Dress me for an interview that's not in the fashion industry

[helenahhandbasket]

I'm working FT but also elbow deep in job hunting.

Little backstory-- I'm an almost 35 yo single mom and I work in the fashion industry.  I have never worked in any other industry.  Even my college intership was at a fashion house, so I have probably a warped sense of what's OK to wear to work (as I have never worked anywhere with a dress code and it's pretty much anything goes).  I wore a knee length pleather pencil skirt to the interview that got me my current job 4 years ago, for reference.

Annnyyyyway.  I work in NYC but live in the 'burbs, and since my situation has changed, I need to be making more money at a position closer to home, so I am looking and welcoming any and all opportunities.  It's super last minute, but I have been working with a recruiter and they talked me into interviewing for a company that handles benefits for union workers (would be in account maintenance and general customer service).  I have no idea what I am supposed to look like.

I do not own a suit.  I might have one pair of black dress pants that may or may not fit and I do have a blazer, but it's not the same color as the pants (it's cobalt blue with a printed lining).  I think I have a plain black sheath dress, but it's sleeveless.  I have a (not pleather) black pencil skirt that I can wear with a button up shirt, but are they expecting a suit?  Is that formal enough?  I am sure I am overthinking this.

[helenahhandbasket]

Mar 4, 2015 16:05:26 GMT -5 privacy said:

Can you pair the blazer with the dress?

I thought of that-- but the dress is a knit- it's ponte.  And the blazer is a woven suiting material and might look weird.  I will try that combo on tonight though-- thanks.

[2chatter]

You can also try the button down under the sheath. Depending on cut, sometimes works.

[helenahhandbasket]

Mar 4, 2015 16:30:23 GMT -5 2chatter said:

You can also try the button down under the sheath. Depending on cut, sometimes works.

That's a good idea.  I will try that!

[k3am]

Pencil skirt, blouse and blazer could work if you kept the blouse neutral.

[twinmomma]

I think a blazer is fine instead of a full suit. Although, I work in marketing so it's a bit more trendy with what we expect people would wear, if that makes sense.

[CurlieWhirlie]

It totally depends on the industry — my first thought was that a pencil skirt and button-down is plenty formal, but of course that's coming from the San Francisco tech industry. If you're interviewing somewhere a bit older and more conservative you'd probably want to go with a blazer if you can.

Good luck!

[lynn0514]

Mar 4, 2015 16:41:27 GMT -5 k3am said:

Pencil skirt, blouse and blazer could work if you kept the blouse neutral.

This was my first thought too!

[sept07b2b]

What about the dress or pencil skirt with a cardigan?  Often times a cardigan can double as a blazer, especially with a dress.   

[Deleted]

Mar 4, 2015 21:01:16 GMT -5 sept07b2b said:

What about the dress or pencil skirt with a cardigan?  Often times a cardigan can double as a blazer, especially with a dress.   

This! Especially if you wear heels and accessorize!

[mellym]

I just wore a dress with leggings (freezing cold here). I don't think women need to wear a suit. Dress or skirt seem dressy enough but it definitely depends on the industry. The managers interviewing me were in business casual.

[librarychica]

Mar 4, 2015 16:41:27 GMT -5 k3am said:

Pencil skirt, blouse and blazer could work if you kept the blouse neutral.

I interviewed at my current, extremely buttoned-up company in a similar outfit. I was finishing up grad school, didn't have a suit and didn't have enough notice to run back home and borrow one from someone.

I also think a nice cardigan over the black sheath dress and heels would work. Good luck!

[CoverGirl82]

I vote for the pencil skirt, blouse, and blazer! I have typically worn dress pants or a pencil skirt, blouse, and blazer (doesn't match pants) to interviews (for HR positions).

[callmeKD]

good luck! let us know what you wore.

[akafred]

In my industry a blazer and dress pants or a pencil skirt would be totally acceptable.

[mustardseed2007]

I would wear the blazer rather than a cardigan.

Pants or pencil skirt, blazer and blouse. Done.

If the pants and blazer don't match it might not work when interviewing in some situations but in the position you are describing I think it would work -- I know law firms, for example, would expect the lawyer to wear a suit rather than a blazer and pants (in general at least) but I don't think you have to worry about that here.

[Deleted]

I was taught that the NYC area is a bit more traditional in interview attire and that the proper attire is a skirt suit. If you don't have that then I would do a blazer with your skirt or over the dress. The cardigan is not formal enough.