Last minute interview tomorrow... no smart clothing

[outfithelp30]

I have a last-minute interview tomorrow morning at 9am. Found out lunch time today.

I also own absolutely no smart clothes and this is a senior position that I really want!

I currently work in a creative industry, so I wear a T-shirt, jeans and trainers to the office (when it was open) basically every day. So that's all I have. Only bottoms are jeans. No dresses or skirts. I own one 'nice' blouse. Shoes are trainers, UGG boots or flip flops.

This job is a retail/creative position.

WTF do I wear?!

[MrsGrindah]

Also remember whoever interviews you doesn’t know all this so may just assume you chose not to dress smartly. It’s not a good first impression.

If you really can’t do anything else you could explain that you were ravelling back etc. so didn’t get chance to find something more suitable. But even then that risks sounding like a fib, or that you are disorganised. There just no guarantee that it won’t count against you I’m afraid. However, if your answers are strong it shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

[ButteryPuffin]

Sainsbury's, Tesco or Asda will have basic skirts and shoes and be open all night. Go now and just pick up what you can. Jacket too if possible. It is definitely doable.

[OhTheRoses]

With the most enormous smile "I have just travelled back from holiday and am so thrilled to meet you. Do excuse my appearance but there wasn't time to get home and to prepare and I want the job so much I thought it more important to prepare".

[Apolloanddaphne]

Yeah just go in the best you have and blag it. Tell them how thrilled you are to get the interview but you had no time to buy appropriate clothing but that you would make sure your wardrobe was up to scratch if you got the job. You will be fine.

[Xiaoxiong]

If there is no 24 hour anything nearby or supermarkets that open at 7am, I reckon you'll have to do what Ohtheroses says. If they were that insistent on such short notice they could be desperate for someone to do the job and it won't matter a jot.

[MrsGrindah]

Yes they should cut you some slack if they were insistent the interview had to be ASAP

[AlwaysLatte]

Join your local Facebook group if you're not already in it and advertise money paid for a smart outfit in x size. And shoes. You'll get replies I'm sure - people needing a bit of cash and people eaten themselves out of the clothes in lockdown, or both - collect now or early in the morning.

[NotMeNoNo]

I really think If its a senior position you will impress more with resourcefulness and showing you can handle an awkward situation than with a polyester skirt from the supermarket.

[MrsGrindah]

Or you could demonstrate your resourcefulness in being able to turn up in something smart at such short notice. And that you don’t think “ something polyester from the supermarket” is beneath you.

...and they won’t know unless you leave the tags on!

[Hairthrowaway]

It’s true that some supermarkets are still open now - some in my area have gone back to normal 24h opening hours.

If you can’t buy anything, I think you’ll be fine regardless. Either wear black, or just wear a dress. As it’s a retail position I think they’ll be slightly laid back with the dress code. Do you own any blazers?

[Hairthrowaway]

I think wear black jeans & the blouse. The flip flops are probably the most weather appropriate so wouldn’t look out of place (none of your footwear options are great for an interview)

[Thislittlelady]

Did you get sorted? You can get black trousers or even smart check type trousers in Sainsbury’s or Asda or Tesco? Are you close to any?? Are you friendly with a similar sized nice dressed neighbour who wouldn’t react badly to being asked for a wee loan if something to wear ?? Or even a plain black or navy or something inoffensive dress?? I hope you get something sorted. Maybe look online tonight and see if there’s something you could manage to pick up in the morning - lots of sales on- could you afford this? Just need to get up super early or change in the loo somewhere ( I’m sure supermarkets still have loos open)

[Thislittlelady]

Where are you? I’ve got tons of clothes here size 10 to 18. Sure I could find you something?

[Bamboobo]

If you're the right person for the job they're not going to be put off by a pair of jeans!

Wear the jeans and blouse, apologise and explain. If they dwell on it you probably don't want to work there anyway... I've worked in a lot of creative/marketing departments for top retailers and the majority have had a jeans and a top office style anyway.

[Thislittlelady]

@NotMeNoNo

What’s wrong with supermarket clothes?

[JollyGiraffe12]

You must have something? When was your last interview/formal meeting and what did you wear for that? Can you borrow anything from anyone you live with and pin it if needs be? Make sure your hair/make up/nails are well polished, that will help. Best of luck with your interview just do what you can with what you have or nip to a supermarket if possible but don’t spend all night stressing about it - you need to focus on preparing answers! If it is public sector not private then as an interviewer - your clothes mean very little in the grand scheme of things but it would help me to warm to you if you were well presented and professional looking. Ultimately, if you are the right person for the job, the clothes won’t make that much difference but please do rummage through your wardrobe there must be something suitable lurking somewhere - just please don’t take all night searching and turn up shattered. Good luck!

[TheVeryHungryTortoise]

Any smart skirts that you could pair with an nicely ironed tucked in top?

[stayathomer]

Best of luck OP

[Gottheteeshirtandlostit]

I'd wear the jeans and nice blouse, then beg, borrow or steal a pair of heels.

[Gemma2019]

Whereabouts are you OP?

[NotMeNoNo]

Sorry I dont mean to offend, the supermarkets near me aren't great for workwear, they seem to be full of holiday clothes. I appreciate the OP is in a tight spot though!

[whatnow41]

Find your nearest 24hr Asda or Tesco and go wild there, you'll find something passable including shoes and accessories.

[Hairthrowaway]

Supermarket clothes might not be my first choice but I’d definitely try them for a last minute outfit in this situation.

M&S definitely have workwear in

[TeaChocKitKat]

Most people here are assuming that the OP drives and/ or has access to a car. As she spent the afternoon on a coach, there's a chance she doesn't.
OP, what have you got in your wardrobe, there must be something that's passable for an interview? Do you have any dresses?

[Xiaoxiong]

Good luck today OP!!