Interview Dress

[Gaia24]

Hi all,

I need some help to find a dress for an important interview coming up. It is for a senior professional role.

I am petite and realistically a 14 wishing I was a 12. I think I just look like a blob. Mid 30s.

I rarely wear trousers and want to feel comfortable so won't be wearing trousers / suit. It will have to be a dress that is formal enough for interview.

Nothing that clings - just something comfortable and appropriate. Budget is around £50 - 80.

I normally wear flats so will have to buy some heels too!

You don't need to buy heels.

I don't know what this brand is like but suggested them for a funeral. They'll work for an interview as well. Black tights sheer or opaque. Flats are fine. There's no need to wear heels.

Phase 8 has a 20% off sale at the moment.
With the right accessories, this one could do the trick: https://www.phase-eight.com/product/amberlyn-purple-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-221904600.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=58&srule=Storefront-price-low-to-high&cgid=dresses&isSecondPage=false&pid=221904600&pos=110
Agree you don't need to buy heels if you don't normally wear them. You want to walk in with confidence. If you can do that with a good pair of flats, that's what you should do.

That Phase Eight dress is a bit low necked. It either needs a silk scarf knotted at the neck, or as styled, a white shirt underneath.

Missing link Finery London

Hobbs dress, lots of options.

The OP's budget is £50 to £80.

This is the link to the quite dreadful (in my opinion) and mostly sleeveless dresses, which would need a jacket at an interview, which Hobbs has designated as "work wear" start at £139.

Hobbs work wear dresses

What colours suit you? You want to look healthy and energetic so colour matters. If it's an industry that likes dull corporate colours, you need to fit in, but consider a colourful top or scarf to add vibrancy.

I like next when I literally have no clue what I'm looking for. Plug in say blue or green dress and your budget (or sort low to high) and you will have hundreds of options. If there is stuff you don't like, ask yourself why? It might help you to get to what you do want.

M&S usually have quite a few options - Navy is always a safe colour
https://www.marksandspencer.com/button-front-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp22536504?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r1c3%7Cprodflag_Online%20Only

M&S , go to all dresses, filter for size, colour (black, navy, brown) occasion (work) length (knee length and midi) sleeves (3/4 and full) and price (up to £80, although going to £90 gives a wider choice)

I agree. Is Finery any good? Certainly on looks they are knocking Hobbs out of the boat on work wear dresses.

Here's the long sleeved version which might be better for an interview in February.

Finery navy dress

£80 maximum budget isn’t huge for an outfit for a senior professional role. I’d suggest that you consider brands like Phase 8, LK Bennett, the Fold, Libby London, Me and Em and have a look on Vinted and eBay for your size. I think this will be better than brand new cheap high street brands which is all you will find at that price point.

I would suggest flats not heels- more modern and you will feel more comfortable.

If you have time, brand alley is worth a look. Usually need to allow longer for delivery, but I've bought some good things from Reiss & Hobbs,

Gosh - looked at that Hobbs link. They’re not even trying, are they? Depressing to think people are actually earning salaries for overseeing such unbelievably lazy output.

This waistcoat and matching skirt would work well with a blouse or roll neck underneath.

Agree about flat shoes.

I see I was so shocked by the Hobbs dresses that they rendered me incapable of writing a grammatically correct sentence!

Finery clothes are decent, well cut and look more expensive than they are

I would suggest flats not heels- more modern and you will feel more comfortable. or a low block heel at the most.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-seam-detail-midi-column-dress/p/clp60676926?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Something like this? If you're petite it will look longer on you.

Your budget is fine, you don't need to spend £100 plus on a dress just for an interview that you may not wear again. I am mid 30s, I think Hobbs is probably abit old for you , although the purple one linked above is lovely but abit low cut for work...

M & S, Next or Zara for your budget probably. You'll find a decent dress for that price point. I also don't think you need to wear heels if you don't usually wear them, just wear some smart comfortable flats. Neutral colours, I wouldn't go for anything too bright or a wacky pattern

Please do not discount Hobbs - there are lovely bold colour dresses with sleeves within budget in John Lewis. Pencil dresses, shirt dresses. One example:

https://www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-saige-v-neck-sheath-dress-steel-blue/p110993521

https://www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/dresses-and-skirts

I have a few finery dresses and am always surprised at the quality for the price. Two very similar - one finery one ghost - finery one is so much easier.

I have a couple of dresses from a petite brand called Jennifer Anne that are my go-to for interview or when I need something smarter for work. Unfortunately they are no longer around (and would probably be out of budget) but you might be able to find things on eBay/Vinted. They do come up a little smaller than most brands but they are the best petite clothes I have ever found.

Some lovely suggestions - thank you all so much! I will have a proper look tonight when LO is sleeping.

Agree I might have to up my budget - I am caught in the trap of hoping I lose some weight and get down a size soon thus hestitant to spend alot however maybe I need a reality check!