Places to get that impressive outfit:
Interview outfits? The thousand dollar question eh?
Get it wrong and it's back to Flying Doctors and a can of Special Brew of a weekday morning. Get it right and you'll have something decent to say when people ask you what you do down the Dog & Duck.
So, you've prepared your stock responses and made up some wacky sounding interests and hobbies but what are you going to wear? The golden rule is to aim for a slightly smarter version of what you'd be expected to wear on a day-to-day basis. Turning up for an interview at a kids TV channel in a BHS pinstripe might not warm them to your cause. Likewise, flip-flops and board shorts for a panel interview at Price Waterhouse Coopers is likely to be met with a swift 'don't call us we'll call you'.
No matter what job you're going for you need to look presentable and smart. We're not going to tell you to wash/brush your hair/not turn up with your whole family in tow like other articles do, as it's obvious isn't it? But read on for general tips.
Creative jobs - media, advertising, music and stuff You'll probably find they don't wear suits to work, but this doesn't mean turning up in a chicken suit will win you brownie points. What you should aim for is a smart outfit (something stylish and simple or a cool suit) with some kind of unique touch. Wacky ties don't count. Something like an interesting bag or an unusual but not ridiculous pair of shoes does.
Sensible jobs - banking, recruitment, insurance, finance, sales, the corporate side of creative companies and the like. Any job where you'll have to wear a suit for day-to-day business requires definite interview suitage. Get smart.
Other jobs McDonalds, Burger King and any of the armed forces should sort you out with your own special uniform. This doesn't mean wearing one to the interview will help. They'll just think you're a freak.
Places to get that impressive outfit:
High Street Shops The likes of Oasis, Next, Wallis, Burtons and French Connection are all good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices. But here are a few more suggestions for shopping in cities throughout the UK…
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Sheffield
- York
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
John Anthony 2 Quiet Street. (01225) 424 066 - Smart clobber for men for those important occasions. Suits, shirts, ties and all things import. Bargains can be found on regular sale days.
Jollys Milsom Road (01225) 462 811 - Department store stocking designer gear for all with the added bonus of an on site hairdresser - just in case.
Zucci 7 Upper Borough Walls (01225) 464 392 - Suits, suits, suits for men and women. If you want to look striking and suave then invest in a little number from his place.
Image Shire Yard (01225) 447 359 - Designer clothing for those who are young, hip and want to look 'with it' for that all - important interview. Names a bit of a give-away really.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Bath offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
OK then how much do you really want this job? If it's really worth pulling out all the stops for then a trip 'round the Mailbox could be in order. DKNY or Christian Lacroix will get you looking the business but could get you seriously into the red before you've even started your new job. Kensington Freak will get the lads looking smarter without breaking the bank and Oasis could do a similar trick for the girls.
DKNY 6-12 Wharfeside Street (0121) 600 7200 Smart, stylish, expensive. You'll look a million dollars. Which is only marginally more than it'll cost you.
Christian Lacroix 24-26 Wharfeside Street, The Mailbox (0121) 632 1292 A tad ostentatious perhaps, but it depends who you're trying to impress.
Kensington Freak 145 New Street (0121) 643 9448 A sensible option that will get you smartened up without completely bankrupting you.
Oasis 125 New Street (0121) 643 2770 Simple and smart ladies clothing at perfectly acceptable prices.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Birmingham offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan 178-180 Western Road (01273) 774611 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Gordon's 24 North Street (01273) 324262 - One for the boys. The entire spectrum of rainbow coloured shirts, and a wealth of suits, all handily located under one roof.
Jump The Gun 36 Gardner Street (01273) 626333 - Retro gear including tailored suits and smart overcoats for men who can't quite believe that Quadrophenia's Mods and Rockers are just a distant memory.
Revisions 3 Pool Valley (01273) 207728 - Second hand designer labels for less.
