is it totally acceptable for a woman to wear a pant suit to an important job interview now?

Question

would it still be better if she still wore a jacket and matching skirt? clothing stores like Macey's have racks and racks of pant suits for women--more than of dresses.

Answer 1

Yes, it is totally acceptable.

Business casual attire for a female is considered:

Slacks (dress pants), skirts (mid-calf to about two inches above the knee), blouses, shells, cardigans, blazers, casual dresses
Appropriate Material/Fabric: Cotton, Khakis, Rayon, Polyester, Wool, etc. *Under no circumstances would Denim be considered appropriate for Business Casual.

Professional wear, also known as business attire, is a long lost art form that is seen only in the most formal of business environments. For a female this is considered:

Business Suit (pants are acceptable in a liberal atmosphere)
Slacks (or skirts) with coordinating blazer or sport coat
Business Dress
Pantyhose/Stockings
Dress Shoes (usually made of leather)
Appropriate Materials/Fabric: Cotton, Linen, Wool. When shopping, ask a sales person for help in deciding whether or not the material used is appropriate professional attire. *Stay away from colors that would be considered flashy or bright.

In the last two decades views have changed. Professional attire for a female includes a pant suit. Pin stripes are the most professional, but be sure the stripes are very thin and widely spaced.

Answer 2

I think it is acceptable. While job-searching not that long ago, I went on four interviews. I got 2 offers wearing a pant suit. I got one offer wearing a skirt, and did not get an offer wearing a skirt. (just to give you an example)

I think what is more important is how you feel. What makes you feel 'confident' walking into that interview. Also something to consider is the type of company it is. But how confident you feel is the most important factor, so only you can decide what you feel best in.

Answer 3

Of course. I haven't worn a dress or skirt to work for 30 years. A decent pants suit, or pants, sweater and a blazer are acceptable anywhere. I always wear a jacket. It looks professional.

Answer 4

It is completely acceptable, at least here in CA. Only a generation ago, women had to wear skirts, heels, and pantyhose for professional jobs. Now things are a lot more casual here. For an interview, slacks or a knee length skirt are both acceptable interview wear.

Answer 5

Of course it is okay. The most professional women today are wearing pant suits to their jobs and look very professional doing so! Go for it girl, and good luck at your interview!!!!

Answer 6

I wear suits like with a blazer and dress pants.

Answer 7

Yes, absolutely. I think whether it's a pant or skirt doesn't matter, just choose what looks best on you and what you are more comfortable wearing.

Answer 8

absolutely. pant suits are widely accepted and even in some cases expected. go for it. in fact suits altogether arent even expected sometimes. casual is beginning to be the new wave.

Answer 9

Totally acceptable.

Answer 10

Sorry, but you ladies have a better chance of getting the job with a skirt. No offense, but society just isn't ready yet to accept women as authoritative figures. I mean, just look at Hilary Clinton. No one knows what she is like in her personal life but people judge her as a tight ___ ***** right off the bat ONLY because she is a woman and she wants to be President.

Come to think of it, could you name one woman who is respected as an authority figure, but is deemed sexually or socially desirable by society? No.

I say this because I am reading about gender role expectations for one of my classes for which I have found that women who do not stick to their traditional roles are deemed generally less likeable than those who do. Less likeable = less likelihood of getting the job. Remember, you're applying for a job in Sales, retail of all places. No one will find a girl wearing a tux charming unless this is the 1950's and you're Shirley Temple. And even that was a little creepy to me.