Help with “business professional” dress code!!

[happytobemrsg]

I have a video interview with a law firm. I’ve been asked to dress “business professional” (though I’m convinced only my head be visible it’ll be good to understand the dress code should I be successful).

What is considered “business professional”? I’m 34 & usually dress in chunky jumpers & mom jeans 🤦🏻‍♀️

@happytobemrsg ahh you’ll be grand, good luck! Just be grateful that some of the dinosaurs who were around when I qualified have retired - one who told me I should always wear trouser suits as I didn’t have the calves for a knee length skirt. And another partner who told a colleague to put her jacket back on in an overheated taxi as she was wearing a sleeveless blouse and he didn’t like her upper arms.

I interview for similar roles. I think the jacket you’ve shown above, buttoned up with a plain, non brightly coloured t-shirt underneath (assuming you don’t have a blouse) and black skinny jeans should be fine. Ideally with proper shoes/boots.

I don’t think they’ll be able to tell their jeans on a video call (and doubt they’ll ask you to stand up as that screams of a tribunal to me!).

You’ll need something much smarter if they want to meet you in person though.

A plain fitted T-shirt (ideally scoop neck) would be absolutely fine under that jacket. Not a loose or patterned one. I’m a barrister and often wear similar under a jacket for conferences or unrobed court proceedings. I would try and find plain black trousers or a skirt. If you did have to stand up, skinny jeans would look very unprofessional.

For women:

Business professional - means full suit. Matalan have some cheap suits that can look smart. If you can push your budget a bit more - then Next.

Business casual - means e.g smart trousers, and top - but you don't need a blazer.

I’ve just realised I have this white Mint Velvet pull over shirt. Does this work? Bear in mind it’s a video call

Yes I think that will look great OP. If you do get the job and want some more office type clothes then I recommend George at Asda. Clothes are Reasonably priced and wash well

And if you are really struggling there are charities out there that can provide work wardrobes if you are referred (similar way to a food bank referral). I don’t know the details but they often have donation buckets in my work for us to drop off clothes

I think thw white top is fine but tuck it in and keep jacket fastened so they don't see it's jeans , hopefully you'll get to next stage in which case you will need smart trousers to go with the jacket

I'm a lawyer and interviewed for my current job during lockdown so all Teams interviews. I wore a nice silk blouse and smart trousers, no jacket. No one asked me to stand up but I would be prepared for the possibility of having to for some reason, so wouldn't wear jeans.

I think any nice shirt/blouse would be fine. Also nice earrings and necklace is good.

Firstly: congratulations on your interview!
Secondly, you will be judged on merit. I'd pop on a smart shirt cause a shirt is never wrong. Dark green, purple, brown etc are a bit more flattering than black which can appear a bit stark on screen. Then pop over a cardigan for your normal work for rest of the day.

Wear jeans on your bottom. Literally no one will ever ask you to stand up for your interview to check out your clothes on a screen. Thats ridiculous. Imagine the lawsuit/outcry. They might as well ask for your waist measurements or cup size 😐

Yes, new outfit pictured is spot on.

Next do next day delivery and have loads of options. Loads still in the sale too. I wear scoop jersey tops under a blazer if I need to look smart because shirts don't look that great on me. I also often wear shirt dress with blazer and I think that would be smart enough.

Are shirt dresses classed as smart?? It's quite casual where I work, but I would draw the line at a shirt-dress!

I think the second outfit is fine OP.

Solicitors can be very old-fashioned, especially ones that attend court.

For me, business professional is: smart tops, so blouse or similar. Skirt that could be part of a suit if it is not a suit or smart trousers. Blazer is a great suggestion but not essential. A suit would be perfect for a solicitors interview. A smart dress like a shirt dress or hourglass dress (like madmen style) would also work. Also wear smart shoes like brogues, high heels or ballet pumps preferably leather. Hair neat (if long tied back or in a bund or hairclip) and minimal natural makeup.

No nos would be. A short skirt (nothing too far above the knee), shorts definitely not, no leggings or tight trousers, no trainers, no tight trousers, nothing off the shoulder, nothing sleeveless (when you get there check but be cautious on this one) and no jeans.

It’s really interesting to hear how the different law firms dress. I work mid-tier in London and while some women do still occasionally wear a smart dress with a jacket, I haven’t seen a woman under 55 (ie older partners) at work in a suit, let alone a sort of business shirt, since lockdown. Jackets are worn with good quality tops or boat neck style T-shirts, or there are a huge number of midi dresses too. On non-client days jeans and a hoody are fine!

Phone in sick so nobody raises an eyebrow at your change in style and use the morning to nip out and buy something new? 😬😬😬

Or take annual leave if you have more of a conscience than me 🙈

Er they're not going to ask you to stand up so you can ignore that..

A tailored shirt or blouse would be fine without a jacket, if you doing have one. Or even a fine knitted jumper with a clean sort of neck.

Good luck!

Also - it's not necessarily a bad thing for your current employer to see that you're interviewing

Aah, I don't doubt it 🙈
I should add my Hobbs dresses are all 10 years old and going strong, but I guess they made them better back then.