I may need something to wear to interviews. Please help!

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

I'm applying for jobs. Haven't worked in years so who knows if I am even going to get interviews.

But, if I do, I have nothing to wear. I don't even own trousers, only jeans, leggings and dresses, mainly tea dresses and tunic/jumper dresses.

I've been having a look online (and feel so out of practice I'm not even sure where to look) and I saw this dress and/or this jacket.

Is this ok or am I hideously out of touch? Is it better to play it safe with blafk trousers and a black jacket and some sort of top? Does it need to be a shirt?

[Bluntness100]

What kind of job and what kind of company are you looking to work for? I'd say normally short skirts are best avoided, don't go above the knee for interviews. The jacket is great though. You can wear short skirts when you have the job,

A small heeled court, tights, pencil skirt, not overly tight, that jacket or I find a pencil/sheath dress, sleeveless , works well with jacket over the top.

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

Thanks. I did think that dress looked a bit short, the model is taller than me. The jacket seems a bargain so I think I'll order that.

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

Oh, and it's admin roles that I am applying for. Various places, not fussed where.

[NotTodaySatan]

I like the dress. It's quite Mrs Slocombe-y which is a good thing in my book .

Jacket good too and obviously a safer bet with trousers or a plain dress.

[SingaSong12]

I can't advise about style but definitely try wearing it outside on a day before the interview if at all possible. Make sure it is comfortable. I had one suit that looked good but after a couple of hours i found it itchy.

Word of caution - I just had an interview and I only just fit into my outfit because I'm definitely fatter on the days before my period so if you are as well it in mind just in case. (I'm getting something new just to be sure as it was a tight squeeze.)

[Judydreamsofhorses]

I also like the dress, and would just wear my winter coat with it and take it off when I got there - unless you're applying to be CEO, I don't think jackets are necessary for interviews now.

[BiscuitsandBaileys]

Watching with interest as I have an interview in a few weeks and also have a wardrobe full of jeans and jumpers!

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

Nooo! Don't say that, I've ordered the jacket and would never wear it to anything else. I could always send it back.

I may order the dress to see what it looks like on. I do have a feeling it's going to make me look very 'prissy'.

[bojorojo]

I am very sorry but the dress is just not suitable. It screams "take a letter Miss Jones" and is very Mrs Slocombe - so just not suitable if you want to impress.

For the best look take a look at Christine Lagarde. I think Hobbs do excellent plain interview dresses. Navy is a good colour. Black is funereal and not smart for an interview unless you buy a fantastically cut suit from somewhere like L K Bennett.

It is a good idea to wear a plain navy shift dress, in a non cease fabric and accessories with a decent necklace, bag and shoes which are no more than mid heeled. Think Duchess of Cambridge. There is no need for a jacket unless you wear a suit. There is no need over a long sleeved dress.

[BagelGoesWalking]

If wearing a dress or skirt, test how it looks/feels when you're sitting down. You'll be sitting on the interview and don't want it to ride up and feel too short, it would make you feel uncomfortable.

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

"take a letter Miss Jones" and is very Mrs Slocombe - so just not suitable if you want to impress."

Can I ask what this means? and why it wouldn't impress?

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

Good tip about sitting down.

Hobbs look very nice, a bit out of my price range unfortunately.

[bojorojo]

The dress says 1960's secretary. If you don't remember the Mrs Slocombe character then - never mind. But the pussy bow is the clue. I think the dress is designed for a younger girl and is short. If I saw someone wearing that to an interview for an admin job I would have a little snigger. It is just not smart and it comes from Dotty P! It says you have no idea what to wear to look smart. As you have asked for advice, I am sorry you don't like it.

[whattheheckisgoingon]

Argh sorry HarryPotter, I just think the dress is a bit dull and formal.

Sound advice from Bojorojo. Channel the duchess!

Slim trousers with a flattering shirt always a winner too. The black jacket would work with that.

Above all make sure you feel comfortable and feel yourself. Not dressing gown comfortable of course. That would be idiotic.

Good luck!

