Interview suits (not wanting to look dated!)

[Eesha]

I'm starting to venture back into the working world and thinking about interview suits/outfits if I get that far. I'm mid 40s, size 14/16, and I'm conscious I don't want to look too dated. It was a big concern of mine before where the younger people on my teams looked so stylish (think Reiss) whereas I felt a bit stuck in a time warp (blazer and matching skirts). What do people wear for interviews (finance) now? Is it still skirt suits and trouser suits, and should they only be dark? I'd love something different from say COS but they don't do matching suits. Reiss is too pricey. I don't want to spend tons so less than 150 if poss.

I think a formal dress is much less likely to date you and you can get a good one for that budget. If its long sleeve and structured I don't think you need a jacket.

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-liya-tailored-pencil-dress/midnight/p4843337?sku=238336644&size=6&s_ppc=2dx92700055388729838&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ZK-9emh7wIVxu3tCh2ovA7qEAQYCCABEgJnfPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Something like this.

@NaturalStudy

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-liya-tailored-pencil-dress/midnight/p4843337?sku=238336644&size=6&s_ppc=2dx92700055388729838&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ZK-9emh7wIVxu3tCh2ovA7qEAQYCCABEgJnfPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Something like this.

Love that, its exactly what's required. Suits are a bit old fashioned now I think

Would agree that a dress (possibly worn with a coordinated but non-matching blazer) is a more modern option than a suit.

Yep, LOVE that dress

A dark blue blazer with a slightly oversized white shirt, smart trousers and mocasines would be perfect. Check out Violeta by Mango, the quality and style is similar to Reiss but slightly cheaper.

For example: shop.mango.com/gb/plus-size/jackets-blazers/pinstripe-suit-blazer_77095937.html?c=56&utm_source=product-share&utm_medium=app-IOS

@NaturalStudy thank you. I'm busty (38gg) so would this kind of high neck suit me? And would I have to wear heels? Again, I wore them before but I'm conscious I'm dated!

Someone here recommended this so I wondered about these and a blazer?

www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/trousers/product.straight-woven-trousers-blue.0945314005.html

@Honeylemontea i like this idea but as I'm busty, would it work? Also, I find it hard to understand what will go matchwise, I usually buy the whole suit. Would this work for a meeting with say a VP?

I wear 2 dresses for more formal work situations. They are both like the LK Bennett one, shift dress plain colour. One of mine is Boden and a rich purple one from Femme and black with a bow at the neck line.
I have used them over and over. They help you sit/stand straight and not to figit which is a nervous habit of mine.
The Cos trousers look good too.

Thanks for this thread, I have been wondering the same thing.

Would a v-neck rather than a round neck look better on someone who is busty?

@misscockerspaniel that's what I'm wondering, a v neck and where I could get this? I have an aquascutum fitted black dress, almost tulip style but I feel like I'm going to a funeral.

What area of finance are you in? If investment banking then American style wins and that is still heels with a matchy skirt suit / full length trouser suit. This style is getting so hard to find in the UK but H&M and TM Lewin both do nice skirts / blazers / trousers. H&M and Zara have lovely shell blouses which you should probably opt for over a shirt.

If you’re in management outside investment banking them you have more options. Generally if based in Canary Wharf or the city women tend to interview in dresses (bare legs) with statement blazers or non-matchy trouser suits. Pointed flats are in fashion but if you’re senior you can make your own rules to an extent. I know senior managers / execs who interview in gold trainers and still get the job as the bank needs them.

My 'go to' formal outfits are dresses with a non matching blazer depending on temperature and sleeve length. The Winser dresses are so comfortable and flattering.
Heels still (imo for what its worth) have a place for interviews and very formal occasions.

@GrumpyHoonMain Hi, thank you for all this. I'm in commercial finance, working in big companies so it doesn't need to be so matchy matchy. It's just these might be first interviews in front of FDs etc.

@CMOTDibbler that dress looks perfect. Im wondering about the length, if flattering. Would you wear a belt too?

[quote Eesha]@GrumpyHoonMain Hi, thank you for all this. I'm in commercial finance, working in big companies so it doesn't need to be so matchy matchy. It's just these might be first interviews in front of FDs etc.[/quote]
I’d stick to consistancy then. I worked in corporate risk in the city where image was more important than dress code - so if you feel more comfortable in a certain dressing style then own it even if it’s not strictly fashionable. So if you’re confident in heels and a skirt suit then go for it.

I'm tall, and the length is perfect for me, but you could get it taken up easily to the right length for you. There are usually loads of formal dresses on ebay as people buy for an interview, or clear their wardrobe after a job change, so I only ever pay £30 or so for mine.
I look horrible in belts, so never wear them! But in general I don't think people wear them with shift dresses as they should be fitted to your shape.

I’m early 40s, average height, slim. I am a senior level professional in the city. My go to interview outfit (I had several pre lockdown last year as I was job hunting) was a black long sleeved silk dress with a collar from Armani exchange. Wore it with tights and boots when cold but also with bare legs and heels. It’s amazing. This kind of thing

@CMOTDibbler love ebay but unsure of size. I'm an inbetween 14/16!!

With the Winser you could prob go for a 14 then, as they tend to be on the bigger side

OP I am a 32GG so I feel your pain re corporate dressing ( I am in legal sector)

I love that Winser dress. I wouldn't wear a belt with it though. Keep it simple.

I have tried the Winser dress and found it exaggerated my tummy, wasn't a fan. I would suggest either a dress (the Fold is great) or a traditional suit with a colourful blouse or a mis matched jacket. I often do black skirt with blue or grey jacket.

Best of luck for your interview!

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-enola-belted-flared-dress/navy/p4417186 would this work?

www.johnlewis.com/damsel-in-a-dress-lydia-city-suit-dress/navy/p4619162 or this

Could you add a jacket to your black dress? In maybe grey or burgundy?