Let me preface this by saying I live on Long Island. Things that are standard in the NYC area are not standard in some other parts of the country.
Around here, you interview for MANY professional positions in a suit. No questions asked.
And, as an aside, I frequently wear one to work as a teacher in a Catholic high school.
Just wanted to mention: if you’re in the market, I’ve just got one at JC Penneys… A LeSuit women’s pants suit, originally priced at $120, for $56. Men’s suits are also on sale. My husband wears either a suit or jacket and tie every single day, so he may order one or two.
A lot of our young teachers, the guys in particular, find it a huge expense at the start of their professional careers. Sales like this one can make a huge difference.
If you’ll need one in the spring, this might be a good time to go shopping. If you’re not sure, this is absolutely the time to determine what’s standard in your part of the country.