The Classic Tailored Suit

A well-fitted suit is a timeless choice for interviews. Whether you're aspiring to become a nurse, a dental student, a resident, or an academic, a suit sets a professional tone. Opt for a classic black, navy, or charcoal gray suit. Ensure it's tailored to fit you perfectly. An ill-fitting, frumpy suit can be distracting and give the wrong impression.

Notes on color: Suit colors that are considered generally "safe" are classic black, dark gray, and navy.

For men:

• A tailored suit jacket and matching trousers
• A crisp, long-sleeved dress shirt in a neutral color like white or light blue
• A conservative tie in a subtle pattern or solid color
• Polished leather dress shoes in black or brown
• A matching leather belt
• Consider adding quirky cuff links, like tiny teeth or organs, depending on the field you're interviewing in. With a smaller scale, they'll add just enough pop without looking garish or gaudy.

For women:

• A tailored suit jacket with matching slacks or a skirt
• A blouse in a complementary color or a classic white
• Closed-toe pumps or low-heeled shoes (you may be touring a facility, so you'll want to be comfy)
• A belt that matches the suit or complements the blouse
• Keep jewelry minimal and subtle (more on this later)

Not-So-Basic Blouse

Your blouse or shirt choice can add a touch of personality to your interview outfit. While it's essential to choose a clean style overall, you can opt for a blouse or shirt with subtle details or a pop of color that reflects your individuality.

For men:

• Choose a well-fitted dress shirt in a solid color or subtle pattern, such as pin stripes.
• Consider a shirt with a slightly different collar style or cuff design to stand out subtly.
• Ensure your shirt is clean, neatly pressed, and tucked in.

For women:

• A classic blouse in a neutral color or if opting for color, choose a soft, muted variation of that hue. Ex: if choosing from the orange family, consider a light peach instead.
• Subtle patterns or textures like pin stripes or a plissé fabric.
• Pay attention to the neckline; avoid anything too low-cut or revealing. During winter seasons, mock neck tops can look really great accentuated with a necklace to give the illusion of length.
• Ensure your blouse is neatly tucked into your skirt or slacks. 

Simple Jewelry

Jewelry can be a beautiful way to enhance your appearance, but it's crucial to keep it minimal and tasteful for interviews.

For both men and women:

• Wear a wristwatch that is classic and not overly flashy.
• If you have pierced ears, opt for small, discreet earrings like our Basic Bezel Stud Earrings.
• One of our favorite rings is the Bandage Ring because of its subtlety. Its form mimics a classic Cigar Ring while also displaying details of a bandage.
• Avoid wearing too many rings or bracelets at a time, as they can be distracting and noisy during times where you're placing your hands down on a table, shaking others' hands, or speaking with any hand movement.
• For necklaces, choose a simple, tiny pendant on a Basic Chain.

The Brooch

A brooch or lapel pin can be a unique accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. It's subtle yet eye-catching and can be a great conversation starter during interviews.

For both men and women:

• Choose a brooch that is understated and complements your outfit's color scheme.
• Avoid flashy or oversized brooches that might distract from your overall appearance.
• Pin the brooch on your blazer lapel for a polished look.
• Keep it simple with one pin at a time. If you're on a long interview trail, consider wearing the same outfit with a new pin swapped for each interview to keep things feeling fresh.