https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:58:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172953 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:19:04 +0000 viva 1172953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say good luck! You've got plenty of great clothing and interviewing advice here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172837 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:48:37 +0000 PamelaK 1172837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also in IT and do hiring; also agree with MaryK, Shiny and Suz. It is a necessary professional expense not unlike the plane ticket you might need for an interview in another state. Make sure you feel great in whatever you wear, and current glasses and hair go a long way in presentation. Good luck - may it turn out exactly how you want -&nbsp;and congratulations on your weight loss! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172794 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:07:20 +0000 gryffin 1172794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AT Lyn - congrats on the awesome weight loss!!&nbsp; that is just fantastic.&nbsp; You have a lot of super advice here and I won't repeat.&nbsp; I do second the suggestion to check out your ponte sheath dress.&nbsp; That would be a great interview piece is it fits - if it's too big I would reconsider.&nbsp; Also your knit blazers might make good toppers but only you can decide.&nbsp; You might want to check out eileen fisher pieces.&nbsp; She makes some nice suiting and it is fitted in the shoulders but it's supposed to have movement.&nbsp; Her pieces might be really good transition pieces while you are losing weight since they are made to have drape and flow.&nbsp; I bet you can find a lot on consignment and there are always sales.&nbsp; Also don't forget a fantastic bag and shoes or boots will fit at any weight and be good long term investments.&nbsp; Very exciting prospects.&nbsp; Good luck!!&nbsp; I'll have fingers crossed for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172761 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 18:51:23 +0000 unfrumped 1172761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What MaryK said.</p> <p>Not that you should go expensive, but that you just shouldn't overthink how much use, how versatile. I mean, it would be great if you can identify a suit that is more tailorable, but for me that's a tall order, when it's hard enough to find the fit and fabric and so on. And what you want is something that looks good now and gives interview-confidence.<br />So, go try on&nbsp; a bunch of things so you can see whether this gray suit vs that black or navy looks best--or if you get one matching thing and then a extra jacket or skirt or pants to mix it up for 2nd or 3rd interview. Go for a reasonable sale price or mid-range dept store brands as mentioned. <br />Consignment or thrift is fine if you have access and time, &nbsp;but if you're on&nbsp; a tight time schedule, you'll make more headway hitting up several dept stores in one weekend. If the sheath dress looks really good and business-like, then it would be worth finding a jacket to go over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172715 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 18:20:03 +0000 MsMary 1172715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like this is more of a "professional development" expense than a "clothing expense."&nbsp; I would spend what it takes to look appropriate and feel great for the interview.&nbsp; Maybe when you are finished with it you can consign/eBay it or pass it on to Dress For Success or similar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172657 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:30:28 +0000 rute 1172657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would buy a new suit. Later, you can take it to the tailor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1172654 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:28:43 +0000 VenusCow 1172654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Atlynn,</p> <p>To perform at your best, feeling good about the way you look is critical. I agree with Gabrielle, go consignment, second hand then you can afford to invest in a piece of structured tailoring, ie a jacket, and something you perhaps wouldn't ordinarily buy without it busting the bank.<br />As you are losing weight stick to excellent quality solid colour staples that give you the support/comfort combo, a tulip skirt shape to the knee works well on curvy girls. That way you'll get much more life out of pieces as you shed the pounds. Congrats on your success and keep going.</p> <p>Thank you for your lovely comments on my post.</p> <p>Shirley x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161857 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:34:18 +0000 shiny 1161857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't bother looking for the ideal suit that works for both interviewing AND with jeans and booties. Save that for when you reach your goal. In the meantime, you cannot go wrong with a conservative suit for the interviews. Yes, it's boring. But it's highly appropriate.