Question for women over 40: where do you buy casual but modest clothing for the office

[End Of The Road]

I've got a temporary position (through Aug 31) in a business office. Attire is business casual. I've been there a week and have been appropriately dressed in nice (inexpensive) pants, good shoes (flats), and a few OK tops (no see-through, no sleeveless, no low-cut). Problem is, I've been out of work for over a year and these are things I've had in my closet for awhile. I went shopping today in hopes of finding more tops to stretch my wardrobe a bit.

I was mortified. Quality was poor (as I expected), but I had a really tough time finding anything I felt was appropriate for summer office wear for anyone over age 24. I was not shopping at trendy stores! I'll admit it, I even went to Dress Barn.

Didn't buy a thing.

So I came home and started shopping on line. So far, I've found exactly ONE nice blouse at a reasonable price at LLBean.com. Machine-washable, easy-care. Life is too short to iron.

Do any of you share my frustration? Which clothing stores (online or off) do you frequent the most?

EOTR

PS: The reason I'm not asking my coworkers where they shop is because most of them ARE in their 20s-30s and wearing low-cut crap with a push-up bra. I'm a bit too over-the-hill to pull that off.

[WinkyDink]

1. Where women's clothes are? Like, NOT in the Juniors section?

[End Of The Road]

4. I haven't gone near a jr dept in years. nt

[RebelOne]

63. I am way over 40, but I have to shop in the junior's department

because I am very short-waisted and junior clothing fits me better than misses. I know most of the styles are targeted for the teens, but I have found some styles for me.

[PeaceNikki]

2. Try Kohl's?

[RebelOne]

64. Great choices at Kohl's even in the junior department.n/t

[SharonAnn]

68. Also, Lands' End online. Great quality, decent prices.

www.landsend.com.

THe only clothes I buy these days are from:
Lands' End
Kohls
Talbotts
Pendleton

[w8liftinglady]

70. I shop at Kohl's...be sure and check the clearance racks

[MH1]

77. I agree with Kohl's

they have lot of styles and sometimes if I go to a Kohl's other than my regular one, I have a hard time sifting through the stuff I wouldn't wear to find the stuff that works better for me. So if you go there and can't find the kind of thing you're looking for, ask someone who works there, it is probably on a rack you missed.

Definitely check the clearance racks.

[Lochloosa]

103. My wife buys all of her office clothes at Kohls. She is in her 50's.

Be sure and get on their mailing list. They will send you 10-30% off coupons all the time.

[HipChick]

3. I try and catch the sales at Macy's,Kohls,Marshalls

Being a bit busty, I'm kinda conscious of dressing down the girls..lord knows I have no need of a push up bra..

[orion007]

5. TJMaxx, or if you have good consignment shop? n/t

[supernova]

6. Chico's is my fave

I find that us "mature" women are really supposed to put out for clothes. The other one I like is Eileen Fisher. J Crew is also popular, but they don't do much for me personally. If you like Land's End, you might also like them.

I'm in my late forties and I look for things that are neither too young nor stuff that I think my grandmothers would like! And yes, I sometimes don't buy many things. I go for quality.

The other thing I do is frequent thrift stores. There's a good business in women's second-hand clothes. I've gotten several nice blouses at my favorite thrift store.

[catabryna]

8. +1

Though I work at home now... ya know, one of those women who quit working to take care of their kid!

eta: my kiddo has special needs, therefore, he's a special kid, therefore, he needs a special mom! :D

[no_hypocrisy]

9. + 2 Yes, Chicos!

[End Of The Road]

12. Now this is really helpful - thanks.

I hadn't thought about Chico's, and there's one nearby.

And I hadn't thought about second-hand, either. Goodwill always comes to mind when I think "used clothing", but there are some high-end thrift stores here. Great idea!

[catabryna]

24. In my experience, Chico's has great customer service...

I think you'd enjoy it.

[kiva]

75. Another vote for Chicos....

and Coldwater Creek. Both can be pricey, but if you are near a factory outlet or shop the sales, they aren't too bad.

[kath]

87. Coldwater Creek is having a 50% off sale on EVERYTHING right now, even the clearance stuff in their

"outlet" of their website. Store & online all half off. If you place an online order from inside one of their stores, the shipping is free.

