Corporate style

[MayaMorph]

ok. am about to go into a big interview.
Am nervous but know that I can do the job but am having a wardrobe crisis. Tips on the right corporate look please. It is a French owned company, so whether I like it or not - the right wardrobe is going to be essential.

Can't comment on French owned companies but I need to look very smart for certain aspects of my work. I think the basic rule is to ignore anyone who suggests you can get away with not wearing a suit! In my line of work you simply can't and as you've referred to a corporate environment i'd guess it'll be the same for you.

My favourite place to shop for work clothes is Hobbs. They are conservative enough for my work without being too drab. I favour a knee length shift style dress and fitted jacket but that's because dresses suit my body shape. I'm sure you'll be fine with a nice suit so long as it is a conservative colour and the skirt is knee length.

Have you decided what you'd like to wear?

Are you confident with applying a natural look make up wise and with blow drying your hair? Do you have tidy eye brows and nails?

thank you very much. I am fine with looking tidy and presentable and the hair/make up/nails are pretty much fine!

Concern is that they will expect 'designer suit' and that is outside of my budget currently. I will check out Hobbs and see what they have.
What I would like to wear, is a classic black suit with some colour to cut against the black but fear that this maybe a bit severe!

I know the feeling. A lot of my colleagues wear very good suits. they aren't part time with children. I don't feel out of place wearing Hobbs or similar if that's any help but I don't work in anything even vaguely connected to the fashion industry which helps.

I don't think black looks severe but if you are worried about this charcoal and navy are great alternatives.

I shouldn't say this, but you should watch a film called 'Love Crime', it's just about to come out, it's about a bitch french boss! Haha! Maybe you should watch it to chill out, they can't be that bad!

I agree that Zara has some really good work clothes that are good for tight budgets - just as long as you don't dress head to toe there. Do you have good shoes and bag and coat?

I read on S&B that if you are not spending a lot of money on a suit, then it is better to avoid black, because navy/charcoal can look more expensive.

@lilibartley if only I had Kristin Scott Thomas' budget. She looks fabulous but am hoping that is not going to be their management style.
@karmabeliever I think you are right. Cheap black can look awful, I tried on a couple of cheaper black suits today and they just looked shoddy! So am going to hit the charcoal route and wear some purple / lilac to lift it a little.
Thoughts?

Sounds goof Maya. Hope you've had some luck shopping

goof = good

thanks @karmabeliever goof sounds more like my style!!