Suitable job interview outfit please help!

[hippospot]

SAHM for the last 10 years. Got an interview for an admin job in a local authority office. I'm imagining it's not "corporate smart" but what on earth would be suitable interview wear?

Would jersey print dress and ankle boots/opaques be too casual? This would be the kind of outfit I imagine I would wear if I got the job.

I don't own a blazer, a suit, court shoes, smart trousers, a pencil skirt or a blouse, which to me seem like "office wear".

Any tips much appreciated.

I'm 42, 5'8", size 12.

[MoonlightMojitos]

My work is not particularly smart, black trousers and a top/jumper are fine but I would be suprised to see someone turn up for an interview that casual. I'd say it's always better to go too smart than underdress. A nice jersey dress sounds fine but maybe buy some smart shoes rather than boots? Pumps or brogues maybe? Otherwise it may be wise to buy an outfit anyway as you'd need it when you start anyway! Or for any other interviews?

[OlennasWimple]

Congratulations on getting the interview!

I agree with Moonlight that you should step up the smart dress a couple of notches above what you would wear day to day in the job for the interview.

What's your budget for new clothes / shoes? Sainsburys and Tescos do surprisingly good stuff that would be smart for an interview

[hippospot]

Thanks for the advice. I see exactly what you mean.

I can spend a bit although not keen to spend money on things I won't get a lot of wear out of.

Blazers/jackets for example, look great on other people but seem all wrong on me for some reason. Being tall and broad-shouldered, I always feel pretty masculine in them.

My only current "smartish" outerwear is a black Zara trench, but this does NOT feel smart enough to arrive at an interview in!