[MrsMatt]

41. I'll second Eileen Fisher and Chicos, and raise you by Talbot's

Talbot's is pretty pricey, but the stuff is classic and you can wear it for years.

[supernova]

44. Talbot's is good too

I forgot about them earlier.

I hit them when they are having sales or I need a special occasion outfit.

[cally]

83. I shop at the Talbott's outlet in San Leandro, CA

The prices are very inexpensive and I like their clothes. I get most of my business blouses there and many pants. I don't know if there is an outlet anywhere else but the prices there are great.

[FrenchieCat]

120. Hey....I also go to the Marina Outlet often......as I live in San Leandro!

[eShirl]

7. Goodwill (especially if you're not plus size like me)

[Sienna86]

10. Talbot's

But only during their end-of-season clearance sales. Costs more, but styles are classic, and you can wear forever. Other than that, Kohl's or Marshall's.

[tblue37]

11. Online. I live in a college town, and the clothes in stores are not

suitable for a 60-year-old woman--especially one who hasn't held on to her youthful figure!

Sometimes I go in to Kansas City to shop.

[DURHAM D]

13. I dropped off some furniture at a Goodwill the other day.

I don't usually go inside but decided to look around. I was actually shocked at some of the really nice clothing (business) for both men and women.

Do you have a recycle shop/store near you?

[End Of The Road]

14. There are some good thrift stores here (Austin)

and also some good vintage clothing places, though they tend toward the dramatic.

Thanks for the input.

[Melissa G]

60. Thriftown at Stassney. Goodwill on South Lamar, Junior League

on Burnet Road. Garage sales in Barton Hills and in West Austin. I almost never buy retail. I am over 50 and have lived in Austin since the late 70's. PM me if you want more scoop. I occasionally supplement my wardrobe at Target.
Good Luck!

Edit to add: Shop Sunset Valley! Kohl's is having a really big grand reopening. Just got back from there with a bathing suit for my husband. It was 3 bucks and change with the coupon!

Ross and and sometimes,TJ Maxx are good, too.

[End Of The Road]

74. I've heard some great things about the Jr League thrift on Burnet.

I buy Ts and bras at Kohl's in Sunset Valley (in fact I shop everything on Brodie), but my problem with Kohl's seems to be my height. I'm 5'3", and the petite stuff (not a huge selection) is too short or tight, and the regular always seems too long or baggie.

I only recently discovered Charming Charlies next to DSW on Brodie. There's some really fun stuff there, if you haven't been (but mostly accessories -- only a few clothing items).

[Melissa G]

89. I'm 4'11. Definitely petite!

I don't usually shop Kohl's either, except for T's, housewares, and Husband stuff. I'm more a Ross girl myself, if I bother to do retail.

Younger daughter likes Charming Charlies, but I don't think much of their quality for the price. It is fun, though.

We have Austin DU meetups. Most of us now reside in South Austin. We will have to get together soon! Check out the DU Texas Forum for details!

[aquart]

18. Unsold end of season stuff from Gap and Banana Republic ends up in Salvation Army.

Always check your thrifts. I got a perfect navy cashmere coat for $12 at Housing Works.

[dkf]

50. I thnk ours goes to the outlet.

[aquart]

53. Possibly. Outlet stuff is often separately manufactured

Solely for the outlet and never passes through the main stores. Sometimes the label even says so.

[aquart]

15. Salvation Army.

The thrift stores in Manhattan have amazing stuff.

Unique thrift, I think, has a nationwide chain too but I haven't been to one yet.

Otherwise, type your specifications into eBay. Check Craigslist. If you aren't addicted to newness, there's quality, classic clothing out there.

[alphafemale]

59. Yep on this.

Thrift stores in general.

Near a richy rich area here too. You can pick up some amazing things for a ridiculous price sometimes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

110. I have bought cashmere sweaters for less than 5.00 at thrift stores

close to "ritzy" neighborhoods.
Half the items in my house are from those kind of stores...lamps, tables, mirrors, dishes, etc. They have lasted forever, saved me TONS of money.

