Eek - face to face interview - 5ft3in, 14 stone, massive norks....any tips?

[anon666]

I've got an interview - great news - but to my horror after a year of lockdown, eating sourdough bread etc, I'm heavier than ever.

It's a formal, professional position high up in an organisation, so power dressing is needed.

However, I'm short and dumpy, and don't tend to look good in suits or anything formal really. I have disproportionately enormous boobs which teeter on the brink of beach postcard no matter what I do with them, but apart from that I'm fairly cylindrical in shape. 😂

I'm old enough to be relaxed and happy with myself as I am. However, formal interview clothes are a bit of a nemesis, as I tend to go colour and interesting in work clothes day to day.

I'm torn between going for long linen trousers with a smart expensive T shirt type top, or dress with smart cardigan.

I really can't carry off a jacket, I always look like a child wearing parents clothes.

Any advice?

I'm hoping for less than £200 for a dress, or £300 for an outfit.

I kind of don't have the money, (hence the shite car), but I do thi k it's important to look smart for such a senior job. I don't want to look crap, and being so short and wide can be a huge handicap to looking smart I find.

Its knocked my confidence somehow, which sounds ridiculous.

Ok, with that sort of budget how about a winser miracle dress?

www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/dresses-skirts/miracle-dress-1

I've also found some good options in Lk Bennett in the past.

Not sure if either of those are any good?

Also have you tried the petite collection at Hobbs? I find Hobbs a bit hit and miss but they do have some nice bits.

This could be nice if teamed with navy

www.hobbs.com/product/victoria-knitted-jacket-/0121-9728-1185L00-NAVY-AZURE-BLUE.html#cgid=clothing-knitwear&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0121-9728-1185L00-NAVY-AZURE-BLUE&pos=53

I'd try something like this jacket- www.hobbs.com/product/arizona-jacket/0220-4809-9045L00-FUCHSIA.html. this links to the pink but it comes in black, navy, green and a few others if you just search the name on the site. I would actually wear the pink but I appreciate that wouldn't be everyone's bag!

Dress wise, I'd personally go for something with a bit of width/flare in the skirt as they tend to skim over, balance the boobs and look good sitting (a factor in interviews!)

How do you feel about this OP?

www.hobbs.com/product/petite-emberly-dress/0120-5741-9021L04-NAVY-BUTTRCREAM.html#cgid=clothing-petite-dresses&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0120-5741-9021L04-NAVY-BUTTRCREAM&pos=19

I know button fronts can be tricky with a big bust but I have sometimes found I get a better fit by sizing up and then getting it tailored to fit around the waist.

www.johnlewis.com/fenn-wright-manson-petite-johanna-dress-black/p4797238

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-petite-seasalter-dress-navy/p5155579

@Sunshinegirl82

How lovely of you to leave so many ideas!

I love that miracle dress - I wonder if they have a physical store I could get to? 🤔

Thank you so much. It was a truly crap day but tomorrow is another day. 😊

I have secured another personal stylist appt tomorrow at a different dept store, and have asked today's lady if she can send me an email with her suggestions, so I can go and look.

It's all a bit last minute, but perhaps it will give me an adrenalin boost!

Both department stores in that town stock Hobbs.

If all else fails I have another appointment at JL Oxford Street in the evening. I can get the train in. Phew!

I've tried on that Hobbs dress! It looked nice but the bust was a problem.

I seem to have a choice between "fitted on the bust" dresses, which make me look like Jordan, or shapeless ones where I look like Jo Brand. There's been no middle ground so far.

www.winserlondon.com/our-boutiques

Not sure if either of these are near you?

They also have this version of the miracle dress with a slightly lower neckline which might be better bust wise!

www.winserlondon.com/lauren-miracle-dress

It may be worth finding a local seamstress/alterations place and getting a dress adjusted at the waist. I can sew, so I make myself dresses that fit both and it makes a big difference. It shouldn't be that expensive in most cases

Try Bravissimo - I'd go get the bra sorted (correct bra can = inches off the bust) and take a look at their clothing.

Those Winser dresses are really superb, I will try to get one of those when I've got time to wait for mail order.

I had a personal shopper appointment today. It was fabulous. I got two dresses plus a bolero style navy cardigan.

The big surprise was sizing. I fitted into size 16 and the stylist said she wouldn't recommend any larger as it wouldn't fit on the shoulders or waist. The cardigan was a size 14 which I would never have picked up, but it's absolutely perfect.

I'm absolutely thrilled. Have now got some black kitten heel closed toe sandals, abd am in process of "glowing up" with fake tan legs because of the boiling hot weather forecast for tomorrow...... Plus nails, eyebrows, hair, grooming. Nothing too OTT - it's not glamour soot!

I just hope I don't get too hot and sweaty on the face, which I normally get on hot days. 😬

Now I'm busy swotting up and preparing. I know the job won't be based on looks, it will be merit, but I can hold my head high.

Will get links to dresses.

Oh wow, sounds like a great success Op.
Yes do send over links to what you bought so we have a look.
And good luck with your prep, and the actual interview of course 👍🏻👍🏻

That's great news, I'm so pleased for you. Hope the prep goes well.

This is one of the dresses. It's stunning on, very flattering. I felt a million dollars in it. It needs the navy cardigan

Here's the other one. I've redacted my face and shoes for anonymity purposes 😂😂

Any thoughts on which to wear?

I lucked upon these shoes - closed toe sandals with a tiny kitten heel. Smart and brand new.

Now attached

Ooh, really like the look of the navy and yellow dress!
I like the other one too. But I’m a big fan of yellow, so that one stands out to me!
Was it from John Lewis?

I’m so glad you got some new things, it’s such a good feeling
Good luck with your interview

I say wear whichever one you feel the most confident in, they are both great!

Love the navy and yellow one. In a sea of patterned dresses it's so refreshing to see such a dramatic, simple and bold colour combo.