What clothes to bring with me to interviews on the east coast?

[hello! :)]

What kind of clothes should I bring with me to my east coast interviews? (All in February) I have no idea what to expect because I've been spoiled by the nice Californian sun. The programs I've applied to are all pretty casual, so I'm thinking a nice peacoat, scarves, and dark jeans or some type of nice pants... Do I need special shoes for the cold? Can I wear my converses or will my toes fall off? Anything I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[Tall Chai Latte]

It depends on where you are on the east coast. I wear converse all the time even when the temperature is in mid 40s, It's not a problem for me, but it might be cold for you (I'm from mid-Atlantic region). We do snow on the east coast during February, and don't wear converse when it snows! you could slip and fall (personal experience here).

[eklavya]

Converse is fine, if you prefer it that way. And not like you will be out in the cold all day - interviews, fooding, touring the facility, etc are all indoors. If they take you out on a walk around campus and/or the town, it's not going to be for couple of hours either. So, you'll be fine. Just make sure you wear full sleeved clothes and keep your hands in the pockets!

[hello! :)]

hmm.. how about the New England area?

[hedgequant]

I used to travel to NE all the time for work, and the main thing I can say is that whatever shoes you bring, be prepared (if it is wintry mix/snow/sleet/rain weather) to have them beat up or ruined by the slush...i/e I wouldnt buy a brand new pair of shoes in anticipation

If you plan on walking around yourself, in a casual manner...good gloves and a beanie/toboggan will work wonders for your ears and fingers

[Tall Chai Latte]

I used to travel to NE all the time for work, and the main thing I can say is that whatever shoes you bring, be prepared (if it is wintry mix/snow/sleet/rain weather) to have them beat up or ruined by the slush...i/e I wouldnt buy a brand new pair of shoes in anticipation

If you plan on walking around yourself, in a casual manner...good gloves and a beanie/toboggan will work wonders for your ears and fingers

Yes, second that. Now that I've moved to the great lakes area for school, The North Face is officially my favorite brand...

[rising_star]

I would wear waterproof shoes, in case there's snow, slush, or ice that you have to walk through. It would be awful to be sitting through an interview with wet feet (plus, you're far more likely to get sick if you stay wet). And I second the advice not to wear new shoes because the salt used on sidewalks and roads can ruin them. For clothes, I'd bring a pair of dress slacks for the interview day and dark jeans for the other times. It always pays to look a bit nice for an interview, in part because your appearance affects your attitude.

Definitely bring gloves, a winter jacket (wool is good), a hat, a scarf, and some accessories so you can dress outfits up or down as you move through the day or to take an outfit from day to evening. I'd wear/pack in layers, so that you can remove and add things as necessary to adjust to the temperature.

[hello! :)]

Thanks all! I guess that means no converses then.. unless I want wet toes.

[-Star-]

I know it's kind of late but,

We (the northern east coast) have gotten a lot of snow recently (this winter). It is very snowy and/or very slushy depending on the exact area. The places I have asked about interview attire have suggested boots and possibly indoor shoes to change into if you'd like.

I would at least go with waterproof shoes.

G'luck!!

[ksycho]

I am interviewing at Boston in mid-March and am in the same situation as you!! The interview is only one day though but I don't know what to bring with me/wear there either. It probably won't be snowing anymore though, right?

[ksycho]

[quote name=hello! ' timestamp='1293593146' post='173042]

What kind of clothes should I bring with me to my east coast interviews? (All in February) I have no idea what to expect because I've been spoiled by the nice Californian sun. The programs I've applied to are all pretty casual, so I'm thinking a nice peacoat, scarves, and dark jeans or some type of nice pants... Do I need special shoes for the cold? Can I wear my converses or will my toes fall off? Anything I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[eco_env]

I am interviewing at Boston in mid-March and am in the same situation as you!! The interview is only one day though but I don't know what to bring with me/wear there either. It probably won't be snowing anymore though, right?

you never know- it might snow. just wait until a few days before and see, but be prepared to bring boots or at least sensible shoes, a warm coat, etc.

[Eme19]

I live in Boston and it snows in March, and even April. And even if it's not snowing chances are it's frigid outside. You definitely need a coat and dress in layers. Also you would probably do a lot of walking so make sure your shoes are comfortable. I interviewed at Tufts and it was pretty casual. Most people were in khakis/dress pants and sweaters, and 2 in jeans. But when I interviewed at Northwestern, pretty much everyone was in suits. I think the NE and west coast is much more casual than the rest of the country but don't hold me to that, that's just been my feeling.