Interview suit?

[Boyington]

I was always told to wear black shoes with a navy suit when you are being paid, brown when you are not.

Military, police, fire, pilots all wear black shoes. If you want to look like a cop, wear blue and black.

The one exception to "always wear brown shoes unless wearing a black suit" would be when wearing a charcoal suit. I have seen very stylish people wear brown shoes with charcoal, but I think it looks tacky.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

It really depends on the color of the charcoal and the color of the brown. I usually wear brown with charcoal, and it looks far superior to black, in my opinion. But it has to be the right colors. Generally, the darker the charcoal, the darker the shade of brown. When it doubt, go darker.

 

[Matt13C]

I have no clue what those terms even mean. I think its totally absurd how much time and money people spend on fashion, particularly when a pilot will be wearing a uniform that is determined by the company.

I do think that having a applicant wear the uniform that he is currently using at least is relevant.

OTOH, while I don't care one bit how much money you spent on your suit, I do care that it is clean and worn properly.

A good, well made suit is less about fashion and more about practicality. (I am far from fashionable) Sure, you can go out and buy a super slim fit suit, with pants hemmed so high you see your sock, suspender loops and a slim knit tie, that's a fashion statement. In two years, it's rags or worn as a joke on Halloween. But I am talking about a traditional charcoal, navy or even black suit, single breasted, with a normal lapel, tailored but not super slim, easy on the shoulder pads, flat front pant, with about a half break. That suit, by itself, can last 10-20 years if cared for. Sure styles will change, lapels get wider or skinnier, pleated pants come into fashion for some reason, but that suit will never feel out of place. New shirt and tie with shined shoes and you'll look just as good as everyone else in the room, if not better. Assuming you don't tack on 40lbs, of course.

You don't need to spend thousands, find a good sale at one of the nicer stores, a good suit at Brooks Brothers can be had for under 700, even made to measure can be had for under a thousand.

Are you at delta?

No, simply saying if you are interviewing at Delta, you should be at a point in your career where you can afford a nice suit.

While that certainly is one way to go, and it doesn't hurt to own a suit like that for other occasions, it's not 100% necessary. What Delta is looking for is that you are capable of some thought and attention to detail. Wear a clean pressed suit, ironed at a minimum shirt and shined shoes with matching belt. You don't need to show up in sartorial splendor, but at least make it look like you gave it some thought beforehand.

Of course, I was simply commenting on ATN's comment about fit over color. I completely agree, it's far better to show up looking tidy than to show up in an oversized wrinkly Brioni suit with dirty shoes.

If you're lucky enough to fit into the predetermined sizes, you can find a decent fitting suit at many places, even Men's Waerhouse.

 

[Matt13C]

I was always told to wear black shoes with a navy suit when you are being paid, brown when you are not.

Military, police, fire, pilots all wear black shoes. If you want to look like a cop, wear blue and black.

The one exception to "always wear brown shoes unless wearing a black suit" would be when wearing a charcoal suit. I have seen very stylish people wear brown shoes with charcoal, but I think it looks tacky.

Throw a tan shoe on with charcoal, looks really nice and not tacky at all. That's sharkskin, so not true charcoal, but even with a darker gray, I think it looks great. Shows a bit of of personality, but not screaming "Hey, look at me". but I guess as others have already said, when in the cockpit, it's all about conformity, so it might be safer to just go black shoes.

 

[USMCmech]

I own one Navy blue suit that I bought from Dillard's four years ago. I've worn it to one wedding, one funeral, and one airline interview since then. BTW, the interviewer was wearing khakis and a polo.

I am talking about a traditional charcoal, navy or even black suit, single breasted, with a normal lapel, tailored but not super slim, easy on the shoulder pads, flat front pant, with about a half break.

Again, you are describing the rules of cricket to a baseball guy. I have a vauge awareness of what some of those terms mean, but I really don't care. I'm slightly color blind, so I can't even tell the difference between Navy and Black. Wearing a suit actually makes me feel uncomfortable socially because it is so outside my normal wardrobe that it is effectively a costume. I'm OK with business casual, but that's about as dressy as I ever get.

Give me a uniform to wear, and I will wear it in a professional manner just like I did in the Marine Corps. Ask me about whether I think tan dress shoes are appropriate with a dark color suit, and you might as well be asking my dog.

 

[SpiraMirabilis]

If your main goal is to make an impression and be remembered I recommend a Birthday suit!

 

[grkero]

When it doubt, go darker.

Once you go black...

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

"and you may ask yourself..."

Seriously, get a dark, tailored (fitted?) suit.

Dress well, perform well, you'll exude confidence and you'll have a better chance of setting a great first impression, especially compared to the guy with the too-long khahkis and the coat he bought from the thrift shop.

It's an interview. You have one chance to make a professional impression.

It doesn't matter how you feel, looks do matter during an interview.

True, but know the company. If one walks in with a suit to a VX interview, it'll be already overdressed and going to look out of place. Here, it's open collared dress shirt with slacks, and a sports jacket at most.

