Need to VENT cannot find appropriate work clothes.

[WeLoveLilo05]

I am not sure what the problem is...I begin my student teaching in Sept and I am having such a hard time finding clothing! Everything is either too expensive or my bubbies/cleavage is showing, and I cannot wear something like that in a classroom!!
I have had no luck with NY & Co
The Loft
Anne Taylor
Gap
Dress Barn
JC Penney
Old Navy
Forever 21
Charlotte Russe
Joyce Leslie (although I got nice dress pants there last year, cannot find them again this year of course!)
The Limited
H&M

I have a pretty odd shape I guess
I had a little luck in Boscovs and Banana Republic but that store is so expensive. I also did ok in Kohls. Planning on going to Macy's this week.
Anyone else have suggestions, I hate shopping and spending lots of $$ on clothing. I already posted about this issue on the Budget Boards but it is just getting worse it seems as I am running out of time!!!!

 

[MinnieMe87]

Have you tried Walmart, Target, etc? I sometimes find some cute dressier clothes at Walmart and they're always pretty decent priced! You could also try Gordman's or TJ Maxx as they are a little bit easier on the budget. Good luck to you, I had a hard time finding things that were office appropriate too! Now if I see something that is perfect for work, I go ahead and pick it up. I'm starting to get quite the collection built up!

 

[Caradana]

That is really wild ... what's going on with the stuff you're trying on? I dress business formal for work and usually find great conservative clothes at Ann Taylor and the Limited. Are you very curvy or plus-sized? Do you think it might be a function of pulling the wrong stuff off the racks - maybe you're new to teacher dressing? My mom is a teacher in NJ and swears she can get through the year with a few great pairs of black pants and twin sets. The Limited has SPECTACULAR twin sets right now.

Which malls are you closest to?

 

[Judy from Boise]

Try Coldwater creek, the best thing is if you find something you do like , you can stock up in every color.

 

[christineann]

Lands End - well made and moderately priced clothes.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

try lands end (some of it is at sears)

it is conservative dress, but the stuff wears like iron and you can usually mix and match the colors. (and if something tears and/or pops a button, they have a very good return/replace policy)

Their dress shirts (womens and mens) seem to last forever.

their slack/chino/dress pants are the same.

DW tells me that the womens chino skirts, and other dresses are the same quality.

If you have to wear "work clothing" it would be a good investment.

 

[PatsMom]

If you have an "odd shape" or a difficult size, consider a good tailor. I am short and heavy. Actually I am now 40 pounds less heavy than I was in January so it is easier. But when I was heavier, I would have to buy plus size clothes that were too big and have them altered sometimes. I have to dress conservatively and formally at my office so suits were a must. It was worth the investment in the tailor just to get pants that fit me!

One thing my tailor told me is that it is pretty easy for a talented seamstress to make anything smaller, so buy big. It is hard to let things out that weren't designed to be made bigger.

 

[clarabelle]

I like the George Brand at Walmart

I have noticed that a lot of the shirts out now are low cut.
I don't really love the layered look -but did cave in and buy some tank tops to go underneath some things

 

[CathrynRose]

Have you tried Walmart, Target, etc? I sometimes find some cute dressier clothes at Walmart and they're always pretty decent priced! You could also try Gordman's or TJ Maxx as they are a little bit easier on the budget. Good luck to you, I had a hard time finding things that were office appropriate too! Now if I see something that is perfect for work, I go ahead and pick it up. I'm starting to get quite the collection built up!

2nd this. As well as Kohl's line of 'designer' brands.

And if you're having a cleavage issue (which I am familiar with - the same shirt on a small chest, looks fine - I put it on, and i look like the opening scene of a porno) buy Cami's. Target has a slew of colors of them, right now - for like $5.

I bought the standard colors (black, gray, white, cream) and now can wear anything low cut, without looking like I'm for sale.

ETA - and most cami's have those stupid shelf bra's - which are absurd...they're useless and a hassle, so I cut those out.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I absolutely hate clothes shopping. I put myself out of my misery and I now order from appleseeds.com...I know my exact size with them and their clothes are a very nice quality.

For work I have several pairs of slacks and several dark blazers, and a lot of various color sleeveless knit tops. I also have many different scarves and pins, you'd be surprised how a different scarf will make a completely different looking outfit.

