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Original poster

Plus size interview outfit - where to start?

126 replies

llamalines · 12/08/2024 00:25

I have an actual in-person interview coming up. I haven't had one of them in years!

I used to wear trousers suits to interviews, but when I was a bit slimmer. I'm size 24 now and it's really hard to find suits that suit

So, I think I need advice on what else I can wear up and interview. What would you wear?

I'm size 24, with a huge round tum!

Thanks for any help :)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
26
NonsuchCastle · 12/08/2024 03:54

What about a wrap dress with a jacket?

Garlicfest · 12/08/2024 04:21

What's your height? My thoughts are similar to above, but was thinking a smock dress rather than a wrap. With a jacket, either a blazer type or one the same length as your dress that can be worn open. Structured, though, not a knitted one.

The black one's only £16.50! There are some good contenders at ASOS:
https://www.asos.com/women/dresses/smock-dresses/cat/?cid=16824&currentpricerange=5-165&refine=size:223

Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
EmmaGrundyForPM · 12/08/2024 04:59

There is no way I'd wear that black one to an interview, it is far too short.

I'd go for a wrap dress and jacket. Boden usually have wrap dresses but I don't know what size they go up to. Next also do work wear if you fancy a shift dress rather than a wrap one.

Good luck with the interview!

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 05:15

It would have been helpful to know your maximum budget, @llamalines!

(Though I’m surprised that anyone thinks a size 24 can be stylishly clothed for a professional interview for £16 …)

These are the sort of things / outfits I’d expect to see someone who took themselves seriously wearing to an important interview:

Marina Rinaldi 1

Marina Rinaldi 2

Marina Rinaldi 3

(Not necessarily the shoes, obviously. And you’d tailor to the level of formality required for the particular work environment.)

I definitely think it would be better to hire or buy pre-owned rather than settle for very cheap clothes that won’t flatter or bring confidence.

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 05:43

From the same brand, these are all much more affordable in the sales. Size 24 available. (Summer clothes though):

Blue dress⭐️

https://gb.marinarinaldi.com/p-3041014506002-tolone-lavender Lavender
jacket]]

Printed dress⭐️

Blue waistcoat

Dark blue jacket ⭐️

No, I don’t work for them! But some of the most stylish people I’ve known have been plus sized - and the way they achieved it was by wearing Very Good Clothes. This is one of the few places I’m aware of in the UK that at least tries to offer the sort of clothes I’d be willing to wear if I were a size 24.(Photos are a mix of sale and full price outfits.)

Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Plus size interview outfit - where to start?
Luckypoppy · 12/08/2024 06:10

Some other ones that would need a jacket or cardigan.

amzn.to/46HRywd

amzn.to/3YFa5Hw

amzn.to/3yAXtqi

amzn.to/4crybJ4

Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 08:31

Thanks for the suggestions everyone :)

It's for a managerial position in a very male organisation.

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 08:32

NonsuchCastle · 12/08/2024 03:54

What about a wrap dress with a jacket?

Edited

I like the idea in principle but I tend to spill put of wrap dresses! I have large boobs and a very large stomach.

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 08:33

Garlicfest · 12/08/2024 04:21

What's your height? My thoughts are similar to above, but was thinking a smock dress rather than a wrap. With a jacket, either a blazer type or one the same length as your dress that can be worn open. Structured, though, not a knitted one.

The black one's only £16.50! There are some good contenders at ASOS:
https://www.asos.com/women/dresses/smock-dresses/cat/?cid=16824&currentpricerange=5-165&refine=size:223

I'm 5'6". I'll have a look, thanks!

Although these two examples feel more evening wear to me?

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 08:34

EmmaGrundyForPM · 12/08/2024 04:59

There is no way I'd wear that black one to an interview, it is far too short.

I'd go for a wrap dress and jacket. Boden usually have wrap dresses but I don't know what size they go up to. Next also do work wear if you fancy a shift dress rather than a wrap one.

Good luck with the interview!

Thanks!

I love Boden, I've had some great dresses from them in the past.

I'm gutted to say they only go up to a 22 😭

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 08:38

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 05:15

It would have been helpful to know your maximum budget, @llamalines!

(Though I’m surprised that anyone thinks a size 24 can be stylishly clothed for a professional interview for £16 …)

These are the sort of things / outfits I’d expect to see someone who took themselves seriously wearing to an important interview:

Marina Rinaldi 1

Marina Rinaldi 2

Marina Rinaldi 3

(Not necessarily the shoes, obviously. And you’d tailor to the level of formality required for the particular work environment.)

