Dress: Asos Curve (in straight sizes here & here)
Shoes: Chie Mihara
So, I’ve been a busy beaver these last few weeks, applying for jobs and attending interviews. Honestly, it’s not something that I enjoy (does anyone?!) as I’m a creature of habit, and change makes me anxious. But I’m holding on to my mantra of “Change is a good thing” and trying to listen to everyone who’s told me that by and large redundancies just lead to bigger and better things.
I’ve been fairly restrained in terms of buying things, but because I sold almost everything in my Great Big Ebay Sale (thank you to any readers who bid, by the way!) that I thought I’d splurge on one, good, interview-appropriate frock, since my wardrobe is fairly thin in the business-wear stakes.
I’m not really a “suit” kind of girl, and to be honest most of the roles that I’ve been applying for haven’t been suit-y kinds of jobs anyway, so I thought rather than shelling out hundreds for a pantsuit I’d buy this batwing dress from Asos since it was the sort of thing I’d probably wear anyway.
I bought it in my usual size, but ended up having to send it back for the next size up, so if you’re between sizes I’d definitely recommend sizing up.
The dress is fully lined, with a wide boatneck that forms a deep-v at the back.
It’s one of those dresses that gives the illusion of volume, while actually being quite fitted and shapely. The wonderful cuffed kimono sleeves do more to downplay a substantial bust-line that any minimiser bra I’ve ever tried.
The skirt originally came with a thigh-high slit up the front, that I deemed “not-interview-appropriate” and went at with my sewing machine. Because the fabric has a little stretch it’s still fine for walking in, but the skirt has retained the lovely tapered shape that lengthens my body.
I teamed it with black pumps, and the Braun Buffel Compendium that was gifted to me recently at an industry event. It’s a gorgeous luxury piece that smells of high quality leather and helps make me feel like a professional (even if I’ve got Star Wars stationery, and a novelty pen on the inside)
I kept my accessories to the bare minimum, but added these “jacket” earrings which are stud earrings with feature backs that follow the curve of your earlobe – you can chop and change the jackets with different studs for different looks, and they’re my new favourite thing.
Earrings: Lovisa
You look fabulous! Love this dress, looks wonderful on you!
Thank you!
I’d hire you!
LOL, thanks Toni! I can bake! And sew! I’m eminently hireable, right?
you look professional, but add some colour please! 🙂 fuchsia shawl, turquoise pendant or bangles, something “shiny”. then you will look more “you” and still very professional and stunning!
huuuuuuuuuuge HUG (and hey… this is a good year for finding a job of your dreams, I told that myself – found one, I told that to a friend – she’s got one 😉 now, I am telling you – just give it some time!)
Thanks Lena. Everyone keeps telling me that the redundancies that happened to them or their partners ending up being the best thing down the track. I just have to decide which road I want to walk down now!
Hi Lilli, you look lovely. That dress looked nowhere near as nice on the website – so well spotted! Sending you loads of luck and hoping a wonderful job comes your way soon. I think the blusher and lippy is heaps of colour… but then again I’m from Melbourne! Siggy xx
Thanks Siggy 🙂 It’s definitely a very Melbourne outfit, isn’t it? I was so happy when it arrived, and it looked how I thought it would. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when online shopping!
Oooh you look fab (and utterly hirable, natch). I may have just bought the dress based on you looking smashing in it. Thanks for the tip on sizing, v helpful.
Yay! Great! I hope you love it too, Ida 🙂
I’m sure I will. I’m slightly concerned since it’s polyester (WHYYYY, Asos, WHYYYY?) but I’m willing to give it a shot.
You look great! Very professional and with enough individuality to be memorable! I think the best advice about interview dress is to wear something that you like and feel comfortable in so that you’re not self-conscious and pulling and tugging at bits of clothing all day. Seems like you’ve cracked it! I’m sure you’ll make a great impression on all your interviewers. PS – can we see a pic of the Star Wars stationary and novelty pen? 😛
LOL, thanks Catherine! Fingers crossed – though GETTING the interviews has been the hardest part so far!
You look GORGEOUS in this! Normally I shy away from kimono-sleeve stuff, bc it makes me look like a head on top of giant boobs, lol. But you make it look heavenly, so maybe I’ll rethink that! (I’m 5 ft 2, with a 38 F chest, so maybe I’m still too short?)
Ha, yes I know the feeling! Well, I’m 5ft 4 with a 34F chest, so you might be OK!