Clothes for an interview - current ettiquette?

[YouMightKnowMe]

Hi,

I am a bit ahead of the game here in that i havenn't even got an offer of an interview yet...but I am starting some window shopping.

The jobs I am applying for are research positions in the short term but I am planning on applying for a PGCE later in the year.

Is it essential to go for a full suit these days?

What about a floaty skirt and jacket?

(I am size 14 top,B cup norkage, size 16 bottom; 18 depending on style). I will definately going in flat/almost flat shoes.

Researchers wear suits for interviews - sorry.

my opinion is that you can't really overdo being smart for interviews in traditional industries (probably diff for fashion etc). Even if you won't wear a suit normally, it shows you're taking it seriously. IMO a floaty skirt isn't formal enough.

My ideal is a 3/4 length skirt...but not a tight fitted pencil skirt cos my bottom and thighs are so out of place with the rest of my body....

If you're not a suit person (I'm not either), it is possible to get away without wearing one.
You'll need a decent dress or skirt/trousers and top, which I would put with a neat little cardigan in a plain dark colour. Try the sales in places like Hobbs, LK Bennett, Whistles etc, and you can always get cardis in M&S.
Wear with sheer tights (yes really!) and medium heeled shoes (flats will spoil the look, sorry), and carry a businesslike bag that tones with the shoes, make sure your nails are immaculate and wear light makeup, subtle jewellery and neat hair. If you do that you will look smarter and more professional than 99% of researchers and teachers! I work on a university campus so I should know

Don't worry too much, you will seem more assured dressed like this than uncomfy in a suit.

Should have said, if you opt for dress/skirt, avoid floral prints, bright or pastel colours. Stick to navy/grey/cream/black etc, a subtle print can be ok but it must be sober-looking!
If in doubt err on the side of boring and once you've got the job you can wear the clothes with more exciting accessories!

Immaculate nails....Guess I had better stop biting them now!?!?!?

I am sorry I just cannot do heals...I just can't walk in them. I might get away with 3/4" butI still call that flat.

Make sure they're all the same length and rub olive oil into your cuticles two or three times a day, that'll do nicely.

If you really can't do heels, don't, better to wear your flats with confidence rather than fall over! I've seen some smart ones in Clarks recently, depending on your outfit I'd go for loafers or something with a strap, maybe in patent leather?

Please describe your outfit when you've sorted it out!

Heard from agency - they won't be interviewing until Sept so I have a while to grow my nails (if I can stop biting them)....and I will probably be able to get some suitable attire in the sales in a few weeks.

I might get away with these heels depends how high they are in RL.

If it is September though I have some nice boots which I could get away with (with trousers) which have a small heel.