Work Clothing Suggestions - Ladies

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by blueangel

GeekyPenguin,

You have to remember that she is in banking and IT. The banking industry is traditionally very conservative. There is nothing "old" about a skirted suit or a nice pair of dress pants and a blazer. I've been wearing them since I graduated college.

If she were in Public Relations or Interior Design, I would agree that my suggestions wouldn't work for her. But she's working for a banking company. The idea is to look professional and be taken seriously. That doesn't mean she has to wear support hose and ankle length skirts! You can look professional and still have wonderful style.

The rule of thumb is that you always try to dress one level above the job position you hold now.

Here is a very good article about "dressing for success"
http://www.selfemployedweb.com/dress-for-success.htm

She might also want to read this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044...lance&n=283155

(New Woman's Guide to Dress for Success)... I read the original after graduation, and it helped me tremendously.

I went to business school and am in law school. I understand that her industry may be more conservative, however, I think that Talbots is old for somebody our age. They do have some nice things, yes, but I think of Talbots more as clothes for my mom (who is in her early 50s) than clothes for me. Their suits are not cut in a very stylish fashion and if she did have to wear suits (which it sounds like she does) I think it would be much more appropriate for her to wear a knee-length one with a more structured jacket, rather than Talbots suits, many of which I feel are actually in pretty "unprofessional" fabrics - silk georgette, linen, and matte jersey are not my idea of professional.

[Drolefille]

No suits yet! (though I own a Don Caster one... thanks grandma) I do get by with a nice top and pants. But working up to suits would be nice as one of the other women in my department alternates between suits and the top/pants.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

I went to business school and am in law school. I understand that her industry may be more conservative, however, I think that Talbots is old for somebody our age. They do have some nice things, yes, but I think of Talbots more as clothes for my mom (who is in her early 50s) than clothes for me. Their suits are not cut in a very stylish fashion and if she did have to wear suits (which it sounds like she does) I think it would be much more appropriate for her to wear a knee-length one with a more structured jacket, rather than Talbots suits, many of which I feel are actually in pretty "unprofessional" fabrics - silk georgette, linen, and matte jersey are not my idea of professional.

We'll just have to disagree. I've been in the professional world for many years, and do hiring for my staff, so I do know what is considered "professional." I have seen young people fresh out of college dressed appropriately for the interview, and then I've seen others who looked like they were ready for a night out clubbing. Guess who I would be more inclined to hire and promote?

What students wear in business school and law school are different from what is worn in the working world. Even jeans and t-shirts are acceptable in the university atmosphere, but certainly not in a bank.

I also disagree with you about Talbots clothes. I'm NOT in my 50's, and in fact have purchased from Talbots since I was in my 20s. The clothes are "stylish" but not "trendy".. big difference. Talbots does have some clothes aimed at "older women"-- but also has a very good selection for young professionals. Don't judge Talbots on what your mother wears.. take a look at their catalog, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Silks and linens are certainly professional and are recommended in John Molloy's book. He has done extensive research and testing on what employers test well to.

You don't have to agree with me. What you feel is appropriate to wear in the business world is certainly up to you. I'm just speaking from years of experience and trying to be helpful to the original poster.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by blueangel

We'll just have to disagree. I've been in the professional world for many years, and do hiring for my staff, so I do know what is considered "professional." I have seen young people fresh out of college dressed appropriately for the interview, and then I've seen others who looked like they were ready for a night out clubbing. Guess who I would be more inclined to hire and promote?

What students wear in business school and law school are different from what is worn in the working world. Even jeans and t-shirts are acceptable in the university atmosphere, but certainly not in a bank.

I also disagree with you about Talbots clothes. I'm NOT in my 50's, and in fact have purchased from Talbots since I was in my 20s. The clothes are "stylish" but not "trendy".. big difference. Talbots does have some clothes aimed at "older women"-- but also has a very good selection for young professionals. Don't judge Talbots on what your mother wears.. take a look at their catalog, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Silks and linens are certainly professional and are recommended in John Molloy's book. He has done extensive research and testing on what employers test well to.

You don't have to agree with me. What you feel is appropriate to wear in the business world is certainly up to you. I'm just speaking from years of experience and trying to be helpful to the original poster.

They TEACH us how to dress in school. I guess maybe since you went to a state school you didn't learn this - insert Rudey joke here.

I have been in Talbots. I walk by a Talbots almost every day. Their clothes are cut in a very frumpy fashion. When you are 22 and still have a narrow waist, don't wear a suit that gobbles it up. When you have long, pretty legs, wear a knee-length suit, not one that goes midway down your calf.

Silk georgette doesn't belong in the courtroom. Neither does linen, which will wrinkle everytime you stand up or sit down. As an IT professional, the OP is going to be doing a lot of moving around - both with computers and with server equipment. Linen is not highly conducive to a physically active job.

