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I have an interview - hooray. But, I am utterly clueless as to what to wear. I've been working part-time since DS was born (now age 4) but I've had a uniform so I have not kept up with work style fashion iyswim.
Tried my suit on from before I had DS and or course it doesn't fit.
I have black pants and a black jacket but they don't look right somehow.
I am size 18, worst area stomach, best area legs.
Any ideas anyone?
I feel confident about all the knowledge and skills and things. I just don't want to look like a dog's dinner.

What about a dress under your jacket instead? What is the job? What is best to wear sort of depends on that.

Second the idea of a dress under your jacket, a nice smart wrap around dress will cover your tummy and make you feel more confident if it's an area you worry about.

Match it with a pair of black boots for a smart business look.

Something like this?

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Wrap-Pencil-Dress-with-Fitted-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1704017&cid=5235&Rf-300=1946&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Orange

Check out the sales there is lots of stuff there, so you don't have to spend a fortune

What's the job?

What's your budget?

If you can afford it, this is stunning. You wouldn't need a jacket.

Ooh, I like the dress idea. My jacket is black, would I need a coloured dress?
Black on black worries me. would a pattern be ok?
Just looked round the high street and it all seems very casual. Maybe people just want relax in woollies and jeans after glamming up for Christmas.
The job is executive support at the local council, sort of a PA type role.
Budget is low . Need to keep it below £50 if possible, though there is wiggle room.
That dress is gorgeous, but I'm nervous about Internet orders as the interview is Tuesday AM and I've been let down before by delivery companies and had to buy an emergency outfit.
Thanks so much for all your help.

I have to recommend ASOS for delivery, I've had my stuff all next day, but I totally understand where you're coming from.

I would always pair black with a brighter colour, or maybe a grey, not so sure about black on black, because you get different types of black.

(actually just bought 5 hybrid dresses in the sales myself today )

Something like this could look great with a black jacket, black opaques and heels.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Scoop-Neck-Angle-Flared-Dress/dp/B005XSB02Q?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=42967030&sr=1-1&qid=1328369478&pf_rd_r=0YKNCZ40HFV3VTW2JQAT&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=215485807&pf_rd_s=center-3

something like this?

www.marksandspencer.com/Scoop-Neck-Angle-Flared-Dress/dp/B005XSB02Q?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=42967030&sr=1-1&qid=1328369478&pf_rd_r=0YKNCZ40HFV3VTW2JQAT&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=215485807&pf_rd_s=center-3

Good luck for the interview today - what did you wear in the end?

Thank you! I wore a black and cream wrap dress I got from asda, of all places, my suit jacket and black opaques and heels. the dress is lovely, and was the amazing price of £16 (doesn't look it though, IMO).
Have to say I think I pitched it right as I looked like a smarter version of some of women already working there iyswim.
Now I just have to wait til thursday to find out how it went. I hate this part.

will keep my fingers crossed for you. Sounds like you got the look just right, you always want to look like you'll just fit right in to the existing environment.

(Unlike my DP who went for an interview at a bike shop in a full suit)

and I may have to do a trip to Asda too

Well done on your interview, perplexed pirate. Keeping fingers crossed for you...

Tethersend, that dress in gorgeous.

Just got a phone call on the way to drop DS at nursery. I got it!
Thanks for all your advice everyone.
all round.

Fantastic news - will raise a glass for you this weekend.