View Full Version : Need help with interview clothes
As you may have seen on my other thread, I'm beginning to actively look for a new job. I desperately need help with interview clothes. I don't have a lot of money to spend, and with my body type/size, the thrift shops have so little for me that shopping them is a waste of time.
I'm short - 5'5", 3X on top, 1X-2X on bottom (depending on garment). I've tried since the fall to find a suit. It's a no go, even with the very nice plus size department Macy's has. I'm short waisted. I'm very well-endowed with hips and a bit of a belly (my body went to pot over the year I was studying for my exam). Button front shirts are a no-no on me. I always have gaping issues, so I simply don't wear them. I much prefer pants to skirts as I have a very difficult time with pantyhose. I'd prefer to buy one good suit, have a couple of different shells, and mix and match.
Soft fabric tops work much better for me than crisp ones.
Pants length is an issue. Most petites have a 28" inseam, regular 30"-31". My inseam is 29"! >:(
I want a black suit. Fortunately, I already have good shoes and a good work bag/tote, as well as a nice Timex watch and a pair of simple earrings.
For my industry, super formal and dressy would be over the top, unless you were going for a really top level position. For what I'm going for, nice pants suit is fine.
I'm willing to order online. Thanks for your help!
Try Nordstrom, if you have one. They have personal shoppers and can do alterations for a custom fit, IIRC.
If your industry isn't super formal, perhaps consider buying black pants, a black or other neutral colored shell, and a high quality jacket that is a contrasting color or a print and make this combination your interview/super important meetings outfit. This might give you a whole lot more options because you can shop for the pants and the jacket from two different lines as opposed to trying to find pants and jacket from the same line that both happen to fit.
I use this approach (and I don't have the fit challenges you've encountered) because suits don't make me look or feel authentic. Instead I wear black pants with a flaming orange, silk, Jones New York jacket that I happened to find on sale. I feel fabulous wearing it, I think it makes me memorable, and it definitely fits my personality!
As for the inseam issue, you might just want to embrace the fact that having your pants tailored is a necessity for you and build that additional cost into your clothing budget.
Good luck!
rosarugosa
3-29-13, 8:56am
Tradd: You might want to try Talbot's. They have Women's & Women's Petite sizes, and they sell suit components as separates, so you can buy different sizes for top & bottom. Good luck!
My body type is different from yours, Tradd, but I also have a hard time fitting off-the-rack clothing and especially tailored items like button-down shirts or suit jackets. I have had better luck with an elegant black drapey cardigan worn over a knit shell in a pretty color or pattern. It's suit-like enough to convey authority and professionalism, and I can always add more structured shoes, bag, etc.
As for pants, I think it makes the most sense to buy them long and have them hemmed for a perfect fit.
AmeliaJane
3-29-13, 10:43am
Although I am smaller, I think I have a similar body shape to Tradd. Echo the Talbot's recommendation--many of the Petite Woman sizes actually fit properly on me, which doesn't happen with most styles off the rack. They also have some wrap blouse and side-zip styles that work (maybe with a strategic pin) where button-ups do not. Now, Talbot's is quite expensive (although the clothes are better made than many) but what I recommend is finding a Talbot's outlet. They mark everything down to a much more reasonable price. I have gotten jackets and dresses that fit perfectly for 60-70 dollars, and separates for $25-$30. I have also had days where I found nice things for $5-$10, on big sales (when things tend to be picked over). However, not all outlets carry the petite and woman's sizes--in our area, the actual outlet mall doesn't have them, but there is a standalone outlet store that does. So I would call ahead before making a special trip. Also, if you get on their mailing list, you will get a postcard when sales are coming up.
I also do the dress and nice sweater combo pretty often.
If you can work with a shopper at a nicer department store that would be ideal. They can really help you fit clothes and find items. I agree that the pants and jacket do not need to be purchased as a set so that gives you some freedom to find a good fit. I really like the petite pants with a side zipper and flat front as compared to a zipper up the front of the pants. It is a smoother look if you are worried about bulges and gaps. I have found those short enough for me (5'2") and I have a tummy softness that tries to escape on a regular basis.
I may be bohemian, but I like longer skirts without panty hose. Sometimes tights but those also make big lumps in the middle like panty hose. Not sure if that is an option to have a longer skirt, they have been hard to find for me.
