Help! I need to put together an outfit for job interview, I'm NOT comfortable in smart clothes!

[MichonnesSamuraiSword]

I've got a job interview for an internal position at my existing company.

As I already work there, I know that the usual dress code is casual - I wear jeans, trainers and a nice jumper for work, as do most of my colleagues. However, the job I'm going for will involve representing the company at high level meetings from time to time, which does of course call for smarter dress.

So what do I wear for the interview that is appropriately smart, but doesn't make me look a total dick? I have seen other people waiting for interviews in suits, and to be honest, they stick out like a sore thumb.

I am NOT a trouser suit type of person, and would feel terribly uncomfortable in a blouse of any description. I will also have to spend the rest of the day in the office before / after the interview, so I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb screaming "I'm going for a JOB INTERVIEW"

I'm thinking some black trousers, black boots and a smart jumper?

I don't have access to most high street stores, but there is a Next and a Debenhams nearby. Or I can shop online.

Can anyone help me put together a nice outfit?!

Remus's idea was good, imo.

I think in your case maybe the black and white or the suit look is too formal maybe black/grey/ navy/camel trousers and coloured well fitting jumper with scarf or necklace and shoes/boots rather than trainers; so you do not look as if you work at a bank or solicitors office but you do know how to dress up more for interview and meeting clients

you could wear a more casual type of jacket with trousers and fitted t shirt but nothing that looks like a suit

Ooh thank you, some nice ones there.

It's not really a techy or trendy job, more sciency. So yes, a more expensive version of what most people wear is a good idea.

Aargh, should have spent today working out what to actually say in the interview, rather than what to wear!!

It's my dream job opportunity so I'm really nervous!

Yes Teacup you've hit the nail on the head there.

Grey trousers, with a plain shirt or jumper, with a smart scarf sound ok?

Should I wear black or brown boots with grey trousers?

I think a decent pair of trousers and a decent jacket will always come in handy, either together or separately, so will be better buys than pencil skirts etc. And in the UK, ankle boots can be pretty much all-seasons wear! So buying those three things wouldn't be a waste of money.

Then make sure your outfit helps your confidence :) Good luck

Yes - confidence. Hence I don't want to feel too uncomfortable in ill fitting trousers or anything.

I still remember how uncomfortable I felt with my hair neatly tied up for my last job interview 4 years ago. Thankfully now I have a short cut, so no silly hair updos for me!

I've always felt better in slightly masculine wide leg trousers, with a heel. Maybe grey wool ones?

I've been trying to find some grey wool widelegs for you, and am failing so far.

Yeah, I'm searching and failing!

Does that mean they're mega unfashionable?

This sort of thing, yep?

Yes! They're great, now who the hell sells them?!

Oh I see they're Reiss, I'm still a bit unfamiliar with Pinterest

These? Not sure about 'crinkled' but they look ever so comfy - and I'm not seeing much crinkle! There's an extra 15% off when you go to the site. link

Ooh, lovely find, Remus! [want]

Not sure about those Garlic.. there's a bit of camel toe going on with the first pic!!

Yeah, they're using very strange pictures Just had a look at the Reiss trousers page - gorgeous, I think!

I'm going to have to run out now but thank you lovely ladies for being so helpful and willing to give up your time for a fashion numpty like me!!

I'll have a think about those grey trousers and see if I've got anything that might go with them already, if not I think maybe a crisp white shirt with nice necklace or scarf, or a smart jumper should do it - not too 'try hard' but smart enough to represent my company at big-wig meetings.

Thank you!!

Last fantasy shop for me - Hobbs: Saskia & Daria trousers.

Navy any good?

I'd wear with a fitted navy polo neck and long pendant.

lightweight polo neck

Lovely cut but £££ for vintage

Don't wear a shirt and a scarf together, too fussy.

Trousers, reasonably fitted (not baggy jumper) and scarf would be good, or trousers and shirt would be fine but not the scarf and shirt.

I would go trousers and shirt as a minimum of smartness, but if you can find a jacket that will go with a pair of trousers without being a suit, iykwim (blazer rather than jacket) it will look smarter without being frumpily suit like. I missed if you'd wear heels, but I would if you can.

Thanks everyone... I'm getting disproportionately obsessed with how I'm going to look at this interview!

I think I'll def go for some wide leg trousers, and either a shirt (without scarf) or a nice jumper and scarf.

Thanks everyone, you're all such fountains of knowledge!

I'd go for a fitted, smart jumper with the wide legged style trousers posted so far. Maybe something like this, this, this or this? Then add a smart scarf or a contrasting necklace. I don't think you need to worry about heels.
One thing I'd say is don't focus too much on the being in the office before/after, dress for the interview/the people you need to impress for the job!