What to wear for an interview

[Anonymous]

I have an interview tomorrow for a senior position at a financial services firm.

I am planning to wear a blazer, black top and possibly this skirt:

https://veronicabeard.com/cdn/shop/files/2602FL5630374_BLACK_MULTI_01.jpg?v=1766526209&width=1223

Is this too busy? Otherwise, I’ll wear a black skirt that hits my calf and a black and white top with a blazer. What do you think?

Also, is it ok to wear black pumps without stockings?

[Anonymous]

Either would be good. The embroidered skirt will definitely make you stand out, but it's gorgeous, so in a good way.

Hosiery: for some reason, there are weirdos on here who think they're outdated. Not so. They serve specific purposes:
1. Either you wear high-quality nude sheers that match your skin tone, smooth out any imperfections and make your legs more attractive.
2. Or you wear high-quality black sheers to harmonize with your outfit and as a bonus, slim your legs. But regardless, they have to be low denier, high quality. Buy several pairs so you don't inadvertently tear into a pair with a jagged nail or something. Handle with care.
3. If your legs look great naturally, you don't need to wear hose, of course.

[Anonymous]

I think the skirt is beautiful but too busy. I would go simpler. You really don't need to wear anything memorable - just classic and good quality. Definitely get a blowout so your hair looks great!

[Anonymous]

And no hose is fine!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the skirt is beautiful but too busy. I would go simpler. You really don't need to wear anything memorable - just classic and good quality. Definitely get a blowout so your hair looks great!

But sometimes memorable puts you front of mind if the line-up of candidates is really long.

[Anonymous]

It very much depends on who is interviewing you, unfortunately. Pretty skirt, though!

[Anonymous]

It’s a beautiful skirt but if you have to ask, I would play it safe and go with a solid black skirt..Good luck with your interview!

[Anonymous]

Why not a suit?

[Anonymous]

Beautiful skirt. Wear it.

[Anonymous]

No hose is fine.

The skirt is cute and i don't think problematic for an interview. However, the length is really tough and unless you're 5'10, i think this skirt length is going to be almost floor length and look really weird for the workplace. So that's my reservation on that.

Otherwise, this yet again proves that professional dressing for women is really hard in this day. It used to be that suits were standard. But women's matchy-matchy suits have basically gone extinct in the last 15 years. Most of the places still selling matching suits are lower end brands like Macys and some mall stores. eg here's the link for what comes up on googling "veronica beard suits"

https://veronicabeard.com/collections/matching-sets

With few exceptions, most of these are fun matching sets but not things you'd wear to a job interview. Women are now expected to have super style to be able to throw together a fantastic blazer with cool pants in a different color and call it work wear. Women going to senior level interviews aren't wearing a black blazer and matching skirt suit. The only people wearing suits like that are people right out of school. BUt it's really hard to figure that right balance for most women. Like, the VB link has some fantastic sets but do you show up to a senior role interview in a pink blazer and matching wide leg flowy pant suit? Not sure that's appropriate.

[Anonymous]

I am 5'10. It is not floor length on me. I went for the interview and opted for a black skirt with a similar length.

The interview went really well but they feel that I am overqualified for the position and offered me a more technical position for $100K more - seriously - but I don't want it.

I am looking to take a much lower paying position in a role I will not only excel at but also really enjoy. I am disappointed I may not get this position due to being overqualified. I didn't come out and say "I don't care about the salary - but I don't"."

We've done well with real estate investments, but I personally thrive on working hard and having the in-office connections.

I need to send a follow up email - any advice on what to include?

[Anonymous]

I love the skirt! I think it's great for an interview if paired with a conservative top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 5'10. It is not floor length on me. I went for the interview and opted for a black skirt with a similar length.

The interview went really well but they feel that I am overqualified for the position and offered me a more technical position for $100K more - seriously - but I don't want it.

I am looking to take a much lower paying position in a role I will not only excel at but also really enjoy. I am disappointed I may not get this position due to being overqualified. I didn't come out and say "I don't care about the salary - but I don't"."

We've done well with real estate investments, but I personally thrive on working hard and having the in-office connections.

I need to send a follow up email - any advice on what to include?

You got an offer -for a higher position with $100K extra- one day after asking us what to wear?

[Anonymous]

OP, I think you should ask re: what you should say in a follow up email on a separate thread.

[Anonymous]

That’s a beautiful skirt. I assume you are doing this but I’d make sure the remainder of the outfit is black/solid print. The skirt stands out enough on its own. Good luck!!