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 :)

Just found this online now that I'm open to shirt dresses (although havent tried it on) but a more muted colour than the previous one above: https://www.hobbs.com/product/arianne-satin-dress/0224-5577-9045L00-REGAL-PURPLE.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Hobbs_UK_EN_BoF_Shopping_Brand_Control&utm_id=23803862579&utm_content=agid_193828797577-ad_807199103723&network=g&device=c&targetid=pla-293946777986&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=23803862579&gbraid=0AAAAADC5o-K5G2n2QHEvvXyLKJ9F2VaAq&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi8nRBhDhARIsAHZf_paj_EDjqKsslnLoUaGRqX6m0DitCicf9Cny4a6jpWCwNH6lQGshHF4aAlzbEALw_wcB

Ah, a completely different Whistles one - not their jersey blazer but a cropped jacket! What was the other jacket you liked - you said there was another?

The Birgitta dress is nice enough but I prefer the length of the first navy one - it looks more contemporary.

The dark pink/magenta one is polyester. That would completely put me off - plus it's quite wintry looking for a summer interview.

Also polyester, satin & not at all summery.

I like broderie anglaise too, & that dress is pretty & appropriate if worn with plain accessories. But the sleeves look as if it might be difficult to wear with a jacket? And I don't think the Whistles one you just linked would go. It's more of a jacket to wear with wide trousers & a simple top in a lovely fabric.

I’m loving the spotted skirt. It can be dressed up or down and you’d get years of wear from it.