STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

itsapinkthing · Coach

Help me with a work wardrobe

ejc423 · Coach

Have you looked at anthropologie? Sounds like that might be the kind of thing you're looking for.

mischiefandmayhem · BCBG

On the higher end, I think BCBG and Theory make excellent professional clothing that has a bit of a twist, very modern cuts, lots of colors and good quality. On the midrange, J Crew and Banana, though I think BR's cuts are always so screwy - their pants, for example, just don't fit me. But it's a great source as well. Lower end then would be The Limited, which actually has great work stuff that lasts forever and is designed to be mixed and matched to make the most of it and give you a lot of options.

The key is in the color and your accessories, since cuts and styles are fairly limited in work clothing. It's not to say you can't find interesting pieces, but basics are a best bet when you start out on building a work wardrobe and accessories are the key to punching them up.

Seashells · Dooney & Bourke

I swear by Express for work.

The blouses are cut for a woman and are very flattering.

The pants are tailored, and they now have pants in flare and the pants styled like trousers (the correspondent)

I get all my suits from Express and Limited. The blazers are always cut well. They have very flattering angles and won't make your shoulders look big. They come in all colors too, so you can be trendy or very conservative.

Lilykind · Hermes

I've pretty much stuck with the more conservative, tailored stuff from Anthro (not the super-frilly gauzy stuff even though it's all gorgeous!). Their pants are nice and they usually have a little twist. I wear a lot of the knee-length skirts to work. I've also gotten some higher end stuff from smaller designers on sale (Development, Loy and Ford, some Twelfth St is also appropriate).

Also, if you fit into BCBG stuff better than I do (it's all proprotioned funny for me and usually too long), their stuff is great too.

I'd also try French Connection, Bennetton, Club Monaco, Zara, and H&M for work pieces with a twist.

Elle · Hermes

I'll second the Express and Limited, though I can't personally wear anything from Express. BR is pretty good for work-appropriate skirts that are still feminine, and they have some cute sweaters too, as well as tops that would work well under a blazer or cardigan.

$70$40$58$47

$60$32$50$60

$55$46$38