Is this 'business wear'

[fairgame84]

Going for a selection event at a university and the dress code is 'business wear'.
I don't own any shirts or blazers but I do own black trousers and this reiss top. I would wear it tucked in.
Will this be ok or should I buy a shirt?

I don't mind spending a little bit but only up to £40 ish as I probably won't wear business wear again unless I have a job interview.

I wouldn't say so personally. I'd buy a shirt tbh.

I wouldn’t class that as business wear, even if tucked in. A shirt would be better I think.

Buy a shirt, dull as it is.

If they’re stating Business Wear (and WTF for university?!), they mean a suit and shirt. See the cast of The Apprentice for inspiration.

Top is nice but maybe not smart enough/ correct style for the dress code. Why not get something from a supermarket f and f at Tesco do work blouses that are less than £20. Good luck with your day.

No, not business wear, black or navy or dark grey trousers or skirt and shirt and matching jacket.

Thank you for fast responses!
I was a bit WTF at the dress code as well. It's a return to nursing course so nothing relating to the corporate world.

I will have a look at F&F.

Sorry, I don't think this is formal enough for an interview at a university. I'd expect to see a suit, a tailored dress and jacket or tailored trousers and a smart blazer, that sort of thing. I agree it is a pain in the arse having to smarten up for interviews but at least if you are working at a university there are some occasions where you can wear your super-smart stuff like graduation, open days etc.

Check H&M's blouses/shirts section online - lots of nice shirts for not much money.

Get s nice crisp shirt, plain colour, no prints, preferably white or pale blue, and beg or borrow a blazer.

Ah ... now I understand. This is quite usual for selection for this type of course. And I agree that you could do worse than look to the Apprentice for inspiration. They are muppets but they wear some cracking outfits. M&S have some lovely tailored dresses within your price range.

boys it's an interview for a course at the university not a job there. The course is only 3 months long as well.

I will look at h&m as well.

Yes, sorry, cross post! Have a look at M&S too. If you don't fancy a tailored dress they do some very affordable plain, crisp blouses.

Actually I disagree with most posters. Return to Nursing course? I am certain that top tucked in to smart trousers would be more than adequate.
Business wear doesn’t have to be shirts and blouses.
I think the styling and picture of your top doesn’t do it justice. If the fabric is decent quality, which I’m sure it is being a Reiss top it is, then you’ll be fine.

Both the colour and the frilly lace bits on the top make it not work wear.

Primark do a nice plain white cotton short sleeved or long sleeved shirt, and they're about £4. A decently fitted shape and can be worn after this event with jeans and other things too, so not even a waste of the £4!

I don't mind the colour so much but I agree about the lacy bits.

It would be fine under a blazer/smart fittted jacket, I think, but not on its own.

M&S do a blazer for £30 and shirt for £15, I can do that.
I'll head into town and have a look at the other suggestions as well.
I didn't realise f&f have stopped online orders 🙁

Sounds great and you can wear the same outfit for all those nursing interviews you'll be going to after your course!
Very best of luck!

Blouse, black trousers, heals or flat courts (not sandals)
Blazer or cardigan if you have one (but not if cheap looking/ synthetic) they are great if your deodorant fails you.
A nice sturdy tote bag or similar. If it's designer it has to not be fake or ostentatious, if it's high street preferably unlabelled (peacocks and accessorize do well here)
Pearls or a simple gold or silver necklace, gold, silver or pearl studs. Hair down, either straight or in loose curls (don't put too much product in it) or have it in a tidy bun (hair grips are your friend here).
Makeup- natural colours, not too heavy, no crazy colours.
Nails should be nude, French polish (though sometimes looks cheap if down badly), a shade of pink/red or royal blue at a push.
Remove any visible piercings and try to cover any tattoos.
Good luck! Xx

Thanks Bumblebee that's really helpful.

Is this blouse ok or is it too bright?
www.asos.com/prd/10831349

The pink blouse is fine, are you wearing it with a jacket?

Please don’t wear bright blue nails 🙈🙈🙈

I've found a black blazer and matching trousers on next clearance so I'll wear them.

No not blue
Clear nail polish if I bother wearing any at all.

I’m glad you’re sorted out. I think the pink blouse will be fine with a jacket - it looks like the sort of thing Fiona Bruce might wear to read the news. (I don’t mean that pejoratively, just that what female news people wear is my definition of business wear). Good luck with your interview!

Sounds perfect! Love next and anything in the sale is always a bonus! Xx