Help me get dressed for an interview

[interro]

I'm in the process of interviewing for a job with a Very Large Insurance Company. I've done the phone screen, the testing, and am doing the Moar Testing tonight. The next and final step would be a panel interview.

Now, if I don't get this job I'm still on the hunt so I need a new suit anyway. Help me.

I have black trousers and a black blazer but I want a full suit in a color that is more interesting, yet still professional. I was thinking cream or some other light, neutral color? For spring and shit? Would that be too risky for an interview?

Also, as much as I loathe wearing skirts to work, they're still viewed as more professional on a woman, esp. in an interview with a Very Large Insurance Company, yes? I will be getting pants as well but I'm thinking if I get this panel interview, it's skirt and hose time.

Keep in mind I"ve been working for the most casual company ever for 6 years so I don't know what I don't know. Feel free to educate me about how real businesspeople dress!!

[Muddled]

I have a light tan summer suit that I like, but if this is going to be pretty much your only suit, go with gray. If you find one that fits well, get the skirt and the pant option and then you can mix and match.

[bowies]

I wear suits to work. All of them involve pants. I've also never seen my boss wear a skirt suit. They can veer off into mumsy territory quickly. We do wear dresses occasionally, either sheath dresses or wrap styles. Suits are primarily black, grey, or navy, but I'll jazz it up by buying a blazer in a fun color and pairing it with solid pants. A few people will wear lighter colored suits, but will usually wear the pieces as separates. Light suits read as too casual for our workplace.

[partiallysunny]

I'd stick to gray like Muddle suggested.

[Deleted]

Dark grey or navy and pants unless you can get a skirt and pants that match the same jacket.

Women's suits are impossibly hard to find and have fit well, and getting the skirt to lie correctly makes it millions of times harder.

[interro]

I will keep an eye out for grey! I may pick up some cream pants or something as well because I think once I'm in, it's not all suits all the time (and definitely not all skirts).

One concern is my foot tattoo. It will definitely show through sheer pantyhose. For that reason alone I might go with pants for the interview - till I know what (if anything) their policy is. I'm assuming this company is not into visible ink.

Right now I have 2 pairs of black dress pants and 1 black pencil skirt and the black jacket so I count that as a suit option(s). I also have a plum colored skirt suit that my mom bought me ages ago (barely worn so in very good shape). Then I have a bunch of dress pants from when I was heavier that I need to have altered down to fit. Having an actual work wardrobe is going to be so strange but it's high time.

[Muddled]

Pants for an interview is compltely acceptable. Don't worry about going crazy wadrobe shopping for this until you have your new job and have had a chance to discuss the dress code. You should always error on the side of caution for an interview, regardless of the daily dress code.

I agree that darker colors are more formal, but I would be most concerned with fit. Whne it fits just right, you know you look good. You want that confidence to shine through you.

[gault]

I'd say light heather grey, if you can find it.

[fussbucket]

Definitely go dark for an interview. Do not wear very light colors or cream. You will not look as serious or professional.

Black, medium- to dark gray, and navy are the choices.

[interro]

Dark it is, thanks ladies! And I may go with pants for the foot-covering issue. Now, what are your thoughts on a blouse choice - collared? Light color, bright color, plain white?

(Again, I know this sounds lame-o ... but I work in a place where people wear yoga pants to work and are accused of having an interview elsewhere if they wear anything nicer than jeans.)

[fussbucket]

I've done all kinds of blouses with my interview suit. It's kind of like the tie a man would choose -- do you want something staid and neutral, or a little "pop" of color? It's a personal statement.

Personally I think collared is better, but if you go with something else, I'd just avoid excessive lace/ruffles and, of course, no cleavage.

[maucat]

I'd go with a light-colored but not too bright collared blouse. You could also go with a subtle pattern like a striped blouse. I've worn a red-and-white striped blouse answer a blue blouse with an abstract white dot pattern, both with good results.