I also am large-chested, so I know what you mean about knit tops working best. My new favorite dress outfit is a black sheath that I had altered to fit the disproportionate top/bottom thing and I wear it in winter with dressy sweater or casual jacket. In summer, I have a short-sleeved button up white top, that I wear over it and open (like a jacket.)
I would strongly recommend having this interview outfit tailored for a perfect fit. I know you like classic, so it should be able to work hard in your wardrobe for a long time.
Thank you for all the suggestions! I took a look on Talbots website and I really like their clothes. Many of their items are internet only, but there is a large Talbots store near me, where I'm going today so I can try some things to get an idea of their sizing and fit.
I had a wonderful shopping trip! :) I spent more than I had intended. The women's petite sizing was just what I needed.
They had a wonderful black and white jacket I wanted and intended to order online once I got home, but they're out of all but one or two sizes that aren't close to mine at all. But I was able to determine sizing from trying on jackets. So I ended up going with a very bright colored twill weave linen (lined) jacket - in fuchsia, which is a color everyone says I look great in.
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30564&rootCategory=cat70014&catId=cat80008&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70014
I also got a pair of their black fluid crepe pants that are side zip. I had a couple of pairs of side zip pants from the Gap back in the mid-late 90s and was very sorry when they didn't carry them anymore.
I got a basic black short sleeve top, with some pleating around the neckline.
This top in both black and red
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/category_landing_galleryview.jsp?id=cat80004&rootCategory=cat70014§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=&colorOverride=
And for Easter (in a month) and the wedding I'll be singing at/attending in late May, this dress in black and the shrug that goes with it. It's incredibly flattering.
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30426&rootCategory=cat70014&catId=cat80018&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70014
This was the jacket I wanted to get, but my size is long sold out.
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi30432&rootCategory=cat70014&catId=cat80008&sortKey=Default§ion=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70014
I got another wrap top, not patterned, in hot pink.
I really *did* need more clothes than just the the interview outfit, as I'll need dressier work clothes for another office. Current one is very casual.
Everything was 30% off. In the store, I got an extra 10% off, as I signed up for their rewards program. Online order got the 30% off and free shipping. I found the location of the outlet near me.
On a related note, I got some hair color and covered up my gray. I kept the same color (dark brown), but this brightened up my natural color AND covered the gray. Looks SO much different! :) Bought some bits at Target to fill in the holes in my makeup bag (foundation, lipstick, concealer).
I needed this pickup after the winter. Today was nice and sunny. I feel springy! :) I plan on getting a more "winter" blazer next fall.
Very classic. My boss used to have a bright jacket and it looked great. I personally think well chosen brights to highlight a look create a "different good" atmosphere during an interview. They seem to project confidence.
That sounds so nice and pretty and refreshing! I am so happy for you. Isn't it funny when you do one thing for appearance it energizes you for much more. I am sure that at work they will see a lot of your well-earned confidence and sparkle! I know I liked coloring my hair with a few grays for the longest time, when it is only a few gray hairs it is not generally that pretty and using color made my hair overall shinier.
Yeah!
rosarugosa
3-30-13, 5:46pm
Nice choices, Tradd! Talbots may not be the cheapest, but their stuff does tend to be quite classic and my clothes last a good long time. They seem to be running deals like the current 30% off pretty frequently these days (I know they are struggling), so I almost never buy anything from them for full price any more.
Sounds like you made some really nice choices. I've loved everything I've ever had from Talbots....even thought I got them 2nd hand. I'm afraid to step in an actual store of theirs afraid I'd just go wild and spend about three years budget in one fell swoop.
So glad you had a nice day and did some things for yourself.
I love Talbots- the consignment store I frequent has a pretty good selection. The clothes really wear well- even picking up stuff used (and I don't know how many seasons they went through already before I buy them) I still get 3-4 years anyways before they start looking a little worn (too worn for work, ok for weekend wear).
Today's frugal--a vicarious shopping adventure courtesy of Tradd! Good stuff, and I hope you can add that black and white dobby jacket to the mix.
Today's frugal--a vicarious shopping adventure courtesy of Tradd! Good stuff, and I hope you can add that black and white dobby jacket to the mix.