All Saints 35 Duke Street (01273) 710107 - Guys and girls can mix and match with their range of cool clobber, and accessories.
Paul Milana 84 St. James' Street (01273) 688677 - For all platinum card holders. Tailor made suits that'll stand the test of time, thanks to their one-off designs and hefty price tags. You'll have to plan eight months in advance though, so make sure you book your appointment sooner rather than later.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Brighton offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
The likes of Oasis, Next, Wallis, Burtons and French Connection are all good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices. But here are a few more suggestions.
As a rough guide of where to go in Bristol here is a brief overview of the shopping scene. If you are looking for your average smart but run of the mill suit then Broadmead (city centre) or Cribbs Causeway (out of town) contain all of the big name high street stores. For those who want to go the extra distance with that special outfit then the boutiques of Clifton Village are worth checking out (it will cost you though).
John Lewis The Mall, Cribbs Causeway (0117) 959 1100 Stocks everything for both men and women and will suit most pockets although the 'no frills' budgets may wish to go elsewhere.
Savoy Tailors Guild 76 Park Street (0117) 926 5511 Menswear outlet stocking a classy range of suits and formal wear for all you wannabe execs out there.
Wired 30 Park Street (0117) 903 0942 Blokey shop stocking both smart and casual clothing. Names like Armani and Evisu. Style is certainly the name of the game.
Jigsaw 80 Park Street (0117) 926 5775 Neatly pressed clothes in colour co-ordinated racks - very feng shui. Possibly for the more mature girl but will certainly impress - and its already ironed.
Oasis Cribbs Causeway (0117) 959 0111, Union Street (0117) 925 1572 Designer style at affordable prices. It stocks everything you could want for that perfect outfit from bootleg trousers to fancy pin stripe suits. Go get 'em girlies.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Bristol offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan, 31 Petty Cury (01223) 367499 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Reeves II 1 Bene't Street (01223) 306240 - Cool unisex threads, shoes and accessories, for that one-stop outfit.
Anthony 18 Trinity Street (01223) 360592 - Quality clobber for smart geezas.
Hive and Honeypot Dales Brewery, Gwydir Street (off Mill Rd) - Second hand designer labels at a mere snip of their usual price.
Giulio 24-32 King Street - it's all in the name, dah-ling. Designer labels for all platinum card holders.
Blu Max 2 King Street (01223) 352668 - Euro-chic, unisex fashion. Sadly, the prices are definitely British - they'd be expensive at half the price.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Cambridge offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
Woodies Emporium (029) 20232 171 Royal Arcade This is the place to shop if you fall into the older mature male bracket (is there such a thing). If you have a bit of cash to splash out on a Lacoste shirt and silk tie for that all important meeting this is definitely the place to get it from. Stocking every kind of shirt, tie or pair of trousers for the wannabie execs out there who generally are called Tim, bizarrely.
Chessman (029) 20255 389 Castle Arcade Covetable clobber ideal for guys and girls who want to look ultra hip and smart at the same time (of course). Unique designer labels and varying styles.
Queens Street City Centre Plenty of High street retailers such as Oasis, Topshop, Suit Company and many more chain stores can be found on Queen Street in the city centre. Warning though the centre gets rather busy on Queen Street so avoid on Saturdays if your thinking of buying that all important outfit, our advise is to do a bit of calm shopping during the early part of the week.
High Street Arcade If the whole retail chain -thing isn't up your street and your looking for that all important outfit with a difference then pop into the High Street Arcade and find inspiration from an array of independent retailers. Names such as Drooghi and Pussy Galore offer quirky smart/casual little numbers that might fit the bill for that all-important interview girls and boys.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Cardiff offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan 30 Princes Street (0131) 556 6589 Ideal for cheap as old chips, smart clobber for under 100 quid. You might not look as if you've just stepped out of Emporio Armani, but at least you'll be safe crossing the council estate on the way home.
