Interview outfit on a budget

[GoodGriefGodfrey]

I am jobhunting atm. Not for anything especially fancy / corporate. Things like office / receptionist jobs in small, family owned companies. So I'd look ott in a suit for example.

Thinking something like a black dress and sensible heels?

I am a size 16 hourglass shape. 5'9" and 38 yo if it matters.

‘On a budget’ is a bit vague!

Would this Cos dress be too expensive?

This from Uniqlo is a bit less.

Loafers are in fashion at the moment. Most shops will have them.

I'd go for a pair of trousers and a blouse or top from somewhere cheap, then splash on a blazer from somewhere stylish. I have two Boden blazers, one in wine and one in pea green, that each look great with back trousers and a cream chiffon blouse.

Sorry, I misread and thought you needed corporate!

Thank you. The uniqlo one would be more my price range! I wouldn't really want to pay a lot more than £50 for a dress. Shoes maybe about the same. However, the cheaper the better really!

I'm not sure the uniqlo one would suit me as it's quite straight up and down? I think that may be better for a slimmer type. I have pretty big boobs and hips, so straight up and down can end up looking a bit matronly on me

Thank you @Throughabushbackwards

Where have you already looked?

What about these

www.very.co.uk/pieces-cammie-long-sleeve-midi-shirt-dress--black/1600772282.prd

www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-contrast-side-panel-midi-dress-black/1600732378.prd?crossSellType=cart_page.recs_1m

www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-zip-front-boucle-midi-dress-black/1600732381.prd

www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-power-mesh-balloon-sleeve-dress-black/1600732393.prd?crossSellType=item_page.recs_1m

If budget is very tight, asda had black jackets, trousers, and dresses today.

@Gruelle I've tried M&S and Asos. Asos shoes are appalling and very plastic. M&S are a bit boring.

Thanks @Georgiarule. I'll have a look at those links.

@gogohmm I am definitely not above George at Asda! Will have a look, thanks

This is my go to interview/smart work occasion dress: ASOS dress

sometimes I wear it with heels, Chelsea boots, black tights, bright tights, no tights. Usually with some kind of statement necklace.

I use Vinted to buy work clothes- I have a 10 day capsule work wardrobe.

My go to for work dresses is Hobbs but I can't afford £100 a pop - on Vinted there are loads for £10-15

EBay or Vinted are your friends - you can pick up some bargains for around £10-15.

X posts!

Ok, will check Vinted. Probably not for the shoes though. I'm a bit funny about secondhand footwear

That's lovely @Sleepyteach. Might be tempted! It looks flattering for curvy types without being boobs out or bum hugging

@GoodGriefGodfrey I forgot to say, I’m a similar size/shape you and I think it looks good on me! 😂

Thanks @Sleepyteach . I've ordered it and another similar one from there. I can wear whichever one looks nicest under a jacket I've already got.

Just want some shoes now!

I had this a few weeks back and got loafers and a shirt from primark and black trousers from h&m. The whole outfit cost no more than £50. I didn’t want to spend a lot as if I didn’t get it i’d be working from home where i don’t need office attire so it would go to waste.

Maybe Primark or Dorothy Perkins?

I'm a curvy 14 (big boobs) and 40 and ended up getting a black jacket from H&M of all places. Bizarrely New Look also had some decent jackets/blazers, far more than M&S in the same shopping centre. Was surprised after finding nothing in Next and M&S to be successful in H&M and find things worth considering in New Look! Thought I was too old for those shops by now...

What a fabulous dress. Thanks for posting and I bet you look great in it!

Also just bookmarked the ASOS dress, I might need it soon!

Check if there is a Smartworks near you - they are a charity that helps women looking for work with interview support, smart interview clothing and more:

smartworks.org.uk

M & S
Smart black trousers, blouse and cardigan or blazer.
Recently got the above for 60.00.