I had no idea...neck ties...and interview clothes.

[mjr]

I had no idea there were so many ways to tie a necktie. I saw a website that showed 4 ways, then I found another that showed two more...

Like the Eldredge Knot, the Trinity Knot, and the familiar Half/Full Windsors, the Four In Hand, and Pratt Knots.

I am trying to figure out what I need to go along with my suit, for interviews and other "formal" style occasions.

I'm wondering if a bolo tie is appropriate in lieu of a regular necktie, in a "business" type setting. Same with "roper" style boots.

And what about accessories? I've heard a watch should be stylish but understated, but I've been thinking about buying myself a pocket watch, too. I think that might come off as a little "ridiculous" or "weird" if I did that, though.

A friend of mine recommended for interviews a blue (probably light blue) shirt, and dark blue tie, and my black suit, and black shoes. Surprisingly, he told me NOT to wear a red necktie.

But even then, I'm wondering if I can get away with roper-style boots if they're black, polished, and shiny.

I've been wanting a pair of Ropers anyway...

I don't think I'm going to look into buying bowties. I think I'd look goofy in one, unless I was actually wearing a tuxedo.

[EricKei]

Bolo -- Not unless they greet you with "YEE-HAW! Welcome ta ____, parnder!" when you walk in the door, no. Ixnay on the owtieb-way, as well.

Just do a Windsor knot for your tie. Traditional, accepted everywhere, easy to learn and easy to do.

Red tie over blue -- Stands out. REALLY depends on the place. If you were interviewing at Google? Sure. Most places, or if you're unsure? Go with plain navy blue or black. Looks nice with the blue/black ensemble you mentioned.

Moderately-sized boots are generally OK as long as they're one solid color, just not those knee-high filigreed (fake?) leather gator (etc) boot monstrosities. ^_^

This one's a tip from a teacher in a Public Speaking class I once took -- we had a week on interviews. She recommended no more than ten bits of jewelry/bling, total. The fewer, the better. Eyeglasses, a pair of earrings, or a pair of noticeable boots count as two each. A tie, a watch, a ring -- each count as one. Any more than that tends to get distracting for the interviewer/party or meeting associate, and may come across as gauche, or as if you're trying to look "fancy."

Most places frown upon facial/non-ear piercings of any kind during the interview, and may not want them on the job itself. Visible tats count, too, so wear long sleeves if you're inked, for some reason, you weren't planning to anyway

[mjr]

Yeah, the boots would just be basic, black Ropers. They're usually only 10" tall, so that shouldn't be an issue.

As far as jewelry/accessories, I might wear my glasses. I can see well enough without them that I don't need to wear them 99% of the time. Otherwise, it would probably be just a watch and my wedding ring.

I don't have any piercings or tattoos, so that shouldn't be an issue.

[Aislin]

Other than my wedding my husband always wears a bolo tie to formal events... But he is Native American...

[dalesys]

... my wedding ...

It wasn't his too???

[csquared]

I would only were the bolo if your entire attire is western, suit included. And of course, you would were the boots, and a proper hat.

There is a problem though. Unless you are interviewing someplace in Texas, you may come across as somewhat of a caricature.

As for the boots in general, if they are not gaudy, and they are clean and polished, go for it. I would wear my dress boots. They are Stingray.

As for the rest of your attire, the opinions vary greatly. A lot depends on the industry. If you are going for an accounting position, it would not hurt to be ultra conservative. However, if you are a fashion designer...

If I remember correctly, you are in IT, application development. Keep the suit basic, gray or dark blue. Go bright with the tie. Add a mathematical or engineering flare, like an Esher or Frank Loyd Wright pattern (bought my FIL this tie while at Taliesin the other day).

As for knots...
I am 6'4" with a 19" neck. If I tied a Single Windsor in a TALL tie, it would end above my belly button. That is why I use the Pratt-Shelby (and I now know the name of the knot!)

[Deserted]

In boot camp, we had a thing that showed something like 20 different ways to tie a tie. (Navy and knots, go figure.) I don't know why they bothered with that, because there were only 2 acceptable ways, I believe windsor and half-windsor.

Personally, I go with clip-ons any more. Yes, I also own a number of "normal" ties, but why should I bother with that when I don't really care?

[csquared]

And I did stumble across this when I was looking for the name of the knot I use.

The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie: The Science and Aesthetics of Tie Knots

[mjr]

There is a problem though. Unless you are interviewing someplace in Texas, you may come across as somewhat of a caricature.

As for the boots in general, if they are not gaudy, and they are clean and polished, go for it. I would wear my dress boots. They are Stingray.

I am in Texas. These are the boots I'd wear:

Justin 3133 Ropers

If I remember correctly, you are in IT, application development. Keep the suit basic, gray or dark blue. Go bright with the tie. Add a mathematical or engineering flare, like an Esher or Frank Loyd Wright pattern (bought my FIL this tie while at Taliesin the other day).

This is interesting. I've also heard that I should stick with a blue tie and lighter blue shirt, but I forget the exact reason why.

As for knots...
I am 6'4" with a 19" neck. If I tied a Single Windsor in a TALL tie, it would end above my belly button. That is why I use the Pratt-Shelby (and I now know the name of the knot!)

I think I'm gonna stick with the "main four" (Pratt-Shelby, Half Windsor/Double Windsor, and four In hand). I showed my wife a few others the other day, and she said they looked like the person wearing them would be a "fop" or a "dandy".

[csquared]

This is interesting. I've also heard that I should stick with a blue tie and lighter blue shirt, but I forget the exact reason why.

Sorry. I should have explained my reasoning.

First off, this is my personal opinion. I would be totally shocked if nobody on this sight disagrees with me. Also remember, my advice is free and worth every penny. So with that...

Conservative vs. Flamboyant
For the type of work you do, you need to show both.

They are probably not going to want a complete rebel. They will want someone who will follow the rules/procedures/standards. That is what a dark suite will represent.

They will also want someone who will look at things from a different view. Think outside the box. Embrace chance/new technology. Question the standards with a view on improving. That is what a bright colored tie represent.

By adding artwork that is mathematics based, your showing your fondness for structured logic. I know how much you like mathematics, and hopefully this won't be overlooked by your interviewer.

And while I did not mention the shirt before, you will want something that is an appropriate background for the tie.

Now, I am not picking on accountants here. I have a degree in Accounting. Accountants follow rules. Creative accounting gets you in trouble with the SEC and the IRS. If you were applying for an accounting position, wear a blue shirt and a blue tie. If you are applying at IBM, blue suite, white shirt, blue tie (although that is probably an anachronism).

[EricKei]

Well, IBM would love that, it's in their company colors