I might be a stay at home Mum who works from home but there are still occasions where I have to attend interviews. Finding the right interview outfit is crucial. As a Mum I like to choose an outfit that I can use again for other situations. However, I still need to choose an outfit that gives a good impression. Here are my tips for choosing an interview outfit;

• Avoid bright colours if you are feeling nervous. It is always best to play safe and wear dark colours that also give a more professional feel. A bright colour could prove distracting.
• Before your interview day have a trial run. This sounds obvious but it is something we often forget. I recently had an interview for some work and when I put my outfit on in the morning I realised that the shirt was a little sheer. Cue much panic as I tried to locate a slip to wear underneath it. If I had followed my own advice I would have had a stress free morning before my interview.
• Check that your clothes feel comfortable and don’t look too tight.
• If you wear jewellery make sure that it is discrete and doesn’t detract from the overall outfit.
• If you are wearing new shoes make sure that you have broken them in. You don’t want to be hobbling into your interview!

I have put together three interview outfits that will have you feeling confident in any job interview and that you will be able to wear again.

Marks and Spencers

1) Knot front Midi Skirt £33 2) Faux Leather Mock Crocodile Skin Boxy Shoulder Bag £39.50 3) Triple Strap Court Shoes £29.50 4) Silver plated ball stud earring set £8.00 5) Flap front checked shirt £29.50

This outfit is elegant and practical. The skirt is a flattering length and comfortable to wear. It could also be dressed down for the school run with a polo neck and a pair of ankle boots, with thick tights. The handbag could be used to dress up a casual outfit or even be used on a night out. The shirt would also look lovely with a pair of skinny jeans as would the shoes. The shirt and the shoes both work well together to give the outfit some personality whilst not being overpowering.

Boden

1) Fearne Slouch bag £139 2) The City Shirt £49.50 3) Chelsea Trouser £59.50 4. Vienne Mid Heel £99.50

The bag might be a little on the pricey side but it will become your go to bag. It can be used with any outfit and is perfect for busy Mums who have to carry with them a multitude of objects. Would make a great weekend bag with jeans, it would also fit in your gym outfit or even nappies. A white shirt is a staple for any wardrobe and this one has a fitted shape that allows it be dressed up or it would look equally fantastic on the school run. Put it with a pair of jeans for a more dressed down but still very chic look. The trousers are a must. They can be dressed up for an evening out yet they are so comfortable they can be worn during the day with a bright jumper. Very flattering look for the school run.

Ted Baker

1) Neoprene Ottoman Dress £149 2) Large Bow Jelly Pumps £50 3) Neoprene Suit Jacket £159 4) Eyeliner Striped leather cross bag £229

Yes this is a pricey little interview outfit but it is worth it. Firstly the dress. Every wardrobe needs a staple black dress and this should be it. Perfectly fitted it can be dressed up with heels for a night out. You could also wear a polo neck or white shirt underneath it. The shoes are undeniably cute and quite a good price too. This could be added to a 50s style outfit, think flared dress or swinging skirt. The shoes would also look adorable with a pair of skinny jeans. The jacket could be used for a nice weekend outfit if you were wanting a smart casual look. Pair it with a pair of black jeans and a white t-shirt or even skinny black trousers.

Remember that in an interview it takes 2.2 seconds for the interviewer to make up their mind about what they think of you. First impressions really do count. Choose your outfit and go get them!