a trench over it.

I understand the appeal of ankle pants -- you can wear them with either heels or flats. That's also the appeal of a dress. There's also less likelihood of wet hems. That said, for an interview you cannot go wrong with classic slightly flared dress pants.

There's no reason you can't check your luggage and bring a lot of clothes; I didn't want to do that because the last thing I wanted to stress over was lost luggage. Regardless, I would suggest sticking to a color theme, and make a choice either black/gray/navy neutrals OR browns. Just makes it all a lot easier when packing.

shiny

Veteran

Years ago Angie did a post about layering to keep warm on the city streets of New York in the winter. I seem to recall lots of good tips there, and outfit photos for inspiration, if you can find it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Looks as if you are gathering lots of great ideas.

I am not currently an academic but worked in an academic environment for 15 years and my husband is still in that world -- and we live around the corner from the university in our small Eastern Ontario city. So that gives you the context I'm coming from.

1. The Boden jacket looks as if it would work very well if it fits your style preferences and you are in the arts/ humanities.

The links to your second items don't work for me (sometimes that happens across international boundaries) so I can't say. But they sound appealing.

2. I strongly advise against cropped pants for a whole bunch of reasons. First, although Shiny's right that weather is unpredictable at that time of year...well, weather is unpredictable at that time of year! It would in no way be warm enough for crops where I live in early March. No way, no how. Temps run similar where I live to the midwest. And even if it were warm enough, the whole footwear issue would be vexed. Crops really look best with a dainty kind of shoe and with bare feet (or maybe nude hose) so I don't think they will be easy to create outfits from with boots of any kind. Maybe tucked into tall boots. Or tucked into ankle boots if they are almost the same colour and you have long legs. But....

3. La Canadienne boots are everything reported. Really good quality and excellent for winter weather. But not cheap. A square toed style reads a bit dated, in my opinion. But perhaps it fits with your own style aesthetic, in which case, full steam ahead. I do think an almond toe is a safer choice. You can find La Canadiennes cheaper on 6 pm. , unfortunately often in the older/ more dated styles only or limited sizes (which is why they're discounted) and also the prices go up and down on that site in an apparently arbitrary way -- but still, worth looking into. Several YLF members have purchased La Canadiennes recently from this site.

I think it's a great idea to look into ponte or similar fabrications, and, as Shiny says, 3 season wool.

Can you tell us a bit more about your style preferences? You mentioned that you don't like suits -- what is your overall "look" or aesthetic? Now that you're pretty clear on the general type of capsule you're putting together, we might be able to point to specific items that would appeal to you.

shiny

Veteran

To clarify I wasn't thinking crops - I was thinking ankle length, i.e., a length that works with booties.

Then again, the shorter pants styles in fashion now tend to be rather long on me. Ha.

K.M.

Veteran

shiny, great points about the weather, and also i'll look for Angie's tips on dressing for the cold.

Suz, you convinced me to nix the cropped pants. (maybe for another occasion...)

As for my style... I am not sure! Minimalist urban with whimsical touches, perhaps? I like interesting textures and patterns, form-fitting clothes on my upper-body, straight- and boot-legs and A-line skirts. I am a little tired of black.

I took some photos of the clothes I have. This will give you a better idea of my body type. I hope at least some of these pieces might be work. My husband, who was taking the pictures and is very fashion-conscious, was laughing at my wide-legged trousers...

Anyway, I have a black J.Crew suit in 3-season pin-striped black fabric from 2006. This was my workhorse (it got me two jobs in the past)! But I know that the cut is not the most up-to-date. It's a little boring but if all else fails I hope I can still use it. What do you think--too outdated? It's photo 1.

Then I have my skinny black pants, but I don't know what to do with them. First, they are not hemmed, which you will see immediately as they bunch around my ankle booties (not the shoes I will wear for the interview). Second, I don't know what jacket to wear with them (I had thought perhaps the Boden green military I linked to above)? Here I'm wearing them with a tweedy-type jacket, but it's a little too casual for the interview (photo 2).

I have a couple of dress pants that I love from Express from a few years ago. I love their silhouette: long, wide legs (I am long-waisted and short-legged). But are they too out of fashion now? And also... what to pair them with? I put on my trusty old velvet jacket for the photo, but I know it doesn't quite go with it. (photos 3 and 4).

Then, mostly for your amusement, I put on a very old jacket from the mid-90s. Yes, I know it's too long and absolutely out of date, but it's SO WELL CUT and perfectly tailored. My husband asked me not to post it here in fear I would be made fun of. I know I will sound old just by saying this, but... what if one day it comes back in style? (photo 5).

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If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

shiny

Veteran

Personally I think the J Crew suit (#1) is perfect for any job interview, and does not look outdated to me at all. Then again, I'm in high tech, not academia, so I may not be the best to advise, but what if you popped a sleek silk/wool blend turtleneck in a flattering color underneath that jacket for warmth, and added a long necklace or scarf and chunky watch for interest. Then focus your shopping search and $ on finding just the perfect footwear, wool 3/4 coat and laptop bag to pull it all together?

