Interview Clothing Advice Needed...

[Ashley]

So, I got a call today for an interview on Tuesday morning at this really great company that I'd love to work for. The problem is...I have nothing to wear!

I know for a fact that the dress code is business casual, but I'm really struggling with the idea of wearing anything but a suit to an interview (I have an accounting degree, and they pretty much drilled the "Dark Suit = Success!" mantra into my head in college). And finding a suit in my size in 4 days is probably next-to-impossible--especially in June.

So, I'm going hunting this weekend for a suit, but, in case I come up empty-handed, I need a back-up plan. I know we have some seasoned interviewees and interviewers around here, so I'm begging you for help. Keep in mind that I only have 4 days, so the chance that an online purchase would arrive in time is pretty slim. I just need good ideas!

I wear a 28 on top and a 30 or 32 on bottom, just for reference.



At this point, I've even considered making a suit. The problem with that is, again, I'm working with very little time, and, should something go wrong, I'm really screwed. Help?!

[EvilPrincess]

So, I got a call today for an interview on Tuesday morning at this really great company that I'd love to work for. The problem is...I have nothing to wear!
.

I would suggest putting something together that looks suit like- using solid color pieces.

coordinating blazer and skirt,

how about a blazer or jacket over a solid color dress. I have several plain black dresses that I add different jackets to and that ends up looking higher end business casual.

If you can get to a Catherine's, they should have something simple like that.

My standard is black pants, black shell, and some type of muted color jacket. Don't forget the accessories, plain/simple is the way to go, low heeled shoes as well. Coordinate your tote/handbag - It really is in the details, it doesn't have to be a power suit, just pulled together.

I have been interviewing people for years for all types of positions, administrative to manager level. The thing that makes me cringe is an excess of cologne, someone dripping in jewelry or things that are really fussy.

You will do FINE!!!!

[4honor]

Its also that time of year when the fall colors (e.g., brown) are on the clearance racks. Since brown is the new black, you could probably pull together dark brown coordinates with a pink or aqua shell/blouse/summer sweater.

The look is fresh and will coordinate for more than one season - just add warm colors come fall.

I keep the basics in my closet, a medium weight structured blazer in navy blue, a cream blouse with a feminine look, and a navy skirt. I no longer work as an employee (I am self employed), but it will do if I ever decide to go back to work for someone else, or if I need to go to a funeral or in to court. It is my version of black and white.

I have even stooped to shopping for blazers at the thrift store -- lots of people changing sizes and donating stuff my size. Then I get a coordinating skirt or slacks regular retail. Cuts costs and the area for blazers my size is so small that looking takes about 3 minutes.

If you just can't find a blazer or suit in your size, opt for a professional looking blouse and a nice skirt. Try to avoid slacks if you cannot get a blazer.

... and that was good advice about keeping it tame on the fragrance and accessories.

[Tad]

What everyone suggested sounds pretty sensible--a blazer, skirt, and blouse should be completely acceptable I think. Obviously I don't know much about shopping for your particular gender and size, but I do have a few general thoughts.

You almost certainly want people focussed on your face--that is where you are talking from. So everything else should be background and frame for your face. So make sure you choose colours that compliment your complexion, eyes, and hair. That is, if black makes you look like a corpse but dark brown or navy brings you to life, go with what brings your colours out.

You don't want anything else to particularly grab attention. So make sure that nothing is pinching or bulging or straining. You shouldn't have to worry about this one, but big guys in too tight collars often get a fat roll above the collar in some positions which is distracting. But if you have one body part which is particularly prominennt, this is one time to certainly downplay it. So if you are wearing a blazer and want it buttoned up, make sure it buttons without catching or riding up. If you are particularly busty I'd go for a blazer which minimizes that rather than highlighting it (blazers seem to vary a lot on this, depending on the exact cut). If you are all hip, make sure a coat doesn't ride up on your hips when you are walking. Etc. Oh, and same goes with jewelry--for example too tight rings. Basically anything that would be out of the normal, which may catch attention, takes attention away from what you have to say.

Yet, at the same time obviously you want to look put together, so it can't just be a big black sack either.

Sometimes I envy women the variety of choice they have in clothing. On the other hand, when it comes to work I do appreciate the simplicity of the male uniform!

Best of luck, both on the clothes and on the interview! Let us know what you put together, I'm sure lots will be curious :D

Regards;

-Ed

[Red]

... dig out your favourite most comfortable/smart black, (dark coloured at a push) trousers. Your longest pair, so they look extra smart. Short 'ankle swingers' are not a good look for an interview!...

Team these with a smart wrap around top/tunic in one bold colour. This shows confidence and should be nice and cool and comfy for the interview. Throw on some nice, simple unfussy but complemetary jewellery to pull the look together. Then...this is the best bit...go and use the suit money to grab a nice new pair of killer shoes (im thinking maybe pointy toed flats?) and then treat yourself to a haircut. Nothing drastic as you want to feel totally relaxed once there, maybe just a trim and a blow dry...and if you have the budget leftover, a quick manicure. All these little things put together achieve an overall polished look....give up looking for the suit...it will stress you out further, and they never look that imaginative unless tailored to fit the person perfectly anyway!

Good luck, im sure you will do fine. Remember as first impressions go...its all about the smile! So just give them a grin and win them over from the start! ;)

x

[Jes]

... dig out your favourite most comfortable/smart black, (dark coloured at a push) trousers. Your longest pair, so they look extra smart. Short 'ankle swingers' are not a good look for an interview!...

