Interview Suit

SOStyled,
I'm writing for help putting an interview outfit together. After being a SAHM for almost 19 yrs I am trying to re-enter into the workforce. I do have a suit, it's black with red pinstripes. I also have a white button front I could put underneath it. I have red & black handbags. I'm going to look for new heels, my black ones look a bit worn. I could do simple silver jewelry. I'm wondering if this outfit works, it seems a bit boring to me. But I'm not sure what to do. What would other options be for shirts? Would tan heels work better? I very excited to hear your ideas. The most recent resume I sent in was for a Paraprofessional job at a local high school. But I am hoping to put together an interview outfit that I can use as my go to for any interview.

Here's the suit

Thanks for you time/help.
Wendy


Siepres: I think Wendy's right. That outfit does seem a little bland.
First and foremost, I'd ask if the suit fits properly. Nothing kills a "suit outfit" like a jacket that's too big or pants that are too small. If the suit looks like it was made for you, the outfit already has an advantage. Secondly, I can see how the red pinstripes would be tricky to work with since you don't want to pull out the red color in a blouse, but you don't want to choose another color blouse that would clash with the red. To do a colored blouse, how about a warm-toned color like golden cypress:
Cypress
However, I also like the idea of doing something a little more monochrome since that's a very "in" this fall. Maybe try a charcoal or slate silk blouse with the Jcrew tortoise belt worn over the
jacket? If you want to keep with a white blouse, how about something with a little style:

White
To stick with a plain white button-front, she use that scarf technique Pres talks about, and maybe add a pin/brooch.

For shoes, New basic black pumps:

Pumps
Higher Pumps

Vava: That was the first thing I wondered too, is if the suit fit perfectly. That is a number one question. Does it look a little out- dated to you? Hard to tell from here.
I'm a big fan of the JCrew silk Francis cami. And I usually don't do sleeveless. But that thing is just the best item I have found lately. I hand wash mine. I discovered too that at the shoulder seam on the inside, they have little snaps sewn in so you can control your bra strap (if you wore it by itself, which I will never do.....I like sleeves). New shoes and a nice bag and some jewelry would top it off.

The SOS team has made some good points:
a) The suit must fit perfectly; if it's outdated, replace it with fresh suiting separates.
Remember that the length must work perfectly with the shoes.
b) Don't repeat the red color.
c) To add interest at the neck, drape a narrow scarf around the back of your neck; leave untied so that the ends fall in the open front of the jacket.
d) You can use a cami under to add interest.

Good Luck!