It’s academic job market season, which means you might be wearing blazers, and in need of tops that go nicely with a suit! Here are some good options
Ok, no, I would not wear a tee and chambray shirt under a blazer on an academic campus visit, but I am not in that position right now. But! I do remember how annoying finding shirts was–you need a shirt that doesn’t gape at the buttons, that feels secure when tucked in, and that allows you some range of movement. So let’s start with…
Button downs that don’t suck
This gap button down is soft, slim fitting, and secretly a bodysuit. Plus, it comes in tall and petite size!
A silk button down is easy to tuck in, plus the sheen is a nice, polished touch. This one is machine washable.
I wore this shirt on day 2 of all my campus visits when I didn’t need a blazer, it made me feel professional enough to go without one!
BTW, I recommend this undershirt with any button down, because nervous sweat is real! It’s a bit spendy but will save your blazers and shirts. Go for the cropped one, it’s one less layer to tuck in.
Personality tops
I definitely recommend you wear an actual suit to academic job interviews. You will probably be overdressed compared to the rest of the department, but some people have old school opinions about these things, and I was in the business of controlling the controllables in an unpredictable job market. But if a traditional suit makes you feel kind of boring, I think your shirt can be a place to let your personality shine through!
A bright turtleneck would be fun if you’re going somewhere with winter temperatures!
I love an abstract print! So much so that I found you 2 options.
Got any more work shirts that you think fit the bill? Please share!
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Hi, just want to say I love your blog so much! I’m on the academic job market this year in stem, and your posts were so helpful in figuring out my bulletproof job talk fit. Thanks so much for doing what you do!
My job talk look hasn’t included a blazer (couldn’t ever feel like myself in one, they’re not that common in my field) but similar overall look: black high rise slacks, blouse, and an ever-so-slightly-cropped black cardi. I realize it’s basically my everyday most confident look, but fancy mode, and I’m low key obsessed 🙂 served me through 2 campus interviews and more to come!
That is so awesome! Thanks for reading the blog and I hope the interviews continue to go awesome!!! 🙂
Thank you so much for making this blog! I’ve got my first ever 2-day on campus interview coming up, and I was really lost about what to wear under my suit jacket. That silk shirt up there looked gorgeous, so I’m putting in my order for one right now! 🙂
Thank you for reading! I hope the interview goes well!!!