Job interview - help!

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I've got a job interview next week and I have no idea what to wear! I got some good advice on here back in the spring (but didn't get an interview) but we're now heading to autumn and I need your help again.

Budget wise I'm looking at M&S, Next sort of price range but I don't mind spending a bit more on shoes which absolutely have to be flat. I'm 5'6", size 18-20 and very fair. The job is for a receptionist if that makes a difference.

Im really keen on the job and want to make a good first impression so thank you in advance for any help

What sort of body shape are you?

Unfortunately I don’t know what size XL is at Uniqlo, but I’ve seen this dress (in black) absolutely transform a poster on another thread.

Uniqlo dress

Add one of their jackets and you’d be done.

What’s your absolute limit for shoes. (And your shoe size?)

Thank you!

Body shape is probably apple and my shoe budget is around £100-£120 max. I have a problem with my foot and I've also got suspected torn cartilage in my knee hence needing flat and comfortable!

This should be the sale section - 3 pages:

https://www.grenson.com/featured/womens-footwear-sale/

These are from M&S web site.

My view is don’t wear a black trouser suit. Dont wear a jacket unless it’s cold. Make sure your top half looks great, so collar interest or jewellery. Long or 3/4 sleeves. Neat top and well groomed hair and nails. Appropriate make up. Flat shoes - decent ballerinas? Try Sole Bliss. Queen C wears them.

Forgot to add them!

I'm not an apple so this might be shit advice but I would try wide leg or boot cut trousers to balance out your shape, maybe with a body skimming silky top and a blazer. Mary janes are everywhere at the moment, Fit Flop have some that look nice and would be comfortable.

I also saw another thread where the OP was an apple and posted various options. She looked amazing in a cropped wide leg jumpsuit with a v neck, you could dress something like that up easily with a jacket.

I have also seen that uniqlo dress from the thread @Aixellency mentioned and it did look fabulous on the person who bought it, so definitely worth a look.

Why an hour to review a few M&S dresses!! ? Odd.

Thank you for all your suggestions!

I had a look at Sole Bliss but I think they will be too wide for me. I've ordered these from Fitflop - I'm not keen on Mary Janes but I know Fitflops are comfortable. Worst case I have some boots I can change into in the car!

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/delicato-crystal-buckle-leather-mary-janes-p-E3J#001

A jump suit is definitely out as I'll look all boobs and stomach unfortunately. I love the Uniqlo dress but I have this fear of looking like a short fat pantomime fairy godmother!

I've also ordered this jacket from M&S. I have no idea what to wear it with yet as trousers are out of stock unfortunately - I love the colour! Even if I don't need it I might keep it as I like it.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/collarless-jacket/p/clp60748110?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-RECENTLY-VIEWED_END_SRP_11_3:17f380b1-bd1c-44cc-af2a-045482f2d9f7

I've also found out I have another interview on Tuesday but thankfully this one is on Zoom so I only have to worry about my top half!

I'm 5'7" and have that dress in navy. It is mid calf on me and looks very elegant.

What's the issue with wearing a jacket @TizerorFizz ?

I’m a size 18-20 though so I’m not sure it would look that good on me unfortunately.

As you can probably tell I’m hopeless when it comes to clothes, I think I look awful in most things. I was the same when I was slimmer 😞

Have you looked in Sainsbury? I rate their clothes.

@RampantIvy Offices are heated. The dress is the statement on its own. The necklines work on their own. A jacket is a complication. If it’s raining, wear a raincoat. Jackets over complicate outfits in my opinion unless they are designed to be part of it, like a trouser suit. Just one more thing to think about if you have to take it off if you are too hot.

I see what you're saying about the jacket but there's no way I'd be confident going for an interview without a dress or cardigan. I don't own a raincoat other than a bright yellow one from Joules and I don't think that's quite the look I'm aiming for!

My order from Next arrived today and is going back tomorrow! I'm keeping a couple of tops but it's now clear to me that I look absolutely ridiculous in wide legged trousers! They may not be fashionable but I'll be sticking to slim leg from now on.

