Friday, September 08, 2006

paging stacy and clinton

I have to say, the most (okay, only) enjoyable thing about OCI season are the students running around in suits. And by that, I mean sitting in the atrium making like Joan Rivers at the Emmy's and pointing out all of the fashion problems that I see. For example:

--The women who spent WAY too much money at the hair salon on what is obviously a dye job, and obviously a bad one at that. (Here's a hint: real hair is not black with maroon highlights.)

--The women who have absolutely no idea about what sort of shirt is appropriate to wear under a suit. Yes, the no-collar look is okay. HOWEVER, this does not mean that you can wear a t-shirt with a ruched neckline or a ribbed tank top that you picked up at Old Navy last weekend. Just because Sharon Stone wore a Gap t-shirt to the Oscars like, ten years ago, that doesn't mean that you should be wearing one to an interview. At least make it a sleeveless top in a poly-rayon blend.

--The shoes. If you can't walk in 'em, don't wear 'em. End of discussion. (Remember that episode of "House" where House refused to hire a woman who looked like her shoes were killing her? If you don't, Netflix it.)

--And while you're at it, make sure you look in a mirror before you leave the apartment. In fact, grab a friend - one who's brutally honest. Ask them if your suit fits properly. Nothing is sadder than someone in a suit that's a size too small.

--It's also a good idea if you turn on a light while getting dressed. I just received a phone call from someone who saw a man wearing brown shoes with a black suit - an error ten times more egregious than wearing brown shoes with a navy blue suit. Needless to say, I almost had a stroke after hearing that one.

Anyone else got a faux pas that they'd like to share with the class?

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11 Comments:

At 3:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dudes,

If you are going to wear that light blue shirt instead of the white one to differentiate yourself, you better seal off those sweat glands with super glue, or be extremely calm (yeah...).

If I noticed, so did your interviewer.

 
At 9:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

p-p-p-pink? I don't think so.

 
At 3:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

One word for the ladies: NYLONS. I don't care how good your spray tan is; you are not professional if you jam your sticky bare feet in a pair of pumps.

 
At 8:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ladies,

I have two words, supportive undergarments. There is no need for you to look like a snausage.

 
At 6:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"error ten times more egregious than wearing brown shoes with a navy blue suit"

I dunno. I've never gone for this look, but people have tried to convince me it is allowed. I don't buy it. My feeling is for men only black shoes work unless you're in a brown suit.

As for blue shirts, lots of antiperspirent plus an undershirt should do ya. Anything less is dumb.

 
At 11:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some basic helpful tips for the interview-attire-challenged (all web-derived), confiming and emphasizing some of the very good things already contributed:

Women

Solid color, conservative suit
Coordinated blouse
Moderate shoes
Limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Tan or light hosiery
Sparse make-up & little or no perfume
Manicured nails
Portfolio or briefcase

Men

Solid color, conservative suit
White long sleeve shirt
Conservative tie
Dark socks, professional shoes
Very limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Go easy on the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase

General rule of thumb: If you are primarily remembered for your interview attire, this is probably because you made an error in judgment!

 
At 12:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess it's easier to make fun of the people in suits than to actually get out there and interview for yourself.

 
At 4:09 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I didn't even think I would have to say this ladies, but open toed shoes are NEVER OKAY for an interview... unless you are interviewing at Hooters. Then they're okay. Oh, and your dirty wet toes peeking out are nasty on any occasion.

 
At 7:30 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous2 - Snap!

 
At 11:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have to agree about open toe shoes. That is sooooo a no-no. Also, what's with people wearing suits that look like fashion-suits out of the juniors section at Kohls? Oh whatever. I think people should continue wearing the most ridiculous outfits ever! Not only does it entertain me, but it probably increases my chances of getting a job. Am I evil for thinking that?

 
At 7:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My thought is that you're a serious law student interviewing for positions that in some cases will pay you in the summer over $2,000 per week and once done maybe result in an offer of employment greater than six figures. For pete's sake, buy at least one new suit tailored to fit you and some nice shoes to match. Heck if I'd hire you if you came in wearing brown shoes with a blue suit or rubber soled casual shoes or some of the cheap weird suits a few of the woman are showing up in.

If you don't have the money, at least credit card it. This is your future and they will compensate you later more than enough to pay it all back. Heck, some even give you a signing bonus. If you're borrowing for law school or putting all this effort into it, why would you cheap out on the effort for the big payoff at the end?

 

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