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Original poster

Interview dress, 15-20 weeks pregnant

18 replies

Paranormalbouquet · 08/06/2018 17:51

I have some NHS interviews coming up for quite senior positions. First one in around 3 weeks.

I will be 15 to 20 weeks pregnant for the interviews. If I’m offered the first one I’ll take it but best to plan ahead. Second baby. Complicated by abdominal surgery last week, through c section incision. Surgeon said to expect bloating for another few week, which will be quickly replaced by bump!

Size 14/16, usually hourglass shaped with enormous bum/thighs so pregnant makes me blob like. Obviously I’d prefer not to advertise my pregnancy in interviews.

Has anyone seen any smart maternity dresses which won’t accentuate bump? Or any non-maternity dresses which might work over the next while? Happy to spend some money if it gets me the job!

OP posts:
Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 08/06/2018 17:52

*pregnancy makes me blob like.

Would a skirt and top be better maybe?

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Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 08/06/2018 20:20

Bump?

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ISeeTheLight · 08/06/2018 20:22

I'd wear a floaty wrap dress. They can be ambiguous over you being pregnant, bloated or fat

ggirl · 08/06/2018 20:26

cos

Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 08/06/2018 20:26

I don’t mind if they think I’m fat (I am a bit anyway!) but do you think a wrap dress is smart enough?

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ggirl · 08/06/2018 20:28

whistles

Jenijena · 08/06/2018 20:30

I’m 23 weeks pregnant and 16/18. If I wear non maternity clothes I don’t look pregnant (just fat) but maternity clothes make me look very pregnant. So on that basis I’d look for something non maternity but loose.

Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 08/06/2018 20:46

@ggirl, that’s lovely, and would be longer on me. I’m just worried about that shape generally catching on my enormous thighs. But we have a local whistles so will take a look.

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ggirl · 08/06/2018 20:47

Either cocoon or Aline shape dress could work

Levithecat · 08/06/2018 22:45

I would recommend non-maternity too. I’m 33weeks and sometimes prefer to hide my bump a bit in work. The Hobbs marci dress works well:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0118-5818-9021L00&productvarid=0118-5818-9021L00-NAVY-WHITE-6&refpage=promotions/sale-dresses

Levithecat · 08/06/2018 22:47

Whistles Luna dresses are simile I think, maybe a little shorter though (I’m 5’5 and like knee or below)

Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 09/06/2018 07:19

@Levithecat thank you, I love the Hobbs dress but it feels like something I’d wear to work rather than interview if that makes sense? Do you think it’s smart enough? Normally I’d wear a tailored dress or skirt/jacket combination. I’m clearly well out of my comfort zone at the moment!

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Levithecat · 09/06/2018 07:37

I understand. I think it looks quite smart, and I get compliments on it, but you can’t wear a jacket with it really. Might be worth ordering and returning if it’s not right? Ill have a another think as we sound like similar shapes and I’ll middle grade civil service so maybe similar expectations for dress.

Levithecat · 09/06/2018 08:00

Here are some ideas - busy prints or more forgiving styles/things you can wear a jacket with... and don't underestimate the power of good shoes and a haircut!
These are all from JL - I tend to bulk buy workwear dresses and return anything I don’t want (free returns). I was interviewed for my current role when about 12 weeks pg, but it was a lot colder then! Very best of luck to you.

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-delilah-wrap-dress-blue-ivory/
www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-komo-dress-navy-white/
www.johnlewis.com/warehouse-bamboo-print-dress/
www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-delilah-wrap-dress-navy-white/
www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-ivy-abstract-print-shirt-dress-lemon-multi/
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-tulip-floral-print-dress-navy-multi/
www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-luna-long-sleeve-dress-black-ivory/
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-adriene-argyle-knitted-dress-pine/

And two Isabella Oliver dresses, but not ruched down the sides, which I think most advertise pregnancy!

www.johnlewis.com/isabella-oliver-elisha-maternity-shirt-dress-black-white/
www.johnlewis.com/isabella-oliver-rosa-dress-black/

Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 09/06/2018 08:27

Wow! Thank you! I think some of those wrap dresses look fairly smart? And will get away without jacket as it’s summer. I’ll try the Rosa dress too, looks like it might fall ok and not highlight the bump. My mobility a little limited now after surgery so will get a few delivered!

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Levithecat · 09/06/2018 08:49

The Rosa looks good, and bonus that you’ll get wear out of it for the rest of your pregnancy.

Original poster
Paranormalbouquet · 11/06/2018 07:59

I found a black a-line dress with sleeves in Cos, on the sale rail (can’t find it online) which I think fits the bill with a pair of heels and good tights. For at least the first 2 interviews. I’ve ordered the Rosa too as looks perfect for work wear anyway.

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