That's funny, Jane! :) Unfortunately, that jacket is sold out totally in my size. Doesn't exist period in any stores. :(
It's a great thing to look and feel good about yourself. I love that linen twill jacket, and I'm glad you got it. Here's my best advice/worst vice: I try on stuff at the expensive stores, note the brands that I want, and get them used on ebay. I actually get much more variety this way than what's available in the stores, plus get the items waaaay cheaper. The "vice" part? Watch out, ebay becomes an addiction! I love Talbot's cut and quality, and a quick check on ebay reveals over 60 items under "Talbot's 3X petite" and 90 items under "Talbot's 2X petite." I always read the description and materials under the listing, and look for near-100% satisfaction ratings on the sellers. I have seldom been disappointed by these clothing purchases. Also: I could only dream of being as tall as 5'5".....I'm on a first-name basis with my alterations lady, and it costs about $10 to have a pair of pants hemmed.
I actually did look for the jacket that's out of my size on eBay. Nada. :(
I'd check eBay. Here's a cute one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/224-NWT-DRESSY-SILVER-TWEED-JACKET-BLAZER-24W-3X-/130866097079?pt=US_CSA_WC_Outerwear&hash=item1e783a2bb7
You can put exactly what you want on your watch list.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/209-NWT-WALLIS-WOOL-PLAID-CAREER-JACKET-22WP-22W-Petite-3X-/140938193649?pt=US_CSA_WC_Outerwear&hash=item20d0922af1
ETA: Oops--two posts that crossed in the night...
Tradd your shopping trip sounds just like the thing you needed! Some frisky new clothes, that's great!
They sound like perfect choices.
I love Talbots, My very favorite jacket EVER came from Talbots (bought new there, but likely on sale.) I wore it until the lining was in rags and considered having it re-lined. Can you believe that I found one 1 size too small at GW years later and I didn't buy it!!!!??? AGH. even if I couldn't fit into it, and I go up and down in sizes, I still would have had it in my closet to worship.
My thrift store rule is: do not buy anything that doesn't fit RIGHT NOW. That one was worth an exception.
Also, I do buy Talbot brands at GW. Less so now that I'm a bigger size, but when I squeeze down a couple of sizes there are more choices of Talbot items at GW.
I think I have a couple of thrifted Talbot's items. Good quality.
Every once in awhile I thrift something I'll probably never wear for one reason or another just because I like looking at it. Like a wonderful red tonal print crepe skirt that reverses to black and red polka dot. Maybe I'll make a lampshade out of it; it's divine, anyway.
jennipurrr
3-30-13, 10:07pm
I actually did look for the jacket that's out of my size on eBay. Nada. :(
If you don't go ahead and buy it through Talbots you can save your search on ebay and they will search everyday and send an email if one is listed. I lost my very favorite pair of ballet flats and put a search for them...it ran for two years and FINALLY a pair came through in my size. I was overjoyed and so happy to have them again.
Tussiemussies
3-30-13, 10:46pm
Sounds great Tradd that you found just what you needed and had a lot of fun. I like Talbots too, their clothing is really high quality.
Good luck in looking for a new job... Christine :)
OMG, you can do a "watch" list??? Excuse me, everybody, I have to get over to ebay now!!
Life_is_Simple
3-31-13, 12:21pm
This is a very uplifting thread! :)
catherine
3-31-13, 12:42pm
Very classic. My boss used to have a bright jacket and it looked great. I personally think well chosen brights to highlight a look create a "different good" atmosphere during an interview. They seem to project confidence.
I agree! I typically dress in a very understated way--black and tan. BUT when I go out into the field on research, and clients are going to be attending, I do the opposite of Tiger Woods--where he wears red on the last day of a tournament, I wear read on the first day of fielding research--but for the same reason--to project courage, confidence, and command.
This is a very uplifting thread! :)
And here's some more info about "new threads" on this thread :)
Whew! I just flew back from ebay (and are my arms tired)....sorry I don't know how to post links (can somebody here explain it to me?) but on ebay:
1) "Talbots cascade-drape cardigan 3X" Basic black, about $45 total, with a little spandex for a flattering fit. I would wear this instead of a structured suit jacket, with black pants and a bright top, like:
2) "Red Stretch Tank Top 3X" (I think it was Talbots), about $10 total, cotton/spandex blend
3) "Talbots Woman Versatile White Button Front Cardigan 3X" About $30. LOVE the button details
And, finally, I ran across
4) "Talbots Reversible Hooded Trench Coat" tan/red. I know you're not looking for a coat; just thought it was too cute not to share.
P.S. here is my wardrobe strategy: 1 black jacket and pants that match, that look good, that I love wearing. Ditto in brown. A few print tops, with a mix of black and brown (and any other colors OK, too, just be sure black and brown are in there), so all tops go with both outfits. Anything else is frosting on the cake
I wore the black and white rose print wrap top and the black pants to church today. Compliments every which way I turned, along with "how much weight have you lost?" :)
Compliments every which way I turned
Oh, cool, doesn't that make you feel great?
