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Urgent interview outfit help please!

157 replies

petitpasta · 28/05/2026 08:54

Out of the blue I am being made redundant. I have managed to bag an interview for a senior role in an education charity. Director job title, working directly to the CEO. Charity does not work in schools and is more vocational education focused.

I have recently lost 8 stone and wasn't expecting to be job hunting so I don't have an interview outfit.

I need opinions please on these outfits. If they're not suitable I need to do an online shop now for delivery tomorrow or Saturday. I have six possibles so I will add 3 here and 3 in another comment:
Option 1: grey dress
Option 2: zig zag skirt
Option 3: snake print dress and lemon jacket

Urgent interview outfit help please!
Urgent interview outfit help please!
Urgent interview outfit help please!
OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
corblimeyguvnr · Today 12:46

With more details now on your job I think you should be investing a few quid on a more flattering outfit for this interview. My first thought was how old fashioned all of these clothes look. Yes your clothes are not doing the job but I think it would be to your advantage to make more of an effort. I note you have lost weight but anything you buy nice will do you for a while on the job. I would recommend a pair of wide leg trousers which are loose around the stomach area teamed with a neat top and a loose jacket.

corblimeyguvnr · Today 12:57

Buy now.

petitpasta · Today 13:31

TheOriginalFrench · Today 10:46

I’m reluctant to say this, @petitpasta - but from the clothes you showed, I imagine many people on the thread would have assumed your proposed salary was perhaps a third, or at most half the amount you state.

But you do say you’ve recently lost 8 stone (which is extraordinary!) so perhaps your wardrobe is in a state of transition?

You could be wearing very much nicer, more up to date clothes. (Though I have no idea what the dress code for charity directors might be as it’s not my area.)

Thank you for your honesty. I've spent so many years buying from what I could fit into and now I am finding being mid 50s and suddenly 6 dress sizes smaller (opening up a LOT more choice) quite overwhelming. My current job is home based with visits to construction sites so I have been buying clothes I need for that only.

OP posts:
evilharpy · Today 13:47

Hi @petitpasta well done on your weight loss! Are you at your goal weight now or hoping to lose any more? Just thinking if you were looking at more expensive pieces like a jacket you would want them to last for a while.

I'm being super picky here (sorry) but the jackets you have posted are collarless, but the tops you have paired them with have high necklines that sit above the jacket neckline which makes them look a bit off. I think if you had a top with more of a scoop neck they would look more stylish with those jackets.

Also think the blue trousers may look more jeansy in the photos than in real life but it's hard to tell, do you have a link for them on the website?

I do think for the level of seniority you might need to pick up something new for interview if you can.

petitpasta · Today 14:38

evilharpy · Today 13:47

Hi @petitpasta well done on your weight loss! Are you at your goal weight now or hoping to lose any more? Just thinking if you were looking at more expensive pieces like a jacket you would want them to last for a while.

I'm being super picky here (sorry) but the jackets you have posted are collarless, but the tops you have paired them with have high necklines that sit above the jacket neckline which makes them look a bit off. I think if you had a top with more of a scoop neck they would look more stylish with those jackets.

Also think the blue trousers may look more jeansy in the photos than in real life but it's hard to tell, do you have a link for them on the website?

I do think for the level of seniority you might need to pick up something new for interview if you can.

I still have 2-3 stone to lose but that will take about another year.

This is the link for the trousers in the current colours

https://www.marksandspencer.com/woven-barrel-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60748279?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

In real life the trousers don't look like jeans and are a mid cornflour blue colour

M&S

Woven Barrel Leg Trousers with Stretch | M&S

These woven trousers are an elegant choice for smart occasions. They're designed in a flattering barrel leg fit, with added stretch in the fabric for comfort. A single pleat at the front adds a crisp touch. The high waist fastens with a hook, bar and z...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/woven-barrel-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60748279?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

OP posts:
Whattinger · Today 14:53

Hi @petitpasta
Congratulations on the weight loss & the interview!

I am in agreement with pp who have noted that for that salary & level of seniority i would expect to see a higher quality interview outfit. One that signals i am a woman in my prime, i know my stuff & you need me in your organisation

I would throw a bit of money at this because if you get the job you'll can wear to client or board meetings & if you don't you'll have more interviews coming up.

I"d look at sites like me+em for a modern updated dress style + pay special attention to how they've styled it with shoes / jacket proportions & length etc

MeetMeOnTheCorner · Today 14:56

@TheOriginalFrench Exactly. I did. You have to spend more. Not elastic riders from M&S!!!

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