What should I wear to this interview?

[NellyBluth]

I've got an interview coming up (yay!) for a university library job - so it's a professional teaching-ish role, I need to look smart, but it is a library and generally that's not the sort of place where you need a full suit. Which is good, because I don't have a suit! So help, please, I'm at a loss...

I've got a very conservative dark grey shift dress (kind of like this but not the jacket to go with it. I don't really like the look of shirts or long-sleeve tops under dresses like that. Normally I'd wear it with a cardigan, so I was thinking maybe buy a nice new black cardigan so it looks smart and fitted - do people think that would work? I can manage heels, so that should help. Though do you think nude tights would look better my normal thick black tights? Or would black trousers and a nice top be better? I could in theory spend a little bit of money, especially as I could use the outfit again for work. And if people think trousers and a top would be better, what kind of top? I'm just not the right shape for shirts that need tucking in.

Can you tell I've not had an interview for years?

Bump? Please help!

The dress is fine. I would wear black opaques. And probably a cropped jacket rather than a cardigan. But if I wore a cardigan I'd go for orange or red, but I love those colours.

Good luck!

You are over thinking this.

The dress is fine. Black tights are fine (unless it's summer - which it isn't here!) I think a jacket, or a cardigan would be perfect...I think a black cardigan might be a bit dull...with a grey dress you could wear any colour cardigan that suits you.

Personally I'd go for the grey dress with a pink cardigan, with coordinating jewelry (or just subtle jewelry) .

Dress is fine
I'd change the belt, perhaps
A bit of colour is always good in an interview so either a coloured card, or invest in some great, maybe slightly kooky, coloured shoes. Helps people remember you.

Yes the dress is nice, smart shoes and either a colourful cropped cardi or a jacket. I work in a uni lib but would still dress more formally for an interview so if you can find a fitted jacket that matches (or in a colour like red or turquoise) then great but otherwise fitted cardi fine.

most important is that you feel comfy and competent

Good luck

Thanks everyone. I've managed to find this in the DP sale which I think will look alright (my dress is actually a very dark grey), and I think it would work with jeans and a top afterwards so I won't be wasting money!