I wore the outfit to work yesterday. I don't know what stunned the coworkers more: the hair color/no gray, the fact that I was wearing full makeup, or that I had very nice new clothes! :)
Someone actually asked me if I had a job interview (it's a pretty casual office), and I said no. Frankly, I don't consider the outfit dressy enough for an interview!
I received my order from Talbots today. :)
The pink linen jacket fits like a dream. It's FAB to have something that fits me so nicely. The tops I got all fit well and look great, aside from one wrap top I'm not to sure about. I'll get a another top or two and a pair of cropped pants for the office for the summer.
Tussiemussies
4-8-13, 11:14pm
I received my order from Talbots today. :)
The pink linen jacket fits like a dream. It's FAB to have something that fits me so nicely. The tops I got all fit well and look great, aside from one wrap top I'm not to sure about. I'll get a another top or two and a pair of cropped pants for the office for the summer.
Great Tradd that you are happy with most of your purchases. Talbots clothes are such great quality... : )
Did you get the red and white flower wrap dress?
Did you get the red and white flower wrap dress?
It's not a wrap dress, but I did get it - in black and white.
You won't believe it - the black and white dobby dot blazer is on sale for $89 (was $189) and suddenly my size became available! :) You can be sure I'm ordering it! I got another pair of the black pants on sale, too.
Oh good--I liked that jacket!
rosarugosa
5-24-13, 7:49pm
Good score Tradd. I have to admit that I bought that jacket myself. I got a deal, but not as good a deal as you are getting. Good for you!
Rosa, glad someone else has it, too! :)
My black and white jacket arrived yesterday. Fits wonderfully. Looks great. :)
Definitely confirms my thinking that I need hip/above hip length jackets.
A friend from church who has lost some weight has given me three pairs of black pants and a winter top. I still need to try them on. She said if they don't fit to just donate them.
Tradd: I hope the pants fit!
I think clothing is a tricky area in terms of finding the right balance. It is clear to me that your expenditures were money well spent, and it sounds like you are always prudent with your finances. I think it simplifies life to know you have the right clothes for things like interviews, important meetings, special occasions, and really even just for everyday life. It can be stressful trying to pull together something to wear and not having what you need in the closet. On the other hand, it's really easy to go overboard, and one can have similar "don't know what to wear" issues when faced with too many choices, and there are space/organization issues that go along with an overstuffed closet. When it comes to clothing, I'm definitely in the "too much of a good thing" camp.
Rosa, the two pairs of black pants from my friend *do* fit. They can be washed, too, no need for dry cleaning like my Talbots pants. I was incorrect in my earlier post. Two pairs are black, one is grey. Since all my bottoms are black, I will have to see if I like the grey pants. I'm not particularly fond of the color.
Wore the black and white blazer to church today. Everyone loved it.
Rosa, these *have* been money well spent. I had very little in the way of "professional" clothes. The office is very casual. Corporate moved out (to a nearby building) in February. Newish GM thinks that desk level employees shouldn't have to pay for dry cleaning and such. He happens to prefer jeans himself. I like to dress comfy (I don't own jeans, too stiff for me), yet look neat.
I've had a lot of friends wondering where my great new clothes are coming from. Today a woman who is getting back into the job market (after not doing anything but student teaching for a year, for family reasons) asked me flat out what my items have cost, as she badly needs interview clothes. When I told her, she choked. One thing that I couldn't get her to understand is that I'm paying for the Talbots plus petites sizing. My friend can fit into standard sizes. I told her to go to Kohls. I don't think I've bought anything full price from Talbots. They've all been at least 30% off.
...
I've had a lot of friends wondering where my great new clothes are coming from. Today a woman who is getting back into the job market (after not doing anything but student teaching for a year, for family reasons) asked me flat out what my items have cost, as she badly needs interview clothes. When I told her, she choked. One thing that I couldn't get her to understand is that I'm paying for the Talbots plus petites sizing. My friend can fit into standard sizes. I told her to go to Kohls. I don't think I've bought anything full price from Talbots. They've all been at least 30% off.
Thrift or resale/consignment shops, and discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx are excellent resources for high quality clothing. Macy's has good sales, too. I've seen Talbots at thrifts and bought them at discounters. And there's always eBay. Word to your friend.
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