Internship interview fashion advice for full-figured lady

[Seven_Costanza]

Hello!

I'm a plus-sized woman and I find that suit jackets are incredibly unflattering on me. I am extra busty, and although I've gotten alterations they look super bunchy on me. Instead, I tend to wear sheath dresses with 3/4 sleeves in professional settings like conferences or with clients, but I am wondering if that would be too casual for internship interviews.

Am I overthinking this?

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[deleted106747]

Can you wear a suit jacket over a sheath dress?

 

[PsyDuck90]

I have a similar problem. Do you button the jacket? I've learned that I can't button them or they look bunchy, but unbuttoned they look fine and just as professional.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

Can you wear a suit jacket over a sheath dress?

It's the suit jacket that is the problem. It makes me look frumpty dumpty whether worn over pants, skirt, or dress.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

I have a similar problem. Do you button the jacket? I've learned that I can't button them or they look bunchy, but unbuttoned they look fine and just as professional.

If you all think it could work against me to wear a simple professional black sheath dress, then I suppose I can do this. I would just feel much more comfortable without all the extra bunchiness. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[psych.meout]

Maybe you could find something to wear at Art Vandelay's Discount Jerk Store.

 

[biscuitsbiscuits]

I don't see a problem with a professional black sheath dress with a blazer (this sort of thing: Google Image Result for http://i.imgur.com/hx3lGmi.jpg)

Actually, that's basically my look in every interview. I feel sharper and more put-together in dresses than in suits. It may sound like such a minor thing, but it helps me interview better. So my point is, as long as it's professional (and maybe get visual confirmation on that from someone you trust), pick the outfit that makes you feel sharp and confident. Suits are default but not a rule. You don't need to be dealing with bunching when you're crushing it on an interview!

 

[WisNeuro]

Maybe you could find something to wear at Art Vandelay's Discount Jerk Store.

This joke is a bit of a deep dive for most people.

 

[PsyDr]

This joke is a bit of a deep dive for most people.

Just checked, they’re all out of you.

 

[deleted106747]

It's the suit jacket that is the problem. It makes me look frumpty dumpty whether worn over pants, skirt, or dress.

I think the suit jacket could be worn unbuttoned like someone mentioned, over the sheath dress... but I don't think you should forego the jacket. When I sat on interview committees, it was frowned upon when applicants didn't wear something suit-like.

 

[psych.meout]

This joke is a bit of a deep dive for most people.

That's such city planner thinking.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

I think the suit jacket could be worn unbuttoned like someone mentioned, over the sheath dress... but I don't think you should forego the jacket. When I sat on interview committees, it was frowned upon when applicants didn't wear something suit-like.

It's zaftig discrimination I tell you!

But seriously - thanks. This is the kind of info I needed.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

Maybe you could find something to wear at Art Vandelay's Discount Jerk Store.

You get me. Thanks for the laugh!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Sheath dress....I learned something new today.

The Google pic looks perfectly fine for interviews. You want to be able to be comfortable and confident. Some interview day(s) can be long, so footwear choice is important too; for both men and women.

 

[LadyHalcyon]

Hello!

I'm a plus-sized woman and I find that suit jackets are incredibly unflattering on me. I am extra busty, and although I've gotten alterations they look super bunchy on me. Instead, I tend to wear sheath dresses with 3/4 sleeves in professional settings like conferences or with clients, but I am wondering if that would be too casual for internship interviews.

Am I overthinking this?

What kinds of sites are you applying to?

Sent from my SM-G950U using SDN mobile

 

[EmotRegulation]

You might want to scout around for options. It may be that a structured traditional blazer doesn't move well with your curves, but there are jackets with softer materials now. Like a knit blazer, maybe one that's shorter (waist length) so it doesn't get as bunchy? Or one that doesn't actually button (like not a real suit jacket) but still looks professional? Like this: Amazon product ASIN B077TJYQSW

 

[Seven_Costanza]

What kinds of sites are you applying to?

