Professional/Business suit on budget for woman

[pantherlj]

Any suggestions on where to find a suit (for me, female!) for a very business professional meeting? Need to "look the part" to fit in with high level VP types (mostly men) but don't want to look like a man in a suit. And, of course, don't want to spend too much.

I am not very good at fashion so in addition to store suggestions, links to specific type outfits would be appreciated!

Need shoes too

 

[ancestry]

Honestly I get most of my dress clothes from the Salvation Army or Goodwill. I can get very high quality name brand suits for pennies on the dollar compared to full retail pricing.

 

[pam95]

I am petite and I have been able to find some really great deals on suits on sale/clearance at Macy's and at the Kasper outlet store. Sorry I don't really have any pictures to post, but I would suggest something basic in black, navy, etc. I really don't think you can ever go wrong with a simple, basic black suit with a nice blouse underneath.

 

[Gigi22]

Basic separates are your friend. Not sure what seasonal basic colors are popular at this time of year in N.C., but shop for simple tailored skirts--these can be quite inexpensive. Then, take a deep breath, and get a couple of tailored jackets in coordinating colors. For example, get a navy skirt and a jacket that has some matching navy in it. If your dress code at work allows women to wear slacks, pick up one or two pairs in coordinating colors that will go with your jackets. Tailored shirts or blouses. Practical shoes and handbags.
I find some nice things at Talbot's--you may want to try there. I also used to purchase a lot of Jones New York suits, they can be pricy--if you have an outlet store nearby, it is worth checking.

 

[Riverhill]

I work at a bank as a manager and always buy my suit either on sale from Macy's or at the Dress Barn. Dress Barn has great suits at good prices. Check out their website. Most suits run true to size. You can't go wrong with basic black and a nice shell under blazer.

 

[Disneycrazedmomof2]

Honestly I get most of my dress clothes from the Salvation Army or Goodwill. I can get very high quality name brand suits for pennies on the dollar compared to full retail pricing.

That's a great place to start. I'd say follow Mary Kay Ash's rules. Don't ever look like a man! Wear a basic black pencil skirt, with a black matching suit jacket. Do wear pantyhose (I know, unheard of in NC, I'm in SC) and find a nice jewel toned blouse to go underneath. If you can't find them at Thrift stores or GoodWill, try JC Penny. I got a suit there once and it wasn't but about $50. I still have it.

 

[Mom_Rides]

Try Burlington Coat Factory if you have one nearby. The last time I was there, they had several suits (pant and skirt) for $50 and under. JcPenney has reasonably priced suits as well. I bought a basic black pant suit at JcPenney for my grandfathers funeral for $35 on sale. I've also had luck at Sears in the past but its been several years since my job required me to be in a suit.

 

[kchughes]

Don't know where in NC you are, but Concord Mills mall near Charlotte has a Kasper outlet. I bought a 3 piece suit (pants, top and blazer) for 59 dollars. Quite the bargain. Lots of styles, and colors. lots of different weights for the different seasons. Then you can go around the corner to the Easy Spirit outlet and get shoes!!!! I have also seen Kasper suits on sale for reasonable prices at Belk. Hope you find what you are looking for and it is not too painful. I was almost in tears before I found the Kasper outlet because I was so frustrated!!!

 

[Abbeys_mom]

Kaspar's is a part of Jones New York, which also has great suits and tailored shirts. Brooks Brother's is pricey, but the outlet has some good prices. Clark's has great shoes.

For less formal meetings, I usually do Talbots.

Good luck, and knock 'em dead!

 

[jls886]

I get almost all of my dress clothes (especially suits) from The Limited. They do great sales so I never pay full price.

 

[Pigeon]

I've gotten some great Tahari suits (my personal favorite) for about $90 on clearance at Macy's, Boscovs and Burlington Coat Factory.

 

[dbarker]

Shoes - basic black pumps w/ a medium heel.

 

[Riverhill]

Kaspar's is a part of Jones New York, which also has great suits and tailored shirts. Brooks Brother's is pricey, but the outlet has some good prices. Clark's has great shoes.

For less formal meetings, I usually do Talbots.

Good luck, and knock 'em dead!

I second the Kaspar suggestion. Tahari is excellent quailty for the price also. Some of my favorite suits are Tahari.

 

[ResortsFrmrCM]

I will also agree that Kaspar and Tahari suits are great

I have had luck finding these brands and other good ones at Marshall's and TJ Maxx for a lot less than you would pay in a department store. On average I pay about $70 for a nice business suit at either of these places.

Good Luck