&nbsp;</p> <p>It'd been 11 years since I'd been actively job searching so it was an adjustment to get used to a conservative style. But in retrospect it was definitely the way to go -- especially because conservative means nondescript which means you CAN get away with wearing the same suit over and over to multiple rounds of interviews. Just switch out the blouse, shoes, belt, and handbag and there you go -- a whole different outfit. Nobody will remember you wore that same basic conservative&nbsp;suit jacket before. Whereas they will remember the jacket that has some special flair or fashion detail&nbsp;to it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also be sure whatever you buy is comfortable to wear all day. Because interviewing is now a marathon event. You don't just go in for an hour or two, and come back again for another hour. They bring you in for hours and hours and&nbsp;interviews on end, all day long&nbsp;-- and repeat over multiple rounds. It is exhausting!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161850 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:21:43 +0000 ATLynn 1161850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You guys are the best.&nbsp; I'm getting a lot of good ideas.&nbsp; Unfortunately my current toppers are either too casual or too distinctive (blush faux leather, velvet, patterned, etc.) to get much use.&nbsp; I could pull together a few outfits for coffee, lunch, informal meetings, but not something I could repeat for an interview or feel like I own the place in.&nbsp; I'm going to have to invest in something, and am starting to lean towards getting a few great pieces that fit me now (even if they need things like sleeve alterations) and wearing the heck out of them while I can.&nbsp; It cannot hurt to up the ante on what I wear day to day. And this will make me feel better if I decide I'm not ready to make a move.</p> <p>DonnaF - Cross-posted on good return policies.&nbsp; I did not know this about Kohl's and will check it out as an affordable option.</p> <p>Angie_T - Another vote for Kohl's.&nbsp; Who knew?&nbsp; Off to do some online shopping, but will probably have to pop in store to try things on.&nbsp; </p> <p>Carter - I don't need a suit per se, but definitely suit quality business separates.&nbsp; I've been spoiled by causal lifestyle.&nbsp; I think that a black pantsuit and a grey dress or skirt will give me a lot of mix an match options with my current tops.&nbsp; And maybe another color or neutral structured blazer from consignment/super sale. </p> <p>Suz - I've been looking at clothing subscriptions as an option while I lose weight to keep things affordable.&nbsp;&nbsp; If I try Le Tote or another one, I'll report back to the forum.&nbsp; </p> <p>Shiny - Great advice, all of it, and thank for the tip about getting skirts altered. &nbsp; I'm also heeding your note about the jacket being more conservative than your style.&nbsp; I'm on the lookout for something that will look great as a suit but also work brilliantly with my jeans and booties.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161837 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:56:03 +0000 shiny 1161837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the weight loss! &nbsp;It's fantastic that you've lost 25 lbs already. How close are you to your goal weight? The closer you are, the slower the weight comes off, but also when you enter the lower range of the size charts, the less lbs it takes to flip from one size to the next.&nbsp;</p> <p>At any rate, for your upcoming purposes I think it's worth investing in some new clothes for the weight you are right now -- though maybe hold off on the Theory suit and go with something mid-range.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was at Lord &amp; Taylor's last month and they had a large selection of suits at decent prices &nbsp;-- Jones New York, La Suit, Tahari Arthur S. Levine, Ann Klein, Calvin Klein. There's also Ann Taylor, rather than Loft.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm also in high tech so the good news is that we don't necessarily need a matching formal suit. That said, I found it a good use of $ last year to invest in a 3 piece suit (jacket, skirt, dress slacks). I got mine from Ann Taylor. I chose black, 3-season wool. I went with black because a black jacket works with a lot of other items already in my closet, but YMMV. Having this 3-piece suit enabled me to mix and match for interviews. First interview I would go with the blazer+skirt. Second I'd go with the blazer+pants. Third interview, I could relax and wear blazer over a sheath dress. Or if I knew the interview did not require a suit (like for a startup) I could pop the jacket over gray slacks, or even jeans.&nbsp;</p> <p>I bought that suit last April and because I was interviewing quite a bit, I wore it many many times&nbsp;-- enough to justify the expense. I'm actually quite tired of that suit now. I'm still wearing the slacks for my new job, but have put the other pieces aside for a rest. Also, truthfully, the jacket is more conservative than my normal style.