Need interview outfit rapidly.

[ZealAndArdour]

Hi all,

Have been unwell with the Flu for the past week, have an interview on Tuesday. Should be in work on Monday (depends how well I feel). Crossing my fingers that I’m well enough for the interview on Tuesday as it’s one of those opportunities that don’t come along very often (went on a training course in this dept a few weeks ago and one of the seniors kept me back and told me about the vacancy coming up and asked me to apply). The job itself is the kind where you wear a uniform (think scrubs) so I’m not exactly setting the stage for my daily professional wardrobe, but I do want to look appropriate and smart at the interview.

I’ve recently lost a huge amount of weight (14st lost - going from a size 26 down to a small 12 on top and maybe a 14-16 on the bottom - I’m also 6ft tall so leg and arm length of things is a consideration) and therefore don’t have a single item of interview appropriate clothing left at the back of my wardrobe.

I need something or several things that I can order today and reliably expect to receive tomorrow, or Monday at the very latest.

Have browsed asos - none of it seems to be hitting the spot, lots of it looks very tacky. There’s a few bits on Karen Millen but they’re very expensive and I’m not that confident about how they run size wise, or if they despatch rapidly.

Budget needs to be under £200 for the whole lot - although I have some smart shoes and new tights and a decent smart coat already. I’m open to a smart business dress - or a trousers and shirt combo - not so keen on a full suit - think it would be overkill for this job, and i’m unlikely to feel like myself or get any further use out of the suit jacket.

Any other suggestions, with decent quality items that run a tight ship despatch/delivery wise?

I had planned a trip to Meadowhall over the weekend to solve the issue but it isn’t going to happen now with the flu. Just going up and down stairs is exhausting me!

Thank you x

Something like this? If the style and colours work for you you can get plenty of wear out of it, smart and casual.

www.next.co.uk/g65112s4/364649#364649

That’s nice, I love that there’s a bit of personality to it! I’ve been browsing mostly black things for the last few days as a default safe option.

I’d seen some gorgeous magenta trousers in Mango that were beautifully tailored and had considered those as a bit of a wildcard option with a very smart shirt but sort of chickened out and now they’re not available in my size.

I generally hate clothes shopping on Amazon but it might be worth it for reliable delivery. I've had issues with Next, John Lewis and M&S in recent weeks with orders being delayed at the last minute.

Next and ASOS are going to be your best bets, both do tall ranges and are reliable for next day del.

Oh there's John Lewis as well, you might be able to get it delivered Mon if you order today, always v reliable. Off the top of my head they do several brands which off long leg length trousers - Boden and Mint velvet spring to min there will be more.

If you have an M&S (even a food near you or work) their delivery to store is very reliable and you will be able to book for collection Mon. They definitely do longet leg lengths in trousers.

www.karenmillen.com/broderie-woven-midi-shirt-dress/AKK06076.html?color=105

Do you think this is smart enough? Just thinking in terms of what I’m most likely to get to wear again?

I like it
Good luck with the interview

I think dresses are the way to go: you're fortunate that the shops are full of midi-maxi length dresses so your height shouldn't be an issue, and with fuller skirts so you could probably get away with a size 12. I like the one linked above but M&S have a zillion dresses which would work and will deliver by Monday if you pay extra. John Lewis also have a zillion dresses which you could click and collect tomorrow if you have a local Waitrose.

I wouldn't go with trousers in your position, getting a good fit on waist and arse is such a gamble. Dresses or full skirts are easier to get a decent fit.

Just to update you all and say thank you for your help and suggestions. I felt much, much better this morning so confirmed I’d be back to work tomorrow and then managed an hour at the retail park where I miraculously found something to wear for the interview.

Got a lovely soft, wool jumper dress from TK Maxx for £20 and a Balmain style blazer from Next and a waist belt.

Have these loafers on order, due to be delivered tomorrow. It’s honestly such a strange experience to be able to go in normal shops and find something at the drop of a hat now I have an averaged sized body. I’m always mentally prepared for a great battle to find something but please that it wasn’t the case.

I will definitely re-wear all of this too, so not wasted money.

And you look great!

You look fab
Good luck

Well done, you look great. Good luck!

You look amazing. Good luck!

Gorgeous! Good luck.