Help with interview outfit!

[jennyyellowhat]

I've been self employed for the last 18 years and have never needed to look 'interview smart' in all that time, but I applied for a job on a whim and they've invited me for an interview!

The job is a management role in a creative industry and all my experience is in a creative setting, although it's not a creative job as such. I don't own a suit and would like to avoid buying one if possible because I'll never wear it again.

I was thinking of a long pleated skirt with a shirt, low heels, and nice accessories, but I'm worried it may appear too casual. I own the skirt and the nice accessories but would need to buy a smart shirt and shoes.

Help me stylish mumsnetters?!

Do you have a nice smart jacket?

What about a smart jumpsuit?

I think as it's a creative industry they won't be expecting business formal, but as a management role they'll perhaps expect shoes for the interview? I'd start with the shoes you feel most happy in and build an outfit from there.

The skirt and blouse sound fab as would cropped trousers, wide leg trousers or a dress. There's so many options of dress out there now, I don't think anyone really noticed. What would you want to see a future employee wearing if you were interviewing?

Good luck, make eye contact and smile!

Thank for the replies :) I'm encouraged that wearing a suit isn't a must, I'd feel weird and uncomfortable in a suit!

@jeaux90 the interview is in August so with a bit of luck it will be warm enough to do without, or would a lack of a jacket (unless very warm) look a bit casual? And if it rains, I don't know. Hmm🤔

@savvy7 jumpsuits are out, unfortunately. One-piece outfits that fit over my hips are always too baggy over my shoulders so I need to stick to two-piece or dresses with a fuller skirt.

@Rina66 it's so long since I bought shoes that aren't trainers I'm quite excited to buy new proper shoes! The skirt is charcoal and just above ankle length, so I thought some interesting low heels could work, or I have some (rather old) Chie Mihara brogues that might look ok but they might look their age. Thank you for the good luck, it's been over 20 years since I had a job interview so I may need it!

So a skirt, nice non-black shoes, plain but nice shirt/blouse and good accessories.