[customerserviceguy]

79. Go to an upscale neighborhood with a Goodwill, etc.

And you'll find lightly-worn clothing for a fraction of the price. When upper-middle class people get done with their garage sale (if they even bother with one), they take the leftover stuff to the nearest Goodwill for a tax deduction.

[Brigid]

94. The one in Carmel IN . . .

Is like that. It's one of the best-kept shopping secrets in Indianapolis. :)

[customerserviceguy]

96. Yep, even where I am

There's a relatively poor community only a mile away from the Goodwill store, but the residents there don't often go for the "nice" clothes. I found a suit jacket there for four bucks!

[mainstreetonce]

16. great sale on right now

online Coldwater Creek google it The entire site is 50percent off now. Great jackets, sweaters, tops,.............. pants if you are sure of your size.
I buy pants at JCPenney or Macy's and for good tops I love Coldwater Creek especially jackets that will make an outfit out of a simple knit top and pants.
Another store that is great if there is one near you is Dress Barn.

[Tennessee Gal]

22. Coldwater Creek is excellent.

Had forgotten that one.

[End Of The Road]

27. I've bought a lot, in the past, at Dress Barn

but I went there today and was disappointed. The quality wasn't as good as I had found in the past, and right now their selection bordered on "beach grunge". They do have a career section, but I don't need a black suit.

I like them better in the winter -- they usually have beautiful sweaters.

[aquart]

56. Coldwater Creek really does have very pretty classic stuff.

With a very nice range of sizes. Sale, you say?

[mistertrickster]

139. My wife likes them . . . it's a catalogue store, right?

[sharesunited]

17. My wife swears by Ann Taylor. But I think she spends too much on clothes.

[Tennessee Gal]

19. Talbots is fantastic

Classic styles that last forever. I probably have clothes from there that I still wear after 10 or 15 years. They are pricey, but the sales are great.

I am shopping Kohl's a lot right now ... especially their sales.

Outlet malls are good.

And try garage/yard sales in some areas. You can pick up some good quality clothes there.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

20. Coldwater Creek, Land's End, LL Bean, Steinmart, Macy's, Kohl's.

Macy's sucks overall, but sometimes I have luck. Oh, and Christopher & Banks has some cute stuff, if you get past the goofy sweaters. I'll pop into TJ Maxx and Ross on occasion; never know what you might find. But yes, it takes a lot of time weeding through stuff to find good quality. And to get past the animal prints, tacky buttons, fringe, sparkles, etc.

Man, how I miss GOOD department stores and dress shops.

[End Of The Road]

28. Ooooo - Steinmart!

I'd forgotten about them! Another place to go looking tomorrow.

Many thanks.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

114. Happy hunting!

Some of their stuff looks like upholstery fabric, but not all. :-)

[jillan]

21. Check out Ebay. Seriously. You can find amazing deals on new clothing

as well as gently used.

I started buying my daughter's tops there because she is hard to fit, but now I prefer it.
I can sit at my computer and click away without having to drive around town. I buy alot of different items online now.

Just make sure you purchase from someone who accepts returns and when you search it comes up with the best match - but there is a drop-down box that you can change the best match to lowest price first.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

26. I buy all my clothes on eBay. Great prices and fantastic variety. :)

[Dappleganger]

35. Agreed, ebay is another great choice.

Since my feet are so freaking big (size 11 women's) that's a good place to shop.

[dixiegrrrrl]

123. speaking of shoes...Zappos dot com.

Sometimes they discontinue a style I like and I have found it on Amazon, for less.
but..seems you cannot get a decent pair of shoes for less than 60.00 anymore.

[Dappleganger]

126. We love them, too...

my dh and oldest son both wear size 15 shoes and have good luck there.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

132. Zappos is great!

I just got a pair of Bass sandals for $38 and a pair of Propet dressy sandals with lots of nifty neato velcro straps (to hold them on my bony little feet) for $48!!!

I wish the rest of the business world had customer service like Zappos!!

[Raine]

51. I LOVE Ebay. nt

[Raine]

23. I have gotten some nice things off of Ebay also catalogues like

Old Pueblo Traders and Bedford Fair. I get their catalogues but they have websites online. I also go to second hand and consignment stores.

