Suit up! An academic job market women’s suit for under $100

If you’re on the academic job market this year and looking for female job interview attire, I found you a good one today! A follower alerted me to this under-$100 suit that comes in petite, tall, AND plus sizes…

The find!!!

This Old Navy suit retails for about $50 per piece (jacket, pants), but you would be a fool ever to buy Old Navy full price. What truly makes this a grad student-friendly budget find is their frequent sales. If you try it on in store, always check the online price and ask for a price match! The sales also rotate and are typically better on weekends.

You could also put this super-sale bodysuit under it for a fuss-free interview top!

Sizing

I find Old Navy runs large, in general, but I would always size up in their Taylor pants. One of the best features is that they have an adjustable button inside to cinch the waist! So go a bit bigger so the pleats lay nicely, and then you can adjust the waist as needed.

This jacket is quite roomy–I love the oversized cut as a tall person and chose the medium tall–but if I were petite I would likely choose the petite sizing and size down one.

Tailoring length is the easiest, cheapest alteration. Check the fit to ensure there is no pulling across the hips, and the shoulder seams lay nicely on your shoulders. From there, I would rather tailor the waist and the sleeve/pant length to get the perfect cut!

Do I really need a suit for academic campus visits?

This varies a bit by field, but in general, the academic job market is still more formal than you might think. Like yes, you might be in a full suit presenting your research to a dude in cargo shorts. When in doubt, always ask several professors in your field, and note what job interview candidates have come to your campus wearing, if possible!

I also have a $10 e-guide to women’s clothing on the academic job market! It includes info about suits, packing, bags, and thrifting academic attire! 🙂

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