Help: size 20 interview dress

[Bookishnerd]

Help please!!!

I have got an in-person job interview next week and need a nice outfit. I’ve not had an interview in four years, and I’ve put on loads of weight since then so I have nothing really appropriate. Bloody pandemic/pregnancy/donuts.

Anyway, I’m a size 20 at the minute, but all my go-to places stop at 18. The in-store shoppers at John Lewis only work up to an 18, though you can get 20 on the website, but a lot of the dresses are a bit blah.

My go-to interview get-up is a nice top and a pencil skirt, or a nice tailored dress.

I have none of those things right now. My current role is quite informal and also on zoom a lot, so no need for ‘professional’ wear.

Where do plus size ladies go to get nice, professional, unmumsy wear?

Does it have to be a dress? Was thinking cigarette trousers, blouse and blazer might be an option

Boden and Monsoon might be worth a look. Boden sale section often has some bargains.

I’m an 18 and my go-to for work dresses is Phase Eight.

Karen Millen do some smart plus size options.

Phase8, simplybe, Dorothy Perkins, monsoon and next for work wear

Hobbs and studio eight both have size 20 and lots of smart options. I quite like this one - I’d probably go fairly plain/sensible unless it was for a funkier company.
I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?

Sorry link won’t work because of John Lewis app
Here is a screenshot instead

Also look at Cos, their shirt dresses are fab and come up a bit big so should fit. Might be not formal enough for you but worth a look.

This skirt with a nice top? www.roman.co.uk/ribbed-knit-pleated-midi-skirt-17019508

Just bought the navy blue version of this dress, 20 in Boden, but had to size down for this and very flattering (I have lumps and bumps and it covered them all). They have it left in Teal. Good weight and it looked very smart with a jacket. Also they have a 20% off at the moment www.finerylondon.com/orla-midi-navy-dress-d03f019-pet

Ooh all these are lovely. Thank you.

Trousers are out because I’m 5’1 and can never get anything to fit, but might also look at skirts. Loving these ideas, so nice to shop for professional clothes again!

Now if anyone can help me remember how to behave in public again, that would be helpful too

How about a Popsy dress? A lot of them have bright patterns but there are some gorgeous plain coloured ones too. Plus they’ll do alterations as well if you want them.

www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/ash-grey-tie-front-dress

Masai might be worth a look. A couple of their smarter dresses.
www.masai.co.uk/dresses/nyx-shirt-dress/1005050.html?dwvar_1005050_color=0001P&pi=3&prefn1=size&prefv1=X-LARGE&start=4&cgid=DDRS

www.masai.co.uk/dresses/noma-dress/1001632.html?dwvar_1001632_color=2000S&pi=3&prefn1=size&prefv1=X-LARGE&start=50&cgid=DDRS

Have a look on Fatface online, they go up to a 24c and also do some smart/casual wear, which you can dress up. Really good fit too. There is a sale on too, with an extra 20% off today, so maybe worth a look

This is my absolute favourite work dress, I have it in different colours:
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0786336005.html

(They only have smaller sizes online but I've seen XL (around size 20) in shops.)

[quote greyinganddecaying]This is my absolute favourite work dress, I have it in different colours:
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0786336005.html[/quote]
Ooo that's very nice. I can see that being dressed up with a nice chunky necklace.

Try next online - I'm a busty 20, and they now have other brands such as monsoon, and lots have larger ranges. Also m & s do have some nice things.

Joules and Seasalt are also worth a look online.

Thanks everyone. I didn’t get the job but I did get two really nice outfits from Fatface!