No formal interview clothes- this isn’t a style question so much as what’s acceptable these days

[Holdinguphalfthesky]

Can i wear linen trousers to interview at a fairly formal workplace? My current work is casual dress code and I have a pair of black linen trousers (Daisy from Beyond Nine, sort of horseshoe shape) and a pair of tailored trousers, but those are wool so warm, given the forecast, and also won’t go with the only structured jacket I own.

i also have a dress that I use for funerals, in brown silk with a kind of ditsy flower print, but no jacket that would go with it.

I’m skint and don’t want to have to buy something if I can possibly avoid it, but do I need to contact a friend this weekend to borrow something?

I wouldn’t wear linen because i always think it looks scruffy on people. It creases as soon as you sit down which is not the look you want for a job interview.

Dress up for the job you want! I think I'd go with the dress and no jacket if its smarter.

There are some charities that will lend you interview clothes - perhaps contact Smart Works https://www.smartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/our-service. Good luck with your interview.

If it’s a smart workplace, you really need to turn up looking the part. You will unwittingly turn them off you, however open-minded they’re trying to be. There must be some way of borrowing something smart.

When I interview, I don’t judge folk on the quality of the clothes just the effort made. Linen will crease and look sloppy. Go with ever looks smartest. So the tailored trousers and a well ironed shirt / top. Quick charity shop trawl for a jacket to go with the dress. Shoes polished. Scruffy shoes do make me judge.

Can you wear a vest under the dress for warmth?

I think the clothes you’ve mentioned are all fine if worn in the right way. As a pp said, make sure everything is clean and polished. Hair and nails tidy, minimal jewellery. The Beyond Nine trousers would work imo.

I have some of those trousers and I would wear them for an interview with a nice top and a jacket. But I don't really work in a 'suits' industry.

Thank you. I’m also worrying about my shoes, I have Birkenstock Montanas in brown (not shiny), or DM boots in a fairly shiny dark cherry colour. ETA also some metallic brogues, a bit fancy.

i have a nice white cotton shirt from Poetry, but I have no iron, or a soft grey blouse in very fine fabric with a tiny flower print which looks quite polished.

i have loads I could wear to actually do the job- smart enough for the environment while being practical for the job- it’s just the interview part.

The interview is quite soon so maybe I need to visit Tesco or primark or a friend (trying to think who might have something suitable). But the charity sounds awesome. Thanks for that suggestion.

Your welcome, hope it goes well @Holdinguphalfthesky.

Tu at Sainsbury’s have nice interview bits and M&S and H&M do basics. My last interview I wore a M&S stretch black knee length skirt and a blouse and black jacket and patent ballerinas (fit flop). I got the job so it worked.

I’d be tempted by the brogues.

The dress sounds fine. Do you need a jacket with it if it is going to be warm?

Your dress sounds fine. Borrow or buy a cheap jacket. Black Blazer probably.

Also don’t rule out the trousers. It’s chilly in SE London at present.

This is probably too relaxed but I’ve bought black blazers from H&M (can’t link from there) in the past:-

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/browse/women/coats-and-jackets/blazers/c:841884/?tag=tu:browse:plp:coats-and-jackets:m052:blazers

What is the industry Op?

There’s a nice black short jacket for £25 at H&M which would work and you can wear it for meetings and if you go out. Or a black blazer there for £32.99.

If it’s fairly formal I’d definitely wear a jacket. If you feel metallic brogues are too much you can get black ballet H&M pumps for £12.99. If you can borrow jacket and shoes even better.

https://www.peacocks.co.uk/4200270-black-plain.html

I’ve just seen your trousers. They’re very nice. I’d ironed and with nice footwear and blouse/shirt and jacket I think they’d work. Just ensure they’re ironed.

The brogues sound good
wash the linen trousers and add a double helping of fabric conditioner, it stops them creasing as much.

Jackets are usually the hard part - I'd go charity shop / friend / primary and buy some heels or smart flats and a pencil skirt (they seem to look better when cheap than trousers).

Can’t seem to copy link but jersey knee length pencil skirt in black from M&S at £20 is what I got. It’s perfect! Wore that to my interview.

H&M also have pencil skirts but personally I think the M&S one is smarter. Don't forgot black opaque tights.