What to wear for a senior interview in 38 degree heat

[Fieldswillow]

I’ve got a fifth and final stage interview for a COO role in London on Wednesday and it’s going to be 38c, arghh. Help. A wardrobe full of clothes but nothing seems quite right. Obviously need to look relatively smart
and not like I’ve come off the back of running a marathon when I get there. Got time to order a new outfit - give me your best suggestions. Fwiw early stage ‘in person’ interviewer wore fairly informal attire but this is with the CEO.

If they have AC office they probably expect you to dress as you would at 25C. So maybe just choose the least sweaty route there.

A cotton or linen shirt dress?

Assuming the office has aircon, I would arrive a bit earlier just to cool down & freshen up after getting there. You could change shoes at that point so wear something more casual then change 'up'.

A cotton shirt dress?
This sort of thing, in a colour which suits you.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-zoe-short-sleeve-shirt-dress-woodland-green-d1740grn
Give it a really good iron before you leave.

Not linen, it will crease and look rubbish.

Go up extra early. Trains seem likely to be delayed or on reduced speed due to the heat. Go up in whatever on top (loose, cool etc) bottoms that you plan on wearing. And then change and do make up before the interview. Pret is usually a good shout.

Or a smart tailored sleeveless midi dress and add a cropped or 3/4 sleeved blazer before going in.

Can you find a cafe or somewhere nearby and change ?
I would wear a sleeveless dress and bring a jacket for on top
The offices will probably be quite cool?

Where is the interview near? You could then ask for nice toilet recommendations nearby 😁

Or are you a member of a gym chain that might have a branch near you could use?

No advice, but best of luck! 🤞

I would need to change when I got there tbh. I couldn't get there without being a horrible sweaty mess. So I'd be looking at something I could change into or even just swop a blouse etc when I get there (or in the cafe opposite etc).
Make sure you take some wet wipes in case you feel like you need to freshen up.
Good luck.

I commute into London for work (train and a 15 min walk). I meet with clients so I’m expected to look smart at all times. I have a number of lightweight, sleeveless dresses from Hobbs which work very well.

Loved the office I worked at many moons ago that had showers.
Perfect for when I got pigeon poop in my hair on my way to work!

No, I wouldn't ask for a shower before an interview of course. Good luck OP.

Rua shirt dress, love this colourway -

www.whitestuff.com/p/7949/rua-jersey-short-sleeve-collared-shirt-midi-dress/PINK_MLT

I think they may do sleeveless versions of the same dress too.

Will your journey involve the tube? Get a neck fan/hand held fan and consider changing outfits somewhere near the interview venue! Take wet wipes and deodorant!

Good luck

Given it is a high stakes interview for a senior role, maybe book into a nearby hotel with air con for the night before. You will arrive well rested and looking polished.

good shout

Oooh I like this! Good call.

I think that I would do this too.

They probably have AC in the office. If you'd usually wear a suit or a jacket then take the jacket with you and be prepared to put it on. They will probably say don't worry about it in the heat.

I woul wear something g like This from hobbs and change when you get there.

Men in the interview will likely be wearing suits and ties. So should you - not the tie, obviously. But a light summer weight wool jacket ( summer weight wool is not very hot actually) and a shift dress or silk shirt and skirt.

it’s a top job, you need to look the part. Minimalist and sleek.

If necessary carry your outfit and change near the interview site.

I would not go with floppy linen or cotton shirt dresses style. Match the corporate style of the company. And if the blokes have to wear suits you should at least match them in terms of a smart jacket. wool or silk won’t make you overheated. No polyester.

A summer suit? Loose lighter coloured trousers. Crisp short sleeve shirt/blouse or simple top and a matching jacket:

https://www.boden.com/products/women-woodbridge-linen-blazer-amphora-chambray-u0448brn?_pos=15&_sid=133e4fc93&_ss=r

www.next.co.uk/style/sv133222/v99815

This green is also lovely
www.boden.com/products/women-belgravia-linen-trousers-aloe-green-chambray-r0853lgr

Honestly I'd get a hotel the night before, no stress about trains being cancelled on the day and if you get one near the interview you don't be sweaty when you get there. Leave your luggage at the hotel until after the interview. I agree with a shirt dress or similar

yep same - for that senior a role, well worth it

Agree with getting a hotel room. It’s worth the investment.

Also would suggest having a mini fan for any taxi / train you have to go on.

Good luck and my fingers are crossed for you!

Definitely go wearing something else and change. Don't put make up on (if you wear it) until you are there.
And don't worry, the manager will be feeling the same.
Good luck!

Get a summer trouser suit from somewhere that does good tailoring e.g. hobbs/reiss/me+em/jigsaw. Sleeveless silk top. Carry the jacket and put it on just before you go in.

If you can't stay in a hotel, get a taxi from the station (assuming you are going to a city) and aim to get there early so you have time to get a cool drink somewhere so you arrive looking cool and composed rather than red and sweaty