All VA sites - some of the more competitive ones.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

You might want to scout around for options. It may be that a structured traditional blazer doesn't move well with your curves, but there are jackets with softer materials now. Like a knit blazer, maybe one that's shorter (waist length) so it doesn't get as bunchy? Or one that doesn't actually button (like not a real suit jacket) but still looks professional? Like this: Amazon product ASIN B077TJYQSW

This looks like an excellent option. I especially like the price point. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[deleted106747]

All VA sites - some of the more competitive ones.

Wear a blazer for sure. But that softer one probably will sit better.
(I feel your pain, I look awful in suits. As a rule I think men look pretty good in them but women's suits are not as flattering.)

 

[temppsych123]

I feel ya - I fit your physical type description and HATED dealing with internship apparel choices. My go-to work clothing is dresses and sweaters. I did have a blazer/jacket for internship interviews, ultimately, and it felt like the right choice, since all the other applicants seemed to be wearing them. I found it really helpful to set up an appointment with a personal shopper/stylist at Nordstroms (the service is FREEEEEE!) and tell them specifically what you're looking for and what you need, and they'll set up a time for you to come in where they've already picked out a whole bunch of options for you in the right size ranges, price points, etc. If there's a Nordstrom near you, try it! (or probably other stores do similar things, I just didn't look into it because I knew people who had success with Nordstrom and I was close to one).

Good luck, OP!

 

[PsychPhDone]

This looks like an excellent option. I especially like the price point. Thanks for the suggestion!

This world be completely acceptable at West coast vas at minimum.

 

[cara susanna]

I actually think that business formal--and I don't think that's necessarily required for internship interviews--can include a business-y dress with a blazer. I myself wore a pants suit but I saw other women wearing dresses on interviews. One site I attended an open house (on the west coast, of course) actually specified business casual. That was pretty sweet.

Also, yeah, usually tours are involved so wear comfy shoes. I learned that the hard way at my first interview!

 

[PsychPhDone]

My suit got lost in travel. Spare me the lectures, I did fine. 😉 if I were to do it over again I'd skip the suit and tell every site my luggage was lost😀

 

[Seven_Costanza]

My suit got lost in travel. Spare me the lectures, I did fine. 😉 if I were to do it over again I'd skip the suit and tell every site my luggage was lost😀

I hadn't even thought about that! I actually had this same situation when interviewing at my current grad program. Clearly it wasn't an issue!

 

[Seven_Costanza]

I actually think that business formal--and I don't think that's necessarily required for internship interviews--can include a business-y dress with a blazer. I myself wore a pants suit but I saw other women wearing dresses on interviews. One site I attended an open house (on the west coast, of course) actually specified business casual. That was pretty sweet.

I actually think that business formal--and I don't think that's necessarily required for internship interviews--can include a business-y dress with a blazer. I myself wore a pants suit but I saw other women wearing dresses on interviews. One site I attended an open house (on the west coast, of course) actually specified business casual. That was pretty sweet.

Also, yeah, usually tours are involved so wear comfy shoes. I learned that the hard way at my first interview!

Also, yeah, usually tours are involved so wear comfy shoes. I learned that the hard way at my first interview!

So preferably - I guess I wasn't clear - I would like to forego the jacket altogether and just wear a sheath dress. Something like this (but to the knee, I'm short):

 

[CA_PsyD_FL_LMHC]

You might want to scout around for options. It may be that a structured traditional blazer doesn't move well with your curves, but there are jackets with softer materials now. Like a knit blazer, maybe one that's shorter (waist length) so it doesn't get as bunchy? Or one that doesn't actually button (like not a real suit jacket) but still looks professional? Like this: Amazon product ASIN B077TJYQSW

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. They are the sweater of blazers. I've sat in on many an interview where the person was dressed appropriately for the job, but they wanted more for the interview. I'd say sheath dresses alone are fantastic for VA everyday attire, but for the interviews one of these are a must-have. J-Crew and Banana Republic have some very affordable options of these.

 

[Moonlight1]

I was surprised how critical my internship site was of outfit choices when they interviewed canidates for the following year. I would recommend having a blazer in some fabric. But keep in mind that you can take it off after you make your first impression (like 30 minutes). Then you will be seen has having brought a blazer but not have to be uncomfortable all day. I find that boyfriend cut blazers fit me much better. You can try Torrid or Lane Bryant.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

This is all really helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day for me!