What are women wearing to interviews these days?!

[OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide]

Have a face to face interview next week. Haven’t had a face to face interview since 2017. Last one was on zoom so I only had to worry about the top half.

Senior role, professional services at a very fancy private school.

I’m mid-40s, a size 16 hourglass.

Any thoughts?

Ooh, and I’m 5’ 9” without shoes on.

You can’t go wrong with a midi dress and a blazer or cardigan.

I am similar size and age to you. I’m job-hunting at the moment and have been going for a dress and blazer/suit type jacket combo mostly - patterned swishy dress for more relaxed workplaces, slightly more tailored block colour for more formal places. For a fancy private school I’d probably be going more formal just to be on the safe side - I feel like if You’re unsure, better to be too formal rather than too casual.

L K Bennett have some nice smart dresses, I wore one to a recent interview. This kind of thing?

www.lkbennett.com/product/DRALEXISWOOLRedMulberry~-Purple

For that role I'd go for very conservative French chic. Navy fitted dress and small Chanel-style jacket or fitted blazer. Or smart trouser suit with high-necked blouse.

Not with that neckline or back zip.

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/CDMARIAVISCOSEMIXBlackBlack~Maria-Black-Viscose-Mix-Dress-Black

https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRLEMONIPOLYESTERMIXMidnightBlack~Lemoni-Black-Crepe-Fit-And-Flare-Dress-Black

I recently wore a black bamboo top, and some dark grey wide leg wool trousers to an interview. But it was in my living room, so they only saw the black top.

Can’t wear anything high necked - have a large bust and it just looks terrible.

These suggestions are all very far from what I was hoping for!

I don’t do dresses. I do have a nice green silk pleated midi skirt and a black blazer which I could add a black top or white silk blouse to. 🤔

I was wearing a leather jacket for the first stage (online interview). Could I wear that with the skirt and some boots? It’s not a traditional private school and they weren’t put off by my bright purple hair. 🤔

Code of conduct just says “dress appropriately for your role and duties”.

Pupils don’t wear uniform and it’s not a traditional formal learning environment.

Last interview I had (in person) I wore wide linen trousers, nice top, smart cardigan, white trainers.

It entirely depends what the environment is like.

In your shoes I would look at what photos you can find of what existing staff wear and try to wear something that would not be a million miles away.

In that role I would not go very trad, especially if it is a non-uniform school.

The important things, IMO, are:

• not revealing
• clean, well-ironed
• calm not clashy

I work with schools regularly and find they are generally conservative and smart with dress code. Much more so than many offices.

I would wear a suit or a jacket/blazer with a dress or top and skirt/trousers. Shoes not trainers.

I am a similar age and build. Had an interview this week (and got the job). Smart trousers from Next and a fancy v neck top that I can later wear with jeans/heels if I go out for drinks etc
I wore black casual canvas shoes and a denim jacket in case it looked too posh… I always feel overdressed as i am casual dresser

Done some digging on instagram. Principal wore a suit at graduation, but in every other photo and video he is in chinos and either a fine knit hoodie or grandad top and linen jacket.

Do you still have purple hair?

In that case I'd wear wide leg black trousers, purple silk (or satin but nice quality) shirt & either the black blazer or leather jacket depending on which works with the trousers best

I certainly do. The hair isn’t going anywhere.

I don’t have any purple clothing (the hair is enough) but have black wide leg trousers and some good boots. I’m a Bright Winter so tend to stick with emerald green and royal blue, navy, black and all shades of grey.

Then go for the trousers / boots & shirt in a colour that works for you & makes you feel great..
That way you'll feel yourself & that will give you confidence

They've already seen you have purple hair & shortlisted you so they can't be 'that' conservative!

Good luck OP!!

Thank you!

Today’s curveball.

“Our campus has a lot of cobbles. We would advise you wear flat, comfortable shoes.”

😄 i only wear flat comfortable shoes.

What were you planning on wearing OP?

I always wear a midi dress with smart flat shoes and a jacket or cardi.

Good luck!

Trousers and heeled boots.

I do have some Barbour black loafers but the trousers may be too long. 🤔

All other flat shoes I own are superga or my gym
trainers.

I reckon a block heel can handle some cobbles.

I’ve had a couple of interviews (corporate PA) and wore a pleated skirt sleeveless navy H&M premium dress with navy blazer/jacket (Next) on top and also got a sleepless Next navy belted dress.

I was going to shell out on a Hobbs dress but don’t need it, yet.

But midi with fiat or slightly heeled shoes and jacket I find is best.