Help! first "office" interview in over 7 years and I am FAT!!! What to buy???

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

The possibility of an interview has arisen and if I DO get the interview, it will be on short notice so I need to have an outfit sorted asap.

Problem is I am short and wide (size 20). I need an ENTIRE outfit as I have been working from home for a very long time.

Does anyone have any great ideas for me please?

Anyone? please ........?

Not much help I'm afraid as I am wide but am not short so don't think my style would suit you (I wear a lot of long-line stuff)

What about a shift dress with jacket over, very classic or is that too dressy?

Hmmm.... sounds doable! Just worried about my rolling belly! (thanks for replying, by the way.) I will have a look now for shift dresses, see what comes up.

I am short and wide too. I look much like Humpty Dumpty. I have recently attended interviews and wore tailored trousers with a smart overshirt - the kind with buttons down the front (worn on the outside, not tucked in). I didn't wear a jacket because, well, I'm too fat for jackets. :)

If teamed with the perfect shoes, bag and grooming, I believe this to be an acceptable outfit for the rotund of stature. I got the job, anyway.

Black trousers, smart top and a small black smart cardigan. If |I'm feeling very fat I add a scarf as well. I am short and wide and this is my uniform- with varying degrees of smartness. House of Fraser are having a good sale at the moment online. Shift dresses really don't do anything for me - I am an odd shape.

JeanBodel, I love your post!

Albertswearingen, yes, I think that cardigan rather than a blazer is a good idea. I also wondered if black trousers would be a good option. Will look into that too.

Thank you!

I am wide too, size 18 with big boobs and a jelly belly, although very tall. My smart work outfit for important boardroom meetings consists of a black trouser suit from Next (big sizes in various trouser lengths) and a couple of jersey tops, sleeveless, with cowl neck (I don't take off the jacket. Alternatively, a wrap jersey dress with either a cardigan or the suit jacket and heels.

Thanks, Maraki! I know the big boobs and jelly belly body all too well.....

For better or worse I will pop in to M&S tomorrow to see what's up (and also because DH got a voucher from a suplier just before Xmas!)

Forgot to say Good Luck. Let us know how you get on. Knock 'em dead.

What about a wrap around dress? They are very flattering as usually have a v neck which is flattering on the bosom and the way they tie around means that it should skim your hips and flatter your waist. With thick black tights and a heeled shoe or boot (wedges are very comfortable) in the same colour as your tights as this will make your legs look longer. I would then wear a cardigan and accessorise with statement jewellery; a lot of formal workwear is samey and a piece of jewellery will add interest and make you stand out in that very first impression :)

And don't forget the hair and make up! If you feel fab it will show on the outside and your confidence will shine through

Thanks a million, Lollypoppy! I have never worn a tunic + leggings outfit - think I am too old at 45.

Perhaps I will give it a try, though.

I went to Debenhams and braved the Personal Shopper and she was LOVELY!! I came away with a pair of black trousers, a lovely top with soft cowl neck (which I would ordinarily never have tried) and a soft blakc cardigan. So pleased with the stuff I got and with the lovely help from the shopper.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions!