Interview outfit...advice please?

[HilarysMantelpiece]

I've had few ventures into this corner of MN but have always had success with your advice

My morning post has brought an interview appointment for 2 weeks time. Probably my dream job but a few years early...the type of post that possibly wont become available again quickly (think dept head with approx 20 staff...I really should have my Masters for it, but life, children, SN have got in the way for a while....School Principal type post).

I have got in touch with an interview coach and have started practicing answers, scenarios etc. Water, meditation, exercise is being ramped up.

The most important thing for me is that I don't make a fool of myself, as I see this opportunity as a "shop window" for me to show what skills I have.... even if I don't get the job (chances are slim, realistically) I want to leave the room and have them thinking about what role they can use me in as they have been impressed by my presence, skills etc.

I'm very hourglassy, mid-40's, 5'5", about 10lbs over my normal weight.
Legs only look good from knees down and even then, only when in heels. I have a good waist, 34B chest, huuuuuge bum (small children snicker at it). In Next I'm a size 10 top, 12/14 bottoms.
Leg length is disproportionate so that my waist looks smaller and bum looks bigger IYSWIM (shortarse).
Very, very celtic colouring.....

I feel comfortable in this Hobbs dress in black (sorry, can only find a thumbnail type pic) but it may be a bit dull? How could I make it memorable without frightening the horses?
Structured dresses like this, I like. Haaate clingy jersey (e.g. I have this Phase Eight dress which is too clingy and va-va-voom for work on me).

I have a marvellous outlet near me with Hobbs, Jaeger, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, French Connection, Gerard Darel etc.

Advice on suitable dresses, heels etc much much appreciated.

The wool mix content sounds good - shame about the jacket problem. For you the ideal jacket would be short and well fitted esp around the waist like this one

The blue Hobbs dress is nice but it does not shout authority/professionalism unless you find one in navy or black.

or this one from Hobbs

Neither thank you for those. You've nailed the jacket issue. I love the lapelled blazer preppy look but it does not love me. Those you linked to are the shapes that do work for me.

I think I can get that Phase Eight jacket on click-and-collect in my local Debenhams so will definitely look at that.

YY to the colour issue also- if the Phase Eight jacket worked with my Hobbs dress that would be job done. Shoes shouldn't be so difficult- should they?

No with a black dress, you can pretty much wear any shoes as long as these are smart - heels are fine if you prefer wearing these.

Jacket mandatory for job at this level, do you think?

If its a Head of Dept management post then something to make the dress look more formal/professional would help.

As it is the style of the dress is slightly casual but then I've not seen it styled/on someone - do you want to take a pic of yourself wearing it and show to to us?

Ask your interview coach for advice and also google pictures of where the new job is to see what people are wearing and aim for something a bit more formal as interviews are where people tend to make an extra effort.