Good quality office wear

Pandoras Twist

Hey all,

I have a few interviews coming up and I need some suggestions for shops to buy decent interview clothes in. Budget is about 100/150. The people that will be interviewing me have mulberry bags and the likes so I'm a bit at a loss. I want something that stands out while still being very professional.

The likes of a-wear and asos own brand are out because the quality of the material is just awful.

I tried Reiss and I didnt like any of the clothes.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Linguo

Not sure what type of style you're looking for but Jaeger have 20% off until the 15th http://www.jaeger.co.uk/ and Oasis have some nice stuff!

Again not sure what you're looking for but:



or



or from Next there's a few bits http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/tailoredlooks/49/1

From Warehouse:



and more here: http://www.warehouse.co.uk/TAILORING/dept/fcp-category/categorylist?resetFilters=true

Again don't work in an office so not sure what you're after but I'm avoiding doing college work so thought I'd try to help:D

Pandoras Twist

Great Suggestions

I'd like a look that is classy but maybe has a bit of colour in it.

Is it ok to wear a work dress with a fitted jacket? I have a nice black workwear dress similar to the black dress in the second last picture

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/tailoredlooks/38/

I just don't know what to put with it. I would like to cover my arms for the interview

Linguo

Of course or even a smart cardigan could be nice and that would inject a bit of colour into it as well!

This is a cute jacket although may not be what colour you're after, I love colour myself just all the nice stuff seems to be darker!

Twee.

You could put a coloured fitted shirt under the dress if you wanted to add colour. If you go for a fitted jacket over the dress in the same colour, make sure it's the EXACT same colour. You know how two black things that aren't a suit might not be the same shade of black.

Or if you go with a plain white shirt and skirt/trousers, try find something with a little more flair than a normal button up, I love this one from Ted Baker link or this one from Jaegar link

I love wide leg tweed type trousers Mango and Asos.

Pandoras Twist

Linguo where is that jacket from?

The dress is already very fitted so not sure if I could fit something underneath it but I could definitely give it a shot, or try for some other shirt/dress combos.

Cheers!

Linguo

Hey there,

That jacket is from Oasis as well, looks quite cute compared to a lot of suit jackets!

dudara

Dress and jacket is no problem. I wear that a lot for work. Make sure that they're either an exact match or else very different. Alternatively, for a slightly more relaxed look, go for a cute 50's style cardigan.

In winter, I often wear a shirt underneath my sleeveless dresses. This means that I look quite smart but I don't have to wear a jacket in the office.

lainey316

What line of business is the interview for OP? There's plenty fancy bags and nice outfits around this office, but for an interview we'd expect a formal suit (which could be a work dress and jacket, I have a couple of such suits from Zara) - same as we'd wear to meet clients.

Pandoras Twist

It's in accountancy. I was mentioning the Mulberry to get an idea of the quality called for. Just that I wouldn't be able to show up in a cheap outfit.

I might bring the dress for a tour around town and see what I can get to go with it.

Zara, Ted Baker and Oasis are on the to do list.

I'm thinking a cardigan would be too informal?

lainey316

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

It's in accountancy. I was mentioning the Mulberry to get an idea of the quality called for. Just that I wouldn't be able to show up in a cheap outfit.

I might bring the dress for a tour around town and see what I can get to go with it.

Zara, Ted Baker and Oasis are on the to do list.

I'm thinking a cardigan would be too informal?

Definitely too informal. if it's Big 4, I'd very strongly advise a suit.

I got a suit jacket in H&M that matches a skirt I got in Warehouse, might be worth a peep in.

dudara

Hi Pandora - I work as a consultant for a Big 4. I wouldn't consider a suit essential if you have a compatible jacket & dress (no cardigan for an interview) but your outfit should be sharp and put together. For some people, it's easier to buy a suit as it just relieves the pressure of having to match items. If you do buy a suit, I'd recommend a skirt suit (it's immensely smarter than a pants suit) and try to buy the best quality that you can. (Natural fibres if possible, avoid cheapo polyester).

A good bag and good shoes are essential for a woman. They're a quick benchmark on a person (sounds awful, but scuffed shoes and bag don't reflect well - make sure to take all the price tags & labels off the soles etc).

