[Anonymous]

I’m a dude looking to update my decade old interview suit. What is the power color these days? Really curious about popular color and style. I don’t want to be that old guy wearing an outdated suit.

[I'm, Ron Burgundy?]

Gray suits are the way to go. Wear a white shirt and a plain Maroon tie (nothing flashy).

DO NOT wear black. Black suits are too powerful and you're not Johnny Cash.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed."
- Michael Jordan

BEC: (54), (72), 80 (losing credit on 02/02/15 - nervous)
AUD: 78
REG: (74), 91
FAR: (71)

[philb]

I like this forum for fashion/style advice, they know what's up:

https://www.styleforum.net/t/245357/black-suit-to-interviews

[Anonymous]

Cole Haan has a great classic black heel with the nike air sole, so they're really comfortable. I got them a few years ago and have had to take them to the shoe cobbler for new heel taps but they still look great even after a few years.

Corporette is another great blog for female work attire. It's geared towards lawyers but I would think there's a lot of overlap between accounting and law for dress code

https://corporette.com

[GSU-CPA]

ridiqls you seem to be mad lol.

I thought it was a dumb question and my opinion doesnt change. Reading comprehension clearly seems to be you weak area.. you say i did nothing to contribute to his thread where i actually did. I clearly stated that the color of the suit doesn't necessarily matter unless you do something retarded like go in a all white suite or pull out your pink pimp suite.I stopped there because that clearly answered the question he is asking.

You on the other hand called me out and then proceeded to agree with me. In addition to that you blabbed on about how it is important to be groomed, be tall, be fit….something that he didnt even ask for and something that is common sense.

I said it is a stupid question because at the end of the day it wont matter if OP wore a black or gray suite. Ultimately what will make him stand out from the rest of the candidates is not going to be whether he wore a black or gray suite …it is going to be his interview/social skills.

This is not a McDonald job he is interviewing for… chances are that everyone who goes to interview for an accounting position will have enough common sense to wear nice proper suite and i promise you that manager will not be saying i pick this candidate because he wore a gray suite and everyone else wore a black suite.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[Anonymous]

Since I am a lady I got a black suit today, since black for the females is okay. Still looking for a navy blue one.

Great I don't need to buy new shoes. Will give them a good polish and they will look as good as new.

[Anonymous]

I've purchased suits from H&M, ZARA, & Macy's. I then take them to my local tailor for a proper fit. All of my suits are a two button, one of which is double-breasted.

From personal experience, what makes a suit look “flashy” are all the accessories people wear. For example, tie bars, collar bars, cuff links, and pocket squares. I suggest people not wear any of these when attending an interview. I never advise a color with people. Choose whatever makes you feel like your going in 110%.

[Tarheelgirl]

I have two suits. My go to one that I wear on first interviews is a cream/beige color with white fine stripes. I wear a beige shirt that matches underneath. I like wearing this suit first because it stands me out from everyone else that will wear, black or blue.

When I go for second interviews, I have a green (not bright or dark green, kinda in the middle, not flashy) suit with beige stripes. I wear a beige shirt underneath. This also sets me apart from other interviewers and shows my personality a little bit more. I have gotten compliments on this suit.

I have a black suit but I have only wore it once. Normally I will wear a colored shirt underneath, such as teal or light blue.

Also being I am a girl, I wear a pearl necklace and earrings. I think that shows you are classy and a lady.

I think you have to wear something that sets you apart from other interviewers, because that is how the employer is going to remember you. But make sure it is still professional at the same time.

FAR - 46, 79 (7/8/14)
AUD - 56, 59, 2/23/15 3rd times a charm!
BEC - 69, 74 Really??
REG - April, I hope. Fingers crossed!

[thechapman]

If they honestly care what color suit you wear (within reason) then that's ridiculous. I interviewed for a Big 4 job in the last year wearing a black suit (against people's recommendations) and got the job. Granted, I was a poor college kid. However, I really don't think anyone would ever lose out based on something that trivial.

Passed - 2014

[RedSoxFan77]

I have a pair of Cole Haan's with the Nike Air cushion, it's very comfortable and the leather is very soft and smooth. I love them, and they look very professional for work too.

FAR 75
AUD 74, 82
REG 58, 74, 83
BEC 68, 75
Licensed 7.1.14!!!

[joelseph]

I moved to Seattle so I would never have to wear a suit to an interview again.

FAR: 84 on 4/4/13
AUD: 91 on 7/27/13
BEC: 72 on 11/11/13, 82 on 01/03/14
REG: 80 on 02/27/14

[Mayo]

Best book I ever read on Men's business fashion.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

Women seem to do whatever they want like wear black suits (and that's fine), but there are some pretty strict unwritten rules for the well dressed man.

1) Suit- Don't wear a black suit if you're a guy- black suits are for weddings and funerals. Period. Two buttons are best. Wearing a suit that has three or more buttons just shows that you haven't updated your wardrobe in ten years. I'm not even sure if they make a one-button that isn't a dinner jacket.

The suit should be 100% wool and either grey or blue. No exceptions. Rayon is cheap and wool/silk blends will make you look like an 80's mafioso. Again- don't wear black. Just don't.

Vested suits are fine as well, especially with a bow tie. I hate to say it (but I can because I've gained 25lbs studying)- I would avoid a vested suit if not in great shape.

2) General leather selection- Belt, shoes, and watch straps should preferably be in matching hues of brown leather; however, most accountants don't know how to dress so no one is going to hold it against you if you wear black. Cordovan works too (that maroon color leather like in cigar bar furniture or your bosses loafers), but I don't think any of us make enough money to wear cordovan.

