Interview, no good clothes, Please help S&B

[RosieSpring]

Hi all.
Lurker on this board, first post.
I have an interview for a dream job. School secretary. I have no appropriate clothes and dont know where to start. I live in leggings and big jumpers.
I'm 5.1 and round.

What is your budget? That's where I would start and then look at some of the shops listed below.

I like something very simple for interviews so that it doesn't distract from what I am saying/cause anyone to have any subconscious negative reaction. Doesn't need to be black/white but I prefer no patterns, blocks of colour (especially if any part on a screen as it looks better). Something you are comfortable in so you don't give what you're wearing a second thought and focus on the interview.

I almost always wear a suit but you could wear a smart shift dress or trousers/blazers. Depending on your budget try Me&Em, Cos, Essenteal Antwerp, Whistles, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Massimo Dutti...M&S also for plain work stuff. In fact I got a good suit from M&S in the summer for a very reasonable price.

I'd love to wear a suit or even trousers but because of my height and shape I can never find anything that suits.
Budget 100-200 hundred.

Do you know the staff dress code?
I’d be tempted in your shoes to go for a shift dress, and a blazer.

I know someone similar to your height and shape and she wears trouser suits, I think from Evans.

I agree with what previous poster says though, a shift (on the knee) dress and a blazer would be fine.

Online or in person? Primary or secondary school? ( most secondaries are a lot more formal than primaries).
I would say very groomed, neat hair, lipstick and fairly classic jewellery like smallish hoops and a necklace, then an ironed shirt in a block colour that suits you, which can go over or tucked into black or navy trousers from M & S or a supermarket. If it's in person, shoes or boots but not trainers. You are looking for neat and efficient rather than fashionable.
Good luck.

Yes, I would go for a shift dress. You could look on Vinted to see if anything by Sezane or other more $$ labels or John Lewis, they still have some on sale. If you found a long sleeve shift you would be ok without a jacket.

Matalan has a good selection of office clothing at a very reasonable price.

I think you are over thinking it. Black trousers a shirt or blouse in a block colour and comfortable shoes (not trainers) ,simple makeup and jewellery is apt. If you prefer a dress go for knee length with a blazer or cardigan on top or long sleeve if you prefer. If it's a job in a school office they aren't going to judge you on your clothes beyond you looking clean and presentable.

Other posters have suggested some great brands for you to try. Once you've had your interview I'd watch a few videos on youtube or instagram based on how to dress for your body type and take it from there. We all have style concerns, I too am short and round but my concerns are around my hips as I have a good waist. There are loads of hints and tips you can pick up that will help you dress the figure you have. It might be worth treating yourself to some time with a stylist who can advise on colours and shapes which will flatter your figure. Sorting your wardobe doesn't need to be an immediate thing you can take your time and think about pieces that will work together. Good luck for your interview!

Looking neat and tidy is the most important thing.
I’d go for some plain dark coloured trousers that you can wear to work if you get the job.
Wear with a plain top or shirt and you’ll be fine. Clean shoes or boots.
Next or M&S will have lots of options, or even supermarkets.
Simple jewellery and hair looking neat, minimal makeup.
I interview quite often and I never really notice what people are wearing unless it’s very casual (like a hoodie with a logo) or very colourful. Even then if they did really well in the interview their clothing wouldn’t affect the outcome that much.

I don' know the dress code it's for a primary. And the interview is in person.
These are all great tips.
Especially like to hear about others the same type of shape/height and what type of trousers I could wear.
In all honesty I haven't wore trousers in about 20 years.

Could you link an example please?
I'm looking up shift dresses but I'm getting short sparkly dresses!

Have a look through your local charity shop. There's usually loads of things which would suit.

The one place @WhyTheHate missed out of an otherwise excellent list is Uniqlo. And unless your interview is at an extremely smart prep school, I’d say for primary school a few things from there might serve you better than one or two more expensive items. And it probably isn’t worth spending too much until you get the job.

Some people seem to think that block coloured shirts or blouses look smarter than prints, but I prefer prints because I’m always paranoid block colours will show up sweat marks horribly. Maybe other people don’t sweat? I think I’ve always done a lot of commuting on public transport with a backpack and that plus a shirt that shows up any sweat is a bad combination.

Prints are also more forgiving of creases.

Ah yes, agree with PP that Uniqlo is a good value option.

Here are some ideas but there are loads of styles, colours across the sites mentioned above. You need to find the length, fit, sleeve for you.

For JL:

Green: https://www.johnlewis.com/boden-cornelia-ottoman-dress-emerald-night/p113927459

Black: https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-cleo-mini-shift-dress-black/p112561597

Blue: https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-dannie-mini-dress/p113044450

Black (needs jacket):

https://www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-petite-aly-tailored-dress-navy/p112573167

Don’t buy something just for the interview. If you’re not in to clothes you still need something for a formal occasion such as an interview or a funeral but get something you’ll actually wear.
Maybe black stretch trousers similar to your leggings. Pair of neutral loafers if you will actually wear them to work. Whatever woven top that’s not a t shirt. Or a plain jumper. Once you’ve put on a necklace and lipstick you’ll look groomed.

Vinted! Just because many people buy for interview and never wear it again! Plenty of good quality, once worn items.

What size are you? Happy to post some links.

I would go to M&S and get a pair of their wide leg jersey trousers in black for £19.50. They are brilliant. Wear with smart black shoes, loafers or maybe pointy black boots if you have some. Some sort of blouse tucked in under a blazer (loads of these on Vinted). Don't overthink it, and don't wear anything uncomfortable or a skirt that rides up as you'll spent the whole interview being annoyed by it.

Don't go short. Black trousers blouse or jumper, shoes or boots.
What they will care about more is your knowledge of safeguarding and ability to use a computer.

I think if you never wear trousers do not start now for a job you want as you will feel uncomfortable. Find a dress, look at Tu sainburys or next. Wear with tights and loafers. H and M do good cheap jackets to smarten it up. Good luck

As a school secretary you might well be meeting parents so they will be looking for someone who gives a good impression of the school. As a PP said, it’s less about fashion and more about looking well groomed and professional. I would have a look in charity shops as you might find better brands there. There’s really no need to spend a fortune but if you go for something cheaper just check that it looks good quality. Choose something you would happily wear to work.

Good luck with the interview!

When you say “round” what dress size are we talking? Is all your weight round your middle? Do you have big boobs too?

I’d just go with a smart casual dress from Boden. Or something equivalent from the usual chain stores. They do petite and have a lot of jersey options.

To pull off trousers or a skirt and be smartly dressed you tend to need to tuck the top in. Which cut you in half. A dress is an easier option.

I agree black/navy trousers and a shirt would be the right look. But as a fellow shortie (I'm 5'2) the problem you will have with trousers is they are going to be much too long and you'll be cutting several inches off and re-hemming which can ruin the shape.

I would go into an M & S and try to find trousers in a short length, although even those can be too long for me now so be prepared to take an inch or two off them. They have quite a few options with elasticated waists so they are comfortable like leggings.

You'll be able to get a shirt/top there too. I know MN are keen on 'blazers' but personally I cannot stand them and never wore one when I worked in an office.