next »

[kd2972]

I feel like we see this topic all too often on these boards, but I have searched and cannot find an answer to my situation.

In 3 to 4 weeks, I will have a campus interview in a hot location.  It's already been in the 80s in the state, so it could easily be in the mid 80s to low 90s when I interview.  I currently have a nice black suit with a silk shirt that I would normally wear, but I wonder if it's appropriate for such warm weather?  I am female, but I don't think I'd be comfortable in a skirt.  Should I look for another suit in a lighter color, or do you think this will be okay?  I'm not sure if I will be willing to take the coat off--the shirt is flimsy fabric.

Thank you for any advice!

[bio_prof_]

I'm in the deep south, kd, and I suggest you wear what you are most comfortable in. No one here wants to be outside when its is Bloody Hot and Bloody Humid, so we all live in the air-conditioned indoors. Some of the indoors reach icebox temperatures. My presumption is they will keep you indoors as much as possible to avoid going out themselves, and you should be good to go in your suit.

The possible exception is the campus tour... this is likely to be short if it is BH/BH as well.   Can you replace the shirt with another that you'd feel comfortable wearing without a jacket?

And good luck on the interview!

[postmodern]

I am from the south originally too, and light-colored "spring" suits are very common there. If your interview is indeed in the south or SE, here is just an observation: I've lived in several areas of the country and the south/ SE does tend to be more formal than say, California. Make sure that whatever you wear looks professional and that you are comfortable in it.

[gra_gra]

I live in an area such as this. Silk is hot, at least I am hot in silk clothing. You might consider a different kind of shell (linen gets frumpy, too) that you can wear w/o your jacket a nice cotton or one of those wrinkle-free blouses might be good. Layering is key in the summer where the AC is cold inside and the weather is hot outside.

Good Luck!

[illuminata]

As a floridian, I have to chime in here:

If you *want* to get a lighter colored suit, that's fine, but if it's a stretch for the budget, don't. We wear dark colors here all year.

However, you might want to look for a top you can wear sans jacket. Most likely, you'll be going from HOT outside (I think it's around 90 today) to COLD indoor AC. Rinse, repeat. Avoid hose like a plague.

[bio_prof_]

Avoid hose like a plague.

Which, actually, I find good advice in any case.

[kd2972]

OK, I think I will go for a different shirt or shell but keep the suit; being ABD and having a child in daycare does keep the budget rather tight! 

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions!  This was very helpful.

[ttreject]

I think that you should wear what you are comfortable in.
I sometimes think that others ore so worried about how they look that they do not even look at me.
Also, If it is too hot you can take your Jacket off.

[abdbiz]

When i first moved to the south, i was shocked by ho cold the buildings were. be ready for the 85F to 65F change

[porcupine]

abdbiz is right - it is often boiling outside and freezing inside down here. Definitely go for comfort.

I'd wear a dark-colored or patterned shirt/top in case you have to go on a campus tour in 90 degree heat - I find that this is the best choice for stopping the inevitable sweaty patches from showing up too badly (plus it is really embarrassing if your shirt suddenly becomes see-through). Definitely avoid hose or anything with a high synthetic content. Also, if you have something that's comparatively loose-fitting but still smart, that's usually a good choice. I'd also suggest making sure you wear comfortable shoes with socks so you avoid blisters if you have to walk a long way outside in the heat.

But do take a warm jacket that you can wear inside. It's awfully distracting to be shivering throughout an interview.

Good luck!

[minor_t]

The dark pants suit is fine, but not the silk.  I suggest a cotton shell, and you can find an inexpensive one in the color you want.  There are lots of threads about clothing on the fora, and I suggest you check them.  They suggest things such as bringing extra tops, wearing comfortable shoes, changes for evening, etc.

Good luck!  Hope it works out well for you.

[kd2972]

Thanks, everyone!  I found out my interview is actually 2 full days long, so now I have to figure out a second outfit now.  Thank goodness for the fora!

[goingcrazy]

I'm in Florida also and I would suggest wearing the suit that you discuss but wear a sleeveless shirt underneath (I like to wear "shells" that are part of a cardigan set alone because it is so hot here). You probably will be inside a lot but you want to be able to take off your jacket and not be self conscious.

[shemsheli2]

Should I look for another suit in a lighter color, or do you think this will be okay?  I'm not sure if I will be willing to take the coat off--the shirt is flimsy fabric.

Get another shirt to wear under the suit.  I find that knit looks less sweaty than woven shirts.

SS