Upcoming job interview attire.

[Anon543210]

Hi all you lovely lot.
I've got a job interview coming up after being out of the workforce for various reasons for the last 7/8 years. This will be my very 1st face to face interview and I want to make sure I look as professional and presentable as possible.
I'm looking for a at least knee length smart skirt, a nice neat white blouse or shirt or maybe even off white like a beige or cream colour if the top is smart enough and a black blazer.
I've recently lost a lot of weight and gone from a dress size 18/20 to a size 8. Also I am only 5ft 2in my budget for the 3 items altogether is probably about £50 do you think this is doable or do I need to stretch my budget to about £60/£70? Can any of you lovely lot find something for me as I really want to get this right and I am so nervous. Thanks so much for any helpful advice and suggestions.

interesting - thank you @OhDear111 . To be honest, I can't imagine how she could possibly look like a 52 year old!! Obviously I am biased but even in a crimplene dress she would look like an elegant 22 year old.

I suppose the need for a jacket is about having another layer - you're right offices are heated but the outside world isn't. She will definitely need some sort of outer layer for moving between her home & the office - hence the question about what to wear over the dress.

Finally, this young person prefers dresses - she thinks they look more put together, slicker.

Why would you want to wear a cardigan to a formal interview, @CanYouHearYourself?

(Is your favourite work dress something that you might be able to find in a fashionable shop today? Obviously It may not matter at all, depending on your area of work and level of seniority …)

God no@

100%. I work in the corporate sector and don’t own a cardigan, I don’t wear them out socially either as I think they’re aging.
I see lots of people wearing them really badly too and would rather wear a blazer.
OP if you do wear a black dress maybe wear a smart coloured scarf and think about what jewellery to wear - I would personally have some subtle studs or hoops in my ears, gold looks best on me.

No, cardigans are really aging. The jacket is fine.

There is nothing wrong with being any age at all.

But cardigans are, by their nature, informal. (Even a Chanel cardigan performs the function of saying Look, I’m dressed in a relaxed way.) And, unless you have a lot of money to spend on the garment and your styling, it’s going to make you, as a job candidate, look dowdy and more or less clueless.

This might be way off the mark but if you're in receipt of benefits and have a benefits advisor, and you have time, maybe see if you'd like to ask to be referred to these people https://www.smartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/get-support I've done some work for them in the past and donated clothes and it's often really high end work wear and they'll discuss the exact role, how to dress from it and if you're feeling a bit nervous having been out of work for a while, the interview practice could help. Me and friends have donated things from The Fold, Hugo Boss and similar.

Already suggested, @GingerKombucha! The OP has said she’ll look into it.

Fitted dresses unless midi length look a little dated now. The dress linked to is absolutely spot on interview gear I’d say. However you need to feel comfortable and as you’re petite you’ll need a petite fitting.

Have a look at River Island. Sometimes they have surprisingly nice smart wear in petite fittings and natural fabrics. Also look at Next website ‘ Clearance’ tab and search under your size etc. Next do lots of decent brands as well as their own wear and you may snag a bargain. It’s also pretty easy to order things to your nearest Next branch, try them on there and then and return what doesn’t suit. Good luck.

Also don’t disdain H and M. A large one carries vast stock and if you’re selective you may find something suitable or at least smart shoes or boots.

Right I was confident before and now I'm not! Shouldn't have posted on S&B!!

Loads of workwear on Vinted very cheaply people WfH a lot more now.

@CanYouHearYourself this is mumsnet! choose something that covers your underwear, you feel confident in, can move in, and that is reasonably formal (unless its banking or law, then go for formal).
Nobody is going to judge you on your outdoor coat or the shape of your shoes.

To be fair, this thread isn’t focussed on your outfit, @CanYouHearYourself - so people may only have made throwaway comments.

If you want a full assessment of your own interview outfit it might be best to start your own thread - showing the clothes you’re considering, and giving some idea of your work environment.

To be fair a structured Chanel style cardigan with a pair of nice trousers would be a perfectly good smart casual outfit, suitable for an interview and in my eyes far better than a supermarket black polyester blazer.

I didn't want a full assessment thanks, it was a throwaway comment from me in the first place xx

As it happens I totally agree

Thank you for th reality check! Much needed!

when is your interview @Anon543210 ? whatever what you end up wearing, be sure to be comfortable & it should make you feel confident & proud.

Good luck!! 🍀

I don’t get the blazer or coat argument. This time of year it is probably both, not either or.

To be fair I thought the teal dress with a jacket sounded really good. Teal is such a flattering colour on so many people as its neither warm or cold (mix of green and blue) and goes with so many other colours. I wouldn't of suggested changing the jacket to a cardigan and didn't really see why you would want to when you already have something that works.
Cardigans I haven't worn for years as they seem to get to a point very quickly where they start to look shapeless which I think happens less with jackets due to the fact we tend to look after them more.

I’m think that OP is applying for a very niche role in T&T and it is expected to be super polished and wearing a knee length skirt or dress is almost mandated with a white blouse. With jacket or blazer.

If this is the case , do not wear boots. Do not wear a halara skort. Wear low heeled court shoes. If you wear a dress you still
need a jacket. Although I suppose depends on the employer and the role.

Matalan has a range of thingwith budget but I’d look at next or MS on Vinted

Dont forget your lipstick! excitied for you OP!

You don’t have to wear the ‘uniform’ to the interview, you just need to look smart and professional.

I can’t personally imagine how a cheap polyester pencil skirt and blazer with a white blouse would ever look super polished but there you go. In a role requiring that sort of dated outfit I’d assume it would be provided.

Do you have a friend who is a similar size? I’d happily lend some work stuff to a friend for an interview

You do for cabin crew interviews