What Type of Interview Suit to Wear?

[vhoffman]

It looks like my dh is about to be laid off. We are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. A piece of advice I read elsewhere that makes sense--get an interview suit ready. Only thing is, he doesn't even own a suit that fits, and its really not worth altering. Guess the best thing to do is to get a new one now. The last time he interviewed was over 8 years ago and I'm sure things have changed by now. What type of suit would be best for him?

He's 53, a senior computer engineer, and would by applying for jobs at the senior management level. Of course, I realize a good business suit is the thing, just what type? His last suit was a gray pinstripe, What's "in" for these type of interviews now?

I want to get him outfitted now to be ready to take advantage of any offers, and so I can do some bargain shopping, not to have to spend big bucks at the last minute. He's getting his resume ready, etc. We are also getting our finances in order. What else can we do but hope for the best? Well, any advice on suits appreciated!

 

[LaraK]

Sorry to hear about DH! My DH was just laid off in January (he is also a System's Manager). He was advised to go for a classic charcoal/black suit with a white shirt and a couple of tie options (solid colors). It took DH about 5 months to get a new position, but now he's back to khakis and polos and the suit is back in the closet.

My DH went to a good suit store to purchase it, as he hoped it was the last he had to buy for the forseeable future (because it's so neutral, it will work for weddings, funerals, etc...)

Hope this helps (and HANG IN THERE!)

 

[vhoffman]

Just charcoal/black--no pinstripes? I don't want him to look dated--thanks for the advice!

 

[LaraK]

Just charcoal/black--no pinstripes? I don't want him to look dated--thanks for the advice!

DH didn't have any pinstripes...he called it his "Men in Black" look...and he looked GOOD!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

My DH also had a charcoal-colored suit and crisp white shirt for his interviews, but wore ties with a small pattern. And did he ever look hot! There is something about a man in a suit.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Pinstripes are not really hot at the moment. (but still can work if you find the right cut/fit at a good price)

A really good charchol (dark) grey is your best bet.

White is good but a light blue can also look very polished. It should be a dress shirt though not casual fabric (no patterns)

 

[welovedis]

Charcoal, black or a dark mini-check is what was recommended for men during a business network meeting I attended recently.

Some places here like Men's Warehouse offer some decent suits starting at $99, but if he'd wear it more often you are better off spending more.

Solid shirts with small patterns or designs on the tie would be appropriate.

And I'm sure I don't need to mention dark socks and polished shoes!

 

[NotUrsula]

Most folks will tell you that if it is the only suit you own, it should be black. However, full black can be a tough look to pull off for an interview; you don't want to look like you think it is a funeral. Personally, I would suggest a charcoal. No patterns or visible stripes, but a subtle figure to the weave can be nice and prevent the suit from looking shiny under harsh office lighting. (A woven stripe you can discern from 6 inches away is fine, but one that you can see from 6 ft. away is probably not best.)

Stick with single breasted. If he wants to look younger, the best style is a soft-shouldered 3 button jacket with a medium-high gorge and no vents. Flat-front trousers. If he wants more traditional, go with 2 buttons and a double vent. Single vents almost never flatter. Some shoulder pad is OK, but really hard shoulders are out right now. If he really must have pleats in the trouser, single only, no double pleats. Probably best to steer away from cuffed trousers.

The shirt collar matters. A button-down is actually considered a bit casual. A straight collar will make the face look a bit thinner, while a spread collar will help soften a pointy chin. The knot in the tie needs to be adjusted to fit the spread in the collar, a spread collar needs a wider knot.

I recommend having the suit properly tailored, by a tailor, not just altered by the store. It will cost about $50 to have it done, but it is very worth it, because a properly tailored suit will be much more comfortable, which will lessen the stress.

 

[scouthawkk]

Very sorry to hear about DH's job! I was in your shoes a little over a month ago. Only we had no notice when DH was let go. He has a black suit and a charcoal one. Both are single breasted. While he doesn't wear bright/bold color shirts and ties, he isn't afraid of color. No patterns on his shirts, but subtle ones on his ties. He also likes non button down collars, but gets the kind that you can use the stays in the corners. Makes them look a little sharper.

If you have a Khols near you, they have really good deals on suits and such right now (last day is Saturday). Good luck! It is though, I know!

 

[vhoffman]

Thanks for all the suggestions--I'll try Men's Wearhouse and Kohl's.