Interview - what wear

[Whattheother2catsprefer]

I have an interview for an office based role next week. It is mentioned in the job description that it's a casual office. I've always worn a trouser suit and blouse for interviews but I've seen comments from people saying they would mark down an interview candidate who was wearing a suit as they obviously hadn't researched the company ethos. So do I "dress for the job I want" a wear my trusty suit, wear the suit trousers and blouse and leave the jacket at home or wear a jersey dress and contrasting knee length boots or do I need to try and think of something else?

How about some contrasting trousers so your jacket looks like a blazer.
E.g. if you jacket is black get some nice 7/8 trousers in grey and pair with a plain top (not shirt) and loafers or brogues

Dress, boots and suit jacket

I don't have the money to buy anything new. Neither of my suit jackets would work in either of the ways described they aren't blazerish in their cut. I guess my question is in essence is it true that it is now acceptable to go for an interview not wearing a suit (I can see my old careers teacher spinning in her grave at the very thought!)

@Whattheother2catsprefer I know exactly what you mean. Suits barely seem to be worn anywhere now.

I've turned up to interviews in a dress and heels feeling under dressed because I haven't gone for a suit, only to find I'm massively overdressed in comparison to the people interviewing me.

My mum always drummed into me "better to be overdressed than under dressed" but then she was in the office back in the 80s power dressing days

Yep last interview I had I was in my trusty suit ( well trousers and shirt and took the jacket off as it was a hot day). The guy interviewing me was in jean and a t-shirt.

I put my jacket on the other day and just felt really frumpy and outdated. So now it sits at the back of my wardrobe and I wear something else to interviews.

It is absolutely ok not to wear a suit for interviews. However, it really does depend on the type of job. Law firm = wear a suit. Senior management post in conservative offices = suit. Mid level post in eg public sector = no need for a suit, but no one would mark you down for wearing one. More junior posts almost anywhere = no need for a suit, so long as you look smart.

Hipster image-conscious company = smart trendy clothes.

What sort of place is it? And is it a senior level post?

It's not corporate and the position is mid- level. The job add mentions in the "perks" bit that it's a causal office.
I will go for a smart dress and either boots or low heels depending on the weather. That way I will feel "dressed up" without being over done.