Please help my accessorise this suit so I don't look like I'm off to a funeral...

[bigtoelittletoe]

I have an interview for a job that I really, really want. So, have I spent the morning preparing to make myself sound super-smart and employable?

No.

I have spent the morning trying to figure out what to wear! I am a bit of a scruff generally so am aiming to smarten myself up

I have ordered the following suit:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0211-4267-3413L00&productvarid=0211-4267-3413L00-TEAL%20MULTI-10

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0211-7595-3413L00&productvarid=0211-7595-3413L00-TEAL%20MULTI-18

I know...the price is a bit eek, isn't it? Still have butterflies in my stomach from clicking 'confirm payment'.

I don't know much about accessorising. And, to be honest, I don't have many accessories or jewellery to choose from. Does anybody have any suggestions for jewellery, bag etc?

I'd really appreciate some guidance. Maybe a colourful scarf to brighten it up a bit? The description says it has teal flecks in the wool but that doesn't look too obvious to me.

I'll be wearing these shoes:

www.dune.co.uk/amelia-d-scallop-and-bow-detail-court-shoe-prodameliad10black/

And I was considering this bag:
shop.mango.com/GB/p/mango/bags/touch---leather-messenger-handbag/?id=66601027_02

I'd rather the tan so I'd get more use post-interview. Would tan go with the suit though?

And last question: I bought these tights:
www.prettypolly.co.uk/products/Tights/Pretty-Polly-Fashion-Tights/Textured-Cable-Tights-Black/Black

because I'm not a big fan of getting my pastie legs out. And it's bloody cold frankly. But will the tights look a bit silly?

Any input gratefully received!

If it helps I'm a size 12, 5'7, small of nork but large of arse.

Love the suit, think it is fab and quite tempted to get myself!

I wouldn't go for those tights, I would go for plain tights, otherwise it can all be a bit much I think.

What is the role/organisation and perhaps I can help more

I would say its either the tights or the bag - together they just don't work with a suit (an mod-style dress yes - suit no). The suit is gorgeous btw. I would probaby go for nude hoisery (you can get the next colour up to warm the colour of your legs up). Keep jewellery to a minimum as it is just distracting to an interviewer when there is alot of it. Make sure your nails are done and the suede on your shoes is freshly brushed.

All the interviewer wants to see is that you are presentable - not that you have masses of fashion flair (unless you are going for a job in fashion - in which case you wouldn't wear a suit like that anyway). They are not hiring you for the outfit but for what you can bring to their organisation. So what you need to work on now are the classic interview questions - whate are your strengths/weaknesses, what makes you different and how can you improve this company.

Good luck

Thank you. Really appreciate your input.

Suspected the tights are a bit much hee hee. I know DP will hate 'em!

Nails...eek. Hadn't even thought about them. I'm not a big fan of nail polish. Can I get away with just buffing them?

The job is in science/education and is just perfect for me. So long as I don't get too nervous and fall over in those shoes!

Blouses:
www.monsoon.co.uk/bin/venda?att1=10&bsref=monsoon&log=22&mode=add&curpage=&next=undefined&ex=co_disp-shopc&buy=12314241&invt=12314241&ivref=12314241&qty=1

or

www.monsoon.co.uk/camilla-blouse/invt/12304113/

?

Glad you both like the suit. It'll arrive tomorrow so I'll try on and let you know in case you too want to damage your bank accounts.

I always get wound up about what to wear. I know it's me that's most important but I always get hung up on feeling 'right' for these types of things...

oops...

blouse 1:
www.monsoon.co.uk/bin/venda?att1=10&bsref=monsoon&log=22&mode=add&curpage=&next=undefined&ex=co_disp-shopc&buy=12314241&invt=12314241&ivref=12314241&qty=1

blouse 2:
www.monsoon.co.uk/camilla-blouse/invt/12304113/

definately the camilla blouse of the two - first is just a tad too casual.

Yes - nails will be fine buffed - they just need to look neat. It is awful when you have a well turned out woman in front of you that has ragged cuticles/chipped polish/dirty nails. Get one of those white nail pencils (about £2) to make sure they look really clean and smart and massage some oil into your cuticles and they will lok fine.

Wearing the right thing and feeling your best definately helps - [sexy undies make me feel very powerful at interviews ]

Like the blouses, but I don't think they go with the suit. I would maybe just wear a scoop neck black top underneath, let the suit shine. Or maybe teal. Maybe with chunky black beads which would sit on the skin between the top and your next, IYSKIM.

I would probably go for a large shoulder bag. I think messenger bags can look a wee bit childish for work.

Brilliant. Thanks for your input. White nail pencil. That's a new one on me.

Yep...I'll be wearing extremely sexy undies...haha...I'll be all Spanxed up!

I'll let you know how my trying on session goes.

Yes, I'm with pleasethanks here. I would wear a coloured, preferably sleeveless, but plain (maybe just pleating or some gathering - a bit like this silky blouse/vest. Fairly plain. Teal sounds lovely given there is some teal in the suit colours.

More importantly, good luck!!

Gosh that suit is wonderful, and I love the shoes! I have to agree with everyone else though, I would go for black opaques and a much plainer top underneath....

Good luck! I'm sure you'll be fabulous (of course you will be, you'll have a fabulous suit!)

dingdongs' blouse is lovely...definately an option. I was working off the assumption you would be wearing the suit jacket open which is why I think the monsoon blouse could still work (if you had a fuller bust I would have said it was a no-no).

anyway - have fun trying on

Thanks everybody. Really appreciate your help. Am excited that you all like the suit...that's promising.

That top is lovely dingdong. Will see if I can find something similar in my size.

I think the jacket will prob stay on. Though I may have to give a presentation for which it'll likely come off. I thought it best not to shock with too much armage, hence the long-sleeved efforts (am imagining my arms will be swishing around like John Snow's on election night! Likely to be v far from the truth).

I'm sure you look lovely babybarrister. I am not used to strutting round in suits so feel a wee bitty self-conscious.

Update on the Hobbs suit: the jacket is lovely. Great quality, lovely fit. Got a size 10 since am small up top and I think Hobbs sizes are bit on the big side. The colour is slightly teal I guess. I like the shade. All in all is a nice jacket.

The skirt fitted quite well (size 12). However, that foldy bit at the front makes it look like it's ill-fitting. Also skirt and jacket together is a bit much for me. So skirt has gone back.

I'm going to pair the jacket with a smart, black dress that I already have.

Thanks for all your help everybody.

P.s. The Dune shoes have gone back too. Way too big for a size 6 and the heel is ridiculously high.