On a positive note the Fitflop shoes fit and look much better in real life than on the website. I have a top and shoes, just the bottom half to worry about!

@PinkSparklyPussyCatNot suggesting you don’t wear a dress. But who needs a jacket? To look like a man? I’m rather assuming you don’t like clothes and think there’s a uniform to be adhered to. For Reception, grooming will matter. Style and presentation might well be considered. Why go fussy with a cardi and jacket over a dress?

Also you need a better raincoat. A trench is the obvious answer.

Offices are heated.

Ha ha. Ours has fierce aircon. The other week when it was 30 degrees outside we were all shivering indoors. We have no access to the aircon controls either.

Your dislike of jackets is odd. I think a jacket can smarten up an outfitno end.

Blimey. Where do you work? Those look super mumsie and not at all suitable for work. Unless you work in a school maybe. Even so they don’t say ‘hire me’.

So what would you wear then? A mini body con? It’s all about grooming too. Identikit women wearing suits trying to look like men is very boring and, lots of us are mums! Polka dots have been smart for a year or so now. Wraps are back and an embroidered collar adds interest. All fairly smart mainstream dresses.

Trouser suit might be pale blue perhaps or a navy if you want to blend in.

Unless it’s a fashion oriented industry just opt for safe and boring because the people interviewing you may not appreciate latest trends. Trousers or knee- mid calf length skirt, blouse and jacket or dress and jacket works for nearly all jobs in offices. Dress should be knee to mid calf length and subdued colours not vibrant. If temperature is over 20 degrees or so the jacket can be dispensed with or a structured cardigan is ok for jobs which don’t require particularly smart dress (reception is obviously a lower level role but company culture is what matters, some London firms have very smartly dressed receptionists). Clark’s Mary Jane’s or similar works for shoes or flat boots if you’ve opted for trousers

I got my last job wearing a knee length seasalt jersey dress in mid blues and greens floral ish and navy jacket. Not ultra smart but enough to look like you tried, which some hirers do want.

Why on earth does wearing a jacket make me look like a man? And what do you mean 'a uniform to be adhered to'?

I agree style and presentation will probably be considered but there's nothing fussy about a jacket or a coat.

I like clothes I'm comfortable in and this is my first face to face interview for nearly 20 years so yes, I'm out of my comfort zone. I asked for advice about what to wear, I didn't expect to accused of wanting to look like a man!

And no, I don't need a better raincoat as I'll rarely wear it and I don't like trench coats as they don't stop my hair getting wet. If it's raining when I go I'll use an umbrella.

Why on earth does wearing a jacket make me look like a man? And what do you mean 'a uniform to be adhered to'?

I agree. That was an odd comment. Jackets don't make me look like a man.

Thanks. I'm leaning towards black trousers so if I get a second interview I'll be able to just change the top rather than having to buy another new outfit. I've bought some Fitflop shoes which seem quite comfortable and actually look better than on the website. I can change them for boots if I get a second interview. I'm struggling to find a decent pair of trousers as most seem to be wide leg now and they look awful on me!

@RampantIvy Everyone is being bizarrely obtuse! Many women think that, to be taken seriously in the workplace, they must wear boring clothes and suits like men. It’s ingrained that that’s how you compete. Instead, why not buy some fairly smart clothes and dress well. Look at fashion mags. They are not full of black trousers and a shirt top. Even the men don’t wear this now. Yet women are scared to ditch the jacket and stick to black trousers. If I was appointing a receptionist it would be a no from me if first appearances mattered.

I posted easy to wear dresses and something that gives a bit of personality. A jacket and black trousers say the opposite. Look at ideas on Me & Em for very good clothes for women at work. M&S have loads that might actually demonstrate personality.

I've got an interview soon & I'm wearing black wide leg trousers, black H&M pop over blouse & a grey checked blazer. I've got a pair of black brogues but unsure if they go with my trousers so will need to try the outfit on to see.

Outfit #2 is the grey blazer with a black dress.