For the coat since Jcrew fits you well I'd check out their coats, maybe the lady coat? And get one with thinsulate! Makes a huge difference.

For day two, if you'll be meeting with the same people, you can then dress down from there. You could pop this same blazer over a dress or skirt outfit, scrunching up the sleeves to loosen it up. Or wear the pants again but with a different sweater (could even be another turtleneck in different color) and change out the jacket for something else, maybe even an indoor-weight leather coat. Or go with a cami + blouse + cardigan combo.

The black pants: I have a similar pair and got them hemmed by the tailor but they still don't seem to work for me either. I like the idea for day two, but have no advice here.

3&4 look fine to me, I know how they might not to you, but yes, people are still wearing pants like these in the office.... and I have to imagine they'd be just fine in a university setting in the midwest. Maybe pair those with a warm sweater for day 2 if you don't think you'll need a jacket that day?

5 - I actually like it, yes outdated, but I'd probably keep it in my closet too... just in case...

shiny

Veteran

A turtleneck like this (though not sure about the colors)... fitted.. sleek... warm! You have a lovely neck and perfect figure for such a top. Could also layer under a dress.

http://www.amazon.com/MAXSTUDI....._sbs_a_sw_

Go with a fun color for the coat...

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../49622.jsp

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../28231.jsp

... these Jcrew wool coats with thinsulate are practically a UNIFORM here at the universities... it seems everyone has one...

K.M.

Veteran

shiny, thank you so much! So many wonderful suggestions! You are totally right that I should focus my budget on these much-needed essentials (warm dress coat and shoes). I'm glad my black suit still cuts it! And I'm relieved that the solution to my quest is easier than I thought.
By the way, I had been looking for a slim warm turtleneck forever! Great link. Thanks for the nice words and suggestions.

shiny

Veteran

You're welcome... this is the sort of challenge I love.

(Also it prevented me from buying anything online today - ha!)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think the J. Crew suit looks fantastic! No need to shop for another one, and it does not read dated to me at all. You look great in it. The only (potential) issue will be PPL (perfect pants length). Check Angie's blog posts on that.

I also love the black pants and think they could work all kinds of ways. Does the J. Crew jacket work over them?

Your Express pants are lovely, too. And NOT out of date, at least by YLF standards, where Angie, at least, is encouraging us to give wide leg fluid trousers another go. And you can see her wearing them a lot in the last few months on the blog. The risk with those is that the hems might drag in snow, muck, or slush or in puddles (depending on weather) so they are a bit tricky.

No wonder you are hanging onto that jacket in #5. Yes, it is somewhat dated, but what a terrific cut, for sure. I'll bet there could be a modern way of wearing it.

Love Shiny's ideas for styling and shopping. The main thing will be boots/ shoes, coat, and bag. And any extras that complement the lovely suit.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Shiny has you sorted! Day 1 - J Crew suit. Day 2 - the suit jacket and the black skinny pants. To my eye both the suit and the Express pants are classic and interview appropriate - not fashionable on their own, but not dated either. And the fit is excellent.

Are you straight out of grad school? If so - or if the budget is tight for some other reason - I would stick with the puffer, even if it's a little tight over a jacket. Then you can concentrate your money on shoes and a bag, plus a couple turtlenecks that (at least in my part of the country) are on sale by now. In my humanities field - you will be better dressed than 95% of the candidates.

Good luck with the interviews!

K.M.

Veteran

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who likes my 90s jacket! I wonder if they would look good with skinnies tucked into heeled boots (not for the interview, of course).

Suz, I will try on the jacket with the skinny pants and post a picture here. I am always unsure as to how to match same-color separates made of different fabrics.

Cinnamon, thanks for the good wishes! I'm not a grad student anymore, but my budget is tight. I have wanted a nice, dressy, warm wool coat for a long time now, but I might have to compromise on this one.

I ordered a few tops and a printed scarf to liven up the suit and I will post photos here when the items arrive. I am also thinking of pairing the skinny pants with a white button-down and yellow cardigan with gold buttons (both of which I already have) for the second day. I will post the look here as I am wondering if it'll be formal enough.

Thanks again everyone for this wonderful collective problem-solving!

Mellllls

Veteran

I second the many suggestion to go with pants because in that climate there will be more comfortable, warm shoe options with pants.

sarah

Veteran

I'm in academia, and I think those suits/jackets/pants will be great. What about a button-down shirt (like JCrew perfect shirts)?

By the way, I was just on a program review and was walking around a campus in sub-zero weather, and the wonderful sales associate at the upscale shoe store recommended shirling insoles. Wow, they were great! I wore my black booties (not too dissimilar to ones you've posted) and my feet survived quite a long walk at about -10F.

Good luck with the interview.

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