Nanny interview outfit. I NEED FASHION ADVICE! =D

[NotAChocolateRaisin]

I have found out today that I am to be flown out to Holland tomorrow morning for a Nanny interview.
Oh, my life is so glamourous, I know but i have a big problem....
I NEVER know what to wear to Nanny interviews... and this is a biggy.

I'm leaving my house at 4am (yep. that's right) and travelling 3.5 hours to the airport then will arrive in Amsterdam by 11am. So we have the following to consider:

a) I will be travelling for at least 9 hours - I don't want to look like a crumpled hag from hell when I arrive!
b) I am staying overnight. And have another 24 hour interview the moment I arrive back in the UK (I'm so popular, I know...) So again with the hag from hell thing.
c) The children are 2 and 3.5 so I will want to chase/run/pick up/be vomited on etc.
d) Did i mention that I don't want to look like a hag from hell?

So any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Are you staying in a hotel and just visiting the family for a couple of hours for the interview or are you staying overnight with the family?

I'm pretty sure I'm staying overnight with the family.

In that case I wouldn't worry about 'normal interview protocol'. Just wear what you would wear if you worked for them on a daily basis, as that's what it will be essentially a trial day, rather than a sit-down interview. I've only had one interview like this and I was offered the job, so must have been dressed ok!

If it was a case of staying elsewhere and then going for a formal, sit-down interview with the family I'd go for smarter/less every day clothes.

I would travel in one set of clothes and change when I got there though, but then I like to travel in pyjamas!

Sorry if this sounds a bit strange, but when we were interviewing nannies for our family, when one came in in a proper tailored suit, it put us off in some ways. I know that she just wanted to look nice, but it just gave us the impression that she wouldn't want to crawl around on their floor with our DC's. Not that we were expecting her to dive around, but even when going to sit on the sofa, she could only perch on the edge as her suit was so fitted!

I would say to just go for every day clothes, but then smarten it up a little bit with a jersey blazer? Really comfy, and looks smart but without looking OTT. Maybe with some nice fitted jeans, pretty pumps and a plain t-shirt/vest depending on weather.

Hope the family are nice! :)

Yup - the dreaded smart casual. Much harder to pull off than a suit in my view but I would agree with Kateshmate. It just looks all wrong and really doesn't create a warm and friendly impression.
Kates suggestions are great or something like a wrap dress/bright summer dress and smart flat sandals. Have a look at what the presenters are wearing on childrens tv maybe though I would draw the line at Christmas jumpers?
With the travel and climate - it's probably worth layering so if you get there and it is sweltering you can peel off a cardi or a jacket and still look smart.

OMG Thank you so much HolyOlympicNamechangeBatman!!!
I would have not remembered to back PJs had you not mentioned them. THAT would have been awkward!

*pack. Dammit!

I've never worn a suit to any of my interviews.

What i usually wear: Black Skirt with smart shirt + smart black cardigan and black tights, flat shoes (usually ballerinas) OR smart looking but comfy dress with tights and flats. Looks always smart and is still comfortable enough to travel, play with kids etc.

smart comfy trousers and a nice plain top.

Looks smart but is also great for crawling around on the floor

i would wear something really comfortable for the journey, which will allow you to have a sleep on the plain. then change at the aiport or somewhere into your normal interview/trial day outfit, as other have suggested. and yes pyjamas of some sorts will come useful when staying overnight :)