I need a suit for an interview

[Serena]

I have gotten by with dress slacks and top before now, but I really can't count on that being good enough. Where do I find a plus size pantsuit that isn't too expensive?

I figure I will try Lane Bryant, but where else? And should I get black for the first suit or would a color be alright. Color being dark burgundy, navy, or charcoal.

 

[lil mermaid]

Not sure what size you need, but Ann Taylor and J. Crew both go up to size 18, I believe. I think that navy or charcoal would be fine - actually, I prefer both of those to black.

Do you have a Nordstrom by you? They have a pretty good plus size shop, at least online. If you go to a Nordstrom, you can set up a free appointment with a personal shopper. You tell the person exactly what you want, and they will pull everything and have it ready for you to try on. It is really a great service.

Anyway, good luck on your interview!

 

[Meriweather]

DDIL is an attorney.
She has had great luck finding wonderful suits at Ross.
Also Catherine's....but not sure where all those are located.

Any of those colors are fine. Brown, navy, charcoal.....black would be last.

 

[Serena]

Ok, I'll try to stay away from black. Alright, I have some ideas. thank you.

 

[Kitty 34]

Can't help you with a suit but good luck with your interview, Laurie.

 

[Serena]

thanks Kitty

 

[Mickeyistheman]

JC Penny has been having some AMAZING sales recently and they have some very nice Woman's Suits. I would say to check that out and also Macy's. Macy's is a bit more $$ but check out both of those stores.

Good Luck on those interviews!!!!!

 

[RUDisney]

I bought mine in Sears and Dress Barn.

It's funny how many of you said not to buy black. That's the one I wore to my interview this week. The woman interviewing me was also wearing a black suit.

Why did I buy a black suit? Because I needed an interview suit and I couldn't find anything else that I liked or that fit me right.

For my second interview (assuming that I get one) I have a taupe suit with a hint of a blue plaid stripe.

I hope we both get the jobs that we want, Laurie! The job for which I interviewed is my dream job as CIO for my county. I've acted as the CIO before without the title or money. This job would give me both.

Prayers being said for you!

 

[Serena]

I will either get charcoal or black. I need the first suit to be neutral.

Good luck with you job interview.

This one isn't my dream job, but it will help get me where I need to go.

 

[3boymthr]

I'll second Macy's. If you have a little bit more money go to Talbots (by little bit I mean you'd probably spend $20 more at Talbots than Macy's unless Macy's is having a sale). If you are going somewhere that will accept something a little more avant garde try Coldwater Creek - the salespeople at places like Talbots and Coldwater Creek are wonderful as they will help you find pieces to fit you
I've gotten some very nice pieces from all these places.

If you do go with black go for something with a little panache but still classic - but avoid drab or funereal. I generally wear business casual, but for meetings with clients I have to dress in suits or sharp dresses. I'm in a managerial position and must present a professional image that's also classy. I wear a size 20 and I don't own a single black blazer/jacket/suit. So definitely don't be afraid of color. Fit and style are more important. I have a smashing coral, yes, coral, blazer that I wear over a black tank that I pair with a black embroidered skirt - the embroidery is flowers on the hem in a variety of colors including the coral in the jacket. I get more compliments on this outfit. I wore it to a meeting with a job "consultant" and she said it was perfect for interviews as it made me stand out but it was classy and stylish yet classic. My other jackets are red and grey. The red jacket is from Talbots. They have some beautiful classic pieces in their women's sizes that while pricey will last a long time.

Also, if you can't find a suit you like don't be afraid to show up in a really classic dress. I have a beautiful navy blue shirt dress that I also wear to meetings that I wouldn't hesitate to wear to an interview.

 

[ahutton]

I had to buy suits for my last job. I did my best at Stein Mart. I was able to get a couple different pairs of slacks that I could wear the my suit jacket, which gave the illusion of more than one suit.

Talbots has plus sizes and has 50%+ off of clearance right now. Got my favorite suit there.

I also have had good luck at Ross and JC Penney. The only trouble with Ross suits was stuff was almost always too long. I'm 5'4" so I have trouble with proportions sometimes. That is why I did my buying at places where I could get the jacket and pants in individual pieces that "match" as a suit. Same fabric, same details, just more than one cut of jackets and slacks.

Lane Bryant suits have either not fit me correctly or the color was horrible on me.

 

[disneymarie]

I always found what I needed at Sears and still use them some 10 years later.
Their Drk. Navy is fab, and the black prestine.
I love the ability to mix a skirt or slacks with the jacket,
I also had a med gray slack and jacket set, I got that at Boscov's great sale.

My light color linen pants and jacket, I found at Salvation Army type store. I once got called in to cover a shift, and got the shoes, to go with the outfit all for $15.00 the pants were Eddie Bower.
I would also check consignment shops if you do not want to spend a bundle.Often they have great suits.
We have one of the organizations, Dress for success in our area also...

The more recent I bought at ROMAN's and could down a size to fit proper.
Huge chest and reg pants.

GOOD LUCK,
Oh do you have a leather case or carry case? I always think they work great and look smart.

 

[Christine]

Well, I am not plus size but some of my most favorite suits come from Marshall's. My favorite brand that I get their is Tahari because it fits me best. I like the style of Anne Klein suits but their pants are cut large, so if I get a jacket that fits, the pants are too big. They work for my friend though. Usually at Marshalls, the suits are about $99.

I do have one suit from Ann Taylor but I don't like it as much. It seems like the slacks pick up every bit of dust in my office and my blouse collar NEVER will go over the suit collar/lapel properly. These are things you need to look at when buying a suit.

Also, be a little careful at Penney's. While they have a big, affordable suit section, I find tha many of their suits aren't "classic". You *might* find one. These suits will be fine but there is usually always some weird, stylish type thing on that such as an offset trim on the collar, too-decorative of a button, or something that takes the suit away from being a classic. These are fine, IMO, once you have a job.

I also don't have a problem with black. Just make sure that you get a blouse underneath that isn't dull. The beauty is you can go with anything because only a bit of it is showing. I get the most compliments on my black suit when I wear it with a white blouse that has a "hot pink" plaid throughout. Got that a Target (Isaac Mizrahi). One other thing to pay attention to is the pants leg on the suit. I have found that Dress Barn suits have a very straight or "peg leg" opening for a lot of the pants. When I put the suit on, it screams 80s to me. You will also want to stay away from a pants leg opening that is extremely wide (for an interview suit). Find one that has a nice gentle flair that will glide over your shows but not be too tight or too billowy. Ann Taylor suits, Tahari, and Ann Klein all fit this description.

 

[Disney Doll]

I have pretty good luck with Dress Barn Woman.

Black is OK, but I'd probably do navy or gray...less funereal looking.

A bright top underneath is a nice way to add "punch" to a neutral suit.

 

[powellrj]

Laurie, try Catherines. They are having a great sale right now. I got 4 suits last week in Kokomo because they were marked down to $19.99 each. This was a savings of several hundred dollars. I only needed one, but at that price I went for several more.

 

[Angelhalo]

I too was going to suggest Ross. I just got a suit there last week for $19.99 and I get sooo many compliments on it! And I am plus sized as well.