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Fashion Emergency!

shiny

Veteran

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't been around lately, I still lurk. I have a Fashion Emergency and need your advice!

I have been invited to interview tomorrow and I only just got the agenda. In it, it says "We are a business casual attire company. No suit necessary."

What do I wear??

It has to be already in my closet, as I am not running out to the mall in the 11th hour… I had planned on a black pants suit (AT) with paisley blouse, black booties (the only ones with a heel that work with these particular slacks) …. do you think it's okay to still wear this? I do feel confident in it, maybe that's all that matters…

I've been spending so much time on research and prep, I don't have much brain cells left right now to apply to this challenge, so please give me your advice, opinions, and suggestions!

Urgent

40 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Your planned outfit sounds nice. Can we see pictures?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think your suit sounds fine; can you change the topper for a cardigan instead of your blazer?

Anonymous

I'm sorry to disagree with Lyn. No cardigan. work pants with a more realxed top ( anything other thn the traditional button down), contrasting blazer and nice pumps should do it.

shiny

Veteran

Probably won't be able to get pictures, at least not until later, sorry! It's just a regulation black pant suit from AT, three season stretch wool. The blouse is blue paisley l/s from BR last season. I have other blouse options but I did a test run yesterday and liked how this one worked.

Anonymous

and I'm sorry about the typos. I would just change the matching blazer for the suit, to another blazer in a color that goes with the top.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Since they specifically said suits not necessary, changing it up a little is a good idea IMO. I like the idea of a non-matching blazer, or a more statement-y top with the suit pants and heels. A cardigan could work if it's on the more formal end of things and looks more like a jacket, but some cardigans just are too... it's not even that they're casual, they just don't look interview-y.

dustt

Veteran

you can't go wrong with the suit - but add a "pop" top and maybe some interesting shoes - to take the suitiness out of the suit!! -

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Zap. Good luck!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Ah; I thought the challenge was to go suit-less My error.

unfrumped

Veteran

Those are great ideas and of course it depends on what's in your closet.
Since you are doing the suit then you would try to see what items still look great with it but take it down a notch from predictable suit ensemble. Probably defined as not classic, since the jacket and pants are full-on classic.
Could you show the blouse and any other top options? Scrunch the sleeves of the jacket, perhaps? Take a not-matching handbag that is somehow more edgy or funky than classic but still grown-up.

Makrame

Veteran

I like the idea of the mismatched jacket and pants - definitely less formal than a traditional matching dark suit.

Good luck!

Diana

Veteran

I'd probably do what Zap suggests and go for a mismatched suit. Probably keep the black trousers and swap out the jacket for a different color. Make sure the blouse + pants works on its own; that way if you feel too stuffy/formal, you can ditch the jacket.

pil

Veteran

No suggestions, but good to 'see' you and good luck with the interview!

shiny

Veteran

I'm rustling through my closet and my options

I could swap out the black pants for charcoal gray pants instead; that'll work with the paisley blouse. Those have a shorter hem so that also opens up my shoe options too. It's cold here so I probably want booties, not pumps. Oooh… I could wear my blue suede booties! Those go with the paisley blouse!!!

I also have a pair of slacks with fine herringbone type pattern… could go with the black blazer… I think those would be too busy with a paisley blouse. I could go with a white blouse and red pumps..

shiny

Veteran

Unfrumped - I will definitely scrunch and display a peek of paisley sleeve!

karymk

Veteran

Wear the planned outfit. Just because they are business attire doesn't change the interview attire protocol too much. You can use the suit but wear a knit top underneath, and a more casual shoe or bootie.

celia

Veteran

Hi Shiny, nice to see you.
The last two outfits sound very nice to me. Do you have any preference for those ones?

pil

Veteran

The charcoal pants and blue pumps sound great.

Susie

Veteran

I like your ideas on the options with different pants. Do you have a simple sweater (rather than traditional blouse) that you could pair with the herringbone pants and blazer? If not, the gray pants and blue booties sound nice.

