To go to an interview without a jacket - urgent help needed!

[flibbertigibbert]

I'm leaving for a job interview in 30 mins and I've just managed to almost rip the sleeve off my one and only 'smart' suit jacket (my fault for not sorting out the tiny hole when I noticed it and admitting that I need a size bigger).

Can I go without a jacket? I'm wearing a black sleeveless shift dress. Can i stick a black cardi over it instead?

Interview is for a very junior role in a large charity. I know the charity sector is a bit more informal, but is this pushing it?

I think that should be fine. You don't have much choice by the sound of it. Best of luck.

Nope. I rarely wear jackets. If you look smart, you look smart. I think a shift dress with a nice cardi still looks smart.

I'm not a fan of suits anyway.

Cardi will be fine - let us know how you get on .

I was worrying about being boiling in the interview and not being able to take off the jacket due to sleeveless dress and horrible arms so at least a cardi will be a bit less hot. Gah!

I think thats absolutely fine. As long as you look smart there is no problem. And I work in the charity sector.

yes, a cardi will be fine.

good luck!

Ooh it'll be fine! Good luck with the interview.

Can I just ask, what would people generally wear to a business meeting in June? I don't normally see clients so I spend my working life in jeans or denim skirts.

I don't have to be madly formal but my male colleage will be fully suited so I don't want to look daft and under dressed. Also, I do want to look stylish.

Any tips?

Stick a cardi on and go! It will still look nice and professional.

Good luck

Go with the cardi..... and it so dosn't have to be a black one! x

Or a shrug if you want to be a bit wild, ya know! :o

MorrisZapp, Im a bit like you, a normal day is client free so jeans etc. But I have meetings a few times a week.

I am currently pregnant so that makes it a little different but I mostly wear a shift dress (plain, floral or good old black) with a cardi, tights and either pretty heels (if it's not going to be a long day) or nice flats. I dress it up with either nice beads or a corsage.

I work in a creative field so I don't know if that makes a difference.

I went for a job interview at a big charity a few months ago. It wasn't for a junior position, either. I was the only candidate that I saw (saw about three others) wearing a jacket! Everyone else was wearing smart dress/cardi etc.

Didn't get the bloody job, either.

Linen blend (doesn't crease as much as pure linen) loose trousers with a same colour non-skimpy cami-style top overlaid with a crisp white cotton three-quarter sleeve slightly fitted shirt is a timelessly elegant look that flatters most female shapes morris.

Opt for trousers instead of a skirt because bare legs (unless incredibly toned and tanned) are not a good look for business meetings, and I find wearing stockings/tights unbearable in the summer months.

I inevitably wear black trousers/top with black shoes (open-toed sling-backs if my feet are looking good) and use accessories (bold necklace/bracelet/earrings etc) to introduce a note of colour, and I always wear a smart understated watch.

Stuff a shrug or pashmina in your briefcase (or large stylish handbag), and if you whip the shirt off you'll be good to go on to an evening event.

Thanks for the advice. I wore a colourful cardi, which I think was actually more appropriate than a jacket as everyone was so casual, including the other interviewee. Not a great success due to nerves, but we'll see.