[OKNancy]

25. Jones New York

http://www.jny.com/

[aikoaiko]

29. Wardrobe thing is tough on women. I just bought 5 white button long sleeve shirts for the summer.

And I'm done.

[End Of The Road]

34. Long sleeves in Georgia in the summer? Ugh.

Your office must have great AC!

[aikoaiko]

40. What can I say, bottondown shirt and tie is the uniform of my position

And yes, the AC works great.

[RebelOne]

66. Agreed, and I also live in Georgia.

No way would I wear long sleeves in the heat wave we are now having. Every day this month has been in the 90s.

[tammywammy]

30. I'm 30, but I like Ann Taylor and NY & Company

I find a lot of nice office clothing there. I especially like NY & Company's pants, and they have some great sales.

[a la izquierda]

101. I love Ann Taylor...

and I'm 33. Great minds and all. I get teaching clothes there, usually on clearance.

[Lifelong Protester]

31. Land's End. It has an ironclad, no nonsense return for ANY reason

at any time policy. Good office attire (I'm a school administrator). They have a great outlet with fantastic prices, same great return policy. They have great no-iron blouses, I like the 3/4 sleeved, hip length ones (no tucking in for me, I have no waist!). Great skirts also.
Really, give Land's End a try. They are here in Wisconsin, employ a lot of good folks. I guarantee you will find some very good, office appropriate summer wear there. www.landsend.com


Nordstrom has a line of blouses called "Foxcraft". Reasonably priced, no iron, look very classy. Their
sale for fall stuff is their "Anniversary Sale" starting July 15. 30% off fall stuff, easy to buy online.

I love Chico's too. Once you find your size with them, go on eBay to find a LOT of stuff, really good prices.

[yardwork]

36. Yes, those no-iron blouses with 3/4 sleeves and hip length are the ones I was talking about.

They really look nice over slacks.

[Brigid]

91. I love Lands' End.

I was going to suggest that. They will also hem most pants before shipping, which really helpful for a petite like me. Plus, you can make returns at Sears. :)

[yardwork]

32. It's hard to find tops this year that aren't sleeveless, low-cut, or both.

Look for dressy cardigans and bolero-type jackets or sweaters to wear over the sleeveless tops and dresses that are everywhere this year. I found a cute off-white three-quarter sleeve cardigan made by Calvin Klein at a local department store a couple of weeks ago.

It's hard to find dresses and tops this year that don't have plunging necklines. But many of them have draped fabric. Buy some double-sided tape and make a wardrobe adjustment. Look for double-sided tape for dresses and bra straps at discount stores like Steinmart and TJMaxx.

I found some nice cotton blouses online at Lands' End that I wear over slacks. Add some cute flat shoes (look at DSW and other discount shoe stores) and matching pretty but inexpensive jewelry (try Steinmart) and you've got a perfect business-casual look for very little money.

Congratulations on your temp job! If you like it, it might turn into a permanent job.

[Raine]

98. Good ideas, I love dresses but it's hard to find any that have sleeves.

I hate my upper arms and want at least a little cap sleeve. Getting a bolero or short sleeved sweater to go over sleeveless dresses and blouses is a good idea. :-)

[Dappleganger]

33. Dillard's clearance rack.

[Arctic Dave]

37. My wife is die-hard Cabi girl.

I believe she is addicted.

[Cal Carpenter]

38. TJ Maxx, according the 40+ woman in this house

She loves the clearance section, although it is spotty.

[XanaDUer]

39. J C Penney's has a modest, and modestly priced line called Worthington

Land's End.

Talbots.

Nordstrom if you can afford it.

ModCloth

Orvis

[End Of The Road]

43. I'd forgotten about Orvis.

(When you haven't shopped in a year, it happens).

You're the first to mention them --- I jumped to their website and found a shirt that's perfect for me. Thanks!

[XanaDUer]

107. Good!

nt.

[babsbunny]

42. Kohl's of course!

They have clothing for all ages.

[elfin]

47. I agree

also check out TJMax and Marshalls. Sometimes Dress Barn can come through with nice duds.

Koh'ls went through a dry period a few years ago, going bare midriff and other junior trendy things, but is now apparently back to reasonable and tailored looks.

