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!!

Have taken your advice and ordered a couple of blazer options to try! Both might add a splash of colour to an otherwise neutral look.

I might just add a couple of the shortlist options here once I've got everything together. I think the jeans are off the table now and replaced with black trousers.

If you're at VP level, the white stuff isn't quite right. It needs to be Reiss, Boss and above.

@catspyjamas1 I do think you need better clothes. I’ve seen Next advised and a white shirt and black trousers! Just ultra boring. I’ve had a quick look at a Vogue article about casual business clothes. It’s a USA article so obviously no England footballer waistcoat advised! Don’t go there either. A sleeveless jacket is a possibility.

I would say trousers must be well cut (wide maybe) and for summer a lighter colour. Could be light blue or camel. They like an interesting plain shirt or blouse. Or stripes. Interesting collar, sleeves or detailing. Not just a man shirt. Then a blazer. I guess not oversized if you are quite short but tone it to your trousers. They suggest a tweed. Could be too heavy but there are Summer weight cream/camel textured fabrics that would work. Shoes, kitten heels or loafers. Hope that helps. Oh - bag. Medium sized and classy. No canvas - leather or a chic straw.

My friend from Calais (lives and works in London but in office manager finance company job) tends to wear Karen Millen work dresses and suits. I wouldn’t necessarily go down that route as too formal but a decent blazer and smart trousers would be key.

nope. why not make a lil bit of an effort?

Online it says immaculate tailoring, neutral palettes and high quality fabrics.

I am surprised if you’re going for a VP level role you’re not already shopping a little better than white stuff. Very glad the maternity jeans are off the table!!

I would look at Cos, Reiss, Jigsaw. Some linen wide trousers and a trendy long sleeved blouse tucked in.

And a nice bag!

Me + em dresses also good for this!

From what my French friend wore when I knew her at work (ex work colleague), she dresses plainly but sometimes small patterns, maybe a pop of colour with red accents, red top. Shoes, she goes for comfort now so smart Geox. Bag, she just has a Polene black bag and a Chanel purse. Always wears makeup, eyeliner especially. Hair natural (think she gets balayage). Nothing too bright or loud patterns. Jewellery understated. Last time I saw her after work this spring it was black trousers, black top. When I got her eg a bright coloured striped long sleeved top she said “I’ll use it for yoga”.

@catspyjamas1 i agree with those saying Next & White Stuff seem like off choices for this.

I'd look at French brands for how to style things. Have a look at Maje, Sandro, The Kooples, Soeur, ba&sh, Sezane etc

Bobbies for shoes or anonymous copenhagen

They aren't maternity jeans despite their appearance.

Yep, have a nice leather Ted Baker bag and another lighter option as well.

Absolutely not !

This is good

A start-up in Paris is the same as a start-up in London. Super casual and understated.

Do not wear a Ted Baker bag.....

This thread is fascinating to me! Glamorous job in Paris seemingly already in the bag but kitted out in Halara and Ted Baker, when presumably already earning a decent salary. Cannot compute!

I’d think a nice unbranded leather bag would be better than Ted Baker.

It's important to dress appropriately but I'm sure you'll be judged on your experience and interview performance, not on the brand of your bag. Ted Baker is fine!

Thanking you for your valuable contribution.

Thanks! The bag is just nice, I would have bought it regardless of brand name and sticking with it.

No one wears jeans to an interview not even 16 year olds going for Saturday job. Everyone knows that.

😂

l’m French, and no that won’t cut it.