Dressing for Job Success

the_syco

Saw this on another site: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/content/career-advice/job-hunting/how-to-dress-for-job-success.html?comp=1198882887570&rank=5

It may surprise you to learn that there are civilian "uniforms" too. You must learn what "uniform" will help you get that important job and fit in well in your new office. Follow these "Dress for Success" tips and learn how to dress like a pro.

It's an article with the USA in mind, but I was wondering if the following is true in any way over here;

The first rule is excellent quality. It must stand up to wear and tear. As a rule, a good suit from a reputable national clothing store or a department store such as Jos. A. Bank Clothiers should cost between $450 and $1000. "Designer" suits usually fall into the $500 - $1000 range. A designer label is not a priority when selecting a suit. (Moreover, you would not want to "outdress" the interviewer and look like you don't need the job.) Quality is your priority.

$450 is about €325 - would this be what is expected in the current climate? Last suit I got cost around the €200/€300 mark a few years ago.

Mr. Loverman

It depends on your industry.

I work in IT but I still wear an expensive suit/shirt/tie/shoes to formal events like interviews. Nice clothes make me feel great which I believe helps give me an edge (extra confidence, etc.)

Suit was around 700, shirt around 100, tie around 50, shoes around 300.

EDIT: Oh, and jacket was 800!

srsly78

Yeah it depends.

I felt like a right gob****e when I turned up for a gamedev interview wearing a suit. Interviewers were wearing Hawaiian shirts etc.

ongarboy

I don't understand why people need to fork out so much for suits they'll only wear on occasions like interviews etc. I work in finance where we have to wear suits everyday and I buy all my suits/shirts/ties in places like Zara, Next, Burtons and never pay more than 200 euro for a suit. They always look really well, fit well and do not look "cheap". I also get compliments about how well they look on me. I gaurantee you that your success in an interview will not be down to whether you paid 200 or 1000 euro for a suit. As long as it has the right fit and is clean (as well as polished shoes), you will not have a problem.

Mr. Loverman

Personally I think suits from high street stores look cheap. I can spot the difference. If you don't believe me go into a high end store like Lanvin and look at the materials used. There is a big difference.

I agree with your general point that you won't have a "problem" wearing a cheap suit. But having a great suit will impress the HR female (they're nearly always female, right?) and make you stand out from the crowd.

It goes without saying that you should only spend what you can afford.

peasant

Every male needs at least one good suit ...weddings, funerals, interviews; they all tend to pop up with some regularity.
I don't agree that you have to spend loads of money for a good one; 500 euro or less definitely sees you well dressed from collar to shoes and once you've stopped growing (both in height and width ) a good suit will last for years if you buy conservatively and not the latest fashion.

(HR people don't tend to inspect your suit for the makers' label )

On the other hand, there is nothing worse than a cheap suit. It has to fit well and be made out of decent material. People who don't usually wear suits (and thus don't usually buy them that often) are well advised not to buy off the peg in a department store but buy somewhere where a good and experienced salesperson can advise on fit and materials. This brings the price up a bit, but is worth it in the end. Just clearly state your budget at the beginning and don't be goaded into spending more than you can / want to.

Bandana boy

I always use a tailored suit for interviews ,I think it helps make a positive first impression.
It also helps if you use a decent tailor who can advise on a couple of shirts, ties ,cuff links and a belt that tie it all together.
Throw in the shoes and I would expect to be paying 1000-1400.

Might seem a lot ,but as a once of investment that can be reused for other formal events it really is not.

the_syco

I remember now: I bought my suit in Brown Thomas. Pretty sure it was "last years style" or something like that at the time. IMO, unless you'll be wearing it daily, I doubt anyone will know it was last years style.