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Original poster

Please advise me on "smart business attire"!

29 replies

doglover · 07/05/2017 20:11

I am going for an interview/assessment day next week for a position as a registrar. I've been out of the workplace for a while - previously a teacher - and have been given instructions about dress code standards. This includes:

  • smart business attire (smart suit or equivalent)

As a primary teacher, I wore dresses/leggings/cardigans which I realise aren't appropriate for this new career path. I am early 50s and a size 22.

If anyone could offer advice about reasonably-priced outfits, I would be really grateful. TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
doglover · 07/05/2017 20:28

bump

OP posts:
Original poster
doglover · 07/05/2017 21:14

bump

OP posts:
skyzumarubble · 07/05/2017 21:20

As it says really - a suit or dress and jacket, skirt top and jacket, definitely not leggings!

I wear pencil skirts, a top or short and a jacket or smart dresses.

Good luck!

Almostthere15 · 07/05/2017 21:22

What do you have already? Do you have any smart back trousers to start with? You could get a black jacket to match, and then a simple white shirt.

Otherwise a shift dress and longer line jacket. Evans would have these I'd imagine. New look inspire range would also have coordinating smart items.

What's your budget?

travailtotravel · 07/05/2017 21:23

Budget and best features?

Want2bSupermum · 07/05/2017 21:23

It means you wear a suit. People have differing expectations as to what a suit is. Personally it's a skirt, trouser or dress with coordinating jacket with a neutral top if wearing a skirt or trousers. With this type of attire I think it looks more formal with a 2" heel. If wearing a dress or skirt you should wear tights.

pinkcardi · 07/05/2017 21:26

I do a lot of interviewing. I would expect a suit (trousers or pencil skirt) with top/blouse, or a dress with coordinating (if not matching) jacket.

More casual candidates might wear a dress and a cardigan. But this, to me, is too casual and whilst I don't rate them down, I do notice this.

Other advice: smart and clean shoes, don't show your shoulders, neat nails.

It doesn't have to be boring but it does need to be clean, smart, polished.

Lots of high street shops do smart business clothes, try next, marks and spencer, Debenhams for reasonably priced stuff.

Good luck!

Original poster
doglover · 07/05/2017 21:27

Many thanks for your replies.

I suppose I was wondering if a dress/jacket combo would be ok or if it had to be a suit. I do have some black trousers but always hate it if someone wears two 'blacks' which aren't quite the same!

I'll have a look at Evans - thanks.

I'm happy to spend a maximum of £100.

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PastysPrincess · 07/05/2017 21:30

Firstly well done on getting your interview.

I wear smart black trousers and a blouse for work. I recently had an interview but for that I wore a suit. NEXT seems to have a nice range. I wear a size 20.

Good luck.

Original poster
doglover · 07/05/2017 21:32

Sorry, by the time I'd posted my reply, there were many others to respond to!

It's really useful to hear from those of you who interview regularly - I feel so out of the loop of the expected dress code. I completely agree with the cardigan comment and want to wear clothing that makes me look and feel the part of a confident professional.

OP posts:
Twinklyfaerieglade · 07/05/2017 21:33

Think about the job. Your most public facing roles are really key moments in peoples lives.Births, marriages, deaths and citizenship ceremonies.

Looking very smart is so important to people at those time. If it's a happy occasion they want you to have dressed up to honour that, in a sad situation the are slightly reassured by you looking ultra smart and competent.

A smart muted dress and a tailored jacket would be perfect. I used to be responsible for registration ser vices at a local Authority. Trust me this formula works.

Good luck

Wotshudwehave4T · 07/05/2017 21:37

Phone Debenhams and arrange a personal shopper, it's free and no obligation if you aren't quite sure about the items. Benefit is the shopper knows the stock inside out and will bring loads of stuff for you to try on, clothes, shoes, accessories. Good luck

Want2bSupermum · 07/05/2017 21:38

I like to wear navy and it's much less harsh than black. However if £100 is your budget take a look at outlets. Coast, Hobbs and Jaeger all have good options in that price range. I rarely spend more than £75 on a coordinated suit from the clearance rack. I'm a size 16 so no skinny Minnie.

Original poster
doglover · 07/05/2017 21:38

Many thanks, TFG. This is exactly what I have been thinking. I really appreciate your advice.

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Canklesofglitter · 07/05/2017 21:40

Sainsburys have some smart dresses and jackets in at the moment. I am a similar size to you and have had a few good work dresses from Bon Marche (I don't shout about this one Blush ). If you have anywhere near you that stocks Roman Originals they can be good for smart shift dresses with lots of nice disguising ruching around the tummy area (although can tend to the "mother of the bride" if you're not careful).

M&S is good for heels you can stand in. Clarks also.

Want2bSupermum · 07/05/2017 21:41

If you totally don't find something take a look at the George suits and get a really nice top on sale. I wear my George suit with a lovely top from jigsaw. The focus is on the nice top not the suit so you can get away with it being lower quality.

SuperPug · 07/05/2017 21:42

Ours is always very smart. Suits etc. Smarter than me!
For office wear, Next has some brilliant dresses etc. but it can be a bit hit and miss.

Tartle · 07/05/2017 22:02

Marks and spencer do have some reasonable things in larger sizes but it has been very hit and miss recently!

You might get something in monsoon that's not too patterned.

I think Evans and new look stuff looks a bit cheap to be honest.

The Debenhams personal shopper isn't a bad shout. Their designer special ranges mostly go up to a 22 I think. RochaJohnRocha etc. I've had a personal shopper before and they were very good.

I'd totally go dress and jacket over suit. It's much more versatile.

Original poster
doglover · 08/05/2017 17:57

Thanks so much for all your advice last night.

I managed to go to M&S today and bought an outfit that I'm really happy with: a black dress with ruching over the stomach area and a matching black jacket. I also purchased a pair of black shoes and feel like the bees knees!

Assuming the best happens and I actually GET the job, it should be a good starting point for a mix'n'match dress code.

OP posts:
Dulcimena · 08/05/2017 18:01

Sounds perfect. Good luck Smile

pinkcardi · 08/05/2017 18:53

That sounds like a great outfit, and very practical going forward too. All the best for the interview

Twinklyfaerieglade · 08/05/2017 19:46

Sound excellent. Good luck x

Original poster
doglover · 08/05/2017 20:06

Thanks, ladies. Reading your helpful advice yesterday was such a great boost; it gave me the confidence to buy suitable clothes when I was feeling totally out of my comfort zone! (I'm more of an M&S 'Indigo' range shopper usually!

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Original poster
doglover · 20/05/2017 11:55

Well, I GOT THE JOB!!!

It was a gruelling day but I felt confident about my appearance which certainly helped me control my nerves.

Thanks again.

OP posts:
Twinklyfaerieglade · 20/05/2017 12:15

That is brilliant. I am so proud of you.
The job has its tough aspects but a lot of it is about joy. I think you will do very well. Xxx

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