Interview appropriate? Opinions needed please

[A~L~B]

I am having a wardrobe crisis. Are bare arms completely inappropriate for interviewing? Here is a link to a suit I have...

Macy's Cap sleeve bow jacket

It looks polished and professional to me but I still am leaning toward my other outfit choice. It isn't a suit but a skirt and jacket. For this one I would be wearing a sleeveless shell underneath.

I would greatly appreciate any opinions.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Between the top being sleeveless and the plunging neck line -- I wouldn't wear it to an interview. But I naturally tend to air on the side of dressing conservatively even in day to day activities, so.

[mangopeach]

Without even clicking, (Sorry, don't like clicking links on message boards) I would say that sleeveless would not be appropriate.

By the way, I know that funds might be tight for some of us - If you have Ross Stores in your neck of the woods, I have found nice cheap suits there. Even name brands at discount prices. I picked up 2 suits there for what I would have paid for 1 at a dept store.

[A~L~B]

Thank you! The one I have isn't exactly like the one pictured so no plunging neckline. But the sleeveless just feels inappropriate to me. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.

Budget is most definitely an issue. The Ross stores in my area are generally a disaster but I may try it tomorrow. Thank you for the suggestion.

[mangopeach]

Yes, some Ross Stores are better than others indeed. The one I went to had Calvin Klein and Nine West suits and others, incredibly marked down. I've also seen a few nice pieces at Marshall's at good prices. Sizes are usually limited though. At least the one I go to. But worth a try also.

[Rednights]

No ... from a dude ... if you get what i mean =)

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Some cultures deeply frown on the shoulders (and knees) not being covered. So, in case someone who interviews you is of one of those cultures, you never know what subconscious thinking might be in his or her head. I'd say go for sleeves and cover your knees. I'm glad you said you're wearing a tank. That jacket's neckline without a tank would be a no-no.

[bayareastudent0711]

Burlingame if you have one. and JC Penney actually has some nice suit separates. I wore this khaki pants once, and someone thought it was from banana republic! Also, H&M has some nice blazers to pair. and you can never go wrong with a collared button up shirt. =) good luck!

[pamelalayn]

Forget it. Buy a pair of dress pants and dress shirt buttoned up.

[CrazierThanYou]

Forget it. Buy a pair of dress pants and dress shirt buttoned up.

I second that.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

IMO, while that suit is very lovely, it's not interview-approprate. For a very informal day at the office or going to a cocktail hour, it's great. For a job interview, no. You need something with sleeves and a little less décolletage (chest).

You have good taste though :)

[A~L~B]

I ended up going to Marshall's finding a classic black suit on a major clearance. Problem solved :)