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm also an apple so I can say when it comes to tailoring and weight loss, skirts are worth it, because they are very easy to take in. Believe it or not,&nbsp;I've had skirts in a size 12 reduced down to a size 0.&nbsp;You cannot do that so easily with pants or jackets, without huge expense, or ruining the lines.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161834 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:48:32 +0000 Suz 1161834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, congrats on your weight loss!&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition to the ideas already offered, how about checking into one of those clothing rental options. For instance:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.letote.com">http://www.letote.com</a></p> <p>I don't have any experience with places like this, but it might be an idea.&nbsp;</p> <p>Otherwise, I'd repurpose the LBD and some of your knit blazers; maybe add a consignment or super discount sale jacket, and not worry about whether the pants match the jacket or skirt -- just get something "suit like" vs. a suit. And make sure your hair, specs, skin, and hands look fantastic. Oh -- and get a really great pair of comfortable shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161831 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:44:21 +0000 Angie_T 1161831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been dieting and going through weight loss wardrobe panic as well.&nbsp; I've found that jackets can cover a multitude of sins.....or blouse/tops that don't fit quite right.&nbsp; Especially if worn over a black top.&nbsp; You can also dress a jacket up or down.&nbsp; I recently found some good looking jackets at Kohls that I was okay with buying because I went into it thinking that if my weigh loss continues and I can't wear them any more in a few months, I didn't invest a lot in them.&nbsp; I bought a couple in nice bright colors and wear them over dark tops, dark trousers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161825 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:35:34 +0000 carter 1161825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you think you need to wear a suit? My husband owns an IT company. The sales and management&nbsp;candidates arrive in suits or dresses. The engineer interviewees wear slacks/skirt and top and maybe a blazer. Are your ponte and jersey dresses nice enough to dress up? Or will a couple skirts and a blazer work with your current nice tops? Losing another 20-25 pounds may put you out of tailoring range for whatever you buy now. It would kill me to drop big bucks on something I knew going in would only have a life span of a few weeks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161824 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:35:05 +0000 ATLynn 1161824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks!</p> <p>Gabrielle - You're probably right - I think I'm going to have to suck it up and purchase something.&nbsp; Maybe buy from somewhere like Nordies with a generous return policy?&nbsp; I'll check out consignment stores, too.&nbsp; I've never really done consignment shopping (I usually stalk retail sales), so it will be a new adventure.&nbsp; </p> <p>Diana - Another vote for consignment shops, so I'll have to check them out.&nbsp; I plan on losing another 20-25 lbs.&nbsp; When you take into account muscle gain from lifting, fat loss, smaller differences between sizes in the smaller ranges, and the fact that eventually some of this weight has to come from my middle, I think that will put me 2 and a half sizes smaller than I am now, vs. the 1 and a half sizes I lost with the first 25 lbs.&nbsp; But you never know.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161820 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:33:16 +0000 DonnaF 1161820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From what you have (dresses + toppers), how many do you have that are interview appropriate?&nbsp; If consignment stores aren't the best, I would shop at Nordstrom, Macy's, Kohl's, and any other place that has an indefinite return period.&nbsp; I always skewer the receipt on the hanger when I hang up the new garment so that I don't lose it in the event that I want to return the item.</p> <p>Congrats on your weight loss journey!&nbsp; I know it is hard to predict exactly where and when those inches will come off, and then when you think you have it all figured out, the weight will redistribute itself!&nbsp; :(&nbsp; And weight loss from a prior time is not necessarily a predictor of what will happen this time around.&nbsp; It seems that knits are more forgiving of weight fluctuations.&nbsp; I have also noticed that expensive clothes are also better that way, but I don't think you want to hear that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161813 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:19:17 +0000 Diana 1161813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think in your situation I would probably hit up some thrift or consignment shops and look for a suit that fits well in your current size. &nbsp;This does take more legwork though so I guess you have to decide whether the $$$ or the time is more important. &nbsp;</p> <p><div>How much more weight do you want to lose? &nbsp;I think you could probably get away with tailoring down a suit if it's only a couple of sizes. &nbsp;(But I'm not an expert so you might want to ask around just to be sure).