Interview - what to wear

[kaytieeldr]

This dress http://www.hsn.com/products/liz-lange-ultimate-mitered-striped-maxi-dress/7300649 (teal and navy stripes) with a matching long-sleeved jacket;
This dress http://www.hsn.com/products/liz-lange-so-soft-sweater-knit-ultimate-maxi-dress/7442252 in charcoal;
Or this skirt http://www.qvc.com/Denim-&-Co.-Knit...X.product.A234305.html?upsh=1&sc=A234305-CSWB (black and white tropical print) with a long-sleeved black sweater?
The HR manager told me they're really casual, but I know to dress professionally for the interview. It's been five years since I've been on one, and I don't want to blow it at least not on something seemingly so simple.

Thanks in advance!

 

[goofystitchfan]

I like the 2nd dress lol.... with some chunky necklace and earrings

 

[Carina]

Not a fan of maxi dresses for a work situation.

I would go with a knee length or dress pants.

Maxi dresses seem like vacation wear not interview wear.

 

[mcd531]

They're all pretty, but IMHO, I wouldn't do a maxi dress or a tropical print skirt for an interview. I would go with dress pants (or a straight knee length skirt) and a nice blouse.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, all i have for slacks is black knit straight-leg pants. Think that will be okay with the a sweater? And no shorter dresses .

 

[cassandrap83]

They're all pretty, but IMHO, I wouldn't do a maxi dress or a tropical print skirt for an interview. I would go with dress pants (or a straight knee length skirt) and a nice blouse.

Totally agree 100%

Wear the black knit pants you said you have along with a sweater, or cardigan set.

 

[disney1990]

I like dress number 2. I only dress in long dresses and long skirts so that is all I have ever interviewed in. I don't agree that they are vacation wear, I think they are more modest.

 

[Handbag Lady]

The second dress is appropriate. Wear or carry subtle accessories.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I do no think longer dresses are always "vacation-like"

I DO think the first dress, and the tropical print skirt DO look more like resort like, but that second dress you posted looks professional and would be nice.

 

[acebatonfan]

I feel like dress number 2 might be the most appropriate out of the three choices. It's a lot easier to be on the safe side and dress more conservatively (no bare shoulders, skirts and dresses at least knee-length, avoiding large and obnoxious patterns) than risk realizing that you dressed too casually.

I also second the suggestion of wearing the black pants with the sweater.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, so so far it's the black pants with a sweater (going to look for one not black first) or awhat looks like a cardigan and blouse but is really one piece, followed by the gray dress.

 

[dislaney]

Okay, so so far it's the black pants with a sweater (going to look for one not black first) or awhat looks like a cardigan and blouse but is really one piece, followed by the gray dress.

My first choice would be the black pants and cardigan. The second dress would be okay also. Good luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OP, are you 6ft tall and thin? If so, I would go for #2. Maxi dresses do look good on a slender tall build.

My last interview I wore black pants and a knit black/white shirt.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not even close to tall and thin, Mystery Machine . Thanks for the tip!

 

[shortbun]

Not a fan of maxi dresses for a work situation.

I would go with a knee length or dress pants.

Maxi dresses seem like vacation wear not interview wear.

I concur. Wear the maxi once the job is yours.
Do you know who is interviewing you? What about the position? is it sales, clerical, degree required, physical, medical?? I think you should dress for the job but in an upgraded way. I would not wear anything that called attention to my clothes unless it's a fashion or maybe a sales job. Nice skirt, pretty bouse and a jacket with great shoes. Modest jewelry.

 

[Cupcakey78]

IMO, none of those outfits are appropriate interview outfits. They are good for once you have the job, but not when you want to make the perfect first impression.

When you say black knit pants do you mean like leggings or yoga pants?

 

[Happy Snowman]

IMO, none of those outfits are appropriate interview outfits. They are good for once you have the job, but not when you want to make the perfect first impression.

When you say black knit pants do you mean like leggings or yoga pants?

I was going to ask the same thing. I think black knit pants would be worse than the maxi dresses.

Even if the office is casual, proper interview attire should still be worn. Get a pencil skirt or actual dress pants and a jacket/blazer. Knit pants and a cardigan are just way too casual for an interview.

 

[ronandannette]

Not even close to tall and thin, Mystery Machine . Thanks for the tip!

I'm 5'0 and curvy; trust me - flowing maxi's aren't flattering, not to mention you'd likely need to have it hemmed so it doesn't drag on the floor. (And the colours of the striped dress and skirt are off-putting.) Are you planning to shop for something? If so, I'd agree with those who recommended a knee length skirt. It's a versatile piece you can wear lots in the future and probably will appreciate having in your closet. Good luck - come back and let us know how it goes!

 

[Art 1]

None of those choices are appropriate for an interview.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Not a fan of maxi dresses for a work situation.

I would go with a knee length or dress pants.

Maxi dresses seem like vacation wear not interview wear.

They're all pretty, but IMHO, I wouldn't do a maxi dress or a tropical print skirt for an interview. I would go with dress pants (or a straight knee length skirt) and a nice blouse.

I agree, the dresses are nice but it looks like youre going to a beach. its not appropriate for an interview.

Okay, all i have for slacks is black knit straight-leg pants. Think that will be okay with the a sweater? And no shorter dresses .

Blk pants with a sweater is much better than a tropical skirt or maxi dress. EDIT: knit pants? As in yoga pants? Scratch that. Thats not appropriate. In this case i'd wear the 2nd dress if you dont really have dress pants. But i'd invest in a good pair of dress pants. Black goes with everything.