interview clothes - help needed!!

[scotsgirl23]

I need help!

I'm currently applying for graduate jobs in big firms - accounting, banking, etc. I've recently had a baby, and still carrying extra weight, so there is no chance my trusty black suit will fit. Even at normal size I really struggle to find suits to fit my shape - think it will be super tricky now!

So, can you please suggest some interview outfits? Would a smart dress rather than a suit be total suicide?

Ok, my shape.....
Small shoulders
narrow back
big of nork - around a 30hh, getting fitted again as a priority lol.
smallish waist compared to my....
huge hips
Post c-section baby tummy
heavy thighs
quite nice legs

sizewise - varies hugely! probably a 14ish in dresses and jackets, same for skirts unless they are super fitted. Jackets rarely fit both boobs and waist, and Trousers are my nemesis - my thighs don't get on with them, only really get away with very wide legs, and I have a major hatred for my tummy so probably need an 18 to avoid looking like an overstuffed sausage.

I generally suit stuff that's nipped at the waist but looser/a-line over the hips and thighs

Help me please!! Links would be appreciated.

[notyummy]

I think you could possibly get away with with a dress - but it would probably have to be with a matching jacket over it. Accountancy/banking are pretty 'corporate' tbh, and would probably expect a suit at interview even if you didn't wear one to work everyday.

Budget?

[notyummy]

Something like this and this although I don't actually think they are a perfect match.

[notyummy]

Or this. Jigsaw generally cut for curvier people.

this is one of their jackets - there are matching trousers and skirts.

[scotsgirl23]

I Like the jaegar dress - I don't think the jigsaw one would work on my shape unfortunately. It's quite straight and would probably hang off my top half then bag around the waist.

It's quite difficult - I would rather wear a suit (or dress and matching jacket) but I look absolutely terrible in ill fitting clothes, and it's something I always notice on other people. Am I better wearing a not terribly well fitting suit, or a nice black/grey dress that's still smart (covers all appropriate areas etc) but actually fits?!

ARGH

Budget.....erm.....I'm on maternity leave from my day job, so quite poor, but my credit card is currently cowering in my pocket in anticipation!! Probably around £200, but I'm not sure what's realistic and it's not worth spoiling my chance of a decent job for £50 upfront!

[FairyMum]

I would go to debehams. They do nice suits and its not expensive. If you get the job you dont want to blow your budget on one suit as you might have to buy quite a lot of new clothes. I would invest in a really nice pair of shoes and handbag.

[scotsgirl23]

thankfully shoes and handbags are not a problem- I already work for a big company and have a fairly smart wardrobe, just not quite interview smart -especially that fits me post baby. Most of the companies I am applying for seem to be business casual for their normal dress, which is fine - it's just the blasted interview outfit.

Thankfully jobs wouldn't start til september so plenty of time to shrink myself back in to my wardrobe.

[notyummy]

Perhaps try somewhere with a stylist? I think some Debenhams and John Lewis have them. Explain exactly what you need and I am sure they could help!

[KristinaM]

dress and jacket or skirt or trouser suit all fine for accountancy interview. doesnt need to be black, navy or grey is good, indeed better if you don't suit black

coloured blouse or top also fine as long as conservative in style and colour

however, i think you will struggle to get an suitable dress to suit your hourglass figure. most work dresses seem to be shifts which will be a disaster on you i fear

unless you can find one that has small sleeves, is scoop or square neck and is very structured. you will need to buy a bigger size for your hips and boobs and get it taken in at the shoulders and waist. which might be too much hassle and ££ if you are planning to lose weight anyway before starting job

i think you need a pencil skirt to show off your good legs, preferably stretchy but supportive material

And a fitted jacket - buy to fit your shoulders - it doesnt matter if it doesnt button up . you need a curved lapel and buttons down at your boobs, not higher

shirt / blouse/ top with open neckline

good bra essential or your norks will merge with your short waist and tummy

[scotsgirl23]

thanks. Already planning a trip to bravissimo - I'm meticulous about bras but have very suddenly changed size, losing some of the baby cups I think.

Do wish more places did suits for curves - I have a couple of bravissimo single button blazers which are fabulous, if only more places would cut clothes that way! along with suit skirts/dresses that aren't straight up and down.

Maybe I should just wear 3 pairs of spanx?!

I think I've probably made my figure sound way uglier than it is, lol - I do have a good shape and in the right clothes can look pretty good even with the post baby weight - I think the big norks actually help balance me out. Everythings just a little softer and larger than it used to be!

[KristinaM]

no you dont sounds ugly at all - hourglass is a fab shape and very sexy.and wearing 3 pairs of spanx or losing a stone wont change your basic shape - you need to embrace your curves

the only problem is that most clothes are designed and cut for rakes, not curves

if you have soem decent blazers alreday, why not look for a dress and get it altered? do bravissimo dresses suit you? they are not the best quality but might do for interview

[scotsgirl23]

darn it...why isn't this a more appropriate colour.......I'd prob need to get slightly bigger and take in waist bit still....

brav

and has matching jacket

[scotsgirl23]

Bravissimo dresses are ok - depends on the shape of the skirt as some of their dresses are cut for jordanesque ladies I find - very straight from waist down.

Unfortunately the blazers I have are slightly too casual - and wrong colour, one is cherry red and the other stone

Normal day to day work clothes are ok, I've kind of worked out a style that suits me but is still smart - I tend to wear a lot of dresses, normally jersey fabrics or drapey dresses with big belts - belts are my friend - or empire lines, or fifties/aline skirts, v neck tops, etc It's just that interviews require a level of, I dunno, simplicity in tailoring that doesn't suit me at all.