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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not wear a jacket to an interview?

31 replies

lilac3033 · 08/02/2016 21:14

I have a couple of interviews at the local council this month, lower management type roles. Normally I would wear a jacket but I have a few issues with this. I had DD 9 months ago and BF, my bra size is now 34J and a size 14. So getting a jacket that fits is going to be hard to find and expensive. I wouldn't normally mind the expense but whatever I buy won't last after I stop BF and lose the rest of the baby weight. I am already going to have to buy a new dress and bra for the interviews, so am dreading spending even more on a jacket I would wear a handful of times (provided I can even find one that fits!) I have a beautiful Ted Baker coat that would fit and I was thinking of pairing this with a long sleeved dress if I can find one. I'm assuming cardigans are out.

OP posts:
QuietWhenReading · 08/02/2016 21:17

I think lovely coat and long sleeved dress would be perfect.

Dafspunk · 08/02/2016 21:19

Sounds perfect.

Jakadaal · 08/02/2016 21:23

I have stopped wearing suits/jackets to work (similar public sector) and always wear a dress. Have noticed that the corporate outfit seems to have relaxed a lot. Coat and dress sounds perfect

Iwonderif · 08/02/2016 21:25

First of all good luck with the interviews!!

If "they" offer to take your coat will you feel comfortable sitting without your coat on. If that's the case then all's good if not is there anyone in your friends/family that could lend you a jacket? I agree with the not wanting to spend money on a new jacket though especially as in X amount of time it won't fit you.

I think a classic fine knit cardi underneath your lovely coat (should you take coat off and not want to just be in your dress) would look ok but I haven't been to an interview for ages!! You may get another helpful answer other than mine. Hmm

MrsH1989 · 08/02/2016 21:27

I have never worn a jacket for work or to an interview.

theycallmemellojello · 08/02/2016 21:31

I think it would look strange to sit there in a coat, I would advise against this. You can probably get away with a formal dress though. But remember that you don't need to do a jacket up, a blazer type jacket might work anyhow.

Naoko · 08/02/2016 21:31

That should be fine surely? As long as you're comfortable not wearing the coat (presumably you'll take it off indoors?) it sounds great. Good luck with your interviews!

museumum · 08/02/2016 21:32

I never wear jackets when its cold enough for a coat, I just can't get them on together.

catsinthecraddle · 08/02/2016 21:34

I am not sure about keeping your coat during an interview. If you end up in a stuffy room for a while, you might look uncomfortable.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a cardigan (no animal print obviously, it's just to give you an idea)

Original poster
lilac3033 · 08/02/2016 21:37

Thanks everyone! I would definitely take the coat off. It's just to keep warm and look smart. I've avoided jackets for ages and kind of figured I could get away with out it. Always best to get other opinions though!

OP posts:
Mamia15 · 08/02/2016 21:41

try charity shops for jackets - it will cost a few pounds and you can re gift it back to them later.

ChippyMinton · 08/02/2016 21:46

Jacket is not required. Even men don't wear jackets, just shirt and tie.

Oddoneout63 · 08/02/2016 21:46

I work in a social services agency. The only jackets are worn by the exec's. I find a smart cardi works best for me. Smart casual but can look smart when work over a shift dress.

WhataMistakeaToMakea · 08/02/2016 21:52

Good luck!

If you did want a jacket, I bought a jacket from Asda for £5 6 years ago and it's served me for interviews and work court appearances and if anyone's ever noticed that it's cheapo they've all been too polite to say anything! Plus I never do it up as it would never stretch across my boobs.

A smart dress would be fine though I'm sure

bookishandblondish · 08/02/2016 21:53

Sorry - doesn't matter what they wear but I'd wear a jacket and I'm a dress person. Get one from a charity shop - but I wouldn't do cardigan for any management position at all.

MrsMook · 08/02/2016 21:55

I've not worn a jacket for years. I've never felt comfortable in them. I've got my last couple of jobs wearing a smart dress as cardigan.

Judydreamsofhorses · 08/02/2016 22:02

I wouldn't even think about a jacket unless it was a very formal company like a law firm, for example - for my interview for my current job I wore a smart black dress with 3/4 sleeves and a wool coat over the top which I took off when I went in.

Good luck with the interviews, OP.

bibblebobblebubble · 08/02/2016 22:02

I have an exec job and almost always wear a smart bolero cardigan (Hobbs) rather than a jacket.

grumpysquash2 · 08/02/2016 22:02

I generally wear a jacket but only because I do cheapskate classic black trousers and high heels with a T-shirt under the jacket (I would never take the jacket off).
I think a dress would be lovely - def no need for a jacket over a dress. Cardigan optional - fine without, also fine with.
I'm sure you will look lovely. Good luck - hope it goes your way!

grumpysquash2 · 08/02/2016 22:04

Envious of the voluptuous boobs - I'm also a size 14 and only a B cup (managed to reach a D at the dizzy heights of bf) :)

BiscuitMillionaire · 08/02/2016 22:06

If it's for the council, then they're only allowed to judge you on the marks they give each question you answer, and they have to ask every candidate the same questions. So as long as you're appropriately dressed then what you wear isn't going to make much difference - only to your confidence.

VelvetSpoon · 08/02/2016 22:09

I never wear a jacket - the last time was when I was much thinner had a suit (smart tailored dress/ long jacket) I used to wear for work.

Haven't been for an interview in a few years but now would probably wear bolero cardi over a dress (as most of my smart office dresses are short or cap sleeved). It's the kind of thing one of our senior managers wears to work every day, and people always comment on how smart she looks. I do think that look is much better than an obviously non matching jacket.

Original poster
lilac3033 · 08/02/2016 22:15

It's the boobs that make the jacket a problem! I'd have to get one several sizes too big to fit them in and then it would look ridiculous at the waist. Or get one at Pepperberry which is extortionate. I think I'll stick to the dress and coat combo... Just need to find a dress I can fit the boobs into! Thanks again for all the advice.

OP posts:
Pannn · 08/02/2016 22:20

Am going to be interviewing all day Wednesday this week. Won't care if a person is wearing a jacket or not. hth

blueshoes · 08/02/2016 23:03

Just interviewed someone today. Cannot even remember whether she wore a jacket.

I think a tailored long or 3/4 sleeve dress is smart and strikes the right note with your Ted Baker coat.