Team these with a smart wrap around top/tunic in one bold colour. This shows confidence and should be nice and cool and comfy for the interview. Throw on some nice, simple unfussy but complemetary jewellery to pull the look together. Then...this is the best bit...go and use the suit money to grab a nice new pair of killer shoes (im thinking maybe pointy toed flats?) and then treat yourself to a haircut. Nothing drastic as you want to feel totally relaxed once there, maybe just a trim and a blow dry...and if you have the budget leftover, a quick manicure. All these little things put together achieve an overall polished look....give up looking for the suit...it will stress you out further, and they never look that imaginative unless tailored to fit the person perfectly anyway!

Good luck, im sure you will do fine. Remember as first impressions go...its all about the smile! So just give them a grin and win them over from the start! ;)

x
This is a good point--those 'suits bought on the fly' are usually bad purchases, don't look so hot, and don't get worn. Maybe give 1 day to it, to see if there's something. Otherwise, strong separates and a manicure, blowout.

[Red]

something like this but with black smart trews?...

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Womens-Clothes-Trendy-CAREER-TOP-Plus-Size-3X-26-28_W0QQitemZ9331098532QQihZ006QQcategoryZ63887QQrd Z1QQcmdZViewItem

[BeaBea]

Just my two pence worth here...

If you dont want to go down the 'formal suit' route a crisp white shirt with a collar can look really smart. It has to be sparkling white (which with my hopeless laundry skills means brand new!) but it looks professional and smart and can be teamed with almost any smart bottom half.

I've always hated interviewing people but I have to say I'd rather see more clean, well pressed clothes with all the buttons and no trailing threads with clean shoes and good personal grooming than someone who spent a fortune on a suit and thought that was enough.

I'm sure whatever you choose you'll fine though babe. Crossing my fingers for you, let us know how it works out :)

Tracey

[Red]

Ignore my last link, this one is much nicer... with black trousers...great stuff!http://cgi.ebay.com/EVANS-PLUS-SIZE-BURGANDY-TOP-BNWOT-SZ-28-RRP-30_W0QQitemZ9331416667QQcategoryZ101100QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem


I want one now! :p

[Ashley]

... dig out your favourite most comfortable/smart black, (dark coloured at a push) trousers. Your longest pair, so they look extra smart. Short 'ankle swingers' are not a good look for an interview!...

Team these with a smart wrap around top/tunic in one bold colour. This shows confidence and should be nice and cool and comfy for the interview. Throw on some nice, simple unfussy but complemetary jewellery to pull the look together. Then...this is the best bit...go and use the suit money to grab a nice new pair of killer shoes (im thinking maybe pointy toed flats?) and then treat yourself to a haircut. Nothing drastic as you want to feel totally relaxed once there, maybe just a trim and a blow dry...and if you have the budget leftover, a quick manicure. All these little things put together achieve an overall polished look....give up looking for the suit...it will stress you out further, and they never look that imaginative unless tailored to fit the person perfectly anyway!

Good luck, im sure you will do fine. Remember as first impressions go...its all about the smile! So just give them a grin and win them over from the start! ;)

x

You have no idea how long I've been waiting for someone to tell me to buy one more pair of hot pointy toed shoes! I have lots, but I think you're right about getting a new pair. And the jewelry part is still up in the air. I'm sure I'll find something, though.

I'm going to check out a few places tomorrow and see what I come up with. Right now I'm just banking on finding an amazing blazer to wear with black trousers. If I don't, then I'll figure something else out. The manicure and blow-out are already on the to-do list.

Actually I feel really good about the interview. I know quite a few people at this place, and the environment would be a perfect fit for me. This isn't a high-level position by any means, but I am fresh out of college, so I'm just looking to get my foot in the door (as the cliche goes). I'm considerably younger than the average employee there, but I know my stuff, so I'm feeling good.

Thanks for all of the advice, and I'll be sure to let you all know how it went!

[MissToodles]

I need to send out resumes to various schools soon. What should a potential high school teacher wear to an interview? Educators, I need your help! Are dress pants okay? Are women still expected to wear skirts on job interviews?

Ashley, thanks for bringing up this topic.

[Tad]

And how did the interview go?

nosey norberts want to know!

-Ed

[truth38]

I know your interview may be over but for future reference I have always been taught that less is more. Jewelry usually simple pearl necklace with matching dot earrings, natural hose, and basic colors such as blue, black, brown and white. I know the colors may be boring but you can jazzy it up a bit depending on the company. If it is a really professional company stick with plain colors, dress casual black with a teal blue blouse, dark red, or even a lilac color.
I agree with others that clothing should never be tight, comfortable, and moveable. As far as shoes, I belive closed toed shoes are the best. Not too high so you can move quickly. Most bosses move very quickly when showing you around the office.

[Ashley]

Ooops! I forgot to follow up on my own damn thread. I'm an airhead, folks. Forgive me.

As many already know, I did get the job, and I start on the 10th. I'm so happy!

So, for the interview I went with black trousers, a light green oxford with cute pintucks down the front, no jacket (it was in the high 90s that day, so I said forget that!), and pointy-toed black kitten heels with a keyhole cutout. I wanted to look put together and serious, but not dowdy. I'm 23! For jewelry, I wore a simple white gold chain with a Tahitian pearl pendant and matching earrings.

[BeaBea]

Lovely news - well done babe :)

I was going to ask but I thought if the news was less positive you'd share it in your own good time.

Fantastic achievement though - and no wonder in such a great outfit!

Tracey xx

[rainyday]

Congrats, Ashley.

[truth38]

I am so happy for you!
Good luck on the new job!