looks like I'm going to have a job interview in a couple of weeks

[scripsi]

I would essentially be a consultant to a management board, so it's not great money but many of the people I'll be up against are self-made/early-retired/doing it as something to do now that they've made their millions. Needless to say, I've been out of the workforce for a while and haven't made millions (of DCs). Anyway I strongly suspect it's a fluke that I've been asked to interview, but I'll go with an open mind (and a packet of immodium). I've no idea what to wear.
I have a small budget (can go up to a maximum of £60) I've a plain black leather bag and some mid-heel black courts/nude peeptoes which would work. But I don't know whether to wear a dress and jacket or a suit (I often feel quite untidy in suits - I might also look a bit junior/unconfident if I wear a suit?). I also worry that it's going to be very warm weather and I'll be sweltering away. I will have a blow dry before the interview - I have pale red shoulder length hair. I am very pale and am a size 8, though with a tummy and saddlebags, I'm 5'4''.

I don't know how to look well-heeled and senior on such a small budget: I just don't want to look like the scruffy one! I am not sure how to do the dress and jacket thing either? Is it a good idea to choose a contrasting jacket?

(btw can't find a thread I started weeks ago about earrings - I've got my eye on some Monica Vinader which someone recommended, which I would get if I could find some in a sale and once my newly-pierced ears are fully-fledged - and if/when I get this job: snowball and hell come to mind!).

[ProcrastinationEatsTime]

Oh heck, that's quite a challange! You excited of just scared stiff?

This is bang on budget and would be good with your black accessories. grey dress. Wouldn't need a jacket.

Or these trews, your nude shoes and this blouse, again no jacket needed. Would be a pretty high-end look IMHO. The black bag may well work nicely, could you borrow a brown bag if needed?

[ProcrastinationEatsTime]

Sorry, that blouse might not be quite your thing. Nudeish would be good with those trousers though.
Or maybe this grey one?

[scripsi]

Thanks ProcrastinationEatsTime! I am excited but fear that I am going to stick out like a sore thumb at the interview. The grey dress is nice! Grey blouse also nice, though have never worn wide leg trousers, so might have to have a go and see what I look like.

[ProcrastinationEatsTime]

You'll be fine! The S&B crowd will get you a bargain dead posh and polished looking outfit.

The grey dress is good, but maybe a bit more junior / mid-level IYSWIM? I've not managed to find any dresses (in budget) with the excellent quality of cut and fabric it'd need to 'level up'.

Wide legged trousers might be a good alternative - I think they would let you get away with a short sleeved blouse. Probably cooler than a fitted dress too. Elegant, but still definitely still formal bla bla. Anyway, maybe worth trying on a random pair somewhere to see if you like them - but don't forget to take some heels...

How about black trousers and beige & black top with your nude shoes and black bag?

If it was possible to find exactly the right blouse then the white ones would be wonderful. Well, I think so.

Shall I get me coat?

[scripsi]

all good ideas! no need for coat-getting. I've realised I know high end when I see it, but not how to do it. I have fished out a pale cream zara blazer which I wore years ago at a wedding, so it may be that I can get away with just buying a dress.

[ProcrastinationEatsTime]

Oh brillianT news on the blazer!

This is great if you could streeeeeeetch

[scripsi]

oh I love that dress, I may have to find the extra cash (it narrows hips!!) - would this go with cream blazer?

[springaroundthecorner]

I love that dress too. What a bargain!

[scripsi]

do you think it might be too warm (being wool)?

[MissBeehivingUnderTheMistletoe]

I've just bought this dress which looks much more expensive than it is. My fashion aware colleagues couldn't believe how much it cost. Also comes in navy and magenta.

[scripsi]

that's nice MissBeehiving, looks flattering on the stomach area. Out of stock in my size but I'll have a look round in store.

[MissBeehivingUnderTheMistletoe]

It's very flattering