Jeans to an interview?

[cherhorowitz]

On Wednesday I have an interview and I don't have any trousers or skirts that aren't too short or don't make me look ridiculous.

So I was thinking of a black jersey blazer, white sheer studded collar shirt with a white cami underneath (not sheer at all with the cami underneath), black skinny jeans and a pair of medium heeled black brogues.

The interview is not for a professional position and I have been in email communication with the interviewer who says the dress code would be smart casual so would this work? Fashionable and comfortable but still quite dressed up with the heeled brogues and blazer.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[StuffezLaYoni]

I honestly don't think jeans can work as smart casual, sorry. Not for an interview.

[SoldeInvierno]

No, sorry. That would not work, IMO, regardless of the job

[cherhorowitz]

Oh no, what am I going to do? The skirt I have is around two and a half inches above the knees (I'm tall) so not indecent but inappropriate for an interview. I could wear it with 100 denier opaque black tights?

[Alanna1]

I am doubtful it could ever work but it could perhaps depend on the job. Can 't you borrow something? Or buy a suitable black skirt?

[Shesparkles]

I'd go with the skirt and opaque tights, smart casual doesn't mean jeans

[Ruffello]

I've worn smart black jeans to interviews before ... didn't get the job though

[cherhorowitz]

I have no friends or family who are even close in size so I can't borrow anything. I'll try the skirt with the opaque tights on tonight and see how it looks. I'm sure it will look fine and I'm just worrying about every little thing. I am so prepared for the interview that I just know something will go wrong beforehand. Jeans were a very last resort.

[ArcticRoll]

Don't wear jeans. I wouldn't wear that skirt either as sounds you'll feel uncomfortable wearing it and spend the interview tugging it down over your knees. You'll need to buy or borrow something - chinos?

[bohoec]

I think the jeans would be ok as long as they're totally black and not washed out or grey. It rather depends on the job and the sector. I work in the arts, so anything goes really.

Good luck with the interview, whatever you decide up wear.

[Rattitude]

Actually, I will go against the grain here and I think that black jeans would be fine as long as they are really black and do not look too jeans-y.

[Rattitude]

cross-post with bohoec

[cherhorowitz]

The jeans are very black and the tell-tale jeans crotch bit would be covered with the long blouse. It's a job in website design & management with elements of social media so I'd be spending my time in an office designing and managing the company's online presence more than anything.

I'm more than qualified for the position and know a decent amount about the company, have a clear plan about what I can do for them and I think I'm pretty clued up for the interview and yet the clothes I'm buggared with.

[QueenCadbury]

You sound very competent and right for the job but you want them to remember you for the right reasons. If you really think tht you can confidently do an interview wearing jeans then go for it. If not then you must get something else. Have you been for a visit to the office? What do people normally wear?

If you do go for jeans make sure that your hair is clean, tidy and professional looking as well as makeup/nails as these will make all the difference to the look of the outfit. Good luck

[cherhorowitz]

I haven't been inside the office but I have seen people coming in and out and they vary from dark coloured jeans with shirts and ties for the men to skirts/trousers with tights and blouses for the women. I've only ever seen men wearing jeans and I've obviously no idea which departments all of these people work at.

I think the skirt is the safe option. I really don't want to lose a job that I want to get for more than my dire financial situation over jeans and if it came between myself and another candidate equally qualified that may just be the cincher, right?

Nails are manicured and painted in a beige tone so very neutral (Barry M Lychee). Hair is freshly dyed a dark copper and, to be honest, in need of a trim. Once it's straightened into the face with some hair oil it looks pretty decent so I'm confident I can get away with it (just below shoulder length, layered cut with a growing out fringe that I pin to the side).

[Lorelei353]

Black jeans can work but I wouldn't pair them with a sheer shirt - cami or no cami. It's too much. If you're going to do jeans then a very crisp and very smart shirt is required.

[newgirl]

No way - go to some good charity shops or look in some of the shops w sales on - you could get a dress for 30 and look loads better

[unapologetic]

Is there any reason why you can't just go out and buy a new skirt?!

[cherhorowitz]

I do have a knee length black dress but I look terrible in it since gaining weight. I'm very tummy and love handle heavy so I need high waisted separates to break it up a bit.

Right. No jeans. I'll go with the opaques and skirt look with the shirt and blazer and see if it looks good with well styled hair. I don't own a crisp white shirt (I've been out of work a while and my only interview dress was the one that now makes me look a bit like a hippo standing up) so I'm at a real loss.

[cherhorowitz]

I have no money. I have £20 left over this week after food, bills etc that needs to go on £4 bus fare for the interview and hospital and any emergencies that arise in the week. I've seen a skirt in Primark for £8 but it looks awful next to my blazer (I tried to find a cheap skirt today - no luck).

[unapologetic]

If money is an issue, are you cheeky enough to buy a new skirt, wear it to the interview (with the label tucked in) and take it back the next day?

[DontmindifIdo]

can you afford to go buy a new skirt/trousers?

[DontmindifIdo]

ah, just seen no money, shorter skirt, thick tights and blazer then.

[SundaySimmons]

The skirt would be a much better option.

Make sure you sit elegantly.

Smooth the skirt under you, and do not sit with your legs apart.

Sit straight down on a chair, and cross your legs at the ankles or just place the legs together with the heels slightly to the rear. Move them slightly to the left of you.

Keep your back straight up, try not to lean against the back of the chair. If you do feel like leaning back, do not slouch on the chair, but sit erect.

Place your left hand just above your knee. Place your right hand on top of your left hand.

Keep shoulders down and back, chin up, chest out, elbows in

[cherhorowitz]

I'm going to have to practice elegance. I'll watch The Princess Diaries over and over until Julie Andrews teaches me her ways.

Thank you all! I'll go with the skirt combination. I've just been offered to go into town with a friend tomorrow so I may see if I can find a cheap skirt in the neighbour town. At least I have a back up plan without jeans!