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The interview suit: advice needed! (K/R)

May 3, 2015

I have an interview for a faculty job next month. I'm going to wear a suit for the first day. I have a lovely Club Monaco black wool suit that has appeared on YLF before, but when I tried it on a few weeks ago, disaster! The pants were too small and the blazer is getting a bit tight.

So I started an orgy of pants-shopping. Then I tried the first pants on again yesterday, and they fit! I hope that persists for another month.

Now I have a few other options that I wanted opinions on, plus fit and length questions about the original pants. Everything is solid black, so in a few cases I adjusted the photos to make details more visible. I will probably wear my LD Tuttle ankle-strap d'orsay flats that are roughly the same as the shoes I'm wearing here.

1-4: Beloved old suit. Club Monaco "Abbie" blazer and "Meredith" pants. The pants are a touch tight in the butt but my boyfriend thinks they look perfectly work-appropriate. Do you agree? Should I shorten them? They were meant to be ankle length but I think this might be ok as is. The blazer probably looks better unbuttoned, as it's getting a tiny bit tight, now that I look at these photos. A shame, because until recently it was a fantastic fit.

5-9: Alice + Olivia "Anders" high-waisted wool slacks. I love the proportions on my waist, but I don't know about the length (should I alter them?) and the topheavy shape doesn't go as well with the long blazer. Keep or return? For the interview? For other use? I rarely wear wool slacks to work, but these are so nice.

10-12: These had such potential, but I think they're a no. Alice + Olivia "Arthur" pleated silk slacks. They're lovely, and I thought they'd be an interesting soft contrast to the blazer. I was all set to buy them from Saks when I found a pair used at Crossroads for $30! They're a 2, my size in all my other A+O pants, but in the photos I realize I'm swimming in them. Probably not worth buying the size down ($$$) for the interview, right?

13-14: A wildcard that will probably be returned: Theyskens' Theory silk blazer. Identical to a different wool blazer that I (and shedev) own, but somehow more fitted. Ignore the pants here. They were summarily rejected.

I also have to decide what to wear for the second day of the interview, and I have a few other wildcard options for either day. I also have two styles of Everlane wool slacks arriving tonight. But, I am leaning towards the original suit pants after all, unless I re-gain a few pounds before June.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

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Posted in the Dressing category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

14 Comments

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    I LOVE the high waisted trousers - #6. So vertically flattering, fashionable and regal. Length is good with high vamped black shoes - which is your preference anyway. 

    It's fine with the long blazer, although a shorter one would be a better proportional fit to my eye. 

  • replied 8 years ago

    As soon as I saw the high waisted A&O 'Anders' trousers, I thought 'PERFECT', good length, not sloppy at all--very clean, and flattering on you. They also work with your CM suit jacket, for work, evenings w/a great heel, dressed down w/a denim button down or a tee and leather kicks! KEEPER!

  • Dee replied 8 years ago

    Congrats on getting an interview! Hopefully you won't be too hot in your suit if it's not until June.

    I also like the high waisted trousers but your original pants don't seem too tight either. So you might be able to wait and see if you are more comfortable in a few weeks? The length on both is great. And I agree the last pair is much too big on you.

  • Olivegreen replied 8 years ago

    All the pants seem fine to me. The Theory blazer seems to have a higher stance and fits your proportions better. I like the shoes, a lot.
    For the second day or for any additional meet and greet, a skirt might be fun, and a pair of plain low pumps will get you through a lot.
    With the hair carrying the message, everything else can be quite plain and simple, and you will look fab. Seems like that is your inclination anyway. Good luck, and remember to really interview them, too :-)

  • Elle replied 8 years ago

    Congratulations on the interview!

    Both the old suit and the A&O pants (plus jacket) look good and professional on you.  I don't think the old pants are too tight in the rear. So I would go with whichever outfit makes you feel more comfortable and confident.  Good luck

  • Ariadne replied 8 years ago

    I am in love with the A&O wool pants.  Fine with your blazer.  

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

    The original fit pants and jacket seem fine to me. I also like the jacket in 13/14

  • replied 8 years ago

    I like the jacket you started with but I like the Alice and Olivia Anders pants much better. They look like they just plain fit better in every way and they're prettier too.
    The Arthurs are too baggy.
    I don't love the Theory jacket, I think the low stance drags you down.

  • Lucy replied 8 years ago

    Congrats on the interview! So great to get so far in the process. 

    I think the original suit looks lovely, and I also love the new high waisted pants. The suit doesn't look too small in these photos. 
    All I would suggest for the second day is that the outfit is not too close to the first day - in my experience, many academics (especially the men!) have limited fashion vision, and you don't want them to think you are wearing the same outfit twice!!! 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Congrats on the interview and the new high waisted black pants! ;) 

    I also think the existing suit works well and with this little boost of inspiration will likely fit more smoothly in a month's time. 

  • Greyscale replied 8 years ago

    Thanks, Angie! And thanks to all of you!

    The unanimous vote for the high-waisted pants surprised me in a good way. I didn't feel able to judge them for myself, so all your positive responses were really informative.

    I do slightly prefer the original pants with the suit because the fabric matches exactly. I'll think it through. I'm leaning towards keeping the high-waisted pants even if I don't wear them with the suit. Maybe they'd be good on the second day.

    I often have trouble finding tops to wear with high-waisted pants - but I'm sure I can manage that. Do you think the pants would work with this awesome Banana Republic top I'm eyeing? I tried it on yesterday and with my long torso, it's definitely cropped. Maybe not for the interview, but in general.

  • Greyscale replied 8 years ago

    Too funny - I just realized that I'd pinned a look with high waisted slacks and a cropped blouse just like that but in white. Maybe I should go for white instead.
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514536326154019894/

    The blouse in the pin is obviously not for interviews. ;-)

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    YES, I know that BR shirt - it's a top pick. I had to pass on it myself because the smallest size overwhelmed my narrow shoulder line. I can live vicariously through you. 

  • Greyscale replied 8 years ago

    The shirt is on its way to me! I have to get used to the shape and volume but I think you're right that my wide shoulders will make it work.

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