Where can I get interview clothes.....and what do I wear??!

[Ladyshaver]

Been redundant for just over a year and with youngest having started school am job hunting. Not that I even have a job interview yet but it occurred to me that I don't really have many interview-suitable clothes and those that I do have seem to have mysteriously shrunk in the wash....

Applying for office admin type positions. My last position was very, very relaxed on dress code and I feel very out of touch as to what is appropriate office wear. I probably used to wear either a smart shift dress or black skirt and blouse, maybe with a jacket for interviews. Does that sound about right?

Just been into town and drew a blank. Next would have been my go to for this type of thing but all I had were trousers (which aren't my preference as I am a pear with a wobbly tum and they always seem to look ill-fitting or are just uncomfortable) or those shapeless printed midi dresses which do absolutely nothing for me even if I thought they were smart enough.

Any suggestions??!

That first phrase sounded weird but I mean I was made redundant just over a year ago Hopefully I myself am not, overall, redundant just yet!

You could try Uniqlo. This jacket also comes in plain navy or beige. The fabric seems unusually nice. (And most of their stock is much cheaper than this.)

Or you could look at Community Clothing. They don’t do office wear as such, but do have beautifully simple, unadorned trousers, knitwear, denim skirts … this plain white shirt would be a good place to start.

I think a white blouse over a skirt / trousers and a blazer is a pretty safe look. Pair the look with smart flat shoes (I prefer loafers).

White blouse or shirt with a blazer and chinos or black pants are usually fine.
You can find this type of clothes in many places, even in a charity shop if you’re on a very tight budget. When I was very skint and needed clothes for my new office job I went to H&M. You can also check Next to order them online.

If you want to splurge for a bit, Sisley/ Benetton has beautiful blazers, shirts and office wear.

Thanks for the helpful comments/suggestions. I think I'm just really lacking in confidence and it's playing into my tendency to massively overthink things.

Definitely not able to splurge, very definitely at the other end of the scale at the mo! I have scoured a few of the local charity shops and sadly drew a blank but will keep checking as you never know when a bargain will appear! Next online looks more promising than instore. As long as I don't have 5 interviews or something I should be able to manage a couple of appropriate outfits.

Had a look in h+m but perhaps online will reveal more options.

If you tell us your spending limit we could help you look?

And you can surely wear the same outfit to each interview? It’s not Insta!

I always wear a tidy dress so I don't have to deal with boobage gapes or a jacket ending in the wrong place when I sit down.

The supermarkets always have something- asda or sainsburys

My go-to interview outfit is black trousers, a bright cami style top, smart blazer and a chunky necklace. I sweat like a beast when I'm nervous so I only wear the cami in my car and blast the air con. I stick the blazer on just before I go in.

I used to wear some 2-3 inch heels but these days I'd go with ballets pumps. I'm so out of practice walking in heels that I wouldn't look any smarter in them.

H&M definitely the go to place for the young graduates I know for first interviews. Skirt or trouser suit with a plain top underneath or dress with or without jacket definitely appropriate. Tidy hair, clean nails and all that. I think aim to please the most conservative person you know and you can’t go wrong. Once you’ve got the job you can then observe and assess the prevailing dress code/vibe and dress accordingly

mobile.yoox.com/uk/49512614GV/item#cod10=49512614BC&dept=clothingwomen&sizeId=-1&sts=SearchResult

This is a really nice price for such a good quality brand.

Next !

www.next.co.uk/style/st798208/481845#481845

No need for a jacket and this is smart but not too smart . Comes in other patterns if you prefer

@gunnersgold

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st798208/481845#481845

That’s a really good suggestion. You only have to have tights and shoes and your outfit is complete.

I would go to Sainsbury's. Lots of their clothes are v good. I wouldn't worry too much about what you wear to an interview for an admin role. Smart trousers/skirt and a top would be fine. I have just been interviewing for an admin post and I can't remember what anyone wore. Just be clean and tidy and choose something that you are comfortable wearing.

I did have a look in Sainsbury's but surprisingly there was rather a dearth of interview wear. I do like their clothes for the price, i often get bits for the girls or I from there.

I do like that Next dress although I am fairly lumpy so may need something a little less bodycon. Definitely in the region of what I'm looking for though.

Budget wise i would say up to Next prices but ideally a bit less.

Just size up , it's stretchy material so could be worn tight or loser ( I work there ) it's a really nice dress for the money .

Sensible advice thank you sprig. I guess as long as i am smart and don't stand out in a bad way it's all good.

They also have loads of traditional workwear on the website .

Thanks for your help Gunners. Feel a bit calmer about it all after my mini freakout. This is all a bit academic anyway until I actually manage to get an interview (but that's a whole other thread) but I'd like to be prepared for if when I do.