Go there first and then explore.

Congrats on the new position and concentrate on the work first. The "look" will assemble itself.

[bettyellen]

45. Target and H+M have some great deals, also in a few weeks, Fall will be in stores- Summer merch is

always the most casual selection, so whatever impressions you formed regarding the slection right now should change a lot once you see the stores put out ther Trans Fall stuff. Good luck!

[dixiegrrrrl]

46. If you can wear loose fitting clothes, try this place

http://www.etsy.com/shop/outrageousrags

She makes tunics, and some lovely 2 piece outfits. Avoid the "lightweight" and look only at the "premium" rayon, the lightweight is see thru.
and, very very affordable, plus, she will sew to your measurements. I have bought several outfits she has sewn for me, from her, they fit me perfectly. A darling woman, sweet and smart. The feedback on her site says a lot about her.

Lots of clothes on Etsy, I have looked around.

[WillowTree]

97. Lord, those tunics are gorgeous! Just ordered one myself! Thanks

[1monster]

48. A local thrift shop that supports a center that offers real help to victims of domestic

violence. I've been shopping there for a couple of years, pay far less than I used to and am dressing far more fashionably and in better quality clothes.

[Sisaruus]

49. Talbots (I watch for sales)

I also like Land's End. Our workplace logo wear is from Land's End and it is comfortable, sturdy and comes in lots of classic styles which I find myself wearing even on weekends (I work for a non-profit so I don't mind wearing the logo even when I'm not working).

[pansypoo53219]

52. land's end or L L Bean.

i always do end of season closeouts. sigh. they stopped making intimates. i got the best bras from them. glad i got extras. i just want a cotton front close bra! COTTON!. is this so wrong??? back close bras are for the birds too.

[femmocrat]

76. I was so upset that Land's End no longer sells bras and panties.

Theirs were the best and most comfortable, and very reasonable on sale. I wish they would bring them back.

[dixiegrrrrl]

129. check out Vermont Country Store for cotton bras.

They carry a lot of "old favorite" style of clothes, undergarments.

[JNelson6563]

54. Thrift stores and e-bay

I find really high quality stuff that I could never afford new. Classic, timeless sort of stuff. Can't beat the prices with a stick.

Julie

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

55. thrifts, consignment shops, goodwill

salvation army and ebay.

[Odin2005]

57. Try thrift stores and stores specializing in an older clientele like Lane Bryant.

I'm a guy, so I'm clueless on the subject, but I know many women, even women my age (25) that complain about how hard it is to find clothes that don't make them look like "skanks".

[End Of The Road]

78. FYI - Lane Bryan is plus sizes - I think start at size 14.

Sometimes I wish I COULD shop there, since they seem to carry a lot of classic lines. Maybe in a couple more years... ha!

[Odin2005]

86. DOH, like I said, us guys don't know shit when it comes to women's clothing!

[Brickbat]

58. Travelsmith has some stuff made in the USA. And because it's travel clothing, it's very easy to

care for.

[MichiganVote]

61. All of the above-Northstyle, Sierra Trading Post,Spiegel,Younkers

[spinbaby]

62. I had very good luck at JC Penney this year

Not sure why, because I haven't had much luck there before. Maybe they got a new buyer. I went in looking for a replacement pair of pants for a pair I had bought there a couple of years ago. I didn't have luck with the pants, but came out with a pile of clothes at very good prices.

[spooky3]

65. I can't add to the many good suggestions here but every prof. woman I know shares your frustration

One of them said her clothes are getting threadbare because she has to wear her old stuff since the clothes in the stores now are so completely inappropriate (skanky), unflattering and uncomfortable (tight), cheaply made, and ugly. I totally agree and am in the same boat. I can't believe how long these ugly trends have lasted.

A friend I have who is a politician said she finds it very interesting that men would never put up with this - their clothing stays essentially the same year after year and manufacturers are happy to provide it - professional men in her office have no problems finding appropriate clothing at a fair price, but professional women either willingly buy and wear stuff that they have to be asked not to wear, or (more often) get extremely frustrated when they try to shop for classic clothing.