Good luck with the interview.

Pandoras Twist

Yes it's big 4. I'm currently at panic stations.

With a skirt suit, would it be ok to wear black tights/tan tights. I always associate tan tights with old ladies but theres no way I'm going to go bare legged. Everyone thats come in to give the talks on the big 4 seems to have bare legs although they could be wearing tan tights and I'm just not close enough to see.

I'm thinking this outfit, providing the colours match.




Pink pinstripe shirt: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Pure-Cotton-Textured-Stripe-Shirt/dp/B003ZC91GY?_encoding=UTF8&categoryNodeID=42967030&node=70070031&mnSBrand=core&ref=sr_1_4&qid=1286918661&sr=1-4&rh=n%3A70070031%2Cp_10%3APink&page=

black tights


Possible Bags:

River Island:http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/bags--purses/handbags--clutch-bags/beige-ostrich-bag-593680

Warehouse:


Possible Shoes:

Faith: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_053010417760_-1?breadcrumb=Home~Women~Shoes+%26amp%3B+boots

Aldo: http://www.aldoshoes.com/uk/women/shoes/high-heels/80628382-liwanag/97



More suggestions welcome!

Twee.

If you go for tan tights I'd recommend the Marks and Spencers Bare Cooling Oil Look. They're lovely on. I don't wear fake tan but would feel confident wearing these for a bit of colour and smoothness.

dudara

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Yes it's big 4. I'm currently at panic stations.

With a skirt suit, would it be ok to wear black tights/tan tights. I always associate tan tights with old ladies but theres no way I'm going to go bare legged. Everyone thats come in to give the talks on the big 4 seems to have bare legs although they could be wearing tan tights and I'm just not close enough to see.

Bare legs in a professional environment is a huge no no. Tan/black tights, depending on the outfit, are recommended.

People may follow up and say "old-fashioned" etc - but believe me, you will be evaluated on such things.

EDIT: I like the suit - sharp and sexy, yet professional. Bag & shoes are very nice too. You're on the right track there. However, I'm personally not keen on the shirt. I prefer to have more individuality in my work outfits than a striped shirt. How would you feel about something like these...

lainey316

Don't panic, you'll be fine. They've selected you for interview, that's half the battle.

I'd go for black tights personally. It's cold enough now for tights! M&S do a nice sheer pair of tights in natural tan - not entirely invisible but decent. You'd probably be happier in black though.

God, I remember the skirt suit I got in Next for my graduate interviews - I hated it. I was so delighted to get something that fit I was happy when I got it, but after a couple of months in the job I hated it (my first client was awkward and made us wear suits every day, I only do so now for presentations or the first few days with a client or recruitment events.) I'm not sure that I've ever bought anything in Next since!

Really - you'll be fine. Best of luck!

littlemissdozy

Hi Pandoras twist
I attended an interview seminar from one of the Big4, and one thing they recommended was that girls should wear a suit at the interview. It always makes me think of it now when I see the outfits on The Apprentice.

Why don't you have a look in Debenhams or Next? They often have fairly reasonable suits and workwear. The suit that you have linked looks perfect, if you match it with a nice top/shirt - just make sure it's ironed and fits well under the jacket.

The other side of the coin is that they know you're a student, you're not epected to go in with a designer suit. That said, try and get the best quality of a suit you can. Avoid cheap polyester styles.

Personally, I prefer skirt suits as they can look smarter. I would definitely wear tights, again my preference would be skin tone. Marks or even Dunnes do reasonable ones, and they are usually well matched! If you go for the slightly dearer ones they look better. Try on the outfit with black tights, and if it works go for it!

And again a sensible bag, and smart shoes.

Good luck with the interview!!

dudara

lainey316 wrote: »

Don't panic, you'll be fine. They've selected you for interview, that's half the battle.

Quoth the truth... I've been involved in recruitment for my firm and trust me, even getting called for interview is an acheivement.

lainey316

The Faith shoes might be a bit much for an interview, save them for when you have the job - I like the Aldo ones, nice and simple. I'll admit though for an interview I'd be more conservative than in what I would normally wear. Also a striped shirt with a pinstripe suit sometimes just doesn't work, you'll need to try that on to be sure. I do like the suit tho, very sharp. Actually I'm nearly tempted by it myself - where is it from?

