Plus size interview outfit - where to start?

[llamalines]

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 :)

Jersey, knee length, 3/4 sleeves, plain with a jacket and structured cardigan if cooler.

Eg www.seasaltcornwall.com/folk-song-knitted-midi-dress

I’ve got that dress, you would roast alive in it in the summer. It isn’t jersey it is knitted and warm.

I’ve revisited the Marina Rinaldi options and I agree the darker ones aren’t nice really.

The green blouse however, the blue dress and even the Monsoon dress would be my choices. (Haven’t looked at all the other dresses).

My last in person interview I wore a green and orange/white blouse (M&S) and I turned it down for a few reasons but if you stick it in the interviewers minds with what you wear, including what you say and how you perform,it really helps you get the job, as you’re memorable to them.

I really hope you get the dress but if it’s sold out on the website you will probably find it reduced to the same price on other sites, John Lewis for eg.

I have everything crossed for you and thank you for such a blooming nice post ❤️

I got my interview date, it's in 2 weeks time, at the end of August.
The race to find something in time is on!

I wish I could still try clothes on in store - not a single shop in my town stocks size 24 in store, except the supermarkets. There are plenty of shops here that do large sizes online e.g. Next but they just don't have any in the actual shop.

Can anyone recommend a town in the south east where you can actually try on multiple size 24 clothes?

Or maybe a trip to London - do shops on Oxford Street or in one of the shopping centres reliably stock large sizes?

Otherwise it's back to ordering and trying on at home, but it's an expensive game if, like me, you're rubbish at returning unwanted items!

I really like this in principle, but anything with a waist looks ridiculous on me as that's my widest part - I'm round!

I am a similar size and have found finery (through sainsbuty or m&s) to have some really nice options.

Deleted as wrong size for the specific links but finery do go up to 24

In the last few years I’ve noticed a real trend for dressing down, even in quite corporate environments. I have a cupboard full of beautiful work dresses and Jackers from Monsoon, Phase 8, Coast, Karen Millen, Hobbs, Reiss and they all seem way too formal for work now.

The last time I went to some of our most corporate clients (London law / consulting firm they were wearing chinos white trainers and a blazer

You don’t need to be trendy (lord knows I’m not) but you don’t want to look dated either and to be honest I think that the stuff from Marina Rinaldi looks old fashioned.

As a plus size, if it’s hot I’d go wide legged linen trousers, with a luxe t-shirt and dark blazer, pumps or sandals, no heels, if it’s cooler, a dress and slim blazer, or slim trousers, looser fit good quality t-shirt and oversized blazer.

Good accessories and a good haircut to make your look more polished.

What about this, is it too boring?

With a nicer shirt / blouse, and not trainers!

Oops, I mean this!

Or this?

I think the first one is great, if trainers are a step to far maybe loafers would look good.

The second one I like the jacket and trousers separately but on me the boxy jacket and tighter top on the trousers would t work, although I have thunder thighs.

Thanks 😊

I've ordered the first one to try on.

Now to order a couple more things to compare...

Is this to OTT for an interview?

Yes.

If I were interviewing you and another candidate and if there were literally nothing to choose between the 2 I would choose the other candidate because of those awful rolled up sleeves.

I think the first one is awful. The sleeves are awful, the jacket looks too small, the cut of the front of the trousers is terrible and the whole thing is a scruffy mess.

No, it’s lovely

It's a nice dress. Wear it when you get the job. It's not an interview dress.

I’d go with something like this

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/iz001

with a cream or black cardi which is a slightly heavier fabric type on top- M&S have lots in at the mo.

Ignore all of this unless you’re 80

A cardigan 🙈

That's perfect.

What does being 80 have to do with anything?

Argh - the Monsoon Mabel trousers are nicer than I thought, but large sizes are sold out! They've got these pinstripe trousers (Paige) which also has a matching jacket in size 24. And a waistcoat!
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/paige-pinstripe-wide-leg-trousers-1000320364.html