Jeans to a Paris start-up interview for a VP role?

[catspyjamas1]

Is wearing jeans (paired with wedges / espadrilles), nice bag and white blouse / shirt / top acceptable?

Talent person / recruiter sent me an email with this bullet point: “Our office dress code is business casual. Please wear what feels most comfortable and confident”

I’m going to Paris in person and besides the obvious nerves about interviewing for a new job in general, I’m very conscious that I’m going to be in Paris with a lot of French people (my boss, thankfully, is not French) so feeling like I need to be on-point in what I wear for the couple of hours I’m there meeting my manager, the team I’ll manage and a couple of other very senior people.

Please keep in mind (a) it’s summer, (b) it’s projected to be 24 degrees and humid and (c) start-up.

My question is focused on dark (not black / grey) JEANS to this interview, obviously jazzed up with some height (I'm 5ft 2 inches), jewellery and a nice white blouse / top.

Thank you!!

There's no way I would wear jeans to an interview in an office setting.

What is it about dark jeans that you think would meet the "business casual" brief?

Nope to the jeans and espadrilles, that is weekend casual not business casual!

Jeans image attached, in Pageant Blue Denim so not very light in colour (and in all white shirt / topic options, waist band won't be on show and no belt).

I'm definitely not a style maven, but I think the cut of jeans is also important. What's the style? I've only seen one French colleague wearing jeans, and they were a very lovely barrel style, which looked modern and stylish. But generally they wear more "conservative" clothing, even at our tech company. I think if you're not sure, opt for a more traditional fabric/style, just to remove that worry. Good luck with the interview, or should I say bon chance!

Hmm I don't think I would go with jeans and espadrilles for an interview.

OK now I have seen them it's even more of a hell no!

Definitely wouldn’t wear jeans to any interview ever.

Thanks. I have just added an image with the exact jeans.

For context, I met the CEO in their London office today and many people were wearing jeans. But I am also conscious that I'm in interview stage so might not be appropriate!

For an interview it's always better to err on the side of smarter than necessary.

Wide leg navy trousers and wedge heels would be better.

OK thanks very much!

Another ‘non’ to jeans.

Lightweight and well cut trousers if you’re not a dress person and wear a blazer if you’re wearing a T-shirt.

good luck!!

Paris is more formal than London and business casual is not jeans. For example for men business casual means a shirt with no tie. You could do tailored trousers with a t shirt and belt that would look elegant. But I dont think Parisians would consider jeans acceptable for an interview.

I think I can safely say that none of the other female candidates will be wearing jeans. Well tailored trousers and heeled shoes yes.

I also doubt any of the female interviewers will be wearing jeans. Though annoyingly the men could be. C’est la vie.

I bought new wide leg trousers to meet the CEO today and also had the 'smarter than necessary' side of things in mind. Thank you!

Jeans aren’t really business casual, plus I think there’s a vague move back towards smarter clothes in general. I’d wear the top with tailored trousers, whatever style suits your shape.

I would agree with this.

However if you really want to wear the jeans because you feel totally awesome in them, I feel you would need to smarten up the rest of the outfit & ditch the espadrilles.

They were probably “dressing down” because London has a different vibe to Paris and they were in their away kit.

Definitely not.
Far too casual. Parisians are smart, if you want to wear trousers then choose something well tailored and in a crisp fabric. White shirt, polished loafers or lace up shoes. A smart jacket.

Thank you all so much for such fast replies and feedback, I appreciate it! I won't wear the jeans! I've got a couple of pairs of black trousers I can wear.

I was in their London office today and a lot of jeans / extremely casual wear so was a bit confused after I turned up looking actual business casual (in my mind at least - white shirt, smart black flats, new white/black wide legged trousers). Hence my post.

Thanks for saving me from the fashion faux pas!

I’d go a bit smarter for interview. Swap jeans for trousers and other shoes.

Yes, no need to go full Emily in Paris but jeans would be a step too far. Especially as you do not even plan to tuck your shirt in.

You’re quite confident already by the sound of it with “my boss”, “ the team I’ll be managing” etc. Don’t let bad trousers ruin it for you. Wide ones will be perfect, but tuck your top in.

You don’t need heels though, you could wear nice loafers. Bonne chance!

Thanks. Jacket in 24 degree heat? I've done jackets / blazers in this heat - the office is air conditioned but still, you reckon a blazer or jacket from a perception / presentation perspective?? I can get a new one, the only two I have are very light grey and black, not very summer looking unfortunately.

What do you mean by 'other shoes'? I bought new black leather flats to meet the CEO today because I have seemingly acquired a view that open toed shoes to an interview is... not on. Can you clarify what you mean, please?

Linen waistcoat instead of jacket?

Thank you!

I never said I won't tuck my shirt / top in. I did today when I met the CEO when I wore a buttoned white shirt from the White Stuff and high waisted trousers.

I wore wide trousers I bought especially for today to meet him, so will look at a good pair in black - thanks very much!