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.

[xo_kathy]

Originally Posted by GeekyPenguin

I personally think the quality of NY&Co blows, but to each their own.

Hmm, really? While they certainly aren't the highest quality, I'd put them on par with Gap stuff. I've had no issues yet...knock on wood.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by xo_kathy

Hmm, really? While they certainly aren't the highest quality, I'd put them on par with Gap stuff. I've had no issues yet...knock on wood.

I've bought a few pieces there and they just don't hold up for me - nothing too major, just loose buttons or threads. My big beef with them is their patterned tops aren't lined up on the seams - I don't know if that makes sense, if it doesn't, I'll try to explain it better.