[bojorojo]

Jigsaw have a great navy textured jersey dress in their sale. It is fitted and understated. You would wear a coat over it. LK Bennett have good work dresses. I agree with plain slim trousers, mid heels and a chic blouse which is not patterned works well. Do wear a necklace to jazz it up and always wear good shoes. Understated earrings - not dangly or oversized. Make sure you are comfortable but interview dressing should be understated with a feminine twist. Main tip - make sure you are ace at the job! They will want you. Be confident! Good dressing helps with that.

[BagelGoesWalking]

H&M have some good office clothes. Fitted shirts which would look good with the jacket and I'm sure you'd find trousers there. Maybe a smart pair of brogues?

I have to admit I got some Tu grey & black checked trousers off ebay for about £5 and I bought a grey button through cardigan from H&M which I thought I could wear with a coloured vest/camisole underneath (if I ever have an interview!). I also got a pair of ankle grazer smart black trousers from H&M to go with some brogues I already had. Would wear with smart shirt or jumper (black with band of white around v neck from New Look). Also no budget for Hobbs or Jigsaw .

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

How do you know I'm not younger?

I don't know the character, maybe I am young . Will avoid the dress then.

"Not dressing gown comfortable of course. That would be idiotic." [Grin] No, don't think I'll get quite that comfortable. My Harry Potter dressing gown with wizards hood doesn't scream "employ me in your office" somehow .

I have sensible work shoes. Can't remember why I bought them, think I though it may be useful to have smart shoes one day. They are mid heel, comfortable and have a strap (very narrow feet issue) which is unusual so probably why I bought them at the time. They are black though which is why I was looking at black clothes. I do like navy and saw some nice navy shift dresses in Dorothy Perkins but I don't want to have to buy new shoes and bag as well as nothing I have will match.

[Postchildrenpregranny]

If you wear a dress /skirt please wear tights. I have done lots of interviewing and no tights for an interview, especially in winter ,does not look right.
I know people play safe and go for black grey or navy but it is quite refreshing to interview someone who turns up in something bolder and more memorable. I wore a red and grey dress with a red jacket and shoes for an interview once (quite senior post,very traditional environment .Only thing I had which was at all suitable -I hadnt worked for years ).I'm sure I was appointed on merit (coughs modestly)but they did tell me after I started work that that I was easy to remember and my vibrant personality shone through.....

[HarryPottersMagicWand]

I would always wear tights, as I also think it doesnt look right without in winter and I'm always freezing cold so shivering away through as interview is not a good look .

If I actually get an interview, I'm going to go in town and have a look around. I like the shift dress look, as long as they are the right length, mid calf looks odd tbh but they all seem to be black, grey or navy. I'd be happy to wear something different as long as I felt at ease in it, and it goes with my black shoes as I can't afford to buy everything new and shoe shopping is a horrendous nightmare due to my stupid feet.

[layercake9]

It really depends on the type of role and the company you are applying for. For e.g. if it's a large corporate firm then a very well-cut suit in either black, navy or very dark grey (charcoal) is the safest option. You can still 'soften' the look by wearing a simple silk blouse underneath.

Work clothes from H&M, Dotty P or TU really do look like they're from H&M, Dotty P or TU. You can tell its quality from the material. Some, not all, suits from Next are okay. If you do get a job then okay you can treat yourself to clothes from Hobbs, LK Bennett etc.

The dress looks nice, maybe for a secretarial role, but it does look quite waitressy - reminds of the waiting staff at the local restaurant nearby!

[CaraAspen]

Hobbs is dull and only does the same colours in rotation, the same prints and the same fabrics, too. L K Bennett is a predictable experience too.

[CaraAspen]

CaraAspen

Hobbs is dull and only does the same colours in rotation, the same prints and the same fabrics. L K Bennett is a predictable experience too. Yawn.

[CaraAspen]

My mental image of Hobbs is a delightful combination of royal blue and black and maybe some white. The suits are designed with clones in mind.

[layercake9]

That's okay. So do you have some good suggestions as to what is not dull and predictable?

[SorrelSoup]

I picked up a nice grey suit from Matalan for under £40. Nice navy one too. I think you could mix and match with skirt, trousers or shift dress.

When I get the jobs I'll buy better quality, but until then it's budget only!