Since they specifically said a suit isn't necessary I don't think you should wear one. Attire can be one of those things used to judge 'fit' and, right or wrong, you could be seen as not fitting in to their more casual environment. Some could go so far as to believe that you don't follow directions!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Outfit sounds fab, Jennifer - black jacket with non-matching trousers. You're going to look great and be confidant. Good luck.

shiny

Veteran

I tried it all on, sorry no one here to take pics. I don't know, something seemed "off" to my eyes. The pant suit slacks are cut differently than the others. Or maybe it is the suit jacket which is too classic for the other pants? I just feel frumpy in those combos.

Regardless, I think I am either going to just go ahead and wear the suit, or I am going to go with a dress + blazer combo.

On the job (if I get it) I'd be wearing jeans or sweater dresses, I am betting and from what I hear about the company.

It's just frustrating because I've seriously curbed my fashion budget for a long time now, first because of kids in college, more recently because I knew I was going to wind up laid off. As soon as I land a job, I'm going on a major shopping binge! The only thing I bought lately was this dang suit!

shiny

Veteran

Susie, I am thinking you are right. This company is apparently all about "cultural fit." I feel like this is a test.

I'm leaning towards dress + blazer, but I have a couple other options picked out. I will give myself plenty of time tomorrow to get dressed, and to decide which I feel most confident in!

I will wear the pants suit at next week's interview - that one definitely requires a suit.

Mochi

Veteran

(I'm not asking you to confirm this, but it would be funny if this were a rather large tech company with the initials MW. Yes, they are pretty casual there. Not me but I know loads of people who work there. Best of luck with the interview!)

shiny

Veteran

Nope, that's not it!

More I think about it, more this is just silly. Business casual is so vague and broad. I have worked at startups where you could wear shorts and flip flops, and that was business casual.

Reality is, I've always been more comfortable being slightly overdressed no matter what the code is. I think I may just run with my original plan, maybe add in a fun, non-stuffy accessory. I can always take the suit jacket off.

Actually I am tempted to just wear my F21 cropped pleather moto jacket instead of the suit jacket, to funk it up. I'd totally do that if this was an interview with a startup. But it's not a startup. That's why it's so confusing.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Dress and blazer sounds like a good compromise - but do wear what you feel confident in. Do you have or can you borrow a handbag in a really funky out there colour or a statement necklace to wear.

The cropped moto could be a good option too.

Good luck!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Dress and blazer or follow Zap's advice. They probably don't realize the tizzy they sent you into and were only trying to alleviate stress for anyone who may not have a suit option. Wear what you are confident in and it will not be an issue either way. Good luck!

shiny

Veteran

I do have funky bags but I've learned with interviewing that a certain bag I have works best, because it is big enough for a folder and notepad, and even an iPad too, to keep copies of resume, and my list of questions to ask, and all that. If I keep that in a folder I carry in addition to the handbag, it's too much to juggle and I am apt not to feel very graceful in that crucial moment when you have to rise up out of the chair in the reception area, to shake the hiring manager's hand. (Yes, I've dropped everything all over the place).

The bag I'm using - I got it at H&M!! For like $10!! It looks great.

viva

Veteran

I think you should wear what you are most comfortable in. That will allow you to perform best in the interview, and that is what will matter most. And since you are comfortable being on the slightly overdressed end of things, I am sure you'll be fine with what you choose.
That said, there are plenty of ways to loosen up a black suit, with sleeve-scrunching, funky jewelry, or that moto jacket. I'd probably start with your planned outfit and make slight adjustments rather than starting all over.
Good luck!!!!

Anonymous

Shiny, I would leave funky for when you actually get the job. I much rather look generic in a suit that covered up in a lot of flair. That is just going to distract them from seeing YOU and what you bring to the table.
I am heavily involved in recruting for my organization. The average folk does not get "flair" in this context. Trust me, I am always advocating for the ones with the riskier wardrobe choices, while my colleagues go WTH!
Sorry, pleater moto jacket does not sound like a great idea to me. Wear the suit with a less formal top and call it a night. Best of luck tomorrow.

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