Sources:
- Suit: BR
- Shirt: BR
- Tie: J.crew
- Shoes: BR
- Belt: J.crew
- Pocketsquare: Brooks brothers
Endnotes:
Hello All, It has been a long time since I first graced Academichic. In light of all the recent discussion on interview attire, there have been some requests to address men’s apparel as well. In fact, I feel as though I have been slowly wrestling with these issues myself. Recently, A. and I traveled to New York to attend our annual art history conference to network, listen to some talks and most importantly scope out the scene of the job market lions den. As expected nearly all the candidates wore black or grey suits, men usually opting for solid patterns and underwhelming colors. This got me thinking, and I have therefore put together what I believe is a classic, yet attention getting interview outfit. Instead of a black or gray suit I decided on navy. Navy is as classic as black yet not as severe. In other words you don’t look like you are going to a funeral. I also find that a black suit is often the first suit a guy will purchase and therefore when worn often looks as though you rarely ever wear a suit. I think that by choosing navy you appear as though you wear suits often and not just for a job interview. As for the jacket, I choose a double vent, which is another deviation from the typical American suit. Double vents are common in European cuts and tend to fall better on the back. What I love about this suit our its added details. The worsted wool fabric adds a subtle texture and pattern that attracts the eye. The peaked lapel is slightly more dramatic and formal, however the stitched edge tones these qualities down. Lastly, I decided upon a three-button jacket as opposed to a two button. I am lightly shorter in stature and I felt as though the three-button added extra shape to the waist that in the end elongates my torso, thus giving the appearance I am taller.
Underneath I choose a lavender French cuff shirt and navy tie. If I have not already expressed my love for purple especially for men, well let me just say it is perhaps the best color and is also very big this spring. This color combination with the suit is relatively demure however, the hint of color from the shirt makes, everything including me, stand out.
I finished the look off with a linen pocket square, casual leather belt and brown leather wingtips. These details make all the difference.
Lastly, remember that you can use your suit separates for different outfits. Whether teaching or for less formal interview. I am interview for a PhD program later this week and will be wearing my new suit pants with a white shirt, purple tie and purple cardigan, a slightly more casual look than the job market attire.
J: Banana Republic Interview Suit, originally uploaded by academichic.
You look very stylish, and I agree that navy (or grey) suits look great on men and perhaps less somber. I wouldn’t be critical of a black suit on a job candidate, though. The truth is most academics (unless they’ve jumped into administration) only wear suits for interviews and the occasional conference.
I loved this site, but a whole week of shilling for Banana Republic is kind of ridiculous. I want to see your personal styles, not look at a week long advertisement. One day would have been fine, but this is Day 4 and it is really becoming tiresome. Maybe I will be back next week.
You will probably be one of the best dressed candidates. :) It is nice to see people put in the effort, though.
I love the brown belt and shoes with this color scheme–you look great! Always good to see the male perspective here :-)
Appreciation for this inofrmtaoin is over 9000-thank you!
[...] didn’t really think to capture what was under his regalia. He wore the pants and shirt from his Banana Republic interview suit with owl cuff-links and a purple and fuchsia bow tie, which happened to match his celebratory drink [...]