I was reading a cool corporate fashion blog the other day and got some great ideas. The author suggested purchasing a dark suit when trying to upgrade your look to get the next promotion, raise, or job opportunity. I love this simple idea.
This is why: even if your career doesn’t traditionally feature suits, they come with staple pieces. A lovely sheath dress. A perfect pair of trousers. A well cut blazer. A simple pencil skirt. These items, in black or navy or grey, are imperative to have in your working wardrobe if you want to achieve the next benchmark.
Buy them in a size that fits. Try a bunch on. Shop at a number of different stores because everyone designs for different shaped models. Even if you have had a basic “interview” or “big client” suit in your closet for years, it might warrant getting a new one that looks modern and fresh.
Also, because these are going to be staple items that you can mix and match for work every week, it bears spending a little more money on these items than your flavor of the month on-trend blouse. Here’s where my money is for solid suiting:
J. Crew – I would wait til they run a sale, but I think this grey pinstripe suit is so perfect. Professional, gorgeous deep hue of gray, and it reads executive (minus pushed up sleeves) but modern.
Ann Taylor – I have a love-hate relationship with Ann Taylor. But this season they are back to do lovely classic suiting pieces. I’m nuts about this heather gray suit – it’s in a tropical wool which will fall beautifully on your figure and can be worn year round, plus they have coordinating items in both trousers and pencil skirts. They also have this classic looking navy suit that I’d just need to see up close to make sure there wasn’t too much of a sheen to the fabric, but I love the cut.
Bloomingdale’s – I know we don’t have one in Houston, but I love Bloomingdale’s. I shopped there when I went to Manhattan but you can order on-line regardless of where you are. They have the full price spectrum too. For example, this classic T Tahari black skirt suit is less than $200 for both pieces whereas this killer Hugo Boss suit will set you back over $600 (triplet mommas have to settle for drooling over Hugo Boss instead of buying).
The point is that you can upgrade your look at any price point and you should own staple pieces in neutral colors for that last-minute go-to invitation from the boss. Keep up the good work!
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