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[Yellow]

What should I wear for my interview? It's for a studio art (tenure faculty) position."

[B.F.]

It would help if we knew if you were male or female.

[Yellow]

I am a very fat female ...

[Ladyglen]

As a fellow fat woman, I would advise you to go a little dressier. I usually wear a nice blazer and skirt (low heels, equivalent of male sports jacket). Normally, I prefer to wear pants, but I always do the skirt for the job interview.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as you will be walking/standing a lot. I have a nice pair of low heels that are very comfortable for walking.

[Friendly Fashionista]

Hi, Yellow,

First, what do your own professors wear when you have on-campus visitors? Try to consider if what looks "right" at your current campus will also be fine for the one that you will soon be visiting. If so, there is your answer.

Before you go to your visit, also go to any chain bookstore and look at the fashion magazines. There are some now for heavier women, and I know that there is a well-known model named Emme, who I think has a magazine. She might have a Web site too. There is also a store for larger sizes and the clothes are cute -- they even advertise in "regular" magazines. It's a brand, but I do believe it's a store also, and that is Lane Bryant.

You need to go to a store like that and ask the girls working there to help you out. Without a lot of money, you can put together something sparky and memorable, and surely as an art-studio professor, you will want to be memorable. I am in a different area (I go to on-campus visits in plain suits and do not attempt to stand out in any surprising way), but surely it is different in art. I would guess that having a little personality in your clothes would be a "plus" for an art person -- and if you make a few friends at the local Lane Bryant or other similar shop, they can really help you put together a look.  

Whatever you do, do it with confidence. There are a lot of really nice-looking fashions for heavier women these days. You can get yourself hooked up with what looks good and makes you feel good, and that will give you a real boost.

Best of luck!

Fashionista

[Preston]

I'd like to recommend Talbots' women's line too. They have great pieces that fit and flatter all sizes, and are sophisticated without being staid. Most of their things are simple enough that a great scarf and jewelry will make the suitable artsy impression without threatening any old-school types who might be on the interview committee ... (you know, those guys who think if you look too "artsy" you're a threat).

[D.]

Hi, Yellow,

In addition to many of the previous helpful suggestions, a longer than midcalf, bias cut skirt in a neutral color is flattering to larger-size women. Don't wear a full skirt or one that is straight and tight. Topped with an easy fitting blouse worn outside the skirt and a long jacket or cardigan (one that falls below the hips), this is a smart but casual look.

If possible, wear a simple pump with a 1" to 1 l/2" heel  -- flats make you look shorter and your legs heavier. In summer you can find sandals with a small or wedge heel.

If you wear pants, wider ones in a soft fabric that fall from an elastic waistband are preferable to tight ones in a heavy fabric and will be more comfortable. These can be worn with the tops and jackets/cardigans mentioned above.

Change accessories for a fresh look each day. In addition to choosing your clothing, go to a good salon and have your hair cut and styled. If you don't wear makeup, have a consultant at a store's cosmetic counter show you what colors would work best for you and how to apply the makeup.  Just a subtle change will make a big difference. Then go out there and act like you are the best! Good luck to you.

[Asst. prof.]

I think everyone has very good advice. D. had good advice about the heels of the shoes, but I would just add that it's my opinion that sandals do not make the most professional impression in an interview situation. Interview shoes should be close-toed; sandals you can wear once you've got the job.

[Muggins]

I am a guy and I have been interviewed at several places and talked to other men who have interviewed. Maybe it's our field, but most people at interviews (i.e., the hiring committee) and those of us being interviewed, wear what we would wear when we teach -- a nice sweater and shirt, and nice dress pants and shoes. Not a suit and tie, ever. OK, maybe sometimes a tweed jacket with a nice turtleneck underneath!

[B.F.]

Muggins,

I think that there is a different norm in your field. Every single male I have ever seen interviewed in my field has worn a suit or dress pants and dress jacket. I checked with a colleague, and she has also never seen a male job candidate who was not dressed this way.

[Muggins]

Yes, I guess so. My point is be aware of the standards in the field you are interviewing in. If you dressed up with suit and tie in my field, you would be considered overdressed and stuffy ...