 

[MushyMushy]

Don't go all out for your wardrobe for student teaching. I bought a few basics -- just some twill pants in tan, black, & khaki and tops to mix and match. I bought a few cotton tops that would be comfortable. You're going to be doing a lot of moving around and running for the teacher when you're not taking over the classroom.

Of course, I'm saying this assuming you haven't been specifically told to dress up. Our dress was rather casual. No jeans, tees or sneakers, but more like very business casual.

 

[Feralpeg]

My daughter will also be doing her student teaching this year. She just purchased her business attire for a reasonable amount at Kohls.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

That is really wild ... what's going on with the stuff you're trying on? I dress business formal for work and usually find great conservative clothes at Ann Taylor and the Limited. Are you very curvy or plus-sized? Do you think it might be a function of pulling the wrong stuff off the racks - maybe you're new to teacher dressing? My mom is a teacher in NJ and swears she can get through the year with a few great pairs of black pants and twin sets. The Limited has SPECTACULAR twin sets right now.

Which malls are you closest to?

I have a little belly and I am really short, and after giving birth to DD gravity has taken over.
I am so used to just sweats, jeans, t-shirt, hoodie....I feel like everything I try on, I look big in. So yes, I am new to this, but IDK, I just look funny, like not put together when I try things on, KWIM?
I live closest to Monmouth Mall.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Don't go all out for your wardrobe for student teaching. I bought a few basics -- just some twill pants in tan, black, & khaki and tops to mix and match. I bought a few cotton tops that would be comfortable. You're going to be doing a lot of moving around and running for the teacher when you're not taking over the classroom.

Of course, I'm saying this assuming you haven't been specifically told to dress up. Our dress was rather casual. No jeans, tees or sneakers, but more like very business casual.

Its pretty much business casual, on fridays jeans are "allowed" I guess you could say haha.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

I tried Target, not Walmart yet though and I haven't tried Sears either, thanks for mentioning that!

I was at dress barn and it was in an outlet mall and the tops were $45!!!! I was just shocked!

 

[paintnolish]

Like PPs have suggested, you can find a good variey of nicely priced things at Marshall's/TJ Maxx and Gordman's ( a lot more organized than the previous two!). I'd also go with khakhis and black pants and sweater sets and blouses with camis under them. Good luck!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I think that a good bra will help to start. Go to a store and get measured, then invest in a bra. It will change your whole appearance if you haven't been wearing the right fit.

I suggest investing in a couple of jackets and cardigans. You might not be used to seeing yourself in different clothes. Maybe try looking in the mirror from the neck down and thinking "What would I think if I saw this person?"

Just in case - don't get hung up on sizes...if it is too tight, try the next size.

Jackets create great illusions - the button should fall under your bust "lock and load" as Stacy and Clinton from TLC say. Old Navy has some standard ones now. Paired with different skirts or pants, you won't look like you are in a suit.

Do you have an H&M? Sometimes their shapes are perfect for me; other times, not so much. Prices are reasonable.

Don't give up on the stores you tried. Maybe try on everything - even if you don't think it will look good.

Good Luck with the clothes and the teaching!

 

[alexandria674]

I usually go for Kohl's for the basic office stuff,last time I was there I got two pairs of slacks, two skirts, some button down shirts for a pretty good deal. I had enough to cue in for an argyle sweater (I like those) with the rest of the money, I got some scarves to dress it up a bit. Kohl's always has sales so you can try to get in there. Also, Target is pretty good for office wear.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

I am going to Sears in a few.

Does anyone use shapewear, I think this is my problem, I see lumps and bumps I don't want to see

I do need a good bra too.

I keep watching what not to wear and I noticed stacy and clinton saying to buy shirts/dresses in which the waist starts like at the bust and then DOESN'T stick to the body, I am looking for that type of look but haven't been successful.

I get annoyed for example at Joyce Leslie i am a size 5 in pants, banana republic I am an 8, and then there are stores that the 8 is too tight! I vary so much!

Thanks everyone
Wish me luck, I am off again for the second time today!

 

[JamieW]

When I first started reading your post, the first place that popped into my head was NY & Company, but you said you've been there.

What is the price or the clothes you didn't like? If it was price, that's easily fixable. NY & Co does coupons galore. I never step foot in that place without a coupon.

You can sign up on their website and they e-mail coupons all the time. You can also go to slickdeals.net and do a search for the store. They have a coupon thread that give codes and people will post PDFs of the e-mails they receive.

This advice works for a lot of other stores, as well.