Help! Swanky city law firm interview outfit - no idea what I should wear!

[CooCooCachoo]

I didn't think I would even get the interview but now I have, I'm desperate to look the part and I am far from swanky normally!

The job is fairly senior role but not partner level. Vital statistics are 5ft 6, hourglass ( hips as broad as shoulders rather than femme fatale!) and a post maternity size 16 (read wobbly tummy) to be hidden and I'm 35.

I really really want to look elegant and sophisticated and do have a fairly nice light grey pin stripe suit (pinafore dress, longer line jacket) but think that might look a bit basic? What do people wear these days??

Don't mind spending a bit of cash as can either wear suit in new job or at least have it ready for the next interview!

Any thoughts, hints, tips would be greatly appreciated!

I'd say you can't go wrong with a black skirt suit, silk shirt in dark or neutral colour, and plain black courts.

Dress and jacket combo from Reiss, Hobby, LK Bennett or the like. Mid-heel black or nude court. Manicure and immaculate hair and make-up.

Good luck!

Hobby should read Hobbs!

Thanks that's useful, 2 votes for skirt suits so trousers out!

Hair cut and colour already in the diary!

Curious what firm it is now - I think that might actually make a difference!

I'm at what seems like a swanky city firm but it really doesn't embrace the 'stuffy' city look at all. For interviews I wore a good, well-fitted dress, once without a jacket (as it had sleeves) and once with a good expensive black cardigan. Good polished heels, tidy nails and good make up and hair. They are much more focused on you just looking 'together', if that makes any sense, than judging on a suit.

I'd chose what you feel comfortable and professional in.

Trouser suit is totally fine too if it's fitted... Honestly. Whatever suits you best but I can see how skirt suits look good on an hour glass shape. Make sure jewellery is understated (but wear some!) and have neutral 'polished' make-up, I reckon. Ditto nails. Good luck!! I normally wear a dress and co-ordinated (but not matching) jacket or nice black trouser suit with 'ciagerette' style 7/8 trousers and mid-heels... Plus a good neat neutral handbag. Am a City solicitor.

Trouser suit is totally fine too if it's fitted... Honestly. Whatever suits you best but I can see how skirt suits look good on an hour glass shape. Make sure jewellery is understated (but wear some!) and have neutral 'polished' make-up, I reckon. Ditto nails. Good luck!! I normally wear a dress and co-ordinated (but not matching) jacket or nice black trouser suit with 'ciagerette' style 7/8 trousers and mid-heels... Plus a good neat neutral handbag. Am a City solicitor.

Definitely wouldn't wear trousers. I work in a "smart city law firm" and a lot of my older male colleagues still think it is a bit odd to see women wearing trousers.

Some city firms are more conventional than others and many operate a "smart casual" policy when you are not going to meetings.

Most of my female colleagues are wearing some kind of dress and a jacket(or in my case a flowing black cardigan) but my firm is not particularly stuffy.

I would have thought that the outfit you describe would be fine as long as you feel smart and comfortable in it.

Hobbs suit and LK Bennett shoes. If you need a shirt, get something fitted (but not gapey) from Pinks or similar.

Do you have a decent handbag?

Make sure everything is extremely well pressed. No snags in tights etc.

Wow. Very surprised Goosey Lucy... Trousers totally acceptable at the magic circle firm I was at, the mid tier city good-at-IP firm I was at and a large New York firm (London office). I'm a corporate lawyer. Not 'dress down' either... Anyway, wear a skirt if it suits you better and you feel more comfortable! Personally, I think Hobbs looks mumsy on me and prefer Reiss, Theory, or some LK Bennett but some of my friends look gorgeous in Hobbs. Joseph can be really nice too if you can afford it! I also think silk (or silky looking) tops under suits look nice. But I've always felt odd in collared shirts!

Agree re the collared shirts. so bloody uncomfortable. I second the skirt suit combination. I'm short (5"4) so I find banana republic the best for suits, Reiss suit jackets are too long for me, I look like I'm playing dress up.

if you havent worn heels for a while and buy a new pair I would practice walking in them and getting up and down from a chair. you dont want to ruin how polished and professional you look by nearly falling over. which is what i usually do, I am pants in heels and soft carpets can make it worse. good luck OP!