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 :)

Vinted is full of corporate clothing from good brands at low prices you could get a few and try them out . Personally I think those corporate dresses in black or navy are outdated now and I’d assume someone was more junior . A silk blouse and some tailored light trousers from jigsaw /boden reiss type places . A bit of lipstick or bold jewellery also good to give some personality. Also me&em has some nice bits. Think less traditional corporate and more smart colourful with texture and quality cuts .

https://www.boden.com/products/women-textured-tab-short-dress-blue-and-white-texture-d1474mul?variant=42742678749393

Does this miss the mark too..?

I think I'm struggling to find something that is suitable but also still feels a bit like me

A couple more slightly different options that I like the look of:
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-flannel-tailored-belted-dress_bkk21405?colour=grey

or this whole outfit with a white blouse and raspberry waistcoat suit: https://www.karenmillen.com/product/lily-and-lionel-pandora-tailored-herringbone-print-waistcoat-in-pink_p-8d80fd80-04b8-4672-9058-b82b7975fb39?colour=Raspberry

Wise ladies of MN, any of these more suitable? I think I'd feel more like myself/ confident

You seem obsessed with wearing a very short dress. It is not appropriate. The Boden dress with button at top of thigh will give a very poor impression.

However, I am giving up now as you don't seem to be listening to any advice. You know best.

I hate to say this because it sounds horribly snobbish but all of those look a bit - secretarial to me. I thought you were aiming for serious woman taking a big step up in her career vibes. The dresses are too short and they don’t say “Take me seriously”.

If you like Karen Millen and want trousers, this is more the kind of thing. It satisfies your original impetus towards a suit but in a modern way.

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-compact-stretch-wide-leg-trouser_bkk29604?colour=grey+marl

Its not that I'm obsessed with wearing a short dress but rather most most midi/longer dresses totally drown me. I'm aiming for around knee length (if of course it comes up shorter then I'd be returning!) just that from experience "mini" lengths are around knee length and anything marketed as longer is significantly longer on me. Perhaps trouser suits is best afterall as will avoid this altogether. I might order a couple of plain block colour dresses to try and if that fails, go for a trouser suit. Thanks everyone for your input!

Do let us know what you settle on and how the interview goes. I’m really invested in this now and I really want you to get the job.

@BIossomtoes That's super lovely, thank you. As is probably apparent I'm not really into business attire, I'd rather just do the job! The lack of an appropriate outfit is stressing me out when I'd rather get on with it prep for the interview. I think I'll order a few that people have suggested on here and hope one just feels right.. will update the thread!

These are all awful. They look like ‘90s funeral outfits not 2020s interview outfits. OP, I’d go with something like black wide leg trousers, a cream shirt or t-shirt, and a tan jacket, with a tan leather belt, tan shoes and a tan bag. Some simple gold jewelry and that’s a finished look. The last thing you want is to feel like a trussed up chicken in some sub Thierry Mugler ‘90s outfit or something that isn’t you or you don’t feel comfortable or fabulous wearing.

Thank you for the honesty. Any chance you could link me up to the kind of thing you mean? especially given we can see this is clearly not my forte!

Agree! OP, ditch the dress! 👗