I got great news on Friday. I got an interview for a sweet government job that I really want.

I tried on my only business attire - nice black suit and red shirt.

They are too tight!!! I am freakin' cause I don't have anything else I could wear. Most of my clothes consist of cotton slacks and shirts - pretty casual wear.

I already went to the second hand stores and there was nothing. I don't have any friends I can borrow from either. I want to look the part of a professional, but can't make that happen without the suit. I don't really have the money but I guess I am going to have to figure something else out or I will be showing up in my comfy flannel pj's.


Any suggestions out there...?

Stacie

Sometimes you can find some really nice clothing in goodwill, salvation army etc, without spending a lot of money. I bought a really nice new looking London Fog jacket at goodwill a couple years ago for 5 dollars.

Is your suit just a little too tight, or is it completely unwearable? Maybe you could pick up a nice (long) sweater to wear over your suit pants to hide trouble spots. I think tighter pants, as long as they're not crazy-tight, are usually balanced out by a well-fitted or loose top.

Also, this probably falls in the category along with second-hand stores, but have you tried Ross and TJ Maxx? You can usually find some pretty decent stuff there. Also, Mervyn's is having a going out of business sale, and even though they don't have the greatest stuff, you could probably pick up a completely respectable sweater really cheap.

If the clothes are wearable at all then maybe I would try to drink a lot of water (not so much you get sick) and avoid as much sodium as possible between now and your interview. If you can drop a couple pounds of water weight maybe they will fit "good enough."

Ladyfyre,

This is an investment. If there are any secondhand shops associated with "society" charities try them, they tend to have a higher class of donated clothes. (Similarly, try the suburbs, again, think about who donates.)

You don't need a suit, but a jacket over pants and a shirt. (The sweater thing can look too casual.) A jacket dresses things up nicely. Chico's travelers line has elastic waist pants and soft fit jackets that look professional and are very forgiving of size. (A shell is cheaper than a blouse and will work as well under a jacket.)

Good luck.

Can you wear the red shirt over a new pair of pants? You could even get away with a black sweater, but I agree with Pandora as it has to be the right sweater or it will look too casual. Even if the red shirt doesn't fit so well, you can cover that up with a jacket or a cardigan (just make sure it looks dressy and professional).

Also if it is just a few inches here and there you could try shapewear and see if that works in your favor.

Try the second hand stores again, there stock changes frequently. I bought a new wool blazer for $4.00 at Savers. That looks great with a decent pair of black or navy pants and entirely professional. Do you have consignment shops ? They are a good source. Do you have Avenue Stores or Fashion Bug ? Sometimes you can find reasonably priced clothes as well as Sears. I used to get attractive large size clothing at Sears.

Okay....this is probably extremely tacky, but if all else fails.....can you put something on a credit card and take it back afterward? I don't usually do this type of thing, but this is a great opportunity. Then, when you get the job, you can go back to the store and spend some real money.

black pants...a simple white button up---you can find those pretty cheap. Iron it, it'll make all the difference. Also, pay attention to the collar. ...Go to Lane Bryant...shop the clearance section. They have some sweater vest things...you could totally wear that. The white shirt gives it a very professional look...and it'll be a pretty cheap outfit.

There are some charities that specialize in providing interview clothes. My daughter did some volunteer work in one of them when she was in school. Is there a directory of services for your area?

I was once offered a job wearing a skirt that I couldn't fasten the zipper on, and had it pulled up under a long sweater and a jacket.

But check yourself from every angle before you leave the house!

ladyf, have you tried ebay? sometimes you can get wonderful deals on great clothes from there.

I went shopping today and the stores mostly has shiney holiday clothes. We don't really have any large department stores where I live. I found an dark red wrap shirt. I may buy a nice black pant to go with it and I have to buy shoes as well.

I also got a new sassy haircut today.

Rhonda - I've totally done that before. Was years ago, but you do what you have to when poor.

Thanks everyone.
Stacie

Best of luck at your interview!

Some garments have enough seam allowance to be "let out" an inch or two. If you don't know a seamstress, tailors are are pretty cheap.
Good luck!