Help! Interview outfit for the very overweight!

[Psychologika]

I need help I have an interview next Wednesday for a job I really want. It would be a promotion and I would be at a senior level (it's NHS).

Unfortunately, I am am very overweight. I'm 36, 5'8" and a size 20. Please help me find something that won't make me look like a lazy frump.

Oh no, am I a lost cause ☹️

You’re definitely definitely not a lost cause! More fashionable posters will hopefully be along soon but even if not, it’s surely much more about you, your skills and all the good stuff you can bring to a role, not just your outfit - although totally get the good clothes = good headspace and confidence.

Good luck

You are not a lost cause at all. What sort of thing do you want - something plain and business like? Or something a bit softer? Smart dress with cardigan for example? What sort of things do you like to wear - you need to feel comfortable but smart. Have you got lots of shoes or a particular pair that you are likely to want to wear?

Hi well done on the interview!

I only lurk on S&B and am not knowledgeable or stylish enough to help but I'm sure posters will be along soon now it's kids' bedtimes.
Could you add a few more details about your shape, colouring, usual 'style' etc. as that may help.

Cross post, sorry. I type too slowly!

So pick a shape that works for you that is smart. I bought a suit from Scarlett and jo and it feels both comfy and smart. And it’s navy. It has slim leg trousers and a warterfall jacket. May not win a style competition but is good for interview type situations with a nice top and jewellery.

If you normally wear dresses, get a jacket to go over the dress. These little details will make you feel more done.

Make sure your hair and makeup look smart. This also will make you feel better

Good luck. X

Best of luck for the interview, you’ll be amazing! I had a similar challenge recently and a long dress from Monsoon saved my day. I put an older blazer on top but a cardigan will do as well.

Hello

You appear to be me, I'm also 36, 5ft 8 and a 20-22 depending on the clothes. I have an 'apple' shape so no waist and avoid things with belts/ties because I look like I'm being cut in half when I sit down. Bodycon work surprising well as long as it's a heavier fabric that skims rather than clings.

For smart wear I prefer a good quality jersey dress with calf or knee high dress. I tend to wear coloured tights with black dresses and boots then accessorise with bright jewellery.

I like these and always buy Snag brand tights as they don't roll down, or have a crotch by my knees.

www.next.co.uk/style/st491087/237979#237979?i=20

www.next.co.uk/style/esr00258/r00258#r00258?i=20

www.next.co.uk/style/esr40488/r40488#r40488?i=20

I'm not great fashion/styling wise but do you have Instagram? If so, google curvy influencers as influencers often do different 'looks' and save the details including pics/videos in their highlights on their IG pages. You might get some ideas there.

Would you wear a jumpsuit? A simple black jumpsuit with a blazer is a good look on anyone

Boohoo and River Island have a good curvy range

I don’t think it’s any different for someone of your size than it is for anyone else. Just dress professionally. Smart trousers, shirt and blazer/jumper (I don’t know how formal the NHS is). Clean and put together is what we should all aim for. Good luck with your interview!

Hi,

Could you tell us a bit more about your shape?

If you have a tummy apron or a bit of a fold, you might find anything tight a bit uncomfortable.

I always find a wrap dress looks smart and is really flattering in certain areas us bigger ladies might have an issue with.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_36194+154665001_-1

Here is one above, pair with low denier black tights and a smart pair of shoes, if you want a pop of colour a tiny dab of red lipstick will bring it to life.

Hi there, I’m a bit bigger than you and just entering the world of interviews again after a few years off.
I’ve bought a few outfits from Evans, and the Dorothy Perkins and New Look curve ranges - black trousers, a couple of tops and skirts, and a couple of dresses. I didn’t get a suit or blazer in the end, although I did get a couple of smart black cardigans. I’ve only had one interview so far and wore a long sleeved dress. It was a fairly mild and dry day so didn’t bother wearing anything over it.
Tights I got from Evans I think but a lot of larger ladies swear by Snag.
You might want to get some light control knickers to hold your tummy in a bit too.
Matalan, Yours, Simply Be, Sainsbury’s Tu and George at Asda are worth a look too.
Good luck!

My dress was similar to the one Ilovethekitties has posted.
(Didn’t get the bastard job but I’m sure it wasn’t anything to do with what I was wearing!)

Ps a few of us have a Facebook page called Plus size: what are you wearing today.
Do come and join us if you’d like to - we are friendly and supportive!

I’ve worn similar dresses to this one to interviews before, with a smart cardigan / jacket and thick tights / long boots. Although I am a couple of inches shorter than you.

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_26.1/8491370418

I am 5’ 9” and size 20-22. I’m also a CEO in the healthcare sector.

Make sure your hair / shoes / make-up / nails / tights / jewellery are professional and appropriate. Black trousers and top with a jacket like this would be my suggestion.

What sort of shape are you, OP?

For NHS (as opposed to a corporate organisation) I'd say you have a bit more freedom to dress for your figure rather than having to find a formal suit.

If you are quite busty, apple or hourglass, a wrap dress with jacket would look great, DvF have a sale on and go up to a generous size 18 with different lengths (I know you wear a 20 usually but I size down in DvF so could be worth a try).

For more of a pear shape, a pencil skirt and fitted top or a good quality, straight jersey dress and jacket would be really nice. I like a well cut jacket made of jersey fabric as it skims nicely and looks modern (most recently got a lovely grey one in primark!)

I'm senior in the NHS and the same height and size as you. I wear a lot of wrap dresses or midis. From Next, Uniqlo, and ASOS.

@bedtimebrew what size in Uniqlo, I've looked online before but gotten confused with the size and backed away rather than purchasing. I'm same size as OP so would be great to have a starting point.

YY it's your shape not your size. Go with whats smart and cut to suit your shape.

Good suggestions already from people who work in NHS in similar roles.
The only thing that I always add - make sure it is in a colour that suits you . If black, grey you that’s fine wear them , but if they don’t suit you then wear your correct colours.

Just found a couple of recent pics with my colouring and current shape - sob. Someone asked if I was pregnant in this pic, so clearly this style of dress is to be avoided.

I am a dress, cardigan and DM shoes or brogues for work, normally. Don’t do trousers.

God you're gorgeous. Seriously, quite blown away by your hair and your beautiful skin.

That isn't helpful though for what you want, but it had to be said!

Yes, you’re very beautiful OP (TBH I think the dress in the photo looks very nice on you.)

I agree with pp, a wrap dress would be a good option. Maybe something with a bit less fabric in the skirt than the spotty Debenhams one above. I think you could go more or less formal according to what you think is better for the role, as you’ll look good either way. I agree with Muckycat that a jersey blazer or maybe a jacket-shaped cardigan can be a good option.

Good luck with the interview!

Yes, I think I can chime in with something more helpful and agree on the wrap dress. After cooling down and looking at the rest of you ;) it seems like you might have the sort of body that fits wrap dresses quite easily without them gaping loads at the bosom etc. Trouble is you're quite tall of course so might be hard to find something long enough (but please note I hate anything above my knees so my opinion is skewed - I dislike sitting down and having fabric barely cover my thighs and arse, I don't understand how people do it).

I think Mango has some nice outfits for inspiration. Look at their plus size range (Violeta), sort out "workwear". Don't be afraid of trousers, but I understand if you've given up because it's so hard to find a good fitting pair if you're even a little overweight .