Interview capsule help/need a suit? - YouLookFab Forum

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Interview capsule help/need a suit?

Kari

Veteran

So this month, after a long time fearing I'd enter the job market coming off as desperate and miserable, I finally feel like my work-life balance has settled to the point where I can really make a positive impression and market myself as a strong candidate. But it's been 3.5 years since I hit the interview circuit, and I need help. I've gained weight since the last time I interviewed and am debating whether I need a skirt suit; I don't want to invest a crapton of money as I'm also losing weight, but want to look professional and polished. Most of my favorite skirts right now are structured pencil skirts, but are knits, and therefore I don't think they would work except in a casual interview. So where should I look for a wont-break-the-bank curve-friendly size 14 or 16 suit? Second, I have a potential that MAY lead to an in person interview in a casual design environment. Could I play with something similar to one of these outfits for that type of environment? (With solid hose of course.) Any other ideas? I'm excited but kinda nervous to get back in the game, but am looking at anything coming my way as an opportunity to learn.

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33 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Liz A.

Veteran

I have interviewed a LOT, and in my experience a suit was not always necessary. However, it does depend. I never interviewed in an extremely corporate arena, just non-profits and universities. That being said, you could easily get a black jacket and turn that skirt into a skirt suit.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I think either of these outfits could be totally great for an interview for a place that's more casual/designy. They're covered up enough but show you're up to date and wear shapes that flatter you. Of course, I haven't had a proper interview in years and I live in Silicon Valley, where wearing anything other than jeans is getting fancy, so take my input with a grain of salt.

Thistle

Veteran

Okay, I am a corporate controller (accountant). So, understand that this is coming from a conservative field in corporate America.

Buy a suit. Buy a "good" one. Doesn't have to be designer, but quality shows, especially as you have such a short time to make a good impression. Talbots makes good, boring suits, you can dress up with a pretty shirt, necklace or pin.

My company is business casual. We make parts for heavy industry and car companies. I still expect interviewees to be in a suit and so does every department in our organization. Even college kids interviewing for internships are expected to be in suits.

This is probably not the case for dot coms or other places like universities. But where I work, suits are just expected when someone interviews.

Susie

Veteran

Kari, may I ask what field you are in?

I work in HR so I do a lot of interviewing. And I understand where Thistle is coming from. But my take is different. Personally, I have not worn an actual skirt suit to an interview since the one I bought when I graduated from college (and I am now 51!). In a conservative field (law or banking) or a conservative company, a suit is still your best bet. But you can look equally 'put together' without two matching pieces.

Of the two looks you pictured, I prefer the second one as the peplum top is designed to be worn out over the skirt and appears a bit more finished, where the first could read as "just" a blouse over a skirt.

Within a casual design environment, I think something more creative than a matching suit is actually preferable. One of the most important take-aways from an interview is "fit" so your attire should demonstrate that you fit their culture.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I always cringe when I think of buying an outfit *for* a particular reason so I'm not going to encourage the suit unless you truly want one. I think #1 is lovely but it is a little bold in pattern for someone to be looking at you for an hour or more (my eyes are sensitive to certain patterns though)- could you add some type of jacket to that one? #2 is a great outfit and I love that color on you. Do you have a blazer that would work with #2? I was thinking white or a deep navy or black.

Anonymous

I think one should err on the side of caution. I would not wear anything but a suit, unless you are in a very creative field.

Check Ann Taylor, LOFT, New York and Company and BR. They have some sort of promotion going on all the time. My mom is a size 14, with a very similar body type to yours and she finds the most amazing corporate attire at the stores I mentioned above. NY and Co usually has a suiting collection.

http://m.nyandcompany.com/mt/w.....8;un_jtt_v

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I like #2 and am not sure if a true suit is necessary or not. I work in food & beverage, so a suit is way too OTT for my needs, yet I bought one anyway (!) with the idea that I could break it up and that I would have it as a backup in my closet for if/when I could use one. (I found a great, less conservative one at Express, but not sure their sizing)

Kari

Veteran

Susie, high five! I'm actually in the same field as you; I'm being a little obtuse about it as my current employer is unaware that I'm searching. Most of my industry experience has been in a bus-cas corporate position, though my current job is in the casual end of that spectrum. Thanks for your seasoned perspective; I do see your perspective, but I also tend to err on the side of caution; I'd rather be slightly overdressed than slightly underdressed, but not veer in an extreme in either direction. Does that make sense? Anyway, your thoughts (from all of you) give me good ideas to mull over. Thanks!