Also worth trying other high street stores like Marks and Spencer, Karen Millen, Oasis, Envy or Next, they are all options that'll give you that smart new look without a trip to S. Kint mortgage brokers.
Corniche 12 Jeffrey Street (0131) 557 8333 - more upmarket boutique stocking a range of designer kit, less high street than some of the others.
Cruise 94 George Street (0131) 226 3524 - Gucci, Prada, D&G, you get the picture. Loads of really smart gear, the pathetic and poor need not apply.
Jenners 47 Princes Street (0131) 225 2442 - dubbed the 'Harrods of the North' they specialise in upmarket designer wear for boys and girls that couldn't possibly let anyone other than daddy pick up the tab.
Slater Menswear 100 George Street (0131) 220 4343 - new to Edinburgh, the Glasgow warehouse suit store have something for every blokes budget.
Whistles 97 George Street (0131) 226 4398 - fantastic clothing for the girls, something more formal and dressy.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Edinburgh offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan 42 Briggate (0113) 243 4232 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Flannels Vicar Lane (0113) 234 9977- designer labels and the panache associated with them, in an instant. Unisex store that's harsh on the wallets of either sex.
Strand Briggate (0113) 243 8164 - as above, but better for the boys, sorry men, and those straight off the catwalk looks.
Hugo Boss Vicar Lane (opening soon) - mens model looks.
Joseph Vicar Lane, (0113) 242 5458 - classy tailored pieces for ladies who like to kick ass in the boardroom.
Harvey Nichols Briggate (0113) 204 8888 - if money really is no object.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Leeds offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan Clayton Square 0151 709 1660 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Wade Smith Three branches all in the city centre 0151 255 1077 - designer clothes for men women and children - will definitely impress… all the best labels.
Drome Couture Cavern Walks 0151 258 1851 - small independent stocking expensive, classy clobber for girls with big overdrafts.
Drome Men 46 Bold Street 0151 709 1441 - Labels like Duffer Evisu Boxfresh etc - perfect to look trendy and smart at the same time.
Coast 5 Rainford Square 0151 236 9279. Better known for floral and flouncy dresses - but also have some classy classic smart outfits for girls.
Dapper Menswear Liverpool Palace, Slater Street 0151 708 8515 - does exactly what it says on the tin.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Liverpool offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan 214 Oxford Circus, W1 (020) 7636 7700 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Harvey Nichols 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1 (020) 7235 5000 - price tags from hell but if you need to dress to seriously impress, this is the place for you. Check out straight-off-the-catwalk-fashion and eat, 'ladies who lunch' style, on the fifth floor.
Selfridges 400 Oxford St, W1 (020) 7629 1234 - Realistic shopping, they've got designer stuff, but they've put it upstairs where it belongs. You'll find a vast array of smart attire, perfect interview chic.
Burro 29 Floral St, WC2 (020) 7379 6866 - One for the boys. Colourful, stylish, casual clobber - for men who don't think shopping's for wimps. And plenty of cool, smart stuff to boot.
Roxanne 145 Stroud Green Rd, N4 (020) 7263 1321 - Bit of a bizarre one, but worth the trek for the impressive secret stash of discounted French Connection clobber.
Laden Showrooms 103 Brick Lane, E1 (020) 7247 0787 - if you're being interviewed for a job in the meedja or some other arty emploi get yourself here sharpish for Spitalfields young designer stuff.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what London offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan Trafford Centre and Market Street 0161 839 5788 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Calvin Klein King Street 0161 839 7821 - Simple, stylish women's clothes and accessories.
Whistles King Street 0161 839 5399 - one of only a handful nation wise. Expensive, classy clobber for girls with big overdrafts.
Thomas Pink King Street 0161 833 1086- shirts shirt shirts, smart menswear for those who mean business.
Mango Trafford Centre 0161 202 9887 - excellent clothing from Spain for girls - smart suits and unusual tops. Trousers are very long - be warned.
