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

56 replies

Ladyshaver · 28/09/2021 14:01

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??!

OP posts:
TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 28/09/2021 16:18

I find Matalan are usually quite good for reasonably priced work wear.... Suits and shift dresses etc.

Good luck Smile

gunnersgold · 28/09/2021 16:41

No probs , it's a great dress and look so much more expensive than £40 in real life . It's got a red baker vibe and the material is lovely . Good luck whatever happens .

Ladyshaver · 28/09/2021 16:48

Taffy I think I must just have been really unlucky today- I went to Matalan too and didn't find anything. To be fair I did try some work trousers in there but the 14 was just too small and the 16 would have been way too big. It's a good shout for replenishing the work wardrobe once I have a job though, will have a look online.

OP posts:
EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues · 28/09/2021 16:53

Not sure you’ve been unlucky - I think the reality is that concrete shops are just not offering the sort of service we used to expect. You will almost certainly find more of what you want / need online. Which is no bad thing as there’s a much wider range of stuff available, you don’t need to stick to the High Street brands.

Hope you find some suitable stuff.

Ladyshaver · 29/09/2021 12:46

Looks like I will be needing that interview outfit sooner than I thought- I have an interview next week!

I think you're right Edmontina. I don't love shopping online as I prefer to be able to feel the material etc and the whole returns process is a faff but there is definitely more choice online.

OP posts:
gunnersgold · 29/09/2021 17:01

Yay! Well done

Ladyshaver · 02/10/2021 15:33

Just an update for those kind enough to give your advice and those who also might be looking for office wear. The Next dress arrived today and is right on the money, comfy, smart and already a full outfit in itself. Oh, AND it has pockets!

Would you employ this headless woman? Grin

Where can I get interview clothes.....and what do I wear??!
OP posts:
Ladyshaver · 02/10/2021 15:34

I promise I won't actually slouch during my interview, and please excuse my slovenly ways when it comes to cleaning mirrors.....

OP posts:
TheProvincialLady · 02/10/2021 15:43

That looks very nice OP. I would employ you 😊

gunnersgold · 02/10/2021 15:46

It looks amazing! I told you it was a fab dress ! Oh and you aren't remotely lumpy !!

Ladyshaver · 02/10/2021 15:47

Thanks TheProvincial. I was pleasantly surprised that because it's quite heavy it doesn't show every little lump and bump.

Now I just need to work on perfecting my answers and somehow reigning in my nerves......

OP posts:
Ladyshaver · 02/10/2021 15:50

Thanks again for your advice Gunners. Fingers crossed it can soon become an office wear staple.

OP posts:
RestingStitchFace · 02/10/2021 16:52

That dress looks awesome! Good luck!

gunnersgold · 02/10/2021 16:55

No probs .. I love helping women , luckily I get paid ( albeit not a lot ) to do so ! 🤩

talkalarm · 03/10/2021 09:28

You look great Smile

Ladyshaver · 07/10/2021 18:16

A final update to say "woohoo! I got the job!" In the end I don't think what I was wearing mattered that much but it definitely helped having an outfit that I felt confident in. As it happens I think much of the time I'll be wfh in relatively casual gear but I'll have an outfit ready for meetings when I need to.

OP posts:
honeylemonteaforme · 07/10/2021 18:24

Congrats OP

grannyjacob · 07/10/2021 18:35

Well done! And you look really good in that dress.

Handsnotwands · 07/10/2021 18:42

Lovely update. Well done :)

yellowgingham · 07/10/2021 19:33

Congratulations!

Also you look lovely and I really want that dress now Smile

fionamadcat · 07/10/2021 19:58

I buy all my work stuff on EBay, I have several hardly worn Next shift dresses that cost me no more than £10.

August1980 · 07/10/2021 20:19

You look lovely OP!! Hope you get the job!

Ladyshaver · 07/10/2021 20:36

August 1980 you didn't rtft - I got offered it today Grin Thanks for the sentiment though.

OP posts:
MyFavouritePlace · 07/10/2021 22:06

Congratulations and that dress looks great on you!

Flufferty · 07/10/2021 22:10

That's brilliant. Well done