[End Of The Road]

71. Not only are the clothes now so inappropriate, as you say

but I don't find most of it attractive on even young women. Classics look good on young and old. Crap... well, it looks bad on everyone.

[spooky3]

104. Totally agree. The tight fits show ever extra pound and many young women have them.

Totally unflattering. Even if you are thin but not perfectly proportioned, the clothes accentuate what's imperfect.

These are the mullets and 70s men's tennis shorts of tomorrow. If only tomorrow would hurry up and arrive...

[Curmudgeoness]

67. I sympathize. I also was just shopping for some new summer

office clothes. I was not impressed with some of the suggestions I see in this thread, but can't help you. I didn't buy anything either. The things that I saw were the cheapest crappiest-made clothes I have ever seen. And if they looked that shitty brand new, I wonder if they will hold up in the wash.

But I have had this complaint for years. I shop in misses or womens sections, and the clothes are nearly impossible to tell from the juniors section. Hello, clothing makers, we are not 15 anymore and don't want to act like we are!!!

[Sabriel]

69. Eddie Bauer, local thrift stores, yard sales, Craigslist

EB often has markdowns that make it very affordable, although I have yet to find pants there that fit (shirts, yes).

But most often I find great stuff at the local thrift stores and at yard/garage sales in high-end neighborhoods. I'm always amazed at what people sell for a couple of bucks. Some still have the tags on.

Some things on Craigslist have worked for me, especially when someone is clearing out a whole bunch of clothes for a lump sum. I got a couple of Pendleton suits this winter for about $20 each.

[Brigid]

92. Eddie Bauer?

I live in a town that never had one, but when I lived in Indianapolis I used to shop there sometimes. But I heard they went out of business. Is that not true?

[FrenchieCat]

119. I bought a storm jacket at an Eddie Bauer just a couple of weeks ago.

They have regular stores and outlets throughout the US.
I'm in California....and needed the storm jacket
for my travels to St. Louis.

[Lady President]

72. NY & Co., Kohl's, JCP

I'm also 40 and work in a office casual environment. I've found NY & Co. the best for low price office clothes, esp. pants. They carry most of their pants in tall, regular, and petite which is great. I have a horrible time finding pants that are long enough. The quality isn't fabulous, but you can find some staples as you're building your work wardrobe. If there is a great sale, I love Ann Taylor Loft and Talbots.

[femmocrat]

73. Christopher & Banks is excellent!

They always have great sales. If you join their rewards club, you get free shipping. I buy most of my work clothes from C&B. They have skirts, dresses, dress pants, lots of nice blouses and tops, sweaters year-round, jackets, and cute casual clothing. Not low-cut and a lot of 100% cotton (which I prefer).

http://www.christopherandbanks.com/home/index.jsp

I also shop the sales and clearance racks at Macy's, but they have a lot of ugly trendy stuff, so you have to know which departments to search. Many of the younger women I work with shop at Kohl's, but I have never been there so I can't vouch for it.

[supernova]

80. New to me. Thanks!

Whole new store to peruse.

[Horse with no Name]

81. You might try Belk. They always have great sales.

I actually picked up a pair of tan linen pants and white collar shirt for $7.50 for both--good quality.

NOBODY has clearance sales like Belk. Nobody.

On edit: Overstock.com is another place I haven't seen mentioned.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

82. Goodwill. Quality for a decent price. nt

[Lydia Leftcoast]

84. Orvis is expensive, but their stuff often goes on sale

Orvis on sale is one of my favorite shopping experiences. They're the most dependable purveyors of classic clothing.

But even JC Penney seems to have bifurcated into "business" clothes with short, tight skirts on one hand and old lady clothes on the other.

[Dems2002]

85. Run, don't walk to Macy's - sales racks only

I was at Macy's last week. Bought two pair of dress pants one of which was marked down to $3.97! Macy's brand called style and co. I've recently gained weight so didn't want to spend too much. Their other in house brand is doable as well.

[quiller4]

88. I'm 60 and I usually try to shop out of season sales so now I'd

buy fall and winter items from Land's End Outlet. I find a few nice pieces at Nordstom Rack and I shop Macy's sales. I also order from QVC online.