I definitely think it would be better to hire or buy pre-owned rather than settle for very cheap clothes that won’t flatter or bring confidence.

Edited

Maximum budget for the entire outfit, including shoes and accessories is about £200.

While I agree more expensive clothes look better, ASOS is nearer my budget than Marina Rinaldi, which I wouldn't call affordable even with the sale!

OP posts:
AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 10:06

Hmm … Grin

That’s all very well but I’m not seeing any ASOS Curve dresses that would do for a managerial level interview?

This is nice enough as day dresses go, but more casual office wear:

Olive green ASOS

Obviously it depends on your industry and culture. In my previous career, long ago, the male fee earners were all in £2000 handmade Savile Row suits with red silk linings, so anything less than MaxMara would have women fee earners mistaken for secretaries. (Nothing wrong with being a secretary, but it’s not what you undertake a law degree and professional training for.) Anyway, different times!

ASOS EDITION Curve jersey contrast fabric tshirt dress with drop waist in olive green | ASOS

Shop ASOS EDITION Curve jersey contrast fabric tshirt dress with drop waist in olive green at ASOS. Order now with multiple payment and delivery options, including free and unlimited next day delivery (Ts&Cs apply).

https://www.asos.com/asos-edition/asos-edition-curve-jersey-contrast-fabric-tshirt-dress-with-drop-waist-in-olive-green/prd/206257751#colourWayId-206257752

Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 11:04

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 10:06

Hmm … Grin

That’s all very well but I’m not seeing any ASOS Curve dresses that would do for a managerial level interview?

This is nice enough as day dresses go, but more casual office wear:

Olive green ASOS

Obviously it depends on your industry and culture. In my previous career, long ago, the male fee earners were all in £2000 handmade Savile Row suits with red silk linings, so anything less than MaxMara would have women fee earners mistaken for secretaries. (Nothing wrong with being a secretary, but it’s not what you undertake a law degree and professional training for.) Anyway, different times!

Oh goodness, yes, if I was a solicitor going for a job in a law firm, I'd have to wear something much posher!

But this is a remote i.e. mostly home based position, and with mostly blokes who have worked in areas like engineering and health and safety, not a law firm in the City!

The interview is in real life though. It's second stage - I already did an online "informal chat" which I only needed a nice top and jewelry for.

I'm not sure when the interview is yet, they said they'd get back with a date, but I anticipate in the next 2 weeks.

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 11:06

Trousers suits used to be my comfort zone for interviews.

I looked at Next, M&S and some others and haven't seen anything that would suit.

I need double breasted - single always ends up a very funny shape on me.

Can anyone suggest somewhere to look for suits, in addition to dresses?

OP posts:
Original poster
llamalines · 12/08/2024 11:07

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 10:17

If your interview isn’t until the weather cools down, this inexpensive

ASOS co-ord set

could look imposing. (Possibly only on the first or second wear.) It might look more businesslike with a sleeveless, collared white shirt underneath. And obviously boots or loafers.

Edited

This is nice, and I like your suggestions. Possibly too hot though, as you say for a cooler time of year.

OP posts:
AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 12/08/2024 11:19

Like this?

Ganni jacket

Size 24 sold out on their site, maybe available elsewhere.

Spinet · 12/08/2024 11:31

La Redout has some https://www.laredoute.co.uk/pplp/141652/141944/cat-141846.aspx#shoppingtool=treestructureflyout. I often recommend their clothes on here but have never tried their office stuff.

I do have a plus size work jacket from H&M which I love.

FinallyHere · 12/08/2024 14:48

I'm a big fan of Marina Renaldi and would go for one of those 'statement' jackets to wear over a same colour top and bottom, fine, Matt but silky material. Probably trousers because that's what I mostly wear.

Knowing you have the right outfit and feeling comfortable in it, is key esp for an interview

Id get a lot of use out of those jackets. I had a similar (but smaller check ) one in the late '80s which I wore til it really was threadbare. Always admired and I felt great it it.

FinallyHere · 12/08/2024 14:49

I told you all that to explain that the pieces are not cheap but cost per wear is really, really very good value.

PragmaticDramatic · 12/08/2024 14:53

They do the black dress in petite

VWT5 · 12/08/2024 14:57

Vinted and search designer names, your size, second hand?

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