how much to spend onan interview outfit and is it as important as i think it is?

[mothersmilkandherchickenseggs]

i need the works from shoes to bag. My next bag is full - shoes, bag (both leather for longeverty) blouse and trousers total is £138 is this too much? and also do i need anything else? i was always tought first impressions count or am i thinking too much into this? getting a job is essential at the moment as we have no income. Money for outfit is an essential coming from my savings as i have nothing appropriate in my wordrobe having been a full time mum for the last 5 years. Also have never shopped at next befor how do there sizes come up?
many many many thanks

What sort of job is it?

If money is tight, I have loads of business suits (usually 14 top, 12 bottoms), if you want to borrow one. I'm on Bucks/Oxon border if that's any good.

If it isn't the sort of job where you need to wear a suit every day, I'm not sure you really need to spend the money on an outfit just for the interview

its office work so would be able to use it again thanks for your offer but im in suffolk and a size 8/6 iv tried to pick things that i can wear again outside of work. i can link if you like for an opinion

www.next.co.uk/order.asp

If money is tight, I'd suggest not splashing out too much cash.
The important thing is to look "presentable". Just clean, neat and not too fussy. I think most interviewers only really notice what you are wearing if you get it wrong (dinner down your suit, immensely high heels, far too much make up, really crazy jewellery, overpowering scent - that kind of thing). I think it's a mistake to spend a lot, because if you don't get the job it will just add to the glum feeling knowing that you've spent lots of money!

All the best for your interview, hope you get it!

I'd see it as an investment in your future as even if you don't get this job, you will still presumably be going for other job interviews and if you do secure a job, you will need suitable clothes.

If you need to cut costs, I don't think your bag/shoes necessarily need to be leather.

Good luck!

I agree with suebfg. You need one interview/smart work outfit if you're planning to be working for some time. I've done a lot of interviewing in my last two jobs and have to say first impressions do count. However, the only things I find inappropriate are: dirty nails, lipstick on teeth, snagged tights, very low cut tops and jeans. Otherwise, as long as you are clean, don't smell (!) and look like you've at least tried to get the iron out, the outfit itself becomes secondary.

What I mean is, what you wear is only a problem if it draws negative attention to itself.

Don't do what I did a few years back though, and make my outfit so bland I didn't look like 'me' anymore!!

Good luck with the interview btw. I have one myself next Tuesday so ,ay come back here to revise all my advice!

That doesn't sound terribly expensive to me for a whole look, and when you get this job, or the next one, you will need clothes to wear to work, anyway. No idea on Next sizing, I'm afarid. Good luck!

thanks guys think i am going to hit the streets tommorrow rather than risk on line. I think i can reasonably spare £150 as an investment i think i need a confidence boost aswell hence new outfit new role new me, being just mum for 5 years seems to have dinted my confidence in my work ability maybe if i look the part i will start feel the part

happy shopping!

i think one 'appropriate' outfit is necessary, though it doesn't have to be new and certainly not fashionable, but if you've been a sahm for a long time then a new outfit will make you feel 'business like' and probably hold yourself differently.

Try the supermarkets for cheap suits then wear a nice top and treat yourself to a decent pair of shoes?

I've had good wear from supermarket shirts too, just make sure you iron it well. Good luck!

Have a look in M&S too. They have some really nice work dresses at the moment with different colourways (approx £40) so you could co-ordinate them with different jackets. I think a dress suit/skirt suit is smarter than trousers but that's just my opinion.

A smart shift dress would work out cheaper then separate skirt/jacket. A pair of plain heels with tights would dress it up too.

i agree a dress would be cheaper i was worried about looing over dressed iyswim? im completely green to all this aaaahhh!

Don't worry about that! Dresses are lovely with a jacket.

I've just bought this dress and it's a real winner as it has splashes of red, black, beige and white - great for matching with other items. It is linen though so may crease a little.

www.marksandspencer.com/Linen-Blend-Sleeveless-Colour-Block/dp/B004QLCAMU?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=308803031&sr=1-1&qid=1305834512&pf_rd_r=04YMHYJHFF8SAE67XXPA&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=308803031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

A more tailored dress I bought recently was this one. Reduced since I bought it.

www.marksandspencer.com/Square-Colour-Block-Panelled-Shift/dp/B0047B3K8C?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_10&nodeId=308803031&sr=1-10&qid=1305834512&pf_rd_r=04YMHYJHFF8SAE67XXPA&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=308803031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

I have also bought the following jackets recently which both match the above dresses. The Uniqlo one is great as you can wear it at weekends too. The Debenhams one is reduced at the mo too.

shop.uniqlo.com/uk/goods/068389

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_028010422472_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7ESuits+%26amp%3B+tailoring