interview outfit ideas

[strictlymomdancing]

Hi, I may have two interviews coming up at universities in non-academic, professional services roles. Trying to decide on what to wear and would appreciate some feedback as I've been in the same job for 16 years and have only recently started looking for something else.

My outfit options are (hope links work!)

tweed check blazer from - Boden

White top, like tank top, sorry no link

Black jeggers from M&S

Black ankle boots

Necklaces either this one with matching braclet or another necklace I can't find a link to but is large balls in a row and silver

Other options I could perhaps make an outfit out of of include:
black blazer,
purple blazer,
grey jeggings,
Purple jeggings
Red jeggings
white jeggings (yes I have pretty much every M&S colour lol)
a leopard print shirt which my mum says to wear but I'm not sure,
a couple of turtleneck plain coloured jumpers in royal blue, white, camel and black (not sure whether to wear one of these if its cold or if it would be considered too casual?)
3 Boden carey tops in plum, ivory country posey and navy spot.

Sorry this turned into an essay. Some thoughts would be great. I think my first outfit - tweed blazer, white top, black jeggers and silver jewellery might works best but my mum says its too casual?

PS can't afford to buy anything new right now.

sorry the blazer is the charcoal one, not the check one, I just call it check myself!

For a professional services role, I think jeggings are far too casual. Do you not have any actual trousers? Or a skirt? Or even a dress? Anything but jeggings!

Seconded!

Yes, I agree, jeggings aren't really suitable though with a pair of smart black trousers you have lots of good options with your other clothing.

I clicked on this because I have an interview soon with the wording "smart but not formal" in the invitation and was curious. I dress like an old hippy but even I know you can't wear jeggings.

Fitted t shirt tank top or cami style. Not a t shirt one. Otherwise I think the outfit is fine

I interview a lot, and love fashion, but pay little attention to what people wear as long as they're clean and comfortable

(The last person I offered a job too was wearing a minidress and dr martins- for a senior professional role. She was very clearly the best for the job)

Not jeggings! Too casual imo

are jeggings that obvious that they are jeggings, especially when they are black, with black boots and a smart blazer?

I do wear black jeggings every day to my current work without complaints

I have some mini skirts that probably wouldn't be appropriate due to length. I have some dresses but they are probably too dressy imo. eg I have this dress

I have no trousers.

I've lost 5 stone over the past 18 months so a lot of things don't fit and personal circumstances also mean I don't really have the budget to buy anything new.

That dress isn’t too dressy at all

Wear the dress or buy some black trousers - don’t wear jeggings for an interview - only okay if you’re applying for an apprenticeship role.

The dress is perfect with thick tights and shoes or ankle boots

The dress looks perfect; wear that. Agree with pp I don’t think jeggings are appropriate. Congratulations on the weight loss that’s an amazing achievement.

ok so what about coat with the dress? do I wear the hemingbone or black blazer?

And what if its eg snowing or pissing of rain as the dress might not suit the weather? Plus I could be frozen!

Wear thermal tights with the dress then.

A black blazer would work fine.

Definitely no jeggings!

No jeggings (even if they are acceptable for the actual job they could be frowned upon in interview). They are too casual. Get some smart black trousers or a skirt, cheap options readily available in eg Primark, Tesco etc.

It's always best to go a bit too smart than too casual. In your case it's even more important since you are clearly a casual dresser!

As PPs said, NOT JEGGINGS. The dress would be suitable - personally I'd wear it with a plain/smartish blazer.

Next sells very reasonably priced work stuff. You could get a smart dress or a pair of chinos (they're my favourite smartish but comfy trousers for work).

Why do people keep recommending things to buy? OP said she can't afford to buy anything right now.

The dress is lovely but then I honestly would employ you wearing smart black jeggings too so 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have a similar job to the one you are interviewing for and it was definitely no jeans / jeggins. You’ll see students / academics dressed down but not professional services!

Blazer with the dress would look nice though I’d be tempted to ditch that for the actual interview.
Thermal tights are £9.50 in M&S (heatgen ones) if your budget allows

Found the link to the top I was thinking of wearing originally

I have three versions of this in white, pale blue and red.

So the original plan was the white one, the charcoal blazer, black jeggers and black ankle boots.

I will put the dress on though and do a trial run of making it into an interview out fit and see how it looks.

That sleeveless top is way too casual for a job interview. If you have a jacket or cardigan over the top, hiding the fact that it's sleeveless, it would be ok, but personally I can sometimes get a bit hot and bothered in interviews and would prefer to have the option to take my jacket off.

Wear the dress and if you really don't want to wear the dress you'll have to borrow or buy some new clothes. You'll need some for a new job anyway surely? Jeggings and sleeveless tops are not suitable for many professional services type jobs.