STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

JackieO527 · Dooney & Bourke

Work Clothing Help

Elle · Hermes

$139-$198$79-$118$69-$98

This 3-piece comes in lots of colors and fabrics from JCrew - I've heard lots of good stuff about their suits.

This suit is by Tahari, which also make really nice suits

These are nice b/c they can easily be worn under a blazer/jacket/cardigan for work or alone/dressed up for evening/casual.

Some classic but not too plain sweaters

A stylish, simple dress or four

Some skirts to mix 'n match with your various tops and suit pieces

HTH!

honey · Gucci

my first question is where are you going to work? do you have a job already, or are you just looking for general advice? the reason i ask is that work basics (just like regular basics) vary from place to place. for example i work at a law firm, but the dress code is literally anything but jeans, but other people who work at law firms have to dress very professionally.

if you don't already have a job lined up then proceed with abandon. but if you don't, just pick up a couple of things to make it through your first week or so. and go on a splurge once you get a feel for the office. you'll get more for your money that way.

JackieO527 · Dooney & Bourke

I have a Job offer in both the marketing department and the business development office in the worlds largest make up manufacturer. I am negotiating salary, and benefits at the moment. The dress code is business casual, however, when consulting with customers I will need to be in suits. I am also a firm believer in the way that you dress is the way that you will be percieved, if i look professional people will assume I am professional. So I would like suits in which I can wear the pants/skirts with things other than the suit jacket.

JackieO527 · Dooney & Bourke

Oh and Lmonet I love all of your picks thank you. I feel more inspired right now. I am just so terrible at searching for clothes.

dc · Dooney & Bourke

jackie, what an awesome job - congrats!

LMonet did a great job of putting forth some ideas. You'll def. get a richer look overall if mixing some low-cost pieces with higher end accessories. Put your dough into SHOES (first and foremost), get some good pants (Theory is my pick and are regulars in my rotation... but express editors are not too shabby for a lower cost alternative), 1 or 2 suits to mix and match (BCBG is chic and affordable, if you prefer a fitted/euro style a la Dolce), a couple pencil skirts (again, very impressed with the ones from express design studio this year... the fit is perfect, skinny, straight and sexy), and a couple sweater sets to be split up (shell under a suit jacket, cardi over a cami, or wear the set together when you're feeling prim).

My thing with shoes and bags is that quality accessories can elevate your entire look (and by quality I don't even necc. mean you have to go stock your closet with choos and manolos... just some solid quality peices that will last a few seasons - crafted with quality materials and classic style (Cole Haan is excellent for quality, for example, as are brands like Charles David and Via Spiga). Then pepper fun, less $$ finds (mall stuff, discount store finds) throughout your wardrobe - you can buy some bargain shoes and bags, just be sure to balance them out with at least one solid piece per outfit. As I said, I really dig the new express design studio stuff for work - nice shapes, good stretch, excellent prices (esp. with current sales and when you have a coupon). I have been happily mixing and matching their blouses with my theory pants and jimmy choos, or express editor pants with a cashmere sweater (bought off-price from bluefly) and feeling quite polished. A few carefully selected quality jewelry pieces help as well.

Oh - invest in a good trench. I actually need to do this- I have a few quality wool/cashmere coats I love, but my trenches are cheap... and look it, so I need to upgrade those. Now that I have tried out the style with less $$ ones and realize I wear them a lot, I am ready to move on to an investment peice - this is another technique. If you're not sure you'll wear a style, try it out first with a cheap version.

Anyway, I am sure you'll do great - best of luck!

nyc_shopgirl · Dooney & Bourke

Before you go buying crazy, buy a few good pieces and start with the basics. Stores like Banana republic and JCrew are great for this. Then work for a while and pick up your style cues from your managers and company leaders. You do not want to be too overdressed or you may alienate yourself but you want to do a few things to stand out. To make your dollar go further hit places like outlet malls, loehmanns and other places where you can find quality brands at a discount.

Your profile said you live in New York so I would hit places like Century 21, Foxes (Long Island), and woodbury commons, SYMs may also have some nice suits but their stuff is kind of old ladyish with the occaisional italian designer mixed in.