Interview Attire: Stripes

In our eBook on interview dressing etiquette, we make the recommendation to avoid striped suits. Many people have argued that they love wearing striped suits to interviews, and that they should be completely appropriate. For your interest, here are some further notes on wearing striped suits to interviews.

1. Remember that our eBook is merely providing a set of ideals. You should consider them as practical guidelines rather than do or die absolutes. While a striped suit might be a more risky choice than a solid toned suit, it can still be made to work. You must simply be aware of the image that you wish to convey and adjust your outfit accordingly.

2. Pinstriped suits generally are used to convey authority. Tighter, bolder stripe patterns are considered more flashy and fashion oriented. Younger interview candidates who wear boldly striped suits risk being perceived as arrogant. If you do choose to wear a striped suit, you can temper this effect by coordinating it with a very conservative shirt and tie. Try a pale blue shirt and a tie with a small, subtle repetitive pattern.

3. Not all striped suits are the same. A subtle, widely spaced pinstripe suit is preferable over tighter, bolder stripes. Follow the links below to see examples of three overly bold striped suits, and three "acceptable" striped suits.

Overly bold:
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts.asp?pid=1401
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts.asp?pid=1077#
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts.asp?pid=1402#

Acceptable:
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts.asp?pid=436
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts_sepa.asp?pid=1107
http://www.execstyle.com/Sproducts.asp?pid=1016#

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 4:14 PM