Job Interview (hopefully employment?!) Clothing Panic

[LozzaChops101]

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone could help me dress myself?! 😫

I’ve been job-hunting since July with no luck whatsoever so I’d sort of given up hope which is why I’m quite so unprepared - I’ve had two separate emails today to set dates for interviews. I’m panicking a bit. I’ve never had a traditional office job where you have to look particularly smart, and I’m a terrible scruffbag when I’m not at work as well. Both are quite low level admin/customer service jobs, one in a small publishing business and one for a small-ish charity.

I no longer know where to shop or what to shop for. I’m really only happy in trousers and I’ve never worn heels for anything (I know). 😳

I’m 39, size 16, 5’5’’

I would be so grateful for any input from anyone!

Trousers, flats and a top/blouse would be absolutely fine for those roles. Heels are not standard or expected for office jobs anymore, much to my relief. What is your budget?

amd congratulations on the interviews!

Black trousers, smart black shoes (can be flat) and a 'nice top' if you put womens blouse into google, lots of things come up, and they're not 'blouses' in the traditional sense!

If budget is an issue, a supermarket or somewhere like H&M would be absolutely fine. Good luck!

No need to panic! Neither the publishing industry or the charity sector are particularly formal environments in terms of clothes - and almost no one wears high heels for work right now. (I’m assuming you’re in the UK?)

A clean and neat pair of trousers, flat shoes (or plain ankle boots) and a shirt would be fine. A jacket is also fine if you have one. Or a simple dress if you have one available.

Do you have a budget for interview clothes?

No money at all:

https://www.smartworks.org.uk

Tiny budget - supermarkets or Primark.

Bit more - Uniqlo is undoubtedly your best bet - everything looks contemporary and straightforward so it’s hard to go wrong.

If you can spend more than that I’d direct you to

https://communityclothing.co.uk

for excellent good plain clothes that should last for a good long while once you have the job.

Agree with pp's. Anything that looks clean and smart. You should also feel comfortable and confident in it! Best of luck OP. You've got this 🙌🏻

i find sainsburys the best of the supermarkets for reasonably priced office wear

Thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate all the replies, I was flapping!

Budget is a little tight after months of burning through savings(!) but I can definitely manage some of the suggestions so far.

I interview SO badly, so finding something where I don’t feel like a pantomime dame on top of that is the goal 😅

Community Clothing is right up my street for when I’ve replenished some funds, thanks for that tip!!!

❤️

You could even wear a smart jumper instead of a shirt/blouse. If you’re wearing black trousers avoid a patterned blouse.

It’s a pleasure. In the meantime any of these types of outfit should be fine:

Uniqlo jacket and trousers

Uniqlo layers

Uniqlo Dress

Uniqlo shirt and trousers