The Return of the Interview Suit

[Nancy]

"THIS is possibly a bad moment to bring up a 1959 film called “The Best of Everything.” But, oh, was that a glorious period for the interview suit. It’s hard to imagine rejecting Hope Lange for a job when she walked into 375 Park Avenue, and the breeze caught her cuffed navy jacket, revealing a flash of its polka-dot lining and a smart blouse that matched her cream hat.

“Working Girl,” in 1988, reflected another moment for the interview suit, appropriately enough during the pinnacle of the broad-shouldered, brightly colored power suit, when Elie Tahari and Jones New York were staples of a career woman’s wardrobe.

It was so much simpler then."

Rest of article here:

The Return of the Interview Suit


After I finish my current class in Ethics, I will earn a degree in General Studies. I know that the company I work for won't appreciate the fact that I will have a degree, so unless I look elsewhere, I'll likely be stuck in the same position and my degree will be useless.

I haven't been on a job interview in 15 years and am not sure what is considered acceptable as far as appropriate interview attire.

I've not worn a skirt in over 20 years, much preferring the comfort and gender neutrality of pants. I also don't wear a stitch of makeup and keep my fingernails short and unpainted.

I would appreciate comments from everyone, especially if you are a hiring manager. Does it make a difference if a woman wears a skirt suit or a pant suit to an interview?

[Red]

I suppose I would have to ask: which country are you referencing?

As a business owner with employees, I am more concerned with a person's abilities and personality than I am to whether a woman wears a pant or skirt suit. I do think it can indicate aspects of their personality, yet not because it might indicate "traditional" thinking because I know a number of neo-Renaissance Goth women who only wear skirts and they are very gender open. If a woman did wear a skirt, I might ask why though I wouldn't compell them to answer. If I did hire them, later, I would certainly do so.

[Nancy]

Thanks for your comments, Red. The article is written from a US perspective, but I'd be interested in "dress codes" of other countries as well. Even within the US, I imagine business dress codes are different, depending on the nature of the business, climate, or area (urban, small town).

I conducted a random survey of male managers where I work and all felt that it makes no difference what a woman wears, as long as it is appropriate for the type of work environment.

I had the same discussion with my husband and he felt that pants are too casual for a job interview. I wonder if his views are representative of European or Polish men.

[Red]

I never did any hiring in Berlin in a business environment, but I observed than around slightly more than half of women wore pant suits than otherwise. It really depended upon the profession. Maybe the weather played a factor as well, as strange as that might seem, but since a lot of people use public transportation in going to work, which might include riding a bicycle to a station, skirts are less of a comfortable option.