I’m clueless about clothes and style and need an outfit for a job interview - please give me some inspiration!

[icebearforpresident]

I have an interview coming up for a promotion at work, a public facing role within a local authority. I’m currently a part time member of staff, the job is for a full time management position.

I’m confident in my application, my experience and my interview skills but when it comes to presenting myself I’m beyond clueless. I want to look professional and stylish and make a good impression on the interviewers, who work higher up in the same department. I’ve met one of the two before.

For work now I wear black jeans or trousers, a smart top and a pair of smart black trainers, it’s not a corporate environment and smart casual is fine. Even in the new role I wouldn’t need to make drastic changes to my wardrobe. But I really want to look right for the interview, I want to look like management material basically. I could do such a good job in this new role and I don’t want to let myself down.

I’m plus size, on a budget and buy most of my clothes from Next, Simply Be & Fat Face. I already own this and think it could be styled appropriately for the interview but I’m terrible at putting an outfit together because I really struggle to picture how clothes look on me in my head.

I’m on a budget. Can’t stress that enough. If the dress won’t work I’m open to suggestions but can’t spend loads in a full outfit.

I regularly interview people and think that dress with the blazer you own ( as long as the colour works) tights and your boots would be fine. More importantly check your boots are clean, dress and blazer are not creased, and your hair and nails are neat. Looking “well kept” is more important than the actual outfit in my opinion.

You won't be judged for a middle management local authority job on your outfit. Your experience and application got you this far, and your interview will be a process of scoring you against competences, which won't include looking like a manager!
I say this not because I don't get that you want to look 'right', but to say you'd have to go some to get it wrong.
So with that in mind, pick something comfortable that you won't feel hot in or have to mess with. Your usual work trousers (not jeans to show respect for the process) and a top you feel good in would be fine. Add a jacket if you like.

Cos.

I like your dress with a dark blazer.. I think it would feel comfortable, which is important.. ( If it was me I would turn it inside out and iron with spray starch.. just to keep any creases at bay.) and as pps suggested black boots. ( lots in the sale atm.. Pavers often have bargains. )

And I think Next is very good for reasonable work wear too...

You said you know you'd be really good at the job so it sounds like your are on the right track... Good luck with the interview!

Thank you for this suggestion, it’s exactly what I needed to hear. If I turned up to the interview in something like the first dress suggested from Next I’d look like I was interviewing them and not the other way around and the person who I have met before would be wondering why I’d gotten so dressed up. Thank you also to those of you assuring me the dress I already own would be suitable.

I have ordered these trousers and will see how they look when they arrive but they should go with some work tops I already own, plus the blazer and boots. Failing that, my Fat Face dress with black boots, black blazer with sleeves rolled up (it’s cheap and sits better with the sleeves rolled!) and a nice gold bracelet I think? I j got an email earlier from Accessorize about a sale so might ‘splurge’ on a new bag to finish it off rather than use my ancient handbag I’ve been using daily for the last 5 years or so.

I’ve also just remembered that I have a dress similar to the one from Live Unlimited someone has posted so will dig that out as well and see how it looks.

If I can get a decent photo I might try everything on and come back for opinions 😆

Forgot to attach the photo of the trousers

those trousers look good. I was going to suggest these https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/clothing/et-vous-navy-snaffle-trousers/15993676/

as someone in a similar position said they found matalan very good.

Then a v- neck fine knit top.

Remember they care more about you then your clothing!

You sound confident and qualified for the role ,which is the main thing.
But understand you want to reflect that in your look.
You've had some great advice her about things to make you look polished.
Everyone is unique in what they are comfortable and confident wearing.
I think a blazer is a great elevator. There are loads of shapes and colours around in great size ranges at reasonable prices. But honestly, trying on is key.
A blazer can been worn to smarten even inexpensive casual basics .
Colour is important too,try a neutral that suits you.
Loads of inspiration on you tube from stylists.
Good luck.

I've worked in the public sector all my life and also think the dress you already have with a blazer would be fine for the interview.

Depending job... for a man smart or semi smart suit and shoes, woman, nice pant suit and shoes, knee length or on/below knee dress or skirt and top, if top half of dress or top is too showy add a smart indoor jacket or cardi, even if job is for somewhere like a leisure centre or fast food place you still need to look smart, not too much makeup, it's also important to follow job dress code as well if you get job, for example in food establishments no makeup, false nails, suitable shoes etc

As it's smart casual, I would wear higher waisted black tapered cropped at the ankle trousers, loose fitting so that your waist pops a bit, with a pale patterned blouse that you have tucked into the waist and then teased out a little so that there is a bit of bagginess there

Good luck OP! You sound sorted with the clothes- and I really hope you get the job!

The dress you linked with a blazer is fine. What you've decided on sounds perfect. If you feel good in the dress then it will boost your confidence.
Make sure you are well groomed, clean nails - perhaps a nude nail polish, appropriate make up, a spritz of perfume, a smile and you're good to go.
You already know the environment.
Good luck OP.

I agree, the dress is good and a blazer/jacket with it would be great. Try the whole thing on, check sitting as well as standing & you're good to go, good luck. Sounds like you'll smash it!

What type of thing do you think the people interviewing you will be wearing?

If it's not a corporate environment I think you can make this dress work with a black blazer over it (something you can definitely get a lot of use out of). You'll probably need shoes rather than trainers though.

I would go to every local charity shop & find a decent black blazer - try on men's as well as women's. Wear something on your legs because of the split. Keep make-up & accessories minimal. Edited to say: the trousers you like are perfect.

I really like your dress and agree that with black tights, boots and a blazer it'll be perfect. Otherwise the trousers you've linked look good too.

I've always worked in corporate environments and haven't seen a woman in a full suit for years, I'd imagine public sector is a bit more casual still, so no need for a suit. Also, as someone said above, you can tell a cheap suit a mile off. Looks like school uniform.

Trousers and shirt or a dress, either is great. I'd go for whatever you feel more comfortable in. Also I think jewellery can be bold, dress can be patterned, etc, if that's more you. No need to change your entire look. As long as you look well groomed (blow dried hair, neat nails, clean, ironed clothes) and fairly smart (no denim, trainers, skimpy clothes) that's what matters.

Personally I'm a dress person and have always worn dress, boots, blazer for interviews. If I wore trousers and a shirt I'd be self conscious, hot, worried about sweating and creases, and almost certainly perform worse as a result.

Do not wear the dress.

get some black
trousers and a blazer. Just go to a supermarket for cheapness or even shein if you have to. it’s an interview so it’s first impressions they won’t be looking at the quality of your clothing. Alternatively if you want something a little more casual black trousers, white top and a striped open shirt over the top (blue and white).