How smart would you dress for an admin interview?

[zippalippa]

(Putting this here as I think it will canvas a more general range of opinions and I don't want high end fashion suggestions from more specific parts of MN.)

I'm looking for admin work but I'm stuck on clothing as my previous job was required a uniform. What do people expect you to wear at interviews?

Are we talking some sort of smart/casual top or do people go all out with a shirt and suit jacket? I used to be the latter but I'm wondering if things are more relaxed now?

I'm plus size so if anyone is kind enough to make suggestions then it would need to be a shop that does size 22/24 and preferably not too expensive.

TIA

“High end fashion suggestions” from MN made me laugh, more likely to suggest some sensible fit flop trainers and a Breton top 😆

I don’t think you need a suit. I think black trousers, flat shoes, blouse / smart top, blazer is absolutely fine.

I can’t help on where to get stuff from but wish you luck with your interview!

What about a dress and blazer? I would dress smartly. Is the interview in person or online? If online could get a nice blouse or shirt and not have to worry about your bottom half.

Same size and it is a nightmare to get work clothes. Could try Karen Millen? Or Mango? What's your budget?

I would go have a look at the company website if you can and see what they seem to be link. For me I would go for a navy dress tights and flats or boots nothing to in your face etc. strangely navy has been shown to be a trustworthy colour when people are asked ( yes I know right ) but it's smart and easy to get. The issue with skirt and top is then jacket or not jacket I find

If your looking for something cheap-ish Yours, Roman, Peacocks, M&Co or New Look all do Curve ranges that are affordable and not to granny like. ( I'm a size 24)
What ever you choose Good Luck for your interview

I'd go smart but not suit. Smart dress and shoes. Stick a bazer on top for extra smart vibes. Shirt dresses work well. Dresses generally work better for plus size. trousers and shirts are a bit more unflattering generally.

I always find some colour helps too makes you a bit more memorable and gives a bit more personality

I think it depends on where the job is - more formal industries such as a lawyers office I'd probably go more towards a suit but more casual places then black trousers / skirt and a smart top or a smart dress would be fine.

Can't reveal too much about the job as it's very outing but from social media they seem to just wear smart tops rather than shirts with collars and not a blazer in site. However it's the sort of industry that is generally well presented so I'm thinking a blazer is the way to go.

My budget is about 100, yes I know thats low but I'm really struggling right now, hence the job search!

I have smart flat black ankle boots and tights already so that's a box ticked.

I have some dresses but they're too casual, summer maxi dress sort of things. So perhaps I'm on the hunt for a smart dress and a blazer on top then.

I would wear a dress with tights and smart boots, blazer, and smart-ish looking handbag. When you go for the interview don't forget to look at what staff are wearing - then if you do get the job you will have an idea of how smart to dress when you start working there.

I think a blazer (of any colour) just helps to smarten up an outfit, whatever you choose to wear.

I’d dress as you would for the job.

Something like a Popsy dress maybe?

I don't do dresses, but I really wish I did for work wear alone.

I find people always dress at least one notch up for interviews than our teamd in the workplace.

So if their online "team" photos seem casual, dress smart. If they look smart, go for dress/blazer or suit. If they are all suited and booted, do the same (you do not need to upgrade to cummerbund and bow tie!! Lol).

Then once you start you'll see the normal way of things more generally and fit in appropriately.

Sainsburys have nice coloured blazers that won't break the bank and you could put over a dress tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Teal-Coord-Blazer/141322610-Teal?searchTerm=:newArrivals&searchProduct=

Smartish trousers, smartish top, flat shoes.

Monsoon do larger clothes, up to size 24 https://www.monsoon.co.uk/womens/womens-clothing/trousers-shorts/, and H&M - these tailored trousers go up to 22 and cost £14.99 https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0975968001.html

M&S too - here are their size 24 trousers though a bit more expensive generally https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/trousers/fs5/black?filter=Size%3D24&originalPrice=5%2C350

They also all do dresses too.

Good luck :)

Jo

Definitely smart casual for an interview. Plain trousers & a nice top with a blazer, clean flat shoes that you can walk properly in.
Or a midi dress with blazer etc
Once you get the job you can work out what to wear on a day to day basis & build a work wardrobe around what you get for the interview
The very best of luck - I hope you get it!

Suit for a bank/solicitors office type roles but otherwise I'd probably wear something like this www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/cedar-forest-animal-print-midi-dress

O god those Popsy dresses are hideous! No one should be wearing those, especially not to a job interview!

Sorry and just to add - I work in a very formal corporate environment (on mat leave now) and interview and rarely does anyone wear a suit these days, not even to interview. Trousers and a blazer is honestly fine.

Do not wear one of those awful Popsy dresses! Particularly not for an interview !
Even if you're dressing on a budget channel sophisticated/ grown up - not kids cooking show (unless that's actually the job!!)

Definitely not the popsy dresses, sorry! You should be able to get something in the sales? I would think a smartish plain dress, dressed up with some nice chunky jewelry?

I thought the same

One stage smarter than you would normally expect to wear for the role.

Better to go too smart than miss the mark

Lovely suggestions thank you. Popsy dresses seem controversial but I couldn't wear that style anyway, needs to be looser around the waist or it will be unflattering for my body shape.

I have two questions. What's the difference between a suit and trousers with a blazer? Isn't it kind of the same thing? 😍

Second question, how on earth does everyone stop dresses riding up and sticking to their tights with static? Dresses always look nice standing still but as soon as I walk they gradually gather up into a big short bunch around my upper thighs, they sort of climb their way up my tights!

Love that blazer thank you!

I've had an interview recently op, first one in a good few years! I wore: skater Jersey dress from M&S, a knee length 'smart' blazer coat from M&S, tights & brogue shoes. Smart wool scarf. I felt smart but not uncomfortable & it felt like I had dressed like myself. Good luck for the interview!

Edit to my previous post: not sure how the random heart smiley got in there, ignore that!