DKNY Branches on King Street and in The Trafford Centre 0161 819 1048 - even you can even afford to look at the stuff in here then you're probably already in a good job - but gorgeous clothes for both boys and girls guaranteed.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Manchester offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
Paul Smith 10 Byard Lane (0115) 950 6712 The coolest name in British fashion. The suits are excellent but far from cheap.
Cruise Flannels 36-40 Bridlesmith Gate (0115) 947 6466 Top end labels at top end prices.
Reiss 5 Byard Lane (0115) 950 1025 Cool and spacious store stocking stylish gents and ladies clothing.
Suits You 28-30 Listergate (0115) 9502 566 Sensible suits at sensible prices. Also offers a suit hire service.
Jigsaw 21-23 Bridlesmith Gate (0115) 941 4437 Smart and stylish ladies clothing at quite reasonable prices.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Nottingham offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
TopShop/TopMan 11-12 Queen St (01865) 726343 - first job/first court appearance style suits for the boys. A decent line in classy clobber and straight-to-the-shop catwalk copies for girls.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Agnes B 90 High St (01865) 545444 - the French designer's only store outside London. Simple, stylish women's clothes and accessories.
Whistles 9 High St (01865) 728446 - one of only a handful nation wise. Expensive, classy clobber for girls with big overdrafts.
Gabucci 16 Golden Cross (01865) 204019 - smart menswear for those who mean business.
Oslo Tuft 21 High St (01865) 248796 - cool, unisex threads for less staid outfit requirements.
DNA St. Michael's St (01865) 790568 - interesting, stylish unisex clothes shop.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Oxford offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, The Suit Company and Karen Millen are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Name 100 Devonshire Street (0114) 270 0043 In the stylish end of town, Name's collection of women's clothing is full of designer names (hence the 'Name'). Well tailored clothes and individual pieces make this shop well worth a visit, though it isn't cheap.
Ruby Red The Forum, Devonshire Street (0114) 263 4443 Well stocked ladies shoe shop which includes brands such as Underground and Design.
Yes Orange The Forum, Devonshire Street (0114) 273 9511 A regular fixture in The Forum now for over seven years, this place in the only UK stockist of Yes Orange. They specialise in ladies casual to evening wear.
Eton 38 Division Street (0114) 270 0829 Loads and loads of lads' labels including Replay, Dolce &Gabanna, Diesel, Ted Baker, Boxfresh, French Connection and Paul Smith, plus a few new offerings from Dynasty, Armed Response, Urban Paranoia, and Japanese dapper designers Etienne Ozeki.
Limeys 22-24 Chapel Walk (0114) 279 8444 More upmarket than Rockport, but still about as original as Corn Flakes, Limey's provides essential tailoring for all those desperate to impress at Bed this Saturday night. Large offerings from Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Armani, Nicole Farhi, Stone Island, DKNY, Ted Baker and Henri Lloyd.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what Sheffield offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
Get the right outfit for your interview - lets shop...
Mango 3-7 Coney Street (01904) 633019 Beautiful clothes, beautiful staff, and changing rooms which look like shower cubicles. Boasts an excellent range of women's wear for all occasions.
Mannix 59 Low Petergate (01904) 652718 Excellent array of formal menswear from top designers. The exclusive stockist of Hugo Boss suits in York.
Paul Smith 73 Low Petergate (01904) 612060 Loads of sharp suits from Britain's finest for dapper chaps.
Sarah Coggles 91-93 Low Petergate (01904) 611001 Fine array of gorgeous, albeit pretty expensive, designer togs.
The likes of Oasis, Marks & Spencer, Warehouse, Austin Reed, are all also good contenders for smart clothes at job-hunting prices.
Last thing Remember to take a pen, notebook, copy of your CV and all sorts of other practical things. Oh, and turn up on time, or even early.
Now that you've found out what to wear, check out what York offers in the way of places to stay and restaurants
