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Interview, no good clothes, Please help S&B

76 replies

RosieSpring · 08/12/2025 16:47

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.

OP posts:
WoollyRosebud · 09/12/2025 17:01

Apart from finding something to wear have a good haircut. When I interviewed people for jobs I noticed their hair as much as their clothing. Re the clothing doesn't need to be fashionable, whatever you feel comfortable in that is neat and clean. If you feel confident and happy in how you look that will come over. Good luck

hexsnidgett · 09/12/2025 18:29

I am short and round! 5ft and a 16. I never wear dresses, but if you do wear something plainish a dress or a skirt and plain top with a knitted jacket or a cardigan with a collar.
Next is good for petite fitting even for tops which lots of places don't stock at all! https://www.next.co.uk/style/su441750/ad3723

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su615942/f26216

Lararoft · 09/12/2025 20:00

I had to go for a couple of interviews in the summer at the hospital where I work- I had nothing! So I bought a pair of black trousers from New Look & a black & white boucle cardigan by River Island from Vinted, with a pair of black ballet pumps from River Island. I spent £50 max. I was literally the smartest person at the interviews! One woman turned up in a tracksuit!
Im 5’4” and 14 stone but to my surprise the pair of wide legged trousers looked really good. So you may find it best to try things on. Some shops like Next & M&S do shorter leg lengths too.

Lidre · 09/12/2025 20:06

I dont think suits are necessary, in fact when I first started working in a school office, 15 years ago, my boss took me aside and told me I was over dressed in the suits I'd worn in my previous city job, and things have become much more casual since then.

A simple dress in a plain colour would be my choice.

SheinIsShite · 09/12/2025 20:30

Nobody in school offices is wearing suits. Trousers and a smart top/shirt, or dress and cardi/jacket is ideal.

ANiceCuppaTeaandBiscuit · 09/12/2025 20:34

Do you currently work? I say this as there is a great charity called Smart Works who help with appropriate interview clothes and interview prep. It’s only for women and I know they get amazing clothes donations from great brands. You could give what you’d spend as a donation afterwards and save yourself the hassle of trying on loads.

Lovemycat2023 · 09/12/2025 22:21

evilharpy · 09/12/2025 07:43

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.

I would agree with the M&S jersey trousers. I am short and rounder than I used to be, and always feel smart in them. If you can try the extra short length. Short is better for 5 foot 3 now. Good luck!

Lovemycat2023 · 09/12/2025 22:22

ANiceCuppaTeaandBiscuit · 09/12/2025 20:34

Do you currently work? I say this as there is a great charity called Smart Works who help with appropriate interview clothes and interview prep. It’s only for women and I know they get amazing clothes donations from great brands. You could give what you’d spend as a donation afterwards and save yourself the hassle of trying on loads.

Smart Works are just fab! Help with interviews as well as styling. But I think not a national charity?

Chafing · 09/12/2025 23:19

Literally everyone in school offices wears black trousers with a blouse and sensible low shoes like loafers. Add a jacket for interview.

ThorsRaven · 10/12/2025 01:16

My Mum was a school secretary for more than 35 years - in both infant and junior schools. So I can tell you what she wore, if that helps.

In winter she tended to wear a skirt (cord or similar) - below the knee to mid calf length. Thick tights underneath. Calf / knee length boots with flat / low heel. Plus a light to mid weight knit. She looked a lot like this - from here.

She also wore dresses - below the knee but not too long - jersey, cord, wool or similar. Or she wore smart cord, jersey or other warm trousers with a light weight knit like this, and ankle boots.

I think her choices were influenced by the school sites and our location - up north, plus schools had numerous buildings - this meant she was frequently walking between buildings in the cold, rain or snow, so she wanted to be warm and have dry feet.

In summer she tended to wear a lightweight below the knee skirt, v-neck t-shirt and sandals. Or lightweight trousers, a top and sandals.

She never worse a blazer. Ever.

It was basically, clean, smart, practical and 'respectable', but not overdressed. Definitely no short skirts, leggings or higher heels - skirts and dresses need to come to your knees (at least) when you sit down.

If you're used to leggings and a jumper, I'd keep it simple with a smart dark pair of trousers, plus a lightweight knit like this. You want to be comfortable so you can concentrate on what you and the panel are saying, rather than being distracted by your clothes.

https://assets.digitalcontent.marksandspencer.app/images/w_2560,q_auto,f_auto/SD_01_T38_4578_UQ_X_EC_0/Soft-Touch-Knitted-Midi-Skirt

ANiceCuppaTeaandBiscuit · 10/12/2025 07:39

Lovemycat2023 · 09/12/2025 22:22

Smart Works are just fab! Help with interviews as well as styling. But I think not a national charity?

I thought they were expanding nationwide and online, but it has been a few years since I’ve done anything with them. They are super.

TheHouseElf · 10/12/2025 13:26

Firstly, best of luck with the interview - you'll smash it.

Its important you wearing something that you'll feel comfortable in and confident in, so if you don't usually wear dresses for example, then don't do that now. Stick to trousers.

If you're looking for great advice on how to dress for your shape, then check-out Mellisa Morrell on YouTube. She has lots of videos addressing this for all kinds of body shapes and gives great advice.

(20) MM Personal Styling - YouTube

Before you continue to YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@mmpersonalstyling/videos

HappierTimesAhead · 10/12/2025 15:03

Lovemycat2023 · 09/12/2025 22:21

I would agree with the M&S jersey trousers. I am short and rounder than I used to be, and always feel smart in them. If you can try the extra short length. Short is better for 5 foot 3 now. Good luck!

Another vote for the M and S wide leg jersey trousers. I wore them to an interview with an M and S striped shirt tucked in and black loafers. I felt comfy and professional.

captainflash · 10/12/2025 21:40

I’m a primary headteacher and interview for roles often. Clean hair, clean shoes, tidy nails and looking presentable all go a long way.

if you are comfortable in leggings, boots and a jumper, I would suggest good quality leggings and best clean and polished boots. And then a knee length if not longer sweater dress ( preferably knitter rather than sweatshirt material) over the top. Wear a nice necklace. Smile.

i don’t even wear a blazer at work, certainly none of my office staff do.
Good luck!

HewasH2O · 10/12/2025 22:34

I would use a similar description of myself to you. I live in Seasalt tunic tops (which are knee length on me) and thick tights.

RosieSpring · 16/12/2025 20:02

Hi all. Thank you all for the suggestions. Lots of interview prep and shopping the last few days.
I tried the M&S trousers, unfortunately didn't suit, somehow I just looked more... round, not sure how that was even possible.
ThorsRaven I bought a jersey dress and wore with tights. Thank you for the suggestion.

Also, I got the job!

Need a new work wardrobe now so will be using everyone's tips.

OP posts:
SheinIsShite · 16/12/2025 20:04

Amazing!! Well done you!!!

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 16/12/2025 20:04

Congratulations on getting the job! 🍾🥂

MiddleAgedDread · 16/12/2025 20:33

Hooray!! congratulations 🥂

BowlyLarr · 16/12/2025 20:36

Congratulations on your new job!

Lovemycat2023 · 16/12/2025 21:52

Congratulations! That’s such lovely news 🎉

Lovemycat2023 · 16/12/2025 21:52

and for other jersey dresses (sounds like they suit) I buy petite ones from White Stuff

Christmascaketime · 17/12/2025 11:29

Congratulations 🥂

LunaTheCat · 18/12/2025 22:19

Oh congratulations!

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