I rarely get to wear a suit, but I've recently had the opportunity for New Year's and an interview. Suiting up for a party is a whole lot different than professionally. I’ll focus on how to suit up professionally in this post with a few do’s and don’ts.
An interview is no place to show off your fashion sense. The focus should be on professionalism and showing that you can fit in but at the same time stand out and bring something to the table. For these reasons, the best colors are white, blue, and black.
The big key to a suit is that it has to look as though it was fitted for no one else but you. No matter the brand or price point, most suits have to be tailored. IT'S THE FIT, NOT THE BRAND.
::Top::
The shoulders should not go past your natural shoulder line. Modern fits use high arm holes. This does two things:
(1) elongate the torso and (2) define your silhouette more.
The shirt sleeve should fall where your wrists dent in. The coat sleeve should be about 1/2" to 1" shorter than the shirt.
::Don'ts::
At the interview, I saw one person button every single button. Never button the last button, no matter if it is a two button or three button suit. Letting it flow creates the "V" silhouette.
At the New Year's party, I'm not sure if the guy didn't know or didn't notice, but he left the stitching that held the back vents together. Always take the stitching off the vents.
::Color::
Remember, an interview is no place to flaunt your fashion sense. Think simple, yet powerful. You want to show that you understand professionalism, but can still think outside the box.
Stick to black or dark blue suits. Stay away from flat black, you're not going to a funeral.
For the tie, I went with a dark grey. I didn't go with black because I'd look like the Blues Brothers. Invest in a quality folio. You want a place to keep your resume if needed.
::Pants::
For a modern fit, tell your tailor you want little to no break in your hem. You don't want your pants bunching up at the bottom, nor do you want them hiding your shoes. It looks clumsy and unfinished.
Caring about your look shows you will care about your work.
::Wardrobe::
Suit: Alfani
Shirt: Ben Sherman
Tie: J Crew
Shoes: Boss by Hugo Boss
Bag: Jack Spade
Folio: Coach
Tie Bar: The Tie Bar