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm going to side with Thistle on this one, but for a slightly different reason because I also agree with Susie. Here's my thinking on why you ought to consider spend a bit of money on a basic, flattering suit:

When in doubt, a suit with a pretty-colored top and nice shoes is a no-brainer interview outfit. If a job opportunity opens up in a more conservative company, you won't have to ransack your closet trying to pull together a sort-of suitable alternative. Less stress and anxiety puts you in a better frame of mind for the actual interview.
The structured jacket over your softer skirts or dresses is a perfect way to interview at a more casual company. The same goes for wearing a cardigan or knit jacket with the structured skirt that comes with the suit. Again, less stress and anxiety.
Even after you get the job, you can pair the suit jacket with jeans or pants for a great casual work outfit, or wear the skirt with a blouse as you've done in the pictures. If you buy with an eye to wearing the pieces separately, that suit can be a core part of your work wardrobe.

As for spending money if you are losing weight, a good suit can be altered to fit a smaller size quite easily. You have some time now to source out a great-fitting, curve-friendly, suit in a flattering neutral that makes you feel professional and pulled together. If you've been out of the workplace for a while, that's exactly the confidence builder that you need when you stride into the interview. Consider this suit an investment in your future.

Kari

Veteran

Gaylene, thank you. That was kind of my line of thought too. I bat for Team Dressy and so an excellent pencil skirt and blazer, broken up, would easily translate into my wardrobe. I've not had good luck with Ann Taylor or Banana Republic for skirts lately, though love them for tops. Hmm. Maybe Talbots?

deb

Veteran

I vote # 2 and think it will be fine. It looks professional and put together.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for a suit!

Gaylene

Veteran

Kari, I can't be much help on where to find a suit but I firmly believe that suits are like boyfriends--you have to keep trying until you find the right one. I wouldn't settle for a so-so partner, nor a so-so suit. But, at least with suits, you can have them altered by a tailor; partners aren't quite so malleable.

Kari

Veteran

Gaylene, right on and high five for making me laugh. I needed that!

Susie

Veteran

*my lips are sealed!*

I certainly understand your desire to want to be more dressed up. And I certainly agree with the others' reasoning as well. And you can let your creative, stylish side shine during the second interview!

Good luck!

Inge

(website)

Great suggestions from the other ladies, Kari, I vote a suit too:-)

And I wanted to wish you all the best of luck with the job hunt!! Any employer would be lucky to have you!

rachylou

Veteran

Did we settle on a suit? Because I think #1 is a little, well um, eye-searing for an interview. And #2 I think is too feminine - bows, peplum, and shine. I have to admit when interviewing, I want people to look serious and button down. No clothing flare getting in the way.

hedgiehog

Veteran

Kari, I've been reading the responses to your query and I won't repeat what all the fab ladies have said.i happen to work in banking and wear a suit every day. I don't know where you live but if you can locate a Kasper store or outlet they always have great suits and suit separates. Sometime you can find them at Macy's too. Other brands I have had success with are Tahari and LeSuit. They fit my curvy shape well. Best of luck to you.

rute

Veteran

You can buy a suit and after loosing the weight you can take it to a tailor!

catgirl

Veteran

Well, I am interviewing for a new job as well - next week - and I have NO clue what to wear, nor do I own an actual complete suit that is not blackwatch plaid or galaxy print.

I will be following along, Kari - but I know from experience that your sartorial sense is impeccable.

Kari

Veteran

I actually JUST scheduled a face to face interview tomorrow at a casual firm-Yikes! May have to start a 2nd thread when I get home asking for ideas.

Krista

Veteran

I'm in public education and I do a lot of interviewing as well. Outfit #2 on its own or a little dressier would be just fine in my line of work (not to mention that it also looks great!). A suit is not necessary in my line of work, but a professional appearance definitely is. Good luck in your job adventures!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the more formal route. Regardless of the position, I doubt candidates are penalized for being too formal but think it likely that they are for under dressing. Also, there are often more senior people on the board conducting the interview. I would consider a sheath dress and jacket but a skirt suit would be good as you can break up the pieces and a straight skirt is easily tailored down as you lose weight.

You can still add interest with accessories and wear a brighter navy or other favorite color (although blue is gorgeous on you).

ETA: I forgot to add the good luck. It is really nice to see you posting and I hope you find the perfect job.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the interview, Kari!

That's fabulous.

