What would you wear to a job interview in this weather?

[LucyTheValiant]

It's bloody boiling. 30 degrees all week, and I have a job interview for a job I would really, really like. I am likely to have to walk or cycle to the location - not a car friendly city, and it's either a 20 minute walk away or an hour long bus journey.

I want to look professional but I don't want to rock up sweating like a pig. I'll have to give a short presentation, have the interview, and take part in an unspecified group activity. Preferably without looking a manky sweaty mess.

I have no idea what to wear. I think I generally have good fashion sense but I'm unemployed at the moment and previously worked from home so when it got hot I could work in my pants for all anyone cared, so have no recent experience to fall back on! I could buy something if need be but I have a very small budget as finances are tight (hence the job interview!) so would ideally work with what I already have, though I accept it is mostly going to be too casual for an interview.

I'm about 5 foot 3, size 6, long hair, if that helps at all.

Oh, and as well as clothes that won't melt me, what sort of shoes should I wear? And what do I do about a bag?

I would wear something like this but with short sleeves on the top. I don't know if that fits in with any clothes that you already have.

Thank you! It doesn't really but I'm sure I could find something similar without spending loads, and I like it a lot.

Have you got a suit ? What I would do is skirt and blouse on to get there with bare legs and comfy sandles.

Take jacket (fold carefully), heels and tights (2 pairs just in case) in a carrier bag along with some wet wipes and mini deodorant.

When you get close put tights, heels and jacket on in the loo, quick wipe and spray and put the flip flops in your handbag.

Quite a big smart handbag needed (black if you have it )

Depends on the job but for most jobs a suit is expected for interview.

Next sale is on at the mo and I just got some suit trousers in tesco sale for £6 the other day. Sainsburys have loads of clothes half price (got a few things) and someone said asda clothes are on sale too.

dress?

You cant cycle to a job interview! Lol

I'd wear a sleeveless or cap sleeved suit dress OR pencil skirt and light blouse on top. Smart heels, maybe peep toes or wedge sandals if you can get away with it.

Hair up in a chignon or other smart up-do.

I'd wear something that wouldn't crease- so that rules out linen.

I'd go for a nice smart tea dress with a pattern which wouldn't show creases or sweat.

or a nice pencil skirt and top- and if you can, a change of top for when you arrive then shoot into the loo and change.,

A simple shift dress & sheer tights, court shoes. Take a jacket for popping in in the office, not as mad as it sounds as indoors old easily have air-con & makes 1st impression smart, but you can easily take it off or carry in.
Definitely wear something you have already & fits well/relaxing to wear. And helps you concentrate on what you want to say. And good luck

In this weather I'd be happy to see any female interviewees in a sleeveless, but tailored dress, something like this.

Or what Dexter has posted; tailored trousers or skirt with a smart blouse.

Muted/business colours; no patterns or anything too flowing.

I'd wear a dress and take a linen jacket to slip on for first impressions.
I only ever wear knee length or longer so I'd wear bare legs with closed toe shoes. I know bare legs are supposed to be a no-no but if your dress isn't short and your toes are covered its not obvious if you have tights on or not.

If you are a 6 then trawl the charity shops for stuff people have grown out of! I got an interview suit for a tenner (and got the job!) the nicest stuff is always in the tiny sizes!

PS I am not tiny. Size 10/12 bottom 12/14 top - just got lucky

I'd go with a simple linen shift and either court shoes with sheer tights or smart sandals. Depends on what the job is.

Thank you everyone! Lots of useful tips I will have a browse and bear all this in mind!