I think it's pretty funny you're acting like I dress trendy - I'm a very conservative dresser and have run seminars on business apparel for members of my sorority.

I don't dress trendy - I dress my age. There is nothing worse than a young lady looking like a pastor's wife.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

They TEACH us how to dress in school. I guess maybe since you went to a state school you didn't learn this - insert Rudey joke here.

I have been in Talbots. I walk by a Talbots almost every day. Their clothes are cut in a very frumpy fashion. When you are 22 and still have a narrow waist, don't wear a suit that gobbles it up. When you have long, pretty legs, wear a knee-length suit, not one that goes midway down your calf.

Silk georgette doesn't belong in the courtroom. Neither does linen, which will wrinkle everytime you stand up or sit down. As an IT professional, the OP is going to be doing a lot of moving around - both with computers and with server equipment. Linen is not highly conducive to a physically active job.

I think it's pretty funny you're acting like I dress trendy - I'm a very conservative dresser and have run seminars on business apparel for members of my sorority.

I don't dress trendy - I dress my age. There is nothing worse than a young lady looking like a pastor's wife.

I wear Talbots, so therefore I dress frumpy?

Nobody said you had to dress like a pastor's wife, nor did I ever imply you wear skirts that go halfway down your calf. You apparently have not been to Talbots as you claim.

I'm not 22, but I have pretty nice legs from all of the years of being an athlete. You might want to be a bit more careful writing things that can be construed as agism.

Note too, that I pointed out in one of my posts to the original poster how linen wrinkles, which is why I also suggested a "linen" blend. I would agree that silk would be inappropriate for her job, although she certainly could wear a silk shell under her blazer..

As stated, you certainly-- as a student who says she has learned how to dress in school-- have every right to disagree with me. I'm just offering suggestions from my more than 20 years experience in the professional business world and as my position as someone who hires people.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by blueangel

I wear Talbots, so therefore I dress frumpy?

Nobody said you had to dress like a pastor's wife, nor did I ever imply you wear skirts that go halfway down your calf. You apparently have not been to Talbots as you claim.

I'm not 22, but I have pretty nice legs from all of the years of being an athlete. You might want to be a bit more careful writing things that can be construed as agism.

Note too, that I pointed out in one of my posts to the original poster how linen wrinkles, which is why I also suggested a "linen" blend. I would agree that silk would be inappropriate for her job, although she certainly could wear a silk shell under her blazer..

As stated, you certainly-- as a student who says she has learned how to dress in school-- have every right to disagree with me. I'm just offering suggestions from my more than 20 years experience in the professional business world and as my position as someone who hires people.

Maybe you have much much longer legs than I do, but suits at Talbots are very long on me - to the point where alterations wouldn't help. In addition, most of them are not cut to flatter women with a larger bust as many of their jackets are one-button. If you like the clothes there, that's great, but as a 22 y/o woman who dresses professionally on a regular basis, I don't. They do have some great cashmere occasionally and good oxfords, but they aren't the place I'd start wardrobing. They are also VERY costly compared to other stores where a more youthful high-quality product could also be purchased.

[Emory Kappa]

I wore lots of Talbot's suits when I was in my 20's, and now that I'm in my 40's I look at much of their selection and think "My mom would love this!"

For professional wardrobe, Ann Taylor is always my best answer, but it sounds like fit is an issue. My co-workers and I have discussed this before, and it seems like there are two distinct groups: those who love and wear Ann Taylor, and those who can't and find that Jones of New York has the best fit for them. If there's an outlet store anywhere nearby, it could be worth a trip.

I've also picked up some good looking pieces for work at Target recently. Some of the sweater sets don't hold their shape, and I've already had to re-stitch the inseam of one pair of pants. They're not investment quality, but then neither is the price. Target.com is having free shipping on clothes purchases over $50 for now too.

Good luck!

[tunatartare]

My mom used to love Talbots clothes about 8 or so years ago. Now she looks at their stuff and says its too frumpy and "suburban housewife."

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

Maybe you have much much longer legs than I do, but suits at Talbots are very long on me - to the point where alterations wouldn't help. In addition, most of them are not cut to flatter women with a larger bust as many of their jackets are one-button. If you like the clothes there, that's great, but as a 22 y/o woman who dresses professionally on a regular basis, I don't. They do have some great cashmere occasionally and good oxfords, but they aren't the place I'd start wardrobing. They are also VERY costly compared to other stores where a more youthful high-quality product could also be purchased.

I'm 5'3! I shop in Talbot's Petite department. This is why I'm not convinced you've actually shopped there.

Yes, they are very costly, which is why I specifically recommended she try the twice a year sale which is going on right now.

