Interview attire for women (Phoenix, Scottsdale: metro area, business, winter)

[Taratinaz]

I have a job interview with the City of Scottsdale, but because this is my first interview in this part of the country, I'm not sure what the protocol is for interview attire. Pants or skirt? Are nylons preferred? Are open toe shoes acceptable in the fall/winter?

[Renegade007]

People generally wear casual attire in the Phoenix metro area, but it certainly wouldn't hurt if you dressed up. Both pants and skirts are acceptable interview attire. Nylons? You mean women still wear those?!! I haven't seen a woman wearing nylons in years.

[Taratinaz]

Thank you! That was very helpful. I had two outfits picked out and was sooo glad I went with the more casual option. All three women interviewers were dressed in pants and loafers, and I would have looked ridiculous in East Coast corporate wear. And I'm lol'ing at your take on nylons! You may be right that no one wears them anymore. I haven't been on a job interview anywhere in 13 years so I'm totally out of touch on these things. I really appreciate your response!

[sexxxcblac]

^^^^^
I have a feeling you looked SHARP !
From your post I can tell you were clothed in humbleness. Those types are special.
And YOU have it !

[cactusland]

Originally Posted by Renegade007

Nylons? You mean women still wear those?!! I haven't seen a woman wearing nylons in years.

Constantly in the NE! It wouldn't be considered unusual at all there. Unusual here though. Completely different culture.

[WilmaWildcat]

Things have changed a lot since those Dress For Success books came out 30 years ago; I remember from the book that polls of interviewers recommended against even sleeveless attire for women everywhere -- except in New Orleans.

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by WilmaWildcat

Things have changed a lot since those Dress For Success books came out 30 years ago; I remember from the book that polls of interviewers recommended against even sleeveless attire for women everywhere -- except in New Orleans.

I believe that women are very aware of how to dress for different occasions. They observe. They talk to each other and are in tune with social norms. They're much better at it than men are.

[ScottsdaleMark]

Originally Posted by WilmaWildcat

Things have changed a lot since those Dress For Success books came out 30 years ago; I remember from the book that polls of interviewers recommended against even sleeveless attire for women everywhere -- except in New Orleans.

Haha, I love that -- they made an exception just for New Orleans? How odd. Why not Miami or Houston?

I think sleeveless would still be pretty uncommon for an interview, as I don't see it too much in a professional setting in everyday wear. I do occasionally see it but most people seem not to ever go sleeveless. A lot of short sleeves or cap sleeves, yes, absolutely, but not that many completely sleeveless tops/dresses. It's one of those interesting tipping points for business fashion, I guess.

I'm gauche anyway because I prefer short sleeves to long sleeves and I know the business fashion police thing anything but long sleeves is tacky. But I'll tell you, myself personally, I just like the look and feel of having my forearms free and since I'm not wearing a tie, I don't see why it's supposedly such a silly look to wear short sleeved shirts.

Everyone these days seems to roll up their long sleeves anyway, routinely and without regard to indoor/outdoor/weather, so I think I'll eventually be on the right side of history...maybe.

[nebulanut]

Well, certainly in AZ, no one wears them! It's far too hot here to wear them. :-)