Question on Business dress.

[diabeticman]

My wife has an interview on Tuesday with a company. They said business professional but my wife has never worked anywhere so formal. Beside home health she has worked in places of business. So she has some nice skirts and pants and tops. will that work?

[elleng]

1. examples:

[diabeticman]

2. She doesn't have a business jacket.

[elleng]

3. Neither do all of these models,

but these should give her ideas.

[diabeticman]

4. Thanks I will show her

[noamnety]

5. I would get a jacket for the interview.

They're pretty cheap at thrift shops. The last one I had to buy was either 99¢ or $1.99 at salvation army.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. For an interview she probably should have a jacket.

In general one should err a bit on the side of formality for a job interview. A jacket shouldn't cost too much but avoid one that doesn't fit well.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

13. What I had to do

to get a business jacket that fits: go to the large size dept. and get a 16 since I have big ribs and shoulders, and then have the sleeves hemmed up two inches because I am a petite. When you're at the intersection of "large size" and "petite" things get weird.

Because sizes are so insane, I don't think 14s and 16s are all that big. That's more like "normal women".

[AwakeAtLast]

15. OMG, I thought I was the only one!

I worked my behind off, literally. I lost 65 pounds. So proud of myself. Could I find clothes to fit me in the 14-16 area? Nope. And 18s were too big.

I kind of gave up. Back into 18s, but I want to start over. Hopefully this time I can get past it.

[Texasgal]

6. Skirt and a nice top

or slacks. No jeans or t-shirts. Decent looking shoes. They do not have to be heels.

Good luck to your wife!

[trof]

7. And no cleavage.

[Texasgal]

10. LOL! never!

No cleavage or other "peeps" either. IE: wear proper undergarments as well!

[Dont call me Shirley]

9. Black and navy are "power" colors, as in elleng's photo.

[Texasgal]

11. I agree.

Black or navy works. Red or hot pink not good. Stick with neutrals.

[Major Nikon]

12. Business professional is one step up from business casual

Business casual still means no jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. Khaki pants would still be OK, but not for business professional.

For a guy it's pretty straightforward. You'd wear slacks, dress shoes, a belt, a tie, and a jacket or sweater. So think in terms of the female equivalent. Dress shoes, slacks or a nice conservative skirt, and a nice and conservative top. Some type of scarf could dress it up a bit, but wouldn't be required. The same goes for a jacket.

[KT2000]

14. here is a hint -

my sister started work with state government as a file clerk. She dressed professionally(jackets with skirts or slacks) even though the other people who had similar jobs did not. When it came time for promotions, she got them. Of course she had other skills but she signaled by her clothing that she wanted to move ahead. Things like that are noticed.

[Major Nikon]

17. Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have

[Enrique]

19. what if I want to be a porn star?

[dolphinsandtuna]

20. I was told that too.

Never err on the side of too casual if you want to advance in a conventional professional situation. On the other hand, in IT you should probably interview in your pajamas

Do think about the suggestion to borrow a jacket. If she gets the job, she can always fork out for clothes. Thrift shops as noted also are a good resource. Some places also have recycling clothes organizations specifically to get business clothes to people starting out in professional jobs.

[AwakeAtLast]

16. Jacket for the interview

Find one any way you can. I have borrowed clothing for interviews before.

Skirt, low heel dress shoes, some places flats are ok.

Has she been to the place to see how the other employees dress?

[angel823]

18. use the "three piece" rule

One of the pieces does not have to be a jacket, or can be a looser more comfy jacket\sweater.

Blouse, scarf, skirt
Blouse, scarf, pants
knit shirt, comfy sweater or "soft jacket", skirt or pants

I get away with using tshirts from target, etc. under the "soft jackets" I have, as long as I don't take the jacket off during the day.

And, as mentioned above - more formal for the interview; dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Angel in TExasperated