Suit for interviews - teeny, tiny budget

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

I am about to start looking for a job, after a very long time out of the work place. I'm looking for a suit for interviews, but haven't found anything. My budget is probably around £100, less if possible (will probably need to pay for some alterations, judging by things I have tried on recently).

I am a size 10, hourglass shape, biggish boobs, and 5ft 3ins tall.

Back in the day, when I was working, I had well cut suits, and I am struggling with the fit of the ones I am trying on now, to be honest.

I've looked at La Redoute, Next and M&S so far, can anyone suggest anywhere else? I don't mind ordering online.

[jimmybim]

You could look at Mango

[Pastperfect]

I can think of two professions where you might need a suit for an interview - and even then not necessarily a requirement everywhere.

I'd go for a tailored dress or smart separates: pencil skirt/tailored trousers and silk t-shirt/blouse and blazer.

More appropriate and more wearable than a suit.

Good luck

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

Thanks jimmy, not thought of Mango. What's the sizing like?

[TallRedhead]

Next are good and inside that budget I think.

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

Pastperfect the last interview I went to I wore tailored trousers/blouse/blazer, but didn't feel that 'smart', for want of a better word. And the blazer was borrowed, and didn't fit that well.

I do agree with you, as I wouldn't wear a matched suit to work, even if a jacket was a requirement, but I had thought that for the actually interview I should make the effort? Maybe that's wrong. I'm still finding it hard to find any decent quality tailored clothes for my budget - not trousers so much, but jackets. My boobs don't help

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

Tall I tried Next, but couldn't find anything that I liked. I am having fit issues with jackets.

[Oly4]

I would try Banana Republic in the Xmas sale if you can wait that long. They do fabulous workwear, you can order online. I sort of agree that a suit might be past it, I think a lovely dress and heels with tights and a pretty scarf would look smart but modern.

[Pastperfect]

BCW I'd hazard a guess you didn't feel "smart" because you were in clothes that weren't your own and therefore you were uncomfortable.

I'm pretty much your size and I rate banana republic for separates (their Roland Mouret collection has some great pieces and they have a lovely wool hacking jacket at the mo) also Reiss for trousers (although that might be your whole budget +)

If you can't find decently tailored separates on your budget you're going to struggle to find a decently tailored suit

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

I know, PP, I think I am just too fussy I do have black trousers that fit me well, so if I can find a blazer, then I will be sorted.

I am looking at Mango, and Banana Republic (thanks Oly)

[jimmybim]

If you are trying to find a jacket to go with your existing black trousers , have you thought of going for a dark grey, something like this?

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

Thanks jimmy I like that, but asymmetrical cuts don't look good on my boobs. I did see another Mango grey jacket which I am considering ...

[jimmybim]

oooh link please!

[MilkThistle187]

I think Belinda did a post on budget interview outfits on the workwear edit

[southeastastra]

i got \link{http://www.zara.com/uk/en/special-prices/woman/crepe-blazer-c671014p2168041.html\this jacket} recently come in different colours and much smarter than price suggests

[mooth]

I bought a matching dress and jacket from M and S online, for an interview, navy with tiny pinpoint dots. Very smart, very business like, arrived in two days, cost £100.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

Hi! I did do an interview suit that was £100 for the whole outfit, and the suit was from Mango. It's a cotton suit. Is it as good as Banana Republic? No. But it's still quite good, especially the trousers. The style is JAPO1 and it's currently on the Mango Outlet site. The trousers are now £20 each. You can see on my blog, //www.theworkwearedit.com (on phone so can't do exact link to the post) how it fitted.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

If you decide to just go for trousers, there are lovely fully lined wool flannel trousers at Banana Republic, that are £70, less a 25% trouser promotion BR are currently running.

If you are looking for a sharp shirt, I just tried on the Banana Republic iron free stretch cotton sateen shirt and it's lovely.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

I lied. Here is the correct link and the style of the suit is SHANGHAI theworkwearedit.com/interview-or-back-to-work-outfit-for-100/ I think the JAPO1 style only comes in trousers.

[BelindaAllWorkedOut]

Last post from me. Just did a quick look on the Mango Outlet website, and the JAPO1 trousers are there, plus the blazer (here for blazer: www.mangooutlet.com/GB/p0/women/clothing/jackets/cotton-blazer/?id=11093501_02&n=1&s=prendas.americanas&ident=0__0_1414515204430&ts=1414515204430). Not sure if SHANGHAI is there (which is the "interview suit" I blogged). Certainly, though, the JAPO1 trousers fitted me v well and I did a separate post on when I tried them on. Good night!

[FamiliesShareGerms]

I'd be tempted to try a smart dress with sleeves like this, as I think you'll look smarter than in a cheap, ill fitting jacket

[FamiliesShareGerms]

And I've fallen love a little with this too

[tethersend]

black jacket

dress

[tethersend]

Ignore the 50s styling, this is a really nicely cut dress smart enough for interview

[BigPawsBrown]

I wear suits for work every day and a few of mine are from warehouse. They're modern fit (ie slimline trousers) and wash and wear well. Nice colours too, not just black.

[hellsbellsmelons]

Got my DD a nice interview outfit from New Look!
Who would have thought it?
Nice jacket, trousers and a blouse for well under £100.
Give that a go.
Trousers
more trousers
different jacket
the one my DD has
And a nice bright blouse underneath.