Wherever you are in your journey in medicine, developing a professional wardrobe is something you should do sooner than later. From interviews to clinical encounters, you’ll find yourself in business causal attire often (especially during your 3rd-4th year of medical school)! In this post, I’ll be sharing where I like to shop for my professional clothes as well as a few links to some of the items I own/love!
My favorite stores to shop at
- Express
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Nordstrom
- Banana Republic
- Lulu’s
- Loft
- H&M
- Ann Taylor
- Zara
Blouses
A few solid blouses are essential for your professional wardrobe! Stick to versatile styles and prints since you’ll be wearing these often!
Blazers
Blazers are perfect for research conferences, and interviews! I also love wearing them with jeans to dress up an outfit! Here are some of my favorites!
Sweaters
A must for fall! Pair them with some slacks and a belt, and you’re good to go!
Pants
I usually get my pants from Express or Nordstorm. The ones I wear the most are the “Mid Rise Supersoft Barely Boot Columnist Pant” (last image below)! I have them in a 00 Petite. Since I’m short, I got the legs hemmed which cost me $5-10.
Belts
Classic black belts that level up your outfit AND go with everything are a must!
Dresses
Dresses are my go-to for any easy outfit or when it’s warm out! I really love sheath dresses from Express and Macy’s. You can usually find them on a huge sale during holidays (usually 50% off)! They’re versatile and just makes picking out an outfit so easy! Make sure you have a few go-to dresses in your wardrobe!
Skirts
Another great outfit for when it’s warm out! These are also great for interviews (when not virtual) and research conferences!
Flats
Flats are essential for long days on the wards or in the clinic. I tend to invest a little more in my flats since I want them to be extra comfy! The worst thing is having to worry about your feet hurting throughout the day! My favorite brands are Birdies and Sam Edelmen. I was gifted a pair of Tory Burch flats, which are also one of the most comfortable flats I own (but they’re super $$!)! I’ll link so other ones from Nordstrom’s that I love!
Use my referral link for $20 off a pair of birdies! I have the Starling in Latte Suede and Cheetah. They run true to size!
Other shoes!
This is not part of my business causal attire, but thought I’d list it here since I use them a lot in med school. For clinical rotation, I really love wearing my Dansko clogs! I have two pairs. One is the XP 2.0 and the other Professional in Honey Distress (in wide). The professional style is more comfortable than the XP 2.0! I recommend getting 0.5 size up and getting then in wide, if that’s an available option! If you’re not a clog person, running shoes are a great option! I usually go for the Nike Pegasus, Nike Free Runs, or Adidas Swift Run Sneaker. Get them dark color since you may get some blood/gunk on it!
Happy shopping!
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