Massimo Dutti, if you can get to Dundrum, usually have lovely shirts, slightly softer than the M&S ones so a little more feminine.

Pandoras Twist

The suit is from Oasis.

I'll be doing some intense shopping over the next while. Will give Massimo Dutti a shot. Cheers!

Yeah I'd going to try get some plain back courts, the trouble is finding shoes that I can walk in that dont kill my feet (I have zero tolerance for heels)

littlemissdozy

Perfect. You should have no problem getting a pair that are workable. Just a suggestion, why don't you get a cheapo pair of pumps if you have a bit to walk to the office. Change into your work shoes round the corner from the building or a bathroom in a cafe nearby, and either stick the shoes in your bag or bin them!!

Shmatter

I always assumed you should wear a suit to an interview. I have a nice over the knee skirt suit from marks, once I get a job from it I plan to get it taken up that extra inch to make it more me!

Pandoras Twist

Dudara where are the blouses from? Theyre lovely!

dudara

Those examples are all from M&S - I get a lot of work tops like that. They're kind of casual with the jacket off, but look alternative yet smart under a jacket. It makes your look a little more unique.

Hermione*

Twee. wrote: »

If you go for tan tights I'd recommend the Marks and Spencers Bare Cooling Oil Look. They're lovely on. I don't wear fake tan but would feel confident wearing these for a bit of colour and smoothness.

I have these tights! They're perfect for an office look.

dudara wrote: »

Bare legs in a professional environment is a huge no no. Tan/black tights, depending on the outfit, are recommended.

People may follow up and say "old-fashioned" etc - but believe me, you will be evaluated on such things.

EDIT: I like the suit - sharp and sexy, yet professional. Bag & shoes are very nice too. You're on the right track there. However, I'm personally not keen on the shirt. I prefer to have more individuality in my work outfits than a striped shirt. How would you feel about something like these...

Dudara, I love your work style! Sounds very similar to my own In fact, I nearly bought one of those tops the other day, but they didn't have my size!

OP, I'd second Dudara's advice. Ibought a lot of my work pieces in the Autograph section of M&S. I find their cuts really good and they're not too expensive for work items.
The very best of luck in your interview!

Pandoras Twist

Shopping here I come!

Cheers!

Orlee

I'm finding H&M great at the moment ...I've gotten quite a few work dresses there recently. They wear and wash really well and I think they look much more expensice than the €30 I spent on them

kateof

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Hey all,

I have a few interviews coming up and I need some suggestions for shops to buy decent interview clothes in. Budget is about 100/150. The people that will be interviewing me have mulberry bags and the likes so I'm a bit at a loss. I want something that stands out while still being very professional.

The likes of a-wear and asos own brand are out because the quality of the material is just awful.

I tried Reiss and I didnt like any of the clothes.

Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Hi Pandora
I conduct interviews on a regular basis, and the suit you've chosen looks perfect, be sure the skirt doesn't ride up too much when you sit (you can always shorten it when you get the job!). If it's easy for you - add some little twist, like a funky but appropriate broach, or a smart neckscarf - just to make you stand out from all the other dark suits!! Also, studies have proven that women in the boardroom who wear lipstick and earrings are taken more seriously than those who go without, I know that sounds mad but it is absolutely a fact. Make sure your nails are well presented with a subtle colour and not too much length.
The single most important thing, is that you are happy that you are well-presented and FEEL COMFORTABLE and that the styling is YOU. If you do this you can forget about your appearance and concentrate on the interview and giving it your best shot. Go Girl - you'll be great

fe1ready

Hi,

Im a trainee solicitor and I find Hugo Boss suits are just the biz but they are very pricey. Ted Baker suits are allot more reasonable and good quality but you could just get the skirt/trousers and wear with a cheaper shirt.

Personally I think dresses are a big no-no for a 1st interview unless you're in retail/p.r etc. You can wear them to your hearts content when you have the job but maybe not for the 1st interview.

I have this weird/funny thing where I wear a trouser suit if i know its an interview with a woman and a skirt suit if its an interview with a man :pac: Just sayin :pac: Has worked every time :P That said I wouldn't wear a skirt that goes anywhere above the knee.

