MEN: Best Color Suit for Interview?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

Wondering what is the best men's suit color to wear to an RN interview at a hospital, a first interview at that (experienced nurse here but interviewing for a new specialty). I currently have a dark tan suit which I have worn to other interviews (with brown shoes and a well coordinated shirt and tie) but not sure if that has been considered too casual. I also have dark grey and navy blue suits but they no longer fit well so am opting to purchase a new one in one of these colors so I can wear black shoes which I already have. I am opposed to black suits, which remind me of morticians lol.

So I'm between grey and navy blue. Leaning towards the grey to avoid looking too severe with the navy. But I welcome your thoughts!

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Specializes in hospice.

Navy is more conservative and so probably the better choice, but dark grey is good too. Light grey would probably present the same problem as the tan in looking "too casual." But show some personality with a little flash of color, your tie and pocket square, for example. My husband found a cool website where you can learn all the different tie knots and ways to fold pocket squares, so you can use those to show a little personality too. A vest is a good choice for showing sine color, too. The color you choose for that might influence your choice of suit color too. For example, bright green, orange, or aqua would look awful with navy but fine with grey, whereas red with navy would be fine but with grey might leave you looking like PeeWee Herman.

Good luck.

PS hope you don't mind a woman answering, but I'm married to a fairly dapper and adventurous dresser who enjoys finding ways to express his uniqueness while still looking professional. :)

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

In my opinion, pretty much any solid colored (or pinstriped) suit would look fine. I don't see a tan suit as being too casual--and it certainly would not cost you a job. If you have a good looking suit, even if it is tan, no reason to buy another just for an interview. ("two cents" icon goes here :))

Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

Update: I've decided to go with a navy blue suit that I have already that just really needed some dry cleaning and that miraculously still fits. I will go and buy a new shirt and tie though for a new look (no white shirt though, I never likes that stark corporate look, probably light blue). In the event I need a 2nd interview, I will wear the dark tan one for variety. I would love to wear a dark grey one that I have but that one in no way fits me well anymore. Thanks for all your advice!!

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