Right then ladies, I need an new outfit for a job interview....

[Clary]

I am looking for a new job (redundant last year) and suspect the reason why I haven't had a successful interview yet is my outfit!

I have been poling up in an old Boden wrap dress which was dressy at my old work.

Anyway I have another interview (at last! first one for 4 weeks) next week and need something new to wear.

What shall I go for? My career in media has left me with a pared-down wardrobe of smart lycra Ts with tailored trousers or scruffy skirts and boots. This will not do.

New potential role is still in media but maybe smarter? I am 5'6" with curvy figure but a size 12-ish if that helps pick a style.

What would you wear to an interview?

Oh and it needs to be from a reasonably mainstream store. Oh and I don't really want to spend more than £100 if I can help it.

Pretty please?

Hmm, depends...

Zara Woman always has some nice clothes, and good smarter but still fashion forward pieces. Or Cos or Mango.

I am thinking, tailored peg trousers in navy, chunky heels, tailored bow front blouse in a nude or white, skinny belt, blazer with sleeves up, largish leather bag. Paired down- but very groomed hair and make up. Understated jewlery, no perfume.

What do you think?

Lovely.

Except can't wear navy as wore it at school.

Will go and have a look in Zara at the weekend - it's cheapish isn't it?

I would go for a pencil skirt with a silk blouse and fitted jacket (possibly in a different colour to the skirt) with nude fishnets and pewter coloured shoes. Tidy hair. Subtle perfume such as Stella Nude or Philosophy Pure Grace - enough to make you smell fresh but not fragranced iygwim.

Zara Woman is the more pricey range, but their Zara Basic is cheap and you can usually find a good bargain there. I would splurge on the blouse and trousers and then get a more flash than cash blazer/jacket, shoes from New Look.

Charcoal instead of Navy?

I would wear this

Tethersend - I would buy that dress too. Fantastic for interviews/meetings. Suitable but not boring.

oh and good luck with the interview Clary

Oooh, or this

I have that dress SE22, it is gorgeous.

And good luck too, Clary

How on earth do KM justify their prices? 150 quid for that!!!

The Debenhams one is quite nice but the belt looks cheap and nasty imho. Would need a better belt.

Oh yes, I changed the belt straight away

That Debenhams dress is nice but what would I wear it with - jacket???

Janeite where would you get a nice pencil skirt? (not a thing I have).

Thanks for good wishes all

Pencil skirts available in places like Ltd Colection in M&S sometimes, or Warehouse, or Oasis.

here

I like this one

Not seen either irl though.

Thanks for all tips ladies.

Do I have to wear black then - or navy? Neither is a colour I ever buy (sigh).

Clearly this is the way forward tho - a black suit is a small price to pay for a job!

Oooh just seen these

I feel more comfortable in dark charcoal grey than black or navy, got some fab pencil skirts from Paul Smith Black last year.. I would either wear a black or v dark grey suit with a silk blouse or a charcoal pencil skirt, smart blouse (cream?)with a black jacket perhaps, or even just smart black cardigan and nice shoes. Simple and classic.

Good luck!!

I'd probably go for a pencil type dress save faffing with matching tops and bottoms etc this type of thing or this with this if you were feeling brave with colour
just noticed lots of suit options on a budget

In a similar vein this is fantastic, and comes in grey and black. And of sale for £44.50.

blossoming that phase eight dress is lovely

It drove dh wild. So demure, just screams for sexy underwear and sky high heels.

That Phase Eight one would be hideous on anybody with norks though imho.

LOL janeite, I was just thinking that myself!!

Ergo I fear it is not for me

I need to get down to Matalan by the looks tho - thanks again all.

Have even done my interview task as well! Job is with National Trust oooh it is soooo up my street!

I have to go against the grain and say I would prob still wear a trouser suit to an interview though I'm more of a work dress kind of person normally (loving the pencil skirt idea and would happily look at links of nice blouses to go with if anyone had any to share ).

I have a great grey dress from M&S for £37ish, will see if I can find a link.

here tis marvellous and comfy if you want to go with a dress. But you will need something under or over a dress unless you have fab arms.

What do you think of this?