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[in the midst]

Given the lively discussion regarding footwear (which I thoroughly enjoyed reading), I thought I would raise the general opinion of wearing jewelry at interviews.

My friends in the business world advise me to wear NO jewelry, except perhaps small, conservative earrings, a simple watch and my wedding ring (if I choose).  However, whenever I don this dull apparell, I bore myself to tears.  

So, frequently, I ignore their advice and instead fall back to my instincts and splash up my interview suit with some kind of tasteful "bling"; my favorite choice is one of my collection of vintage brooches.  I don't think I've gotten any strange looks and have actually gotten a few compliments in passing, which makes for easy small talk.  I highly doubt job offers will depend on this, but still, it seems a source of debate amongst my non-academic peers.

Anyhow, what is the consensus:  to bling or not to bling?  How much is too much "flair" for those of us who may be academics, but don't mind showing a little style.  Inquiring minds want to know.

[3rd generation edwardian]

My very proper grandmother used to pass on the no-doubt-at-least-Victorian-in-origin dictate that a proper lady gets dressed to go out by putting on just enough jewellery--and then taking one piece off.

If your tasteful "bling" feels like it creates a sum total that is less than you would wear if you weren't trying to be properly conservative, I say you're being the conservative version of yourself, and being yourself is still something you want to do at an interview, more or less, so go for it!!

[what not to wear]

That quote about taking one thing off actually comes from Coco Chanel, so it's not as Victorian as all that!

It depends on your discipline as to how much you can get away with. (I'm in the arts, so I probably have more leeway than the average scientist.) I think jewelry should attract people's interest but not be so mesmerizing that it distracts them from you. I use it for color and style to jazz up an otherwise traditional suit or interview outfit. I'm much more likely to wear something colorful but of a simple design than heavy gold bracelets, diamonds, or anything that looks like it came from QVC. (Pearls, however, are always elegant.) I'd rather see interesting colors and shapes than a lot of shiny metal.

I like the idea of heirloom pieces as conversation starters. Trendy pieces are hip and stylish, but I'd pick the most sophisticated version of whatever trend is popular. (None of those glittering metallic bags that were so popular last summer!) I'd also avoid any obviously religious jewelry, unless you're interviewing at a religiously-affiliated college of a comparable outlook. Coco has a point, though -- one piece too many looks cluttered, but one too few can come off as elegantly understated.

[%sig%]

[merce]

I don't dare wear jewelry that I can fiddle with when I'm going to give a talk or teach in front of SC.  TOnight however I wore a tasteful, Ireland inspired outfit-- tweed skirt and thick wool turtleneck -- but it had a punch as the color was purple and my right hand had a big fat pink "diamond" to help me articulate during dinner.

Tomorrow I teach for the SC so I'm wearing a fat gold broach that I will hopefully forget about and not fondle while teaching.

En gros, I guess I'd say consider the wardrobe mostly from the perspective of comfort given the sorts of things you'll have to do during an interview.  That is more important than the style factor which you should never change for anyone ever.

[%sig%]

[anonanon]

I love the brooch idea, and have worn one myself at interviews.  I found some official advice, which I'm including below.  I think that point about the noise your jewelry might make is key.  You don't want anything that might snag on your clothing or jingle in an irritating way.  I love scarves, myself, and have to make sure that I don't overdo it and look like I have a throat ailment, or like I'm wearing a sarape!



Accessories
Red is the best color for men's ties. Tie patterns should be subtle. Avoid patterns that are artsy, novel, or assymetrical. Small even patterns or stripes that coordinate with your suit will work best. The tip of the tie should barely touch the top of the belt buckle. Women's neckware is crucial: a broach, pearls, a pin, a rosette, a bow, or a tie.

Belts should match shoes. Black or cordovan (burgundy) leather is best for men and women. Also, navy, taupe, or deep brown for women. All leather accessories should match. Accessories to carry should be simple and compact. A leather folder, portfolio, or small clutch purse is enough. Bring a good quality pen. Do not carry a briefcase. Travel light.

Keep jewelry simple and to a minimum. One ring and a watch. The watch should be of good quality. Women's earrings should be a simple stud type. No dangling earrings or clanky bracelets.

Shoes and socks should coordinate with your suit. Women should select pump-style shoes with a 1 or 2 inch heel in a shade that coordinates with the suit. Women should always wear hosiery. Men should wear mid-calf or over-the-calf socks the color of the trousers.

[what not to wear]

This is not a small concern that takes away from the meat of the interview. Presentation is one of the most important aspects of the campus visit. Your choices of wardrobe, jewelry, etc. say as much about you as your job talk or teaching demo. Do you have personality? Are you comfortable in your own skin? Can you balance a necessary degree of conformity with individual expression? Does it look like you care about how you present yourself to the world? These are some of the most critical parts of the on-campus interview -- they're the things that it's impossible to see on paper and the things that help SC's decide whether you're someone they could spend the next 25 years with. Also, first impressions are very powerful -- impress someone at the beginning of an interview with a confident personality and they're much more likely to find the good in what you say rather than the mistakes.

Obviously, style is no substitute for substance. But when you're looking to stand out from others, and you're all wearing some version of the official academic interview uniform, it's nice to sneak some personality in there wherever you can. Planning for this is no less important than planning your small talk (and is often more genuine). Besides, it makes me feel like myself in the interview -- without it, I feel like I'm trying to be someone else, usually someone much less interesting.

In general I wish more women in academia took advantage of wardrobe options to express something about themselves. I'm much more interested in getting to know someone with a great sense of style than someone who walks around all day in an olive drab suit and sensible shoes. I know some schools and disciplines are quite conservative, and I know that some women in labs, for example, have to dress for practicality first and foremost -- but still I think there's got to be room for *some* improvement. Can't we be strong, powerful women who are intellectual equals to our male counterparts and still enjoy our bodies and our appearance for our own sakes?

Best of luck with the interview! Let us know how it goes.