Don't wear suede anything.

3) Watch- a must. A must. I have a friend who is in a hiring position (different industry) who will not hire someone that doesn't wear a watch (yes- I'm aware he is a jerk). A watch says that time is important to you. While that may not be case to you, it very well may be to the interviewer.

The watch should preferably with a leather strap which matches your shoes & belt. While a touch dated, no one will hold it against you if it has a metal band.

3) Shoes- I can't stress how important it is to wear nice, polished shoes. That are not box-toed. Statistically, it is the first thing that people notice. I have heard, on numerous occasions, a partner/directer/etc. mention how crummy a person's shoes are. I've yet to see any of those applicants return for a second interview.

For baller status- Get To Boot NY or Allen Edmunds. For the gentleman with a tighter budget, Bostonian or Johnston & Murphy will suffice. A general rule of thumb is it should not be worn to an interview if it does not have a leather outsole.

Cap-toes, wingtips, or perforated wingtips look great. I wouldn't recommend tassle loafers to anyone under 60.

4) Tie- Wearing a tie that matches the color of your shirt says you either don't care about putting yourself together, that your just clueless, or that you haven't upgraded your tastes and/or clothes since your HS prom.

That being said, the colors in your shirt/tie should be complimentary (not corollary) and conservative. I'll say it again- the colors should not match exactly or be different shades of the same color. It comes across as being lazy. Most people would generally recommend blue or white shirt/red tie because you really can't go wrong. Avoid yellow ties until you have the authority to hire or fire someone. Avoid pink ties and/or shirts, too, although they are fine once you have the job. Real men do wear pink.

Appropriate patterns would include college ties (these are two or three color diagonally striped ties, nothing to do with an actual college), neat patterns or nice, woven solids. Avoid ties that are fun or whimsical until you actually have the job. Don't wear a black tie. Avoid fat ties (too 90's) and skinny ties (too hipster).

If you're looking for the real ultimate swagger, rock a bow tie. We are in one of the few professions where it ok (lawyers, professors, or CPAs). A word to the wise- you'd better own it if you go down this road. Same color/pattern rules apply. Bows also look great with a vested suit. Beau Ties Ltd of Vermont makes a great bow. They'll even turn a neck tie into a bow for you.

A tie is really a cost effective area to splurge. Well made ties present extremely well and tie a neat and full knot effortlessly. Hickey Freeman and Ralph Lauren Black Label (not Polo) both make very well-made ties and can be found for somewhat reasonable prices if you shop around.

The tie knot should be a Four-In-Hand or something similar. The Windsors and fancy knots make you look douchey.

5) Overall Pattern Theory- One should strive to achieve an overall “balance” to their patterns.

A patterned suit (windowpain, glen plaid, pin stripes, chalk stripes, etc) should be discrete and should generally be accompanied by a solid shirt and a patterned tie. (Pattern-Plain-Pattern)

A more plain suit (solids, sharkskin, nail head) are traditionally accompanied by a patterned shirt and solid tie (Plain-Pattern-Plain). The more recent look is Plain suit, plain shirt, plain tie (Plain-plain-plain). The plain, plain plain look will make you look boring in business colors. Save Plain-Plain-Plain for the summer wedding where you can rock your cotton suit with a white shirt, navy tie, and aviators with a gin and tonic in your hand.

6) Socks- should be clean and unmemorable. Rocking out with your socks out (wearing loud socks) is for start-up employees and going to Atlantic City. I'm all about it, but don't wear loud socks to an interview.

7) Shirt- Should be professionally pressed and preferably be point-collar, possibly with a slight spread, but absolutely avoid a full-spread collar. I generally save the button down collars for when I'm wearing a tweed sport coat or the like. The collar is a not a deal breaker by any means (except full spread), but just a little polished presentation. Also, shirt should be coordinated with suit/tie selection. See No. 7.

Also, the shirt should be a standard barrel cuff, not french cuffs. We're accountants, not attorneys.

Brooks Brothers shirts are great, one of the best without going custom and can be reasonably priced (~$50) if you get them at an outlet.

8) Accessories & general- Leave the tie tacks, tie bars, tie clips, cufflinks, and pocket squares at home. I wouldn't wear, any jewelry except a wedding ring. Cover up an tattoos you have as best as possible or better yet, just don't have one.

In closing- With all the time you spend on your resume, and rehearing, prepared responses and networking, take an afternoon on the weekend paring different things up and trying them on. You may find that you get as much, if not more of a confidence boost from being well dressed than you do from being well prepared.

[philb]

I have a black suit and while I don't wear it as often as my grays or blues, I do use it on occasion. True, if you wear a black suit with a white shirt and black tie, yah you'll probably end up looking like this guy https://lastroadreviews.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/the-tall-man-phantasm_72278_97378.jpg but if you're wearing maybe a tasteful sky blue shirt with it, nice tie that matches, then you're looking pretty sharp. Black isn't my favorite suit to wear, but there is absolutely no reason to completely discount it from your wardrobe. Next time you're watching the news, or in a busy part of town around lunch time on a nice day, take stock of the men wearing suits. See what colors they're wearing, and what you think of them, and what you want yourself to look like.

[tomq04]

“I moved to Seattle so I would never have to wear a suit to an interview again.”

LOL!!

I'm in Spokane which is close enough, and grew up in the Tri-Cities a little ways south…i'm not sure the last time I SAW a suit!

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[MikeHoncho]

Wear a black suit and bring the interviewer a wrist corsage

Done: 5/22/14

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."
- Ernest Hemingway

[Author]

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