 

[AAPalmTree]

No, simply saying if you are interviewing at Delta, you should be at a point in your career where you can afford a nice suit.

Have a few buddies at DL that were broke as a joke when they interviewed and did not have nice suits. I asked if you were at DL because a having legacy interview may seem like you need to have perfect everything.. Not the case. Make sure you have a suit that fits and looks good but its really not necessary to spend 1K+ on a suit.

 

[ozziecat35]

Throw a tan shoe on with charcoal, looks really nice and not tacky at all. That's sharkskin, so not true charcoal, but even with a darker gray, I think it looks great. Shows a bit of of personality, but not screaming "Hey, look at me". but I guess as others have already said, when in the cockpit, it's all about conformity, so it might be safer to just go black shoes.

Agreed, while I dislike black shoes, they do help with the whole conforming aspect...That being said, if it's my choice, I'm having fun, I do so through my socks;

 

[nodaysoff]

For a regional interview, with less than 1 week's notice would it be better to show up in a poorly fitting (too big) suit, or slacks, shirt and tie?

 

[Boyington]

For a regional interview, with less than 1 week's notice would it be better to show up in a poorly fitting (too big) suit, or slacks, shirt and tie?

Any chance you have a blazer to throw over it at least?

 

[nodaysoff]

I have black slacks, and either a black corduroy blazer or a tweed(wish) sport coat. I can't imagine either looking too hot

 

[ComplexHiAv8r]

How poorly fitting? I would recommend the suit, and see if there is anything you can do to help fix the fit issue. You get it at a Men's Warehouse or a place that might be able to take it in (or out) some?

 

[Cptnchia]

I have black slacks, and either a black corduroy blazer or a tweed(wish) sport coat. I can't imagine either looking too hot

Try hitting up your local Good Will or second hand store. You might could find a nice sports coat that fits.

 

[USMCmech]

For a regional interview, with less than 1 week's notice would it be better to show up in a poorly fitting (too big) suit, or slacks, shirt and tie?

Surely there is a JCPenny you can find between now and the morning of the interview. I don't think ANY regional is in a position to be critical of the style of an applicant's suit.

Again, I don't put much stock in the importance of the style of the suit, but it is the costume you are expected to wear.

 

[chrisreedrules]

Since I've been interviewing lately (and consider myself a sharp dressed man), here are a few tips to help you not look like a fool:

Don't wear a bow tie... Just... Just don't.

A pocket square is silly. This isn't a dinner party.

Be sure not to tuck your shirt into your boxers (yea I saw this recently).

Don't wear a striped shirt with a striped tie. It clashes.

Don't wear polka dots. Not on your shirt, tie or socks.

While on the topic of socks, don't wear a crazy pattern or funky color.

Shoes: polished black. Don't wear a patent leather.

My usual attire: Dark blue tailored suit, plain white shirt, light blue tie with a suttle pattern (nothing too bold as to be distracting though), and black business dress shoes.

 

[nodaysoff]

Thanks for the advice, I am headed to a tailor right now to see what can be done. Otherwise I'll hit up a department store and thrift shop or two.

 

[Matt13C]

Since I've been interviewing lately (and consider myself a sharp dressed man), here are a few tips to help you not look like a fool:

Don't wear a bow tie... Just... Just don't.

A pocket square is silly. This isn't a dinner party.

Be sure not to tuck your shirt into your boxers (yea I saw this recently).

Don't wear a striped shirt with a striped tie. It clashes.

Don't wear polka dots. Not on your shirt, tie or socks.

While on the topic of socks, don't wear a crazy pattern or funky color.

Shoes: polished black. Don't wear a patent leather.

My usual attire: Dark blue tailored suit, plain white shirt, light blue tie with a suttle pattern (nothing too bold as to be distracting though), and black business dress shoes.

I take issue with the two bold statements!

A striped shirt and tie can look fantastic, if paired correctly. You can't do the same weight, thickness, direction or dominant color, which can make it difficult. However, if done right, it can add a nice visual element while not being overly bold. Although, you can certainly make it very bold, if desired. My favorite, is a gingham check with a bold striped tie that pulls out the least visible color in the shirt. it can completely change the look of the shirt.

Nice, conservative, possible airline appropriate, striped combo.

I know where you're going with the socks, they are the latest fad. but nothing wrong with having some fun with them! You do need to make sure they coordinate though.

 

[Cptnchia]

I take issue with the two bold statements!

A striped shirt and tie can look fantastic, if paired correctly. You can't do the same weight, thickness, direction or dominant color, which can make it difficult. However, if done right, it can add a nice visual element while not being overly bold. Although, you can certainly make it very bold, if desired. My favorite, is a gingham check with a bold striped tie that pulls out the least visible color in the shirt. it can completely change the look of the shirt.

Nice, conservative, possible airline appropriate, striped combo.

I know where you're going with the socks, they are the latest fad. but nothing wrong with having some fun with them! You do need to make sure they coordinate though.

And they say haberdashery is a lost art!