You have stumbled onto one of my three fashion rules.

The other two are:

1. Just because they make it in your size, doesn't mean you should wear it (and that goes to both ends of the size spectrum).

2. Just because it zips, doesn't mean it fits.

I used to work at a department store, and I saw all three rules violated daily.

It didn't always used to be like that. I think it's swinging back a bit now, actually. You just have to know how to pick and choose. I've gotten some tops and a dress recently in juniors that are basically the EXACT same thing as in the misses department...except they're $20 less. (A big reason why so many women are loath to leave the junior department.)

Good to hear! I would think that some stores would have better junior's departments than others, like Nordstrom of Bloomingdales. I've gotten a few things from the BP section of Nordstrom recently, and they don't look like something you'd find in the JCPenney's junior department at all. Then again, BP is more of a young woman vibe rather than a middle school vibe. To be honest though, I haven't really shopped in the junior's department in many moons... Once I hit about 14-15 I was too womanly up top for those sizes :o

I'm a 50+ stuffy woman working at a family-owned firm and I personally kind of dig the jacket, too.:D

Are one of these choices better? There is a very cute pair of shorts I saw at Express that are black, not too short or too tight and have a bow on them. Very feminine! What are your thoughts on shorts?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...9at55844PM.png
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...9at55503PM.png

Also, thank you all VERY VERY MUCH for your help!!!

Wow, I can't even see the shorts because I can't get past how beat up Gwynnie looks in that picture. YIPES

Love the shoes, but I hope your business casual day doesn't involve a lot of walking or you might regret them by the end. I like the pants, too. They're a dressy cut. But the button up white shirt / black pants combo seems like some sort of work uniform. Maybe if you punch it up with a colorful accessory it won't seem so stark.

I love all of those items. They look professional but still young and fresh. You should get some of that blister-blocking cream so your feet won't be hurting at the end of the day.

I don't think most dress shorts work well for sitting on the floor, because the fabrics often don't have any stretch or give (chino). These look like they have pleats, which could puff out when you're sitting. And, they can ride up/pull, and look weird around the thigh. Also, I wouldn't put shorts in the business casual category...I'd put them strictly in the casual category.

It sounds like they're telling you to expect to sit on the floor. Sit down on the floor in front of a dressing room mirror and see how your options look! That includes the back...make sure nothing rides down too far.

I've always thought capris or cute cropped pants and a fun blouse (something from Limited, Express, H&M) is a good outfit for that kind of day.