I've got an interview! Yikes! what to wear...ideas please?

[absolutelynotfabulous]

I've actually got an interview. It's a voluntary position in the CAB and I have no idea what to wear. I haven't been even remotely "corporate" for ages. What the heck do I wear??

I'm not a dress -my current wardrobe comprises a couple of leggings, some brogues and a few vests and cardis.

I'm a large12. 5'4".

[phoolani]

I'm not sure CAB will be very 'corporate', will it? Could you camp outside in the morning and see what other employees are wearing? I'm guessing 'smart casual'?

[penisbeakerlaminateflooringetc]

If wear a black skirt/trousers and a nice top and plain shoes. Nothing too extravagant.

[absolutelynotfabulous]

phoolani I'm not sure what "corporate* means, any more, even! Forgot to mention I'm 56. I'm quite "young" though, whatever that means.

I think I'm going to do u structured blazer, decent quality trousers (perhaps pegs)?, shoes (brogues??) not sandals.

That sound ok??

[phoolani]

Sounds ok. Difficult tho, isn't it? If it were me I'd be worried about being too 'smart' as much as being too casual! (Overthink? moi?) The obviousness of the dress code is probably what I miss most about corporate life. I'd probably do: straight leg ankle skimmer trousers, loafers and a smart-ish top.

[absolutelynotfabulous]

Thanks, phoo. Ages since I was interviewed. Yikes!

[Floisme]

I work for a charity - though not CAB. The outfit you've suggested (soft blazer, trousers, brogues) sounds fine, especially if it's a volunteering role.

I do notice that staff in different sections dress differently e.g. fundraising and finance always look pretty smart/formal whereas the ones doing face-to-face work are erm... more dressed down. So a lot might depend on your role and I'd wait and suss that out before you buy lots of new clothes. Unless you want to!

Hope it goes well.

[absolutelynotfabulous]

Aw thanks floisme.

Just thought-what's the modrrn-day version of a briefcase? I don't particularly want to lug my old battered Hidedesign about...

[phoolani]

🤔 a satchel?? Though unless you have to take documents with you, I'd stick to a smart medium sized bag I think.
Good luck, no matter what you wear!

[absolutelynotfabulous]

Thanks! I don't think I need to take documents. Smart bag is is.