Interview outfit ideas for a senior NHS role after having a baby

[polka72]

Interviewing for a senior position in the NHS but recently postpartum and nothing I own fits.. last time I did an interview was pre-pandemic!

I'm probably a size 10 maybe even 12 now (previously 8 but also pretty short so was in proportion) now carrying extra weight around the middle and will likely need "shapewear" to wear underneath.

Would ideally like to wear a dress and a blazer but can't seem to find much of this anywhere these days?! I'm mid 30s so don't want anything too dated. A friend of mine said trouser suits are much more popular now rather than dresses/skirts.. is this true? I'm not keen on skirts but could work with high-waisted trouser suit. For shoes, thinking flat black ballet pumps/loafers (can't wear heels are a knee injury).

Very grateful for some suggestions! Thank you :)

https://www.reiss.com/style/su892578/v22407?utm_content=search&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_search_type=brand&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11449582052&gbraid=0AAAAADy9EnrBbssYiQuQZnG0WksLxds7R&gclid=Cj0KCQjwornRBhCrARIsAON5exGo0T8IhfTypLcRE9TMQCt9BQTX132nisZc8_-XlSOehHpd0UCjEwoaAnCOEALw_wcB

Nice but long and maybe too warm. Petite though.

Certainly hope its not the former! Given many of us have lived in scrubs since the pandemic with limited smart workwear attire but it does mean when it comes to formal occasions like this the wardrobe is rather sparse. That said, I think it is important to make an effort and dress smartly for an interview especially as at this level the panel largely comprises of non-clinical members.

Yes, but it's 2026 and you really don't need a tailored suit to be smart enough. Unless you spend £600/£700 on it, it will hang badly and look cheap.

Frock, jacket, smart shoes, one bag, tidy well cut hair, natural make-up, spotlessly clean and beautifully ironed. Minimal jewellery.

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain Thank you, some of these suggestions youve made are lovely!

I wonder if this cream dress could work given its a summer interview (with maybe the blue Whistles jersey blazer or is that too informal...?)

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-compact-stretch-essential-waist-tab-detail-tailored-mini-dress_bkk27365?colour=cream

Good funeral dress 😬

@corblimeygvnr Ye I'm not keen on a black dress. Would prefer navy or charcoal I think and possibly a black blazer (but more flexible on the colour of the blazer)

It wouldn't. You can't wear a white frock to an interview.

I don’t see why not! So long as it’s clean. And paired with a jacket it would look very smart.

What about in the Camel colour? https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-compact-stretch-essential-waist-tab-detail-tailored-mini-dress_bkk26016?colour=camel I think the navy would have been most appropriate but is sold out

Given my short height/torso I expect this would probably come up around about or just above the knee. Could this work with the jersey whistles blazer? which colour?

The op is concerned about looking corporate and professional. Nobody looks corporate or professional in a white mini dress. Notwithstanding the fact that ot coukd pick up a mark en-route, coffee spill, op could catch her hand on a surface (blood), leaky pen, etc.

This is a better and more forgiving, less "look at me" dress. The Whistles Black or Charcoal jackets would work well. Black shoes.

I worked at board level in the NHS for 20 years in a non clinical role and, apart from the royal opening of a facility, haven’t worn a suit since the turn of the century. Business dress, ie suitable for interview, is very much a formal looking dress or trousers with a jacket that’s unlikely to match. The Fold has some lovely trouser/jacket combinations with 10% off if you buy both. Top tip is to wear something that makes you stand out - slightly quirky earrings, brooch or necklace or bright lipstick. I got a job once where I was remembered for my duck handle umbrella!

Good luck.

Are we really saying that nobody wears a full suit for this sort of thing anymore?!

@BIossomtoes Thank you, I'd never even heard of The Fold.. perhaps this dress with a cropped blazer could work: https://thefoldlondon.com/product/sculpt-knit-parella-dress-navy/?_gl=1k1w9du_upMQ.._gsMQ.._gaMTM1MDYzNzk2Ni4xNzgxNDQ4MTM3_ga_M8JV53WLST*czE3ODE0NDgxMzckbzEkZzEkdDE3ODE0NDgyOTckajYwJGwwJGgyNTA3MDIyNzg.&gclid=Cj0KCQjwornRBhCrARIsAON5exG3BVHO2st5NtLYO1j8jKDqhb5hi2B7OlyOqqkVgM2A2FzwK2E9Q7oaAoJVEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGoIC-jGMgSJL3lE1QTBA5Vgg

Yes, and several times.

Not really. I'd wear that to a cocktail party.

I’d go for something like this which mitigates the need for a jacket.

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/sedona-cotton-dress-sienna-red/?gl=1gaja2t_upMQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwornRBhCrARIsAON5exG3BVHO2st5NtLYO1j8jKDqhb5hi2B7OlyOqqkVgM2A2FzwK2E9Q7oaAoJVEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGoIC-jGMgSJL3lE1QTBA5Vgg

Or this.

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/emilia-cotton-shirt-dress-navy/?_gl=11m59dc6_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwornRBhCrARIsAON5exG3BVHO2st5NtLYO1j8jKDqhb5hi2B7OlyOqqkVgM2A2FzwK2E9Q7oaAoJVEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGoIC-jGMgSJL3lE1QTBA5Vgg

Wow ok, feel like I'm totally out of the loop here! Never worn anything like this so it feels so very out of my comfort zone. Tricky as want to look the part but also feel comfortable!

The Fold navy dress would be comfortable as it’s 4% elastane which would give it a bit of stretch. They do a try before you buy option so you could see how it fits before you commit yourself. I’m quite wishing I still needed work clothes now, I’d have been all over that with red or shocking pink shoes once!

I would not wear dark clothes for an interview in summer, unless it’s under 10 degrees and raining heavily.

Camel would be the safest formal option and not out of place in warm/hot weather. Camel/light brown tailored trousers in good quality material and an off-white silk shirt always work, especially paired with a good bag. I wear scarves so would add a small one around my neck as a feel-good accessory.

I agree with PP who suggested renting, if your budget is limited it’s better to rent quality than buy cheap, poorly constructed clothes.

Thanks all!

@CortieTat I'd fear camel might wash me out a bit as I've got quite dark olive/Mediterranean complexion. Is the consensus camel over navy? I generally suit dark or bright colours (but not pastels or neons) and have a preference for block colour over patterns.

I wouldn’t wear camel because I don’t like it and it definitely doesn’t like me! I’m navy all the way.

I think your expectations for how smart it needs to be are off a bit. I would wear a linen or oversized shirt (not a tight shirt) in white or blue and some linen trousers with flat pumps. Maybe cream or brown linen trousers. Something you can wear again and looks cool and nice but not old fashioned or smart. Yes it’s an interview but it’s not for a ftse 100 banking firm it’s for the NHS and it sounds like they know you already? Just look clean and fresh. Best of luck

I suggest a light blue blouse or top and navy trousers as I think this would be cool if it is a hot day and would look professional. Feeling comfortable is the key for interviews and hot days. Bag and shoes could be black . I don't think you need to spend too much. A lot of people have navy/black trousers as black would be fine. Someone suggested a jewellery item to make you stand out. I have a lot of necklaces/bracelets from charity shops and get asked about them quite often. A lot of money doesn't need to be spent on interview clothes.