Pocket squares to a job interview?

[Picasso]

Is it acceptable to wear a pocket square to a job interview?
I was thinking of a square fold in either white or pale pink.

 

[Bhowie]

What field? 99% of all jobs is a no.

 

[fcuknu]

Seriously, this forum is ridiculous. What is the person interviewing going to say to himself? Hmmm that guy is soooo pretentious because he sticks some silk or cotton in is breast pocket, we dont want his kind here. A suit is not complete without a handkerchief, wear it god damnit.

 

[scottlit]

I wouldn't. I normally wear one with my suit to work every day. BUT, when I went on an interview at a law firm the other day, skipped it. I wouldn't do anything fashion-wise that stands out at all (other than wearing a well-fitted suit, which these days _does_ stand out). I just wore a very dark charcoal effectively solid two-button suit (it has a very subtle sort of birdseye-ish texture to the weave that's only visible from close-up), white twill shirt, and navy blue striped tie. Black Allen Edmonds Weybridge's with a good shine on them. Show you look professional and then let it be about your qualifications for the job, not your wardrobe choices that day.

Of course, none of that goes I imagine if you're interviewing for a job in fashion. But in that case I can't imagine why you'd need to ask.

 

[fcuknu]

I dont get why you wouldn't want to stand out in an interview. It separates you from the rest.

 

[Dakota rube]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

Seriously, this forum is ridiculous. What is the person interviewing going to say to himself? Hmmm that guy is soooo pretentious because he sticks some silk or cotton in is breast pocket, we dont want his kind here. A suit is not complete without a handkerchief, wear it god damnit.
no ambiguity there.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

Seriously, this forum is ridiculous. What is the person interviewing going to say to himself? Hmmm that guy is soooo pretentious because he sticks some silk or cotton in is breast pocket, we dont want his kind here. A suit is not complete without a handkerchief, wear it god damnit.

+1, i cant think of how many formal business events, networking events, interviews and business meetings i've gone to, all with a pocket square.

Alot of business people wear pocket sqaures, so i really doubt you'd miss out on a job because of it, unless you were borderline unqualified, and not personable.

 

[Tiberias]

I think a pocket square is fine, but it should be subtle. Not one of the ridiculous flounces of bright color bursting free from the pocket; those have their place, just not an interview. My recommendation would be white linen carefully folded with just a hint showing above the pocket. Completes the suit without drawing undue attention to itself.

 

[NH_Clark]

Originally Posted by Tiberias

I think a pocket square is fine, but it should be subtle. Not one of the ridiculous flounces of bright color bursting free from the pocket; those have their place, just not an interview. My recommendation would be white linen carefully folded with just a hint showing above the pocket. Completes the suit without drawing undue attention to itself.

+1

 

[Tiberias]

Originally Posted by fcuknu

I dont get why you wouldn't want to stand out in an interview. It separates you from the rest.

You want them to notice you, not your clothes. I'm not against details like the pocket square as I just mentioned, but they should not draw attention to themselves. The outfit should be subtle, conservative, and coordinated; and some details like cuff links or pocket squares are fine, but they really have to quietly blend with the rest of the outfit rather than announce their presence.

 

[fcuknu]

I guess Im too gaudy for finance.... Ill stay in fashion.

 

[embowafa]

I'm with Skinny and fcuknu.....I see no problem with it. TV Fold only, of course.

 

[fcuknu]

I say puff hard or go hard. Purple and fuscia polka dots.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by Picasso

Is it acceptable to wear a pocket square to a job interview?
I was thinking of a square fold in either white or pale pink.

If you normally wear a pocket square I can't see any reason why you shouldn't wear one to an interview. I have seen people discuss the same issue with cuff links, and in my opinion, the overall look of your outfit, your attitude, posture and how you carry yourself is more important than any specific detail.

If it feels natural for you to wear a pocket square it will probably also look natural, and the interviewer(s) won't think anything of it. I'd say the same for a cane, a waistcoat, a hat or a pocket watch, if that was your style.

It's amazing how some people manage to make even the most formal of outfits look casual, comfortable and natural on them. If you are one of those people, I don't know, so you will have to decide for yourself, but in the end I think it's about how you feel about what you're wearing and how you present yourself that matters, not exactly what you are--or are not--wearing.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by Tiberias

You want them to notice you, not your clothes. [...]

Isn't what we wear a reflection of who we are? If not, I think you are deceiving people, even if only just a little bit.