Outfit for interview in the park

[namechange2020abc]

I have name changed for this.

I am due to have an informal type interview. It's at a small law firm. I approached them without an advertised vacancy and it could lead to a role as they are looking to expand. It's been described as a chat, catch up.

It's with both managing partners.

Because of covid, assuming no coffee shops are open for outdoor seating, we are planning on meeting for the chat on a park bench!

Now, for the outfit. I know what to wear for a formal interview in an office. I would go for a suit. But with this I will look like a muppet in a suit in the park. But then if I go smart casual, they could be in suits and I would also feel like a bit of a moron.

Any ideas?

I was thinking something like this? I'm a size 12 petite (5ft 3) fairly flat so straight up and down.

The other option is a white shirt with a pleated midi skirt. Don't get me started on shoes!

I could get this horribly wrong!

On a warm day thatd be fine. Do you have a smart coat for if the weather is crap?

If the park is near businesses there will be people in suits.
That’s a decent frock but looks quite likely to crease. What about flats with trousers abd the white shirt.

I’d go navy chinos and shirt

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz that's a good point. No I don't. This is going to be quite expensive as I do probably need a waterproof option. I was thinking a cardigan but if it's cold/wet that's not great.

@PETRONELLAS @Redtartanshoes trousers don't suit me unless I get them tailored which I don't have time to do as interview is next week and I need to buy something etc.

There are a few businesses nearby but even employees nowadays are in casual clothes if they happen to be in and aren't working from home.

No interview should be regarded as informal...

I think you are over thinking this (I would absolutely do the same)

Whilst there is not such thing as an informal interview, I think this really is. It’s a chat, and it’s in the park. As long as you are clean and comfortable and relaxed you’ll be grand. No interviewer in the world has ever noted “candidate did not suit trousers’

Good luck!

@Redtartanshoes I agree I do tend to overthink things like this. I possibly place too much importance on outfits but that's how I feel good!

I am also considering this skirt with a white shirt.

Shift dress, leather flats or midi but no actual heels, neat cardigan, tailored mac, umbrella, well presented hair/make up and a smile! Good for you approaching them! Best of luck

Thanks @JollyGiraffe12 !

Oh I’m exactly the same! Massively over think.. nail varnish matching outfit, bag and shoes to compliment.

I understand your thinking. I always plan what I will wear to give me confidence and I like very much the shirt dress you posted OP. It looks very suitable to me. TBH - it's mostly about looking as if you're making the effort and taking the chat/interview seriously. Presumably you'd at some point be client facing, so that matters. Maybe wear it with some kitten heels, but other posters are right, you do need a raincoat/outer garment option too in England. Maybe you can plan a cardigan plus umbrella possibility? Or a chic-ish rain poncho? I like the idea of the midi skirt plus white shirt combo too, either would be fine. I wouldn't wear trousers if you don't love them. Put a bit of thought into the polished grooming element, eg, blow dry your hair, wear chic naturalistic make-up and carry a nice handbag/briefcase (not expensive - really not) just to show you're taking it all seriously. Good luck.

I love the idea of the midi skirt with a crisp white shirt. Very elegant, not too formal but not casual either. Perfect for a most unusual interview!
Best of luck.

Thanks for the tips @leli and thanks @Bella2020 !

How will three of you sit on a park bench? Will you have to perch somewhere, or sit at a picnic table? Make sure you can move comfortably and aren't worrying about a narrow skirt bunching uncomfortably or catching a full skirt on anything. Simple is better, less to distract you while you concentrate on wowing them.

I'm jealous that you have an opportunity to put on something nice! I like your choices.

I agree with others, especially in law firms nothing is informal. Smart skirt and blouse, if you want to dress it down a bit go for a smart cardigan rather than suit jacket and flats rather than courts. Good luck

I think the shirt dress w collar is a great choice. Flat shoes (but more of a pointy business like flat if possible, even loafers, but nothing too girlish)

I think a mac or similar light coat would be suitable. Nice bag and jewellery - think what you would wear for first meeting at Sunday lunch with new boyfriend's posh parents :-)

I thought the collared shirt dress was an inspired choice and agree with ramarama about smart flatties (not sandals). A mac and an umbrella, if the weather is anything like today!

Thanks all. I have ordered the crew clothing dress and the ted baker skirt and ordered a cardigan and white shirt from M&S. Will try them on and return what doesn't work.

If they have come from the office, they may well be in suits, but there is no reason for you to be. I think a short sleeved top and a mid length skirt would be just the ticket.

If the conversation is light/casual you could even say that it was difficult to know what to wear in this sort of situation. Good luck .

@namechange2020abc

Thanks all. I have ordered the crew clothing dress and the ted baker skirt and ordered a cardigan and white shirt from M&S. Will try them on and return what doesn't work.

Walk tall and smash it, op 😊

Thanks @Thisismytimetoshine and @StarlightLady

I think I would channel Kate and Meghan’s looks for this. Smart, and practical for being out and about.