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!!

You asked, I answered. No need to be so pissy about it 🙄God help the staff if you get the job if you get so wound up over basic feedback.

"The staff" will be just fine. Good day.

OK, so here’s where I’m at. It’s long & includes photos (of questionable quality)

INTERVIEW OUTFIT – constructive feedback appreciated from previous posters on blazer and shoe choice, please.

• Trousers: black wide trousers. Length is good, especially with flat shoes. Not too short and not dragging on the floor either.·
• Two shirts: white one goes with everything. I did get another one which looks good with a red blazer. I’m keeping both regardless as I love both!
• Blazers: I ended up with four new options.

Bright green – not bothering to show as it’s Teletubbies green and not for me. Dark olive/ khaki green- light fabric (linen mix, not going to crease as rather sturdy), from H&M and surprising a good fit and a beautiful colour (also keeping as I love it). Overall look is smart with the trousers and white shirt. Red – linen mix, very sturdy so not going to crease. Overall look is smart but might be too much of a ‘power’ colour for the meetings. Off white with flower pattern – this was a bit of a wild card for me! It’s Kew Gardens via Next (had no idea this was even a thing) I’d like to inject some colour so those are the options I got. I tried to find something more ‘camel’, light cream etc. but nothing was grabbing me (and my actual colouring / skin would be a washout) – apart from one from Boden which is £200 and not in stock now in my size. ·

• Shoes: I’m convinced that wearing open-toed shoes to an interview is not an option, so I’d need convincing on that. I'd obviously pedicure etc. if people think it’s viable /OK.The other three options I already have and are in excellent condition (flats are leather from Jones Bootmaker, other two are from M&S a few years ago).·
• Jewellery: as seen.

What I think works?
I feel most comfortable in the dark olive green blazer and the flat shoes, with earrings and bracelet. As a second choice, the Kew Gardens blazer. I have three or so hours of back-to-back meetings with many people so feeling confident and comfortable would be ideal. Also, I need a belt!

FOR THOSE THAT CAN’T READ A THREAD + SOME CONTEXT
To confirm a few things:·

• I AM NOT WEARING THE JEANS – OR ANY JEANS – TO THE MEETING. Or espadrilles.
• THEY ARE NOT PREGNANCY JEANS DESPITE THEIR APPEARANCE
• Those hating on Ted Baker, you’ll be pleased to know the bag is so gigantic I LOL’d. It’s nice but fucking hell, it’s massive. So, that’s going back and I’ll get something else (have seen a few recommendations upthread, thanks!)·
• I have worked at start-up in London, have been to Paris many, many times for work at said start-up and at bigger companies, and have managed French people. What I haven’t had to consider for 15 years is interviewing for a French start-up expanding into other countries, in Paris!
• I have spent the last few years mostly remote working, hence not spending any real money on ‘work’ clothes at all for summer and hence this thread for some tips, the in Paris meetings adds an additional tinge of sweat!
• I am in-between jobs and have a mortgage etc. etc. etc. I don’t have tons of money to outlay on an outfit right now. BUT, thanks to folks for recommendations for Sezane, Hobbs, Kooples etc. If I get the job, I am going to do a major wardrobe revamp and will absolutely visit some of the recommended brands!!!
• Lastly, I fucking hate clothes shopping and I WANT THIS JOB.

Hopefully I haven’t gone too far off the reservation and something can work with what I’ve got.

Rest of the photos

No not at all
summer interview maybe linen trousers and waistcoat co-ord set with nice bag and nice summery shoes
NOT jeans! 😱 apart from anything else you will boil! But not for an interview!

That outfit with the red blazer is stunning.

The trousers are ok but no to the floral blazer. You want plain blazers.

Red blazer with trousers is good. May be considered a bit loud/bright but it’s a nice choice. No open toed sandals/shoes with pedicure, closed.

No to all of them, especially the floral jacket, which is a monstrosity in any setting. Nothing looks like it fits. The trousers are pulling and creased around the crotch. You want soft tailoring and you do need to spend some proper money whether you like it or not.

Some photos haven't loaded.

Ps, the shoes are about as ugly as it gets.

Shirt with red blazer is fine, the one which suits. Flats should be fine with the trousers. I can’t see any jewellery but like I said before, minimal is best and natural makeup. My French friend wears eyeliner so if it suits you wear it. Hair, tied back or styled smoothly. You could do a red lipstick with the blazer or a nude natural lipstick. Both would go. I actually think the red blazer makes a good statement and shows confidence.

I'm a fan of red at work, especially when I want to project power, authority etc. There's a known psychology behind it! I worry this is too much for the meetings / interviews?

No to the floral blouse. The whole look is wrong. It looks like it's from Matalan (nothing wrong with Matalan but no VP I know would shop there).

The gold colour simple jewellery, heeled loafers or try the heels. No to khaki blazer or floral shirt.

I apologise that the photos have all uploaded in a random order. I think that's all of them now.

the floral blazer is wile looking. Sorry.

Red blazer better than khaki. Do you have a navy or black one or could you borrow one?

Thanks. That was my thinking too.

Thank you for your valuable contribution.

It might be nice with another occasion outfit but not an interview.

I like the red blazer the best, but I think the trousers length isn't quite right - I'd say just slightly too short. But I don't think there's anything that would scare the horses/stop you from getting a job.

https://www.reiss.com/shop/gender-women/use-workwear?p=3#350.28889083862305

I have cream wide legged, high waisted trousers from Love & Roses - Next - that are ideal for this situation - lightweight, dressed up with cropped or fitted blazer. Wedges or flats. I love them,

Thank you. You're the second person to go for the red blazer! I'm worried it's going to be too much. I am now going to pull my hair back vs my first thought to have it down so thanks!! I don't wear lipstick but will have some mascara, tinted moisturiser that agrees with my skin and complexetion etc.