3 hour train journey to “meet the team” What to wear.

[GargoylesofBeelzebub]

I have stage 4 of an interview process next week. They want me to meet them face to face before formally offering me the role. There’s lunch and then some meetings with the team.

Because the team are spread all over the country we’re to meet in a central location which is a 3 hour train journey for me. I arrive on the day with very little time to spare before the lunch.

Really struggling with what to wear in terms of how formal to be but also something that will survive the train journey without me looking like a crumpled mess. Or should I change just before the train gets in?

I need sleeves as hate my arms and have big boobs so need something that has a waist. Any suggestions?

Could you travel the evening before, OP and stay over in a hotel?

What do you do professionally?

No staying overnight is not an option. I’m a senior finance professional.

Perhaps something like this, then

https://www.hobbs.com/product/rosalind-dress/0226-5333-9845L00-BLACK-IVORY.html

I like this shirt @GargoylesofBeelzebub. You can tie it at the back or the front and tie it as loose or tight as suits your shape I think. With a pair of smart wide leg trousers?
And you could wear a tee shirt on the train, take this on a hanger with a plastic bag over it, roll up the tee shirt pop it in your bag and change into this and just ditch the hanger.
It's also 100% cotton and ludicrously cheap for some reason, yet M&S who are pretty trustworthy not to be flogging complete rubbish. Hopefully!
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-pleat-tie-detail-blouse/p/clp60787964?color=SOFTWHITE

Reviews suggest it might come up big but are generally enthusiastic!

Why can’t you travel down the evening before and stay overnight?

I would be paranoid there were train issues on the day

Change at the station on arrival. Cab/Uber to the meeting place. Prioritise your comfort and reduce stress.

Then you can wear whatever you wear in your normal working life (perhaps the smarter end) and not have to worry about creases, being too warm if the train air con isn’t working etc.

Having had a few train nightmares recently I would really really go the night before

They booked the travel for me and didn’t give an option to stay overnight and anyway I am volunteering for most of the week at an event.

I'd wear casual, comfy clothes on the journey and change on the train or at the station on arrival. Even if you have something smart on a hanger and inside a suit bag on the train.

I haven't been interviewed in person since covid, so not sure of current trends. My go to previously was a smart blazer over a dress or a skirt/jacket/blouse combo. Best of luck x

if there’s travel issues then there are travel issues. They booked the travel so it’s not going to look bad for me if there are issues.

I would go for a jersey dress in the hope that it travels fairly well. Antistatic spray and/or maybe a slip underneath, smart shoes and accessories. Not my industry so may be totally off the mark, but DH works in similar and his colleagues are no more formal than this dress. I think a pattern is more forgiving in case of spills etc over lunch. Definitely wouldn’t trust myself with a white top in an interview situation - hopefully you’re less clumsy than me.

I would also take a small fan for the train in case of air con, a small deodorant and spare pants so if you do become a sweaty mess en route you can at least feel a bit cleaner on arrival.

The ‘M&S blouse is great. The Hobbs dress to me is too smart, too try hard.

If it were me, I’d do my hair and make-up and wear comfy clothing (throw-on dress if it’s hot, or leggings and a teeshirt ) and carry a smart dress or trousers and blouse in a suit bag, then change on the train if toilets aren’t grim or at the station.

Fold up the suitbag and bung in a smart-ish tote bag or backpack.

What shoes are you wearing?

Yes this is my problem. Haven’t had or done an in person interview for such a long time that I don’t know what’s what with expected attire!

Is this too formal? https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv072274/g34312

They’ll have to be flats. Will depend on final outfit. I have some nice high vamp ballet flats that would maybe work.

This is lovely thank you. Will order.

Phew!

It’s nice but I’d go for the M&S blouse. With trousers or skirt.

Also for me that’s a great dress but I’d have to ensure I wore it more to spend that much on it.

I think @TemporarilyCantDoMyself’s shirt is great and a better bet than the Reiss dress. I don’t see that sort of formal workwear among any of my corporate colleagues. The shirt is smart whereas you could easily be/feel overdressed in the frock.

It also sounds like the rest of the team may also be travelling if they are spread all over, so their clothes could well reflect that.

Lululemon Daydrift pants which look like suit pants, wear like yoga pants and have come off a 23 hour flight looking fresh on me. They offer a choice of full length wide leg or tapered ankle length.

Flattering top of your choice (I like silk shirts or camisoles) and pointy toe flats.

If this helps I just spent the last month sitting on interview panels.
I suggest something like plain trousers with a blouse or top like the M&S one and comfortable shoes. Add something like earrings, belt , leather bag or whatever to add style. I would carry with you a blazer or jacket which you put on to meet and greet. You can take it off and put it on the back of your chair if it is too formal.
I barely noticed what the candidates wore on the whole. As long as they were clean, neat, punctual and polite they were well on their way.