Help with outfit for interview abroad (including long-haul flight options) please?

[tiutinkerbell]

Hi all - looking for some of your expert guidance for an exciting oppertunity!

I have been invited to a final interview for a job abroad - they are flying me over for two days for a jam packed schedule of interviews. Two days in the office and an evening meal.

I will be met with a representative from the airport so want to look stylish and smart but it's a long haul flight (one 6 hours and one 2 hours) and I normally travel in comfy training gear - leggings, trainers and a hoody which I don't think will be appropriate! What do you guys think I should wear for the plane? Has to still be comfy but look good. I was thinking comfy trousers, loafers, top & blazor maybe? None of which I have so would appreciate suggestions!

The role would be quite a step up for me and I really want to make a good impression. I was thinking dresses for the two interview days - one morning a city tour is scheduled and then back to the office for more interviews so I am not sure if heels will be OK? The other day is just back to back interviews all day.

If it helps I am 29, slim atlethic build and 5'2. Generally quite 'young' looking so really want to look professional.

I would appreciate any and ALL help as I am starting to get really nervous now and don't have long to start putting together a wardrobe - plus it seems I will need to buy everything!!

Need a bit more information.
Location/climate
Industry

I would say go comfortably for first flight and change / add make up before 2nd flight.

How exciting.
Might help to know if the country is a conservative one / Muslim.
What you suggest sounds really nice.

Sorry didn't think about more info!

It is country in the Middle East so convervative but not overly so. I was thinking midi dresses maybe for the interviews? Climate will be warm but air conditioning mad everywhere indoors so I am told.

The role I am going for is a legal one and will be meeting with various VPs, presidents etc of the different business sectors. So quite formal it seems from the info I have been provided.

Hope this helps a bit more! I am so excited but also very nervous to have gotten this far in the process - I applied in August and have been through so many rounds already. Can't believe it.

Agree with pp, go full comfy for the first flight then change for the second.
Also hard to advise without knowing the rough location, if its somewhere hot then a smart but light dress with thin tights and a blazer for inside would be an option. But if it is a conservative Muslim country then you would be best with trousers and s lightweight long sleeve top.
For the city tour day I would wear smart flat shoes, you'll look less professional than struggling to keep up etc. in heels.

Have a good luck at their local website to see what others are wearing.

Sorry cross posted, if its middle east then you should err on the side of caution. The country itself might not be the most conservative but its possible people conducting the interviews could be.
Maybe you could pack the midi dresses but also take trousers and light weight long sleeve tops. That way you can get a feel for how conservative people dress when collected from the airport at the hotel etc.
I would probably play very safe and wear trousers on the first day then if other woman in the company are dressed less conservative bring out the dress the second day

How long do you have between flights? I would def go comfy for 6 hours and then change at the airport if you have time with a good freshen up. Touch up makeup and hair between getting off the plane and picking up your luggage.

I'd go with a trouser suit, heels for the in office, flats for city tour. Trouser suits are modest but smart and if its a big jump up you need to be really looking the part. If when you are met at the airport you'll be just being escorted to your hotel then a blazer, trousers and flats would be fine. I've been surprised before when someone meeting me at the airport has turned into being taken to dinner though

A small thing, but if you are having to meet people with your luggage, you'll want plain and smart bags.

As someone that lived and worked in the ME - the dress in corporate is quite smart and formal
Wear a smart trouser suit - bring it in a suit carrier
Change in arrivals before you go through immigration

I would go with a trouser suit to change into on the aircraft or in arrivals.

For the interviews I’d wear another trouser suit or skirt/dress suit. Tights would be nice and heels should not be stilettos.

This is based on my lifelong experience in the ME and having a good idea of where you’ll be.

Thank you for all your advice so far!

My luggage is just black suitcase and for hand luggage I was just going to take my big handbag or black backpack so I think that will be OK.

I will be met from plane and just taken to hotel for sure, as flight lands very late at night. So no chance it could turn into dinner. Layover is three hours so will have time to change in between and put on makeup etc.

Never even considered a trouser suit - I have never worn one in my life! I usually wear suit dresses, midi skirts & blouses etc. I dress formally but with lots of colour & feminine touches. I do wear blazers but I have never owned a trouser suit. I think they make me look even younger - like someone trying to dress up if you know what I mean? As I am quite a small build. Concerned now!

Then wear a longer length below the knee skirt/dress suit.

OK so I am looking at some dresses like this - what do we think?

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-long-sleeve-midi-dress-with-obi-belt/prd/13242526?clr=antique-green&colourWayId=16534199&SearchQuery=&cid=19645

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-tie-wrap-around-midi-dress/prd/11376525?clr=nude&colourWayId=16339218&SearchQuery=&cid=19645

www.asos.com/paper-dolls/paper-dolls-stripe-belted-midi-dress-in-olive-and-black/prd/13175394?clr=olive-black&colourWayId=16477580&SearchQuery=&cid=19645

I was thinking of picking up a pair of Uniqlo Trouser Leggings for the flight with a smart t-shirt, blazor & Dune flatform loafers - do you think this will be suitable? Anyone tried to the Uniqlo Trouser Leggings before? I have never ordered from there before so not sure of quality/sizing.

I’m really liking the first two outfits you linked two but not with the strappy shoes.

The third dress is also nice but I think it’s just a bit too short - you could get away with it though during your own time and with low heels.

I had to google the trouser leggings. They’re very nice and I think the outfit you’ve put together for the flight sounds smashing.

Thanks @nanmilly. Really appreciate your help as I am starting to get SO nervous now.

I have some 'sensible' Clarks heeled patent black t-bar shoes I was planning to wear. Also have them in nudy & navy so they would all work I think.

Thought the stripy dress may work on me as model is 5'6 and I am 5'2. Will order I think and see - seeing as they have the sales on!

Will go for the trousers and the Dune flatforms as well. Hopefully they will be comfy for travelling!