Navy suit for 6th form/ interviews

[Cattitudes]

Dd needs a suit to wear occasionally at school (among other more casual clothes) and hopefully for university/job interviews. We thought maybe a navy suit with blazer, skirt (roughly knee length) and trousers (obviously not at same time) would be a flexible basis for the more formal days and can be worn individually with more casual tops etc. She is size 8 (lucky) and about 5'4". It doesn't have to be navy but ideally plain and preferably not black. She is hoping to do medicine so there will be interviews. Something which will not date too quickly, ideally not dry clean/ too expensive but not an obviously cheap purchase. Not too tight fitting around the top of the legs for the trousers. Ideally a physical shop (in SE) where we could possibly in a few months try it on rather than online. I am jeans and t-shirt person so totally useless in this area. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I bought a nice jacket and slim trousers from hennes.

I would look at H&M or M&S for something quite plain that she can wear with whatever tops. Maybe Zara or Banana Republic if she wants something a bit more trendy.

Having said that I’m 40 and might be wide wide of the mark!!!

M&S has lots of jackets and trousers that could work. They offer different prices and brands too so hopefully she'd find something she liked. If budget is an issue you can always try Sainsbury's TU range - their workwear is pretty good.

I like Reiss for the kind of thing you're looking for

Hayes suit

Also Jigsaw:

Paris suit

I thought M&S but then wondered if it was a bit too middle aged! I think they look smart. Neither of us are really into fashion so we want something fairly safe but not too untrendy!

Matalan do plain classic suits.

Nest used to be great for stuff like this. Haven't had to buy anything formal for a long time so not sure what they are like now. But worth checking out.

Zara for sure!

When I was younger and worked in a corporate job I got some great blazers from Zara - the fabric is cheap but the cut is great, especially if she is slim. I found M&S to be cut for a more mature figure, but I am quite slight.
I also used to get suits from Ted Baker.

Next.

We got DD's interview suit from Next- Petite range, she wasn't keen on their shirts so we got some plain ones in M&S.

Great, it sounds like Zara could be a good starting point. We will check out some of the other shops too. I think blouses and more casual clothes I will just give her some money to go shopping with her friends.