I'm curious.. what exactly do you consider "more youthful?" A classic suit is a classic suit.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by blueangel

I'm 5'3! I shop in Talbot's Petite department. This is why I'm not convinced you've actually shopped there.

Yes, they are very costly, which is why I specifically recommended she try the twice a year sale which is going on right now.

I'm curious.. what exactly do you consider "more youthful?" A classic suit is a classic suit.

I'm too tall for Petite bottoms, the rise is off.

I've been to their store on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, MN. I've been to their store in Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, WI. I've been to their store on Bluemound Rd in Brookfield, WI.

I think this is youthful looking suiting.

I think something like this from Talbots would be great if it hit at or slightly above the knee. I think that's a frumpy length, especially when paired with a jacket. Sure, it's technically professional, but I'd rather wear the first suit.

I have three suits right now. One is from Limited and is a fairly traditional black two-button jacket, a knee-length a-line skirt, and also trousers. Another is a J.Crew wool garbadine suit, two button jacket, a-line skirt with very minimal fluting, and cuffed trousers. Third is a more casual Liz Claiborne one, tan with a thin green plaid pattern. I also have a three-button tweed Jacket that works great with the pants from my two black suits. I wear very traditional clothing, but Talbot's tends to be too shapeless in the jackets or too long in the bottoms.

[kddani]

everyone can go to talbots.com to make their own decision.

The first pair of pants I pulled up had front pleats. JUST SAY NO TO PLEATS!

I'm scared to see what's next- mom jeans?

Looking at the suits, they're overpriced, boring and inappropriate for a 20 year old. It's not necessarily something that can be described... you look at them and it screams OLD in the cut, fit, style, color, everything.

Overpriced is a biggie, as OP said that cost was an issue. The materials and styles offered scream suburban middle-aged mom much more than young professional who will have to be physical in the outfit.

In my opinion, you can find great professional wear for younger professionals at stores like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and the Limited. Ann Taylor Loft stuff always goes on sale. And if you try on something in the store and like it- go home and look for it online. There are always tons of online sales- not only regular sales, but a lot of email coupons for 15-20% off.

I agree with NY&Co not being of very good quality. However, their stuff is fairly inexpensive.

I also suggest hitting up a store like Filene's basement, that has high quality department store goods at cheaper prices.

[AlphaFrog]

Duh, I completely forgot about Tuscola being right there!!!


Here's their women's list:
Bon Worth (217) 253-9888
dressbarn (217) 253-2539
Gap Outlet (217) 253-6666
Geoffrey Beene (217) 253-9010
Maurices (217) 253-2374
Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store (217) 253-4753
Tommy Hilfiger Company Stores (217) 253-5880
Van Heusen (217) 253-3398
VF Outlet (217) 253-9890

[Drolefille]

My mom shops at Talbots too, and I'll occasionally get leftovers, so to speak.

My biggest problem with them is cost. And I think their store in town trends toward the older women because of its location and clientele.

ETA: While I am in IT now, and will probably be throughout graduate school, I'm actually going to be a Licensed counselor. These same tips will be useful then too, but just thought I'd clarify

[recentASAalum]

Ok... I didnt read through this whole thread, but I grew up outside of Decatur so I know what you are up against.

There is a Maurices in Hickory Point Mall so you could check that out. Last time I was home I'm pretty sure they are still there. The NY&CO that was at Hickory Point Mall closed a couple years ago as did the Gap.

There is a Talbots in the downtown area. The name of the street escapes me but it's by Merchant Street, in that area. Within a block or so of Catz and Pastabilities. Talbots has helped a lot of my friends out with business type wear.

The TJ Maxx actually has some pretty decent business type clothing but it's one of those places where you have to dig and you have to hit it at the right time. That's in Brettwood Village right off 55. There is also a Dots there (at least there was last time I went there). They used to have stuff like that but I'm told they are going more towards younger fashions ie jeans and bar clothes.

Also there is a Cato by the Walmart in Mt. Zion. They have a good selection and aren't massively expensive. I bought a suit through them one time that has lasted me about 2-3 years and it was under 100 dollars. It is classy yet still youngish looking.

Let me know if you need anymore help and I can hit up some of my friends that still live there to see if they have any suggestions.

[ADqtPiMel]

I'm in about the same boat as you. I just bought a lovely suit from the Limited. It was a bit pricey for me ($170 for the jacket, and I can't remember how much I spent on pants), but it fits me really nicely. I have the same body issues as you (big boobs and little everywhere else), and the Limited works pretty well for me. I'd second AT Loft and J Crew for young looking but professional clothes. J Crew actually has the best fitting button down shirts I've found for my shape.

Express has crappy dress clothes, so I'd stay away. I also typically wouldn't wear anything from Talbot, but I'm pretty stylish.