</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161809 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:13:26 +0000 Anonymous 1161809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I ended up buying a new suit for my interviews. &nbsp;I only wore those suits for the actual interview itself. &nbsp;I hated the suits, but somehow, they gave me the confidence I needed to land the job. &nbsp;I considered them an investment in my future. &nbsp;</p> <p>One strategy that might help is to troll consignment stores. &nbsp;I have incredibly good luck buying good quality blazers at a fraction of the actual cost. &nbsp;I buy them whenever I find them and keep them in my closet for emergencies. &nbsp;It doesn't kill me if I don't wear them all that often. &nbsp;This approach may not work for you due to time constraints though and I understand your predicament. &nbsp;Let us know what you finally decided to do. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please---interview-attire-while-losing-weight-for-a-job-i-may-not-want#post-1161788 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 17:41:33 +0000 ATLynn 1161788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi - I need advice on how to handle an upcoming professional situation that I wasn't really prepared for.&nbsp; This is longer than I intended (over sharing?), so thanks in advance if you make it through to the end.&nbsp; <b>tl;dr version: what would you buy to wear to an interview for a job you<br /> might not want when you're in the middle of losing weight and don't have<br /> any business attire in your closet?&nbsp; </b>Any advice you have is appreciated.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Background: I've been losing weight slowly and have lost 25 lbs since August.&nbsp; I expect to continue to lose an average of ~1 lb per week for another 20 - 25 lbs.&nbsp; &nbsp; My loss comes in fits and starts, so sometimes I drop 2-3 lbs a couple of weeks in a row, and then go a few weeks with no change.&nbsp; All of this is good, but it has wrecked havoc on my wardrobe.&nbsp; I am apple shaped, and have lost a lot of my weight from my arms/legs, so I'm still big in the middle.&nbsp; I've gone from a 14/16/XL/0X to mostly a 12/14/L.&nbsp; For example, I wear a 12 in some generously sized clothes like Loft, but am still sized out of premium denim 32s.</p> <p>I work in IT, and my current workplace just switched from business casual to plain casual (jeans allowed everyday) so I have made zero investment in replacing my business attire while buying new clothes during my weight loss.&nbsp; I do not own a well fitting structured blazer; I don't even own a pair of full length black trousers. I have great jeans, cords, leggings, ankle pants, jersey dresses, nice knit and woven tops, and some causual toppers (knit blazers, faux leather blazers, bomber, silky moto) that work really well for both work and dressy casual nights and weekends out.&nbsp; My lbd is a ponte knit sheath that is almost too big but can be belted.&nbsp;&nbsp; I am willing to add some more formal pieces to my day to day wardobe, but they need to be versatile and blend with my casual lifestyle. </p> <p>Ironically, when I interviewed for my current job on short notice, I had to<br /> buy a new suit because I had <i>gained</i> too much weight and none of my<br /> jackets fit. I hated that jacket, only wore it a few times, and was frustrated that I spent the money on it even though it helped me land a great job.&nbsp; I've always planned on buying a great suit when my weight loss stabilizes for things like professional conferences, presentations, meetings, etc., but for now have been able to get away with the dressier end of my business casual options with a knit dress/skirt/blazer and dressy shoes.&nbsp; </p> <p>Now for the challenge:&nbsp; I am happy with my job, but an opportunity has come up that I'd like to pursue.&nbsp; A friend works for a large company that is hiring in my area, and I'd be a good fit for many of their open roles.&nbsp; It could put my career back on a leadership path that I put on hold a few years ago.&nbsp; I'm not sure I want to leave where I am, but it's an opportunity too good not to consider. Some corporate leadership will be coming into town in a few weeks, and my friend is arranging for a meet and greet that could lead to more formal interviews. </p> <p>How can I prepare my wardrobe for multiple business formal/interview situations without breaking the bank since these outfits will be short lived?&nbsp; I do not have a budget and can afford to spend big, but spending hundreds of dollars on something that will only be worn a couple of times hurts my soul.&nbsp; What would you stock up on in advance vs. buying a few days before to make sure it fits?&nbsp; Hit me with your expertise and best strategies, please.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp; </p>