Where should I buy my interview clothes?

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I'm pretty clueless about this because as most new nurses, I have not been interviewed for a "professional" position thus far. I wore casual wear for my current non-professional position.

In Nursing school, I heard is good to invest in professional looking clothes. I know I should wear dress pants and a blouse. My question is wear do I invest for this clothing, Nordstrom? The clothes there are pretty expensive, and I really do not want to invest that much, but if I must, then I guess I'll have to, but can interviewers even tell if is brand clothing and is that what they want to see?

Would JcPenney or forever 21 be good other options too? Do you guys have any other suggestions and their price ranges. Thank you very much

p.s. I do not have an interview scheduled anywhere yet, but I want to get ready in case if one pops up soon :)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The clothes do not have to be expensive -- just "professional looking." Nordstrom is a nice store, but as you point out, it IS expensive. If their prices are above your budget, a place such as JC Penny would be just fine.

I do suggest though, that you go into some of the more expensive stores and study the clothes there. Look at the styling, the fit, the fabric, etc. Try a few things on. Train your eye to appreciate the difference between "better quality" clothes and "cheap stuff." Sometimes, the clothes in less expensive clothes look "cheap" because of their style, materials, and how they are made. You want to avoid those clothes. Sometimes, the clothes in less expenses stores look just as nice and professional as things that are much more expensive. Those are the ones you want to buy.

Also, go into some of the more expensive stores and see what's on sale. You might get lucky. I buy a lot of stuff at the better stores on sale. I rarely pay full price unless it is inexpensive to begin with.

Another tip is to avoid styles that are super trendy. Don't waste your money on things that will scream 2013! next year. Invest your money in clothes that are more classic and that will still be appropriate a couple of years from now. Today's "hot new trend" will be out of style tomorrow. The great classic looks never go out of style. Buying the classics is how you build up a good wardrobe over time for minimal money. I refer to them as "clothes I can count on." (For example: a well-fitting pair of nice black trousers -- or a nice skirt in a color such as black, gray, or navy -- a plain pair of low-heeled black pumps.) Then add a few inexpensive trendy things to update those classics.

I've lost a lot of weight over the past couple of years -- and the fact that I can once again wear my old clothes from 10-20 years ago is saving me a ton of money. Just last weekend I was rummaging through some old things I had packed away years ago and found some great skirts that I got from my mother -- when she died in 2002. I wore one this week and got lots of compliments on it. Thanks, Mom! :)

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Have you tried express or the limited? They have nice dress pants and blouses and often have sales of 40 percent off which is when I usually pick things up.

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Oh or banana republic!

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My recommendations would be:

1. Shop the sales! I got a a knee length skirt and matching suit jacket at Talbot's for under $50. Good quality and didn't break the bank.

2. Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Ross. At these stores you have a good chance of getting high quality, professional clothing for a good price.

3. I would avoid a store like Forever 21. If the store isn't geared towards making nice, professional, clothing then odds are that what you could buy there won't fit that criteria. You would probably have a better chance at Banana Republic or Ann Taylor.

4. If you have outlets near you then there might be some good options there.

5. Good luck! and good plan to be prepared! Don't forget to make sure you have a good pair of comfortable shoes to go with your outfit. I know after my interview I got a tour of all the peds units and we probably walked at least a mile.

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Thank you all very much, I will try Banana Republic one of these days, those other stores mentioned, I don't have locally.

Anyways, thanks for all the help, and for those that shop in Nordstrom, they currently have a sale, I just got some non-interview clothes from there, and yes, the prices are not bad when on sale, lol.

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Ahh tj maxx or Marshall's they are way cheaper than everything else that ppl listed

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I saw business suits at Walmart. They have nice stuff.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I know my response is late but:

Express!!! tried and true.

a little bit of money but nothing in comparison to the overall investment in your career.

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I was able to get a nice pair of black business slacks and a blazer at Target. The blazer was a bit pricey at $35 but it has a bit of stretch to it so I didn't need to tailor it in any way. I also took out the shoulder pads very easily (ugh lol).

The pants I brought into the local dry cleaner and had them hemmed (I think that's how you spell it) to fit with the cute flats I bought for business purposes. They hemmed and steamed them for only $8.

This may be off topic a bit but when I have my suit on I feel extra powerful and sexy, which extra confidence is great for interviews!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.

We had to wear business attire for the pinning ceremony. I chose a classic business style pencil skirt, a tailored blazer, a pair of black flats and black leather pumps.

I wore the skirt, blazer and pumps to my pinning, my first interview and two more interviews all in the past six years.

One post here mentioned not going trendy and this is so true.

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