Meanwhile, back to the suit question. I am going to come at it all in a completely different way.

1. Do you want to work at a place where a suit would be expected for an interview (if not as actual work wear)? If so, that's one good reason to buy a suit!

2. Do you see yourself enjoying or using a suit post-interview (either broken up or as is?) If so, that's another good reason to buy a suit!

3. Or, on the other hand, would wearing a suit feel horrible to you? In that case, perhaps you should not only avoid the suit -- but avoid the job or even the interview for the job!

4. Whether the dress code is conservative or informal -- take note of your feelings as you prepare. Does dressing for the interview feel a little bit fun, or like an interesting challenge? Or does it feel fraught?

I guess what I am saying is, I agree that it is important to dress for the company's culture, and want to add that here, dress is a metaphor.

If you can enter the interview, confident that you know what to wear to make a positive impression, then there's a good chance you'd feel comfortable with the company's culture over the long term. If, on the other hand, you feel completely ill at ease and awkward about what to wear, there's a good chance this is a sign that the place is not a great fit for you.

You don't want to wrestle yourself out of shape to work there -- any more than you want to wear clothes that don't fit or flatter your body.

I also think there are many different kinds of suits. There are conservative and corporate looking suits and there are suits with a lot of fashion flare. (And there are conservative suits worn with flare, which I'm sure you can manage better than anyone!)

Personally, I think a suit would be a great investment. It may or may not be possible to alter it after you have lost weight. But so what? If it's not possible, then you can donate it to DFS and feel great!

Anonymous

Kari, I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling strong enough to get out there and interview. That's really good news.

My two cents: Banana Republic's outlet store (IDK if there is one near you) has some incredible 2-way stretch twill pencil skirts, but I have not seen them on the website. They are almost as form fitting as a knit, but they have the structure of a woven. I'll bet they have blazers in the same fabric too.

Whatever you end up wearing, you will no doubt look confident and incredibly stylish. Good luck to you!

Sarah A

Veteran

Any words I might come up with pale in comparison to Suz's well thought out commentary. I like suits for interviews (they make me feel confidant and comfortable) But then I like wearing jackets etc just in general. Since you said you are on Team Dressy I bet you do to I hope you have a great interview, congrats!

Aida

Veteran

I have no tips, but I am cheering you on from the sidelines! I hope you land a fabulous job worthy of your talents Kari

Kari

Veteran

Thank you, guys.

I am going to poke around Nordstrom to see what I find. One option that I'm keeping in mind is buying a plus size skirt/jacket set - Sejour has some good options - if that proves to be a better fit, as I'm on the cusp right now. Thanks for the reassurance that I can always tailor down if needed later on - I have never got a suit tailored before, and I honestly forget about that being an option.

As I mentioned a little earlier, the phone interview this afternoon turned into an invitation for a face-to-face with two company owners tomorrow. I get the impression that it's a close knit, work hard-play hard environment that's on the casual side, so I think worst case scenario I would be OK with a knit blazer. But we'll see what I can find tonight.

There is also a double-weave pencil skirt & jacket set in navy blue at Talbots that looks good, though I'd have to order it.

I honestly feel silly being caught unprepared - I literally just started sending out applications this week, and didn't anticipate that I'd have any responses so soon!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I really love your outfit #2 (gorgeous, and totally agree with earlier comments in this thread saying it reads a bit more formal/dressed up than #1) for a casual and/or design interview.

In terms of a curve-friendly suit - Jones New York has some reasonably priced suits that work for curves and (imo) look nicer than their price, if that makes sense.

http://www.jny.com/Womens-Suit.....lt,sc.html

I would pair this pinstripe jacket:

http://www.jny.com/Pinstripe-1.....riantColor

with this skirt:

http://www.jny.com/Platinum-Pe.....tColor=JJ3

or these pants:

http://www.jny.com/Platinum-Qu.....;variantCo

It's not an exact match (ie. pinstripe jacket with plain skirt or pants). That said, there are lots of matching jackets for the plain skirts/pants on the JNY site as well.

Meanwhile, in this circumstance - I'd likely want to try the Nordstrom personal shopping service. E-mail them, make an appt. after work tomorrow or as soon as you can, specify your sizes, a round-about price range and perhaps one of their personal stylists can have a bunch of stuff all picked out for you to try on? I haven't yet tried their personal stylist services yet myself, but if I were in your situation - I would just book an appt. It might be a real time-saver?

Good luck! I'm excited for you and hope you find a mini interview capsule ASAP.

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