Interview outfit help!!!

[bumperella]

I've an interview for a job I really want. It's office role, reasonably senior and for a charity. I've a very "corporate" CV and the job is a lot less corporate than my last one, and I'm pretty over-qualified for it (but I want it as is much more interesting, much shorter commute, and part time).

Should I wear a suit - probably a chocolate brown trouser suit, smart but possibly a bit "power dressing" given the role and my CV?
Or something a bit "softer", but still smart? Was thinking of a skirt-and-top outfit (skirt is dark coloured, knee length with pleatedy-thingies at the hem at the back (kick pleats, maybe?) definitely office rather than evening but with a sort of tonal pattern - nicer than it sounds, honest!).

Any advice?

[tethersend]

I'd always err on the side of smart, TBH.

Could you get a tailored dress? Something like this... softer than a suit, but still sharp and business-like.

[Valdeeves]

I'd go smarter too - it sends the right message.

[Bluestocking]

Agree with erring on the smart side. Don't fall into the trap of thinking it'll be all tiedye and Birkenstocks. Once you're safely in the role, it might be, but not at interview!

[ajandjjmum]

Apparently (according to those who know!!!) brown is not good for interviews.

DD recently bought a smart dress in the sale from Episode which she wore with a jacket, which looked smart but not corporate, if you know what I mean!!

Good luck!

[Bluestocking]

Brown not good for interviews? Might be true for men (brown suits can be a bit dodgy-looking for some reason) but not for women, esp not in the public/Charity/NFP sector. Although maybe I'm biased, because I wore a chocolate brown trouser suit when I interviewed for the role I'm currently in, which is in many ways my dream job, so I feel OP will have the same luck in her outfit!

[bumperella]

Problem (discovered this morning) is brown interview suit has mysteriosly "shrunk in the wardrobe", so black one it is.
Loathe to buy something new as am not applying for lots of jobs, I just really want this one, but love the idea of dress-and-jacket combo.

It's been 10 years since I last had an interview (was in previous job for 8 years and have been self employed since) so just wasnt sure if suits were a bit old-fashioned for women now. Thanks all for your adivce, really appreciate it.

[Bluestocking]

Don't you hate it when items of clothing "shrink in the wardrobe"?!
I love the dress-and-jacket combo and I'm sure you'll look great. Best of luck with your interview!

[ajandjjmum]

Maybe you're right Bluestocking - I just assumed that when I was told brown was a bad colour for interview suits, it applied to both sexes!

Happens a lot in my wardrobe bump!