I also shop second hand stores. I have three cashmere turtlenecks that are the foundation of my winter wardrobe. Two came from ValuVillage. The third was a Land's End Outlet purchase.

[Kat45]

90. Since when is low-cut, particularly with a push-up bra, appropriate for work?

Have times changed such that it is now appropriate? I have tops I wouldn't feel right wearing to a workplace, and some other places as well, and they're only somewhat low-cut. When I was growing up, cleavage was only at all "appropriate" at the beach or for a nice night.

[inna]

93. fun and useful thread, even for those of us under 40.

lots of good suggestions, even though i personally hate to shop and avoid it at all costs.

[PotatoChip]

95. Just get a good seamstress

and buy barely used quality items from thrift stores that you like and are close in size. The seamstress can then taylor your choices to fit in a flattering way to your figure. This is a surprisingly inexpensive way to go, but if you want to spend even less, try doing it yourself.

It's easier then you may think. Just invest in a no-frills, but quality sewing machine and I bet you would shock yourself w/what you can do with it. Buy the cheapest of the cheap thrift clothes (close to your size) at first and practice a bit. Or even use old clothing that you never liked. *Tip... BTW, you may find that you like your old stuff after all when they fit properly enough to flatter your figure.

Tons of classy looking women I know do the former suggestion, and a few others have taken it that one step further w/the latter.

Good Luck!

[Avant Guardian]

99. They will go back to the standard everyday RW talking points

[WCGreen]

100. MRS WGreen finds stuff at places like TG Maxx, Kohl's and SteinMart...

[Le Taz Hot]

102. Thrift Stores.

You have a much greater variety with the added benefit of being able to put together 5 outfits for under $40.00.

[cycleberg]

105. Can't wait for low-rises to go away

Can't stand'em or how most pants have to be so tight.

anyway, check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
Many good deals can be found there especially if you sign up for their email announcements. One drawback is sometime poor selection similar to TJ MAXX or MARSHALLS. I recently found some Woolrich pants from Sierra that fit without being too tight or too low.

Btw, although we've been shopping from Lands' end from back when they actually had sailing gear, my mom & I won't purchase from them anymore. The quality has really gone down and the fit isn't as good either since Sear's picked them up.

Chico's, LL Bean, and Talbots. Lots of Marshalls & TJ MAXX.

[End Of The Road]

109. Yeah, since Sears bought Lands End

I've had trouble with things shrinking in the wash. That never happened with their old stuff.

[spooky3]

141. agree--also a problem with some cotton things from LL Bean

On the opposite end of the problem scale, I just returned some "medium/tall" exercise pants, the size I always wear, that had a 34.5 inch inseam!! Quality control has suffered...

[krabigirl]

122. High rise pants are very uncomfortable, but a mid rise is ok.

High rise is actually in stele right now and I cant wear that.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

134. High rise pants make me look like a mushroom stalk

I'm short waisted. The parental units used to buy me pants with 3 inch wide waistbands, back in the 70s.
Mom thought hiphugger pants were awful but I looked better in them. She was a fashion major, so she should have known about proportions.

:banghead:

Learn to sew. I have three Singers that I inherited from mom. Clothes now are loose and don't have a lot of details, so they are easy to make.

[Brigid]

124. I don't like the low-rises either.

They just don't fit right. But online Lands' End still has jeans with a normal rise. Just be sure to watch the descriptions carefully when you order. :)

[Warrior Dash]

106. Try Ross...dress for less.

[cameozalaznick]

108. I like CAbi...

But you have to find a rep who sells it in your area. Designed for real women in mind. Go to cabionline to see the most recent collection.

[Evasporque]

111. J.Jill

Though more on the casual side they do have a good selection of office casual. In realistic sizes.

[Patiod]

112. Nordstrom's and Nordstrom's Rack.

I'm not suggesting Nordstrom for everyday work clothes, but for special interview pieces, you can't beat them. I'm free-lancing, so I need to interview a lot. Twice now I've bought interview clothing at Nordstrom, and never felt pressured. They also didn't make me feel embarrassed when I specified that I couldn't spend more than $x for a jacket. I found a stunning, professional, very striking jacket for winter there with the help of their staff. Paired it with a sale skirt from Macy's (bought with a coupon).

