2nd/callback job interview - do you need to be quite so smartly dressed?

[ThurlHoHoHow]

I have a standard very plain, smart office dress which I wear with heels and a decent cardigan for first round interviews. However I've been called back for a 2nd interview and now need something else to wear!

I have this dress, which is smarter in RL than it looks and definitely doesn't look remotely see through. It's a little quirkier than a normal interview outfit IMO. I do have to stand up and give a presentation and I feel comfortable in this dress as I'm not worried about tugging it into place or it moving at all, if that makes any sense. I'm also temped to wear it with coloured ballet pumps too, but that might be a step too far...?

Anyway, any opinions would be great, DP is useless at this stuff!

Can't shop as there are no shops bar Dotty P's and New Look here and I'm very petite, standard clothes generally look baggy on me. No.neighbours to borrow from for the same reason!

That.leaves that Next.dress, a green pussy bow blouse and black skirt, or the same dress and cardi outfit. My normal work clothes are like that dress.

I think it would be fine although I obviously don't know what sector you work in. I would wear it with opaque black tights, flat black shoes and a black jacket. I don't even own a suit anymore and have done a lot of interviewing over the last year and had hardly anyone wearing a suit, mostly it was tailored trousers and a top. TBH I think that a dress like that, accessorised appropriately is far preferable to a cheap formal dress or suit.

I'd do the pussy bow blouse and skirt.

Just to be on safe side.

I hope you do get the job but if you don't then ensure you invest in another interview outfit.

I now have 1 short and 1 sleeveless shift dresses (smart), a few suits and blouses/shirts to wear with them. Also similar stuff for colder weather. I don't have to wear smart stuff for work but my interview/smart stuff is for interviews and/or I get a job in smarter places.

My dresses were H&M, mango suit etc.

Agree with others- the dress is not really smart enough unless paired with a very formal black jacket.

I like the green pussy bow blouse and black skirt better- I'd wear a black waistcoat over the top of the blouse.

If you have no alternatives and you have to wear it you'd have been better not to ask the question.

Well, opinions are always helpful. Will accessorise very smartly. But not everyone can afford to have clothes they don't wear tucked away in the wardrobe, and I'm also trying to juggle something I can wear at work without being obvious as the interview is during the working day.

Heels it is though, and a belt which really does change the look.