Work Clothing Suggestions - Ladies

[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.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

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.

I have a very similar skirt that you clicked on-- from Talbots-- as a matter of fact-- and it is much shorter. Being so short in stature, I look like a munchkin in longer skirts and dresses, and don't buy that length.

I can understand your problem with the rise. I have a friend who can't buy pants there either for the same reason.


I do agree with you on Ann Taylor and J Crew. They both have some beautiful clothes, and I do shop there too. J Crew is generally a bit more casual though-- although I did get a gorgeous blazer from them which I wear to work.

To Kddani: I personally would never recommend "The Limited" because it seems to be "Polyester City". Many of their clothes scream "cheap." I've found many have threads hanging from them because they're not finished properly.

And, remember, I recommended the OP shop at Talbots during their twice a year sale. You can get some very good bargains. I picked up some gorgeous skirts for $39!

And as for frumpy--- you haven't the black leather zip jacket I bought from them last winter!

And yeah-- pleats are bad, bad, bad, bad! (But, did you also click on "flat front pants?"

[Drolefille]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

And I am on a tight budget. I tend to spend 50-75 dollars at a time on clothes, if that. So hence my concern at expensive stores, even at sale time!

[OtterXO]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Thanks for all the advice guys!

And I am on a tight budget. I tend to spend 50-75 dollars at a time on clothes, if that. So hence my concern at expensive stores, even at sale time!

If that's your budget I would seriously check out Target and Old Navy....the other stores mentioned won't get you much for 50-75 bucks. However, online sales are the BEST at J.Crew and others.

[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

[kddani]

And may I just state for the record that Dress Barn terrifies me. Talk about ugly, cheap clothing... no 20-something should ever shop there. Ever.

[AlphaFrog]

This is from from Talbots, and it's adorable:




But I don't really see much else.

ETA: And then I looked at the price...it's $118 adorable, which makes it 118 times less adorable. Yeesh.

[kddani]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

This is from from Talbots, and it's adorable:




But I don't really see much else.

The skirt is cute, i have one somewhat similar.

The shirt is cute, but it would make anyone with boobs look like a hooker.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by kddani

And may I just state for the record that Dress Barn terrifies me. Talk about ugly, cheap clothing... no 20-something should ever shop there. Ever.

Not to mention that you should never buy clothes from a store that has the word "barn" in it!