Wardrobe emergency-can I wear business casual to a callback? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have a callback tomorrow with a firm's San Diego office (all the offices here seem to be business casual from what I can tell) and was getting my outfit laid out when I realized I forgot to pack my suit jacket. So all I have is my suit skirt (standard black pencil skirt) and some nice tops. Is it worth cancelling plans I had tonight to run out and buy a black jacket, or would I be fine in a button-down, black skirt and heels? Somewhat freaking out but also not cherishing the thought of trying to find an affordable jacket in the 4 hours I have before stores at the mall close.

[QContinuum]

I don't think anyone can say for sure, really. It's possible - even likely - that none of your interviewers will care, but it's also plausible that you'd run into an old, crusty partner who'd decide to ding you for not wearing business formal. You just can't say.

Safest option would be to run out and buy an affordable jacket. That's probably what I'd do if I was in your shoes.

[da.goat]

Buy the jacket. If this is a firm you really like/somewhere you could see yourself and you don't have another offer yet, the callback is more important than whatever plans you have tonight. Even if no one cares (though I imagine at least one person will think it strange), it could make you nervous because YOU will be preoccupied with it and may interview more poorly than you otherwise would.

If you already have an offer you'd be ok taking, then it's far less important and you can try your luck without the jacket.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks to both of you. I do have a couple of other offers I'd be fine taking but really like this firm as well. Jacket it is, then.

[QContinuum]

Thanks to both of you. I do have a couple of other offers I'd be fine taking but really like this firm as well. Jacket it is, then.

Congrats on your offers and godspeed at your callback!

[Anonymous User]

Thanks to both of you. I do have a couple of other offers I'd be fine taking but really like this firm as well. Jacket it is, then.

Congrats on your offers and godspeed at your callback!

Thank you! I felt pretty good about it. Keeping my expectations in check of course, but I had fun and I'm excited about the firm. Felt appropriately dressed in my full skirt suit lol.