Need Help Deciding What to Wear to an Interview - YouLookFab Forum

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Need Help Deciding What to Wear to an Interview

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I have an interview tomorrow morning. I'm just meeting with a recruiter for law firms in the area, so it's not for an actual position; however, since this person may be a go-between for me and a potential employer, I want to dress as I would for the office. Law firms tend to be fairly conservative in the dress code, so I don't want to wear anything too trendy...but I don't want to be nothing but another grey suit either. Below are a few outfits I came up with. I'd love to hear your input.

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Dressing

36 replies

Latest reply was from cjh

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I just finished sewing the navy slacks pictured in #4 and #5. I tried to hem them at PPL; however, it now looks like I don't have feet. Is that weird? Or ok? Should I shorten them 1/2" or so?

The Jacket in #3 looks nice from the front. I'm a little disappointed in the back view though.

The floral print on the blouse in #4 is probably too "twee."

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

#1!!!!

I like the structure of the jacket, the colour of the flowered dress, the cut of both on you, the practicality of the bag and shoes. It is feminine but also professional.

PS I still love your new short hair and this outfit will look even more fab with that accessory.

Claudia

Veteran

Love #1! You are beautiful and that's a great outfit.

Queen Mum

Veteran

#1... professional yet still interesting.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Amy, I'm all over #1. There's just something so "put together" with it and it draws me to your beautiful face and smile and makes me want to know more about you. I hope the recruiter does, as well. Hired!

Parsley

Veteran

I love #1, too.
For a situation where you need to be "safe" above all I would pick #3, but I REALLY love #1.

I wouldn't wear just a blouse without a jacket. It doesn't look as authoritative and professional to me.

Good luck to you! Crossing my fingers for you!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Totally love #1. It is conservative but has flair. I think it is perfect for a meeting to discuss potential positions. Lovely.

I also like #3 but the back is not laying flat as you mentioned in the follow-up.

I think either #2 or #7 would also look really nice with the black jacket from #1.

Good luck. I hope it goes well.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I love #1 and #6 is a close second.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone! #1 looks like a clear winner.

@dianthus, thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't thought of wearing that jacket with those other outfits, but now I'm excited to try.

Kyle

Veteran

I vote for 1, 3 or 6. Professional and polished while showing some personality and not trying too hard.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#1. No contest. Good luck!

Anonymous

Yay, I must be learning something because I picked number 1 before I looked at everyone else's comments! You look modern and confident. Good luck!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Amy --

I hate to be the voice of semi-dissent, but I'm really on the fence about #1 for the occasion (recruiter interview/law firm position).

I don't know if you're job-hopping vs returning to the workforce, but in this economy you may have more leeway with dress etc if the former. That "known quantity" thing!

So: while I agree you look great in#1 and it would fly no problem in my dressier business casual office -- and probably many law offices -- for an uber-conservative field like law I would want the recruiter to feel s/he could send you straight from the interview to talk to the firm. [Not that this is likely, but you know what I mean.] And I worry #1 might read a hair "flashy."

Personally I would have chosen #3 for safety but as you followed up the fit isn't right in the back...always the way, I swear.

Have you tried swapping in dress #7 for dress #1? I feel as if that might split the difference in terms of safe vs too Not Our Kind, Dear.

I know how nerve-racking this part of interviewing can be (still PTSD from trying to choose the right thing to wear to a summertime SoCal interview for a creative job in a semi-conservative industry...).

Whatever you wear, fingers crossed the conversation opens doors!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I vote #1 too

BTW: I love the skirt in #6. *drool*

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Can't offer outfit advice, but just wanted to say good luck with interview, Amy!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

You look spectacular in #1 - just amazing. If you're at all concerned with being more conservative though, then #3 is my second choice.

Good luck!

Freckles

Veteran

Here in the nations capital you couldn't get away with number one for an interview even with a recruiter.

I'm not sure about your market but I'd be better safe than sorry.

Why doesn't the jacket in three lay flat? Is it easily fixable?

Love number one but I wouldn't chance it.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I've been doing contract work for the past few years, but would like a more permanent position. Here's hoping

@ Freckles-- What you say is undoubtedly true; however, I'm in Seattle and the dress code is far more relaxed here than on the East coast. I'm pretty sure I'll be ok with the satin dress here.

As for the jacket's problematic fit: no, it's not an easy fix. I have a short upper torso coupled with a bit of a sway back. I would probably have done better buying a petite jacket, but it wasn't available. When I sew jackets, I almost always take a wedge-shaped cut out of the back pattern pieces to get rid of that. A tailor might be able to fix it by adding darts, but that would make a mess out of the style.

sarah

Veteran

1 is my fave, too, although I think that 6 and 7 would be very appropriate and stylish as well.

Joy

Veteran

Another vote for #1 as a fabulous choice. I also have the same problem with jackets and a sway back, although cardigans seems to even be worse to fit. I also like #5 but it seems too formal for this occasion.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I like #1 but I also like #5. You can try to pair trousers from #5 wit a Chanel jacket from #6.
In any case good luck tomorrow!

rakushka

I vote for #5. I agree with a previous poster that for a law office, I would go very conservative. I think other outfits are great for a typical office day and/or interview to a less conservative place, but anything to do with law I wouldn't take any chances.

Marley

Veteran

All of them are lovely, but for the situation, I'd vote #3, followed up closely by #1! Good luck!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree that 1 seems to hit the perfect note, given your profession and area of the country. I will say that I love the dress in 7 and the top in 5 (although maybe with a lighter pant?), and I hope you wear them for other occasions soon. Best of luck!

sopranomom

Amy, I had already thought of #1 as my fave and then saw all the posts echoing that thought. I work in a small law office in Seattle (legal assistant and sometime paralegal). This is, indeed, a casual part of the country. I think # 1, 3, 5, & 6 are all appropriate, but #1 has a little kick to it. Maybe it depends on what type of firm you're aiming for. Most importantly, best of luck to you!

Lantana

Veteran

Can't make a call on this as it's way out of my territory but I wish you success in the interview.
And I sympathise with the "wedge" out of the back scenario. There's no way I could buy a RTW jacket that would fit me at the back.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the help.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Good luck with the interview tomorrow Amy! I think 1, 3 and 6 are all great choices!

shipskitty

Veteran

#1 looks professional and has flair as well!

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