Interview attire for hot climiates

talors511

Hi Everyone! I'm revving up my job search and may possibly have an interview very soon. I am originally from up North but currently live in Florida, female and have a black suit that I usually wear which is a skirt, white shirt and a jacket. I have worn this suit for interviews here in Florida, but it is way too hot! Luckily my interviews have been in well climate controlled offices, except for one, where I was so hot I couldn't concentrate. That was my last one and I've decided I can't wear the suit anymore. I have a dress that I wore to my brother's wedding - the whole dress is black and it is sleeveless. The bottom hits just above the knee.

similar pic here

dress here

I would like to use it for interviews, but I'm afraid sleeveless is possibly inappropriate? It is a very professional looking dress, but I'm just not sure. I know I can't wear the suit again (especially that we will be in the 90s later this week).

jf198400

If it were me, I would still wear the suit with a short-sleeve blouse and just take the jacket off once you are in the interview.  I can't imagine a man going to an interview not in a suit, why is it okay for a woman?  This is dependent on your career of course.

Jenny952

The picture in the link is strapless, which I assume isn't like what you're describing.  You could put a white oxford under a shift dress, and I think that is a polished look as long as you do pumps and minimal accessories.  The other option is to do a short sleeve or sleeveless blouse under your jacket, and put the jacket on when you walk into the interview room.  

Reilly626

Wear the suit or invest in a light summer one if you want the job. First impression and effort is everything, GL!

laurakaz13

The dress you linked is a strapless bridesmaid dress. I would not wear that in an interview. I think you need to suck it up and wear a suit. Or find a professional dress somewhere. Banana Republic or Ann Taylor have them. Wear a professional looking short sleeve shirt under your suit and take the jacket off once you are in the interview. I can't imagine any office in Florida not having a/c.

Kissty

I live in TX near the Gulf and it is extremely hot here too.  You need to invest in some lighter weight clothing.  I have found many nice dresses for a really good price at Palais Royal. (under $30) And found many suits there also.  I don't know if there is one in FL.  I don't have any problems with wearing sleeveless.  Heck most of my clothes are sleeveless due to the humidity here and it is acceptable.  The pic that you posted is not something I would wear to an interview.  If it is sleeveless thats fine but not strapless.  If you're still confused on what is acceptable, drive around the area where the interview is and see what everyone else is wearing (business attire of course).

MrsL1022

I live in FL and just went through the interview process. I wore a black pants suit with a sleeveless light weight shell and hung the jacket in my car. I only put the jacket on when I was walking into the office bldgfor my interview. I didn't feel hot once in the bldg at all. I don't think I would wear what you are describing unless it had a matching suit jacket. I have a suit type dress that came with a matching jacket from Ann Taylor but it was meant to be worn as a suit.
If you just get a light weight shell you should be fine in a skirt suit and just wear the jacket from the car to the bldg. good luck.