Interview Suit Shopping
 

I'm looking to buy two suits today. My primary is going to be solid navy blue. I'm undecided on my secondary. Would I get more use out of a charcoal suit or a black suit? This secondary suit will primarily be used on interviews that might have a second day to them. 2nd day at a job fair, etc.

Black is the traditional interview attire, especially in a conservative field such as aviation.

I would say charcoal unless you dont have a funeral/wedding suit. That being said, I have never interviewed at an airline.

I have a charcoal suit and love it. I also have a black one. I do not have a dark navy suit, and don't really care to go buy one.

I know of more than one person who's been hired at Delta that didn't have a dark navy blue suit with a solid red tie. Everyone gets hung up on the color of the suit for interviews.

Buy a suit that you love, have it tailored, get a nice tie that goes well with the suit and whatever dress shirt you like and get a nice pair of shoes. As long as you look good (aka: you look like you're worth $1millin) it's not going to matter in the end.

Charcoal. You'll enjoy wearing it more methinks.

I have two suits that I've used for work and social functions for the last few years. After getting hired and leaving the Air Force I haven't worn them once.

My advice is buy one suit. If you get a two day interview, change your shirt and tie and iron the suit. Save your money for the pay cut that is coming your way.

You'll get a million different opinions on color if you do buy the second, so I'll throw mine in the hat. Charcoal is more versatile, black is a bit conservative for most events. Or Black with a subtle pattern. I interviewed in Charcoal.

I second charcoal. It is very versatile. I have one with a modest, subdued pinstriping and it is my go-to suit. Make sure it is tailored (altered, not built from scratch) to fit your body and not "off the shelf". It makes a huge difference. Also second what is said above about only having one. You just aren't going to need it after you get hired. Nobody is going to care at a multi day interview as long as you change your shirt and tie. You will probably have your jacket off for half the day anyway.

Totally agree with Charcoal. But go to Mens Warehouse when they have the sale, Buy One Get One. Then get a Navy Suit. Cant go wrong with that.

I have 2 suits for interviews, 1 Charcoal, and 1 Charcoal with pinstripes. Both got me hired at different carriers. I don't think airlines are looking for people to fit in to their uniforms any more. They want to see someone professionally dressed. Hell, with the pinstripe suit I had a shirt that was very light shade of pink with a grey and pink plaid tie...Rocked it. I would say don't try to be too conservative or conventional, but don't try to stand out from the crowd. Find the median. And don't forget, anything Slim or Skinny will not work.

Good luck!

And there are plenty of reasons to use a suit after an interview. So might as well invest in one...That is my thought. Every once in a while I'll take the wife out, and we will both go Business Formal! It's always a good time!

Dark Navy Blue suit; White shirt; Solid or thin pin-striped Red Tie; Black Ecco shoes. Charcoal and/or Black suits are cliche and boring IMHO. Men's Warehouse highly recommend. I have used that combination for numerous aviation interviews throughout my career. Conservative and sharp looking!

I went to Mens Wearhouse yesterday and bought ONE dark navy suit, two shirts, and two ties. Since I wasn't interested in the buy one get one free, they gave me 40% off everything. I had heard mixed reviews on the quality of MW suits, so I asked to see their higher end suits. My bill was just over $700, so I decided to stop at one suit. I know I will probably only wear this thing for interviews and weddings, so no need for two. But thanks for all the replies.