Please help dress me for an interview.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I have a school-based interview on Friday. Lovely, great, wonderful, except... I'm on medication which has led me to gain weight. I've gone from a size 8 to a 14, and have nothing in that size I can wear (In fact, nothing in that size at all).

I'm 5'2 and all my weight is on my stomach, hips, thighs.

I'd like a dress, as I have shoes already, whereas if I go for trousers I will need shoes to accompany it. Budget it less than £50, as I really want to go back to my old clothes and size. (I have nothing wrong with being a size 14, only that I will have to buy a whole new wardrobe if I stay this size)

this dress is one I like, but I'm not sure if it is professional enough.

Congratulations!

Whats the role? That will make a difference.

Teacher or management - very smart suit dress and jacket?

TA or support staff - possibly you could get away with something more smart/casual - a nice dress or skirt and blouse but not necessarily a 'suit' dress, iyswim?

I know it gets a lot of flack on MN, but Next is quite decent for cheap workwear in a hurry (next day delivery and good returns policy).

It's pastoral support staff, so on the same pay scale as a teacher staring salary, if that makes sense.

I'm coming to it from three years in a role where we wore jeans each day and the school is quite a good one - uniform is strict for the students.

this is cheap and cheerful and a bit longer than the one you have linked but still colourful and smart.

Ooh thanks, I like that one. I thought about trying to get something from rl Maxx but it seemed like too much hard work!

I think the Asos one and the one you linked to are very floral florals and not what I would choose for a professional role - the Asos one in particular is quite 'girly'. Sorry not to be more constructive.

Hmmm. I'd err on the side of caution then and go smart professional - dark suit dress and jacket and heels. Or if you're not too busty, a sleeveless work reds over a blouse/shirt? Schools can be quite conservative about interview attire.

You'll suss out what everyone else is wearing at the interview anyway (and can ask about dress code if you get the job)...so buy something you can wear once and take back if necessary (good returns policy etc!) or something cheap.

M&S? Next?

work DRESS not reds

I've found this one, what do we think? With a cardigan and jacket? It's knee length.

I like the last one. The florals aren't v professional for an interview (esp at this time of year!)

last one looks chic and professional

Brilliant, thanks. I've bought it.

Love the last one. Its perfect. I'd wear a blazer though if you have one? Where is the dress from please?

V. good call. The others were holiday wear, IMO, specially the second. Good luck.

It's from tk Maxx. I got a 10, although bigger. You can find it online, here

Any idea for shoes?
I don't have a blazer, although I can look for one. I need to keep my arms covered so I'm going for a red cardigan from oasis (very straightforward)

If you are going for a simple red cardi I'd keep the shoes navy to match the dress, to keep it all professional.

I'm planning on <a class="break-all" href="http://m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_052010900443?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=7749802&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=7749802&gclid=CLGGuNeGjcQCFSYYwwodMw8Abw&gclsrc=aw.ds&m-referrer=www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=C6LIRbB32VPm7G6Gh7Qbp94CYB8ffuooH56W68qsBguGnysUCCAQQBiD4mYsSKAdgu8bCg9AKoAGx_trVA8gBB6kC_14oZfTRuT6qBCdP0OTRZzoYpZRynlCoEYBpuWcTfoZIMSLpdZDlLolalhDy0Pf_vcKABZfgvAvABQWIBgGgBibYBgKAB7eBpSqQBwOoB6a-G9gHAeAShbC71NXRuBQ&ohost=www.google.co.uk&cid=5GjdNZWq1AucCxBj9BATirRFKrn_hff1Nkw41BgNpsbrZFA&sig=AOD64_0Q2zRCyPtYEF6ADHNwWLS5QSbMXw&ctype=5&rct=j&q=&ved=0CCoQwg8&adurl=clickserve.dartsearch.net/link/click%3Flid%3D92700005493081592%26ds_s_kwgid%3D58700000358968205%26ds_e_adid%3D46130927815%26ds_e_product_group_id%3D87397363842%26ds_e_product_id%3D7749802%26ds_e_product_merchant_id%3D6242457%26ds_e_product_country%3DGB%26ds_e_product_language%3Den%26ds_e_product_channel%3Donline%26ds_e_product_store_id%3D%26ds_e_ad_type%3Dpla%26ds_s_inventory_feed_id%3D97700000001001980%26ds_url_v%3D2%26ds_dest_url%3Dwww.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_052010900443%253FCMP%253DSSH%2526tmcampid%253D28%2526tmad%253Dc%2526sku%253D7749802%2526ci_src%253D18615224%2526ci_sku%253D7749802" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these but in navy.

Prefer something like THIS
But shoes are very personal thing.

I'll try those whilst in next today, thanks.

Think your own choice of shoe is good - more suitable for this occasion than very high heels.