How does a non-feminine woman dress professionally for an interview?

I think the answer may depend on the location of the interview. I've worked for several internet companies in CA, where a suit (or suit-type attire) will make them raise an eyebrow in a 'Will she fit in here?' kind of way. I've swapped notes with several colleagues in NY and DC, where a suit is a requirement for an interview regardless of the position, or the attire you'd be expected to wear daily. Luckily, you're a woman, where there's a lot more gray area in professional clothes. You've gotten plenty of suit-type recommendations, so here's something else to consider. I find that Ann Taylor and Banana Republic often have fashionable, comfortable interview clothes. How about a top like http://www.anntaylor.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=8251? It's got feminine detailing and a shape that tends to flatter short people and people with tummies (in case you've got one). It's very basic, so you can dress it up or down. And it's black, which is always the new black. Wear it with your favorite pair of work-approved pants (camel-colored or gray, perhaps) or a skirt you're already comfortable in. Dress it up further with a chunky necklace or scarf as recommended above if you're so inspired. Don't wear anything you'll fiddle with during the interview. Remember that it's the recruiter's job to make sure you don't show up in blue jeans, so they use that "professional attire" line with every level of employee. Also remember that they're on your side because their job is to fill the role. You shouldn't be embarrassed to ask them what to wear or if they know anything more about the position. One last thing: consider the bag you'll take with you. You most likely won't be given the thumbs up or down based on this decision, but I always feel like it helps me look more "together" if my portfolio doesn't clash my outfit, and I can pull out a business card without digging. Good luck in the interview!

rglass - no NY & Co in the state, nor J. Jill, but we do have a Chico's. Thank you. youcancallmeal, thanks for the advice. It's hard to buy a suit when no one really makes them for your body type and it's hard to know how it will look altered. scottreynen, glad you said that. We've experienced that in our company as well and that's part of what threw me about this.

I'm familar with petite stores, but not a lot of petite stores that I'm familiar with carry my size. Thoughts? Ann Taylor petites go all the way up to size 16.

divabat... where do you shop? Any online stores that might carry larger sizes?

Good luck!

What tech people wear to interviews seems to be a mystery to us all. (I have seen this question asked so many times in so many forums). I think the best solution is a jacket or blazer, silk shell, and nice slacks. It wouldn't look completely out of place among suits or people in denim and khakis. For your specific requirements, I think maybe a jacket that's a little boxier (no darts at the sides, straigh hem) would be best. I also think a Mandarin collar would be good. Maybe http://www.eileenfisher.com/scripts/ecatalogisapi.dll/Item?Item=107153&Group=7691953&Template=9990000001031050&desc=Mandarin%20Collar%20Jacket%20in%20Silk%20Georgette%20Pintuck?

definitely go with dark pants, a crisp shirt and a jacket. you can take the jacket off right away if no-one is in a suit. i agree that the "nonsuit" jacket is a good route. that is, one that is not fitted and not intended to be buttoned. the j.jill, eileen fisher, chico and other separates collections is right on the money. i highly recommend http://www.misook.com/misook_denim/garment1.asp for this, but it's quite http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/6005189/0~2376776~2374325~2378643~6005188~6005189. it is, however, comfortable, washable and nearly indestructable. my mother is a 14P and it fits her beautifully. i would say "nay" to the ann taylor recommendation; many of my suits are ann taylor and they're all very classically suits. but i'm going to jump on the accessories bandwagon. a scarf or a pin or http://www.bluefly.com/pages/browse/list.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1890147&Nu=Product+ID&Ns=Popularity%7C0%7C%7CProduct+Code%7C1&N=1890147&Ne=500000 often pull separates together into a "suitlike" image. i don't think they're particularly feminizing, as much as they are nice details for the eye, but i suppose that depends on the design of the particular accessory. FWIW, i'm a woman in a conservative profession (i'm a lawyer) and have been hired after wearing pants, not a skirt, to an interview, even though recruiters have repeatedly told me not to.

I occasionally have to wear a suit but have never really felt comfortable in one, especially not a skirt suit. Things that help me feel more comfortable wearing a suit include: The collar - I feel most comfortable when the collar is not a traditional single or double breasted one - mandarin, http://www.overstock.com/?page=proframe&prod_id=1833307 or no-collar, for example. The color - Navy and black are the safest bets but make me feel like I'm going to a funeral. So I prefer lighter browns, greys, taupe, dark plum or rose shades, deep burgundy, etc. If tweed in neutral colors goes w/your personal style, that might also help a suit feel easier to wear without sacrificing a professional look. The material - The only skirt suit I have doesn't wrinkle. It's some kind of polyester/spandex material from Anne Klein and I wore it on a 5 hr. bus ride to DC for an interview and came out of the bus looking fine. Stretch seems to be a common feature in http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/cat_vorient.asp?nv=3%7C21473%7C762&tid=283&c=3&lp=n2p&tid=283&c=3&referringurl=http%3A//www.eddiebauer.com/eb/cat_vorient.asp%3Fnv%3D3%257C21473%257C762%257C22513%26tid%3D283%26c%3D3%26lp%3Dn2o001.

Talbots has http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/prodnav/category.aspx?pfid=1526&h=T&BID=S2006207164145632DFDCB59C24FD598AC6D and is an excellent source for classic pieces.