Celtise

Two years ago I interviewed with two of the big four in two days. Same outfit to both, not a suit but formal clothes I felt more comfortable and gave a bit of my uniqueness as well.

Feedback from first was I was not suitably dressed, though they said my friend who wore a baby pink suit was. Second said they thought I looked professional but portrayed my personality as well and stood out.

Pink suit girl got that first job and I got the second. Really glad in the end!

Pandoras Twist

In the end I heard back from all big four and number 5 too so now I have 5 interviews and 4 lunch/presentation things.

With two of them I have a lunch and then an interview the next day. I can't really wear the same suit twice can I?

Going on some intense shopping tomorrow, have been so busy I haven't had a chance

Celtise

My roomie has got all big four interviews as well and has two suits sorted (guys are so lucky!). One for the evening do's and one for the actual interviews as they are all on next week.

I'd say that if you can afford it then do or else just try to change a key piece or make the outfit seem difference. There is no guarantee you will meet the people actually interviewing you at the presentations though so if you really can't afford it don't worry too much.

Glad I didn't have to do all those interviews/applications for my big 4 contract (set up after a college placement) but I still know how hard it is so good luck!

dudara

Pandoras Twist - Congratulations!

As Celtise suggested - I'd buy several different tops and perhaps acccessories, so that the suits will look different for each interview. But there's no need for a new set of suits.

Getting there

Hi,

I hope its ok to hijack this thread. Im going for an interview next week too and have found some very useful advice in here.

But I'm interviewing for a position at a university not the BIg 4. So do you think I could go less formal? I mean less 'suity' and more smartly dressed?

To be honest Id feel a lot more comfortable in a pants not a skirt. I'm also very aware that Im being given a tour of the department early on in the day and will need to wear appropriate shoes. I have av comfortable nude pair of shoes with a medium heel. Would they look alright under a pants such as these?

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/tailoredlooks/22/1

Im not making much money at the mo so need to keep that in mind.

What would you suggest to wear with a pants such as this? I like the idea of wearing a colourful blouse instead of a shirt.

lainey316

I don't know much about academia (can be dreadfully stuffy at times) but I definitely wouldn't go for nude shoes for an interview... grand once you are in the job but better off with black for the interview. That's just my opinion.

Getting there

Thanks, il go get a pair of comfortable black shoes so. Hopefully they wont be too hard to find with all the party shoes out at the mooment.

Do you reckon a smart dark grey pants and blouse como would be professional enough? Its for a research position.

Maybe if I got a jacket too and if I felt too overdressed I could take it off? I have to give a presentation too you see so will be standing up in front of the panel for 15mins. This is why I want to feel v comfortable in what Im wearing, (am also very eager to find something which would conceal any nervous damp patches:o)

lainey316

Sounds good - though if you are presenting I wouldn't go too dramatic on the blouse, the presentation content and your presentation style shouldn't be distracted from by your clothing!

you'll always find comfy shoes in M&S as far as I know, or next, and ithink clarks already have a sale... I don't weat comfy shoes in work tho so not certain.

best of luck!

Pandoras Twist

It's always better to overdress than underdress so wear the jacket and take it off if the place seems more casual

1966

lainey316 wrote: »

Sounds good - though if you are presenting I wouldn't go too dramatic on the blouse, the presentation content and your presentation style shouldn't be distracted from by your clothing!

you'll always find comfy shoes in M&S as far as I know, or next, and ithink clarks already have a sale... I don't weat comfy shoes in work tho so not certain.

best of luck!

Yeah Clarks have 50% off certain lines which I am sure would include a black pair of comfy shoes.

Good luck

Getting there

Right, Iv had a chat with some guys in my university who would have been through a similiar process and the general consensus is shirt and chinos. So, a girls alternative would be.....?

I have bough a lovely wide legged pair of trousers...these
http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/tailoredlooks/4/1
I got them in a 12 as the 10 although fitted beautifully, was a little "look at my bumcheeks".

and some court shoes with a low heel.

Would a high necked black top inside a coral cardigan look ok with this? I dont want have an all black/grey outfit and thats just not who i am.