Just this week I found an amazing Eileen Fisher jacket for summer interviews at Nordstrom's Rack for $79. Nothing at the Rack is cheap, but again, if you're looking for interview-quality, it might be worth the drive if there's one anywhere nearby.

And I second Chico's and Coldwater Creek, although I don't shop there myself, because neither make clothes proportioned for tall women (translation - their clothes probably fit the average-height woman better than most). I'm more likely to get lucky at Kohl's or Macy's.

[MrsMatt]

113. I forgot about Pendelton!

very classic stuff, and professional looking.

http://www.pendleton-usa.com/section/Women/1815.uts

[otohara]

115. eBay, J Jill, Talbots, Loft

got me a whole new closet full of clothes for about $300, many were new with tag.
Just type in your size at your favorite designer and have fun....

[PassingFair]

116. If you have a CostCo near you, look for the "Made in Heaven" truck sales...

The older I get, the less I like to "feel" my clothes.

I drive all day, and I'm in and out of the car and don't
feel like re-tucking shit day in and day out.

The "Made In Heaven" clothes have great drape and
they never wrinkle.

I really don't have to think about what I look like all day.

[Cleita]

117. I go to Ross, Marshall's or TJMax.

They sell seconds and Dept. Store cast offs at very reasonable prices. With a little hunting through the racks and combing through the for sale items, I can put together a quality outfit often for less than $30.

[FrenchieCat]

118. Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor's outlet, Norsdrom's Rack (discount store),

Banana Republic, J Jills, Macy's, and GAP.

All have sizeable sales rack of quality in various sizes....
All of those stores carry relatively classic clothing.
You just have to mix and match.

[krabigirl]

121. I am 40 but you can find stuff pretty much anywhere. Just wear a light cardigan over sleeveless tops

[etherealtruth]

125. I'm 49 and perhaps its just luck

... but I have built a good wardrobe shopping at all the aforementioned stores. You've got the right idea ....stick with classic cuts and styles (occasionally jazzing it up with one trendy piece).

In my job I spend 1/2 of my time in "the office" and the 1/2 out in the field. Believe me the real trick is to find something that covers, is cool , and very utilitarian that goes with steel toed boots.

It took me years to build my wardrobe .... I wouldn't know what to do if I had to do it all at once .... as others have pointed out ...cardigans and/ or blazers will cover all sins.

[CrispyQ]

145. "...that goes with steel toed boots."

Now that is a fashion challenge! :rofl:

[WillowTree]

127. I'm LOL at most of these sites.

I can make just about anything I need for a fraction of the prices on most of these selections. Other than shoes and undies and the occasional unique piece on sale or purchased so I can copy it, most of what I buy ready-made anymore is jeans because they're just not worth the trouble.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me to sew and never telling me there was something that was too difficult for me to try!

[HopeHoops]

128. Victoria's Secret

Well, I'm at least over 40.

[etherealtruth]

136. That's where I get most of my jeans ....

... and many other things .... and I'm damned near 50

[HopeHoops]

138. I'm 48 and I USED to get things for myself there - when they had "Victoria's Secret Gentleman" stuff

That was some time ago.

[MaeScott]

130. Chico's. nt

[lapislzi]

131. JJill, although expensive

Has good, modest basics: linen, stretchy fabrics, ample coverage. If you shop frequently, you can find good stuff on the clearance racks. And DSW can't be beat for its shoe selection. Also, Zappos has wonderful shipping and return policies. Not the cheapest, but you can shop the brands and the quality is fine. A good pair of Rockports will last for years and is worth the investment.

[angel823]

147. another shout out for j.jill

When I can afford it, that is.

Angel

[CrispyQ]

133. QVC, Denim & Co. makes a lot of summer tops that I like.

Fairly reasonably priced. 30-day money back guarantee & they refund original shipping charges, too.

[End Of The Road]

143. I've never shopped QVC -- but just went to their site

and the prices are great! Thanks for the tip.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

135. Word to the wise: RAYON IS EVIL

Rayon skirts get yucky after you wash them. Rayon is nothing but cellulose. Plant fibers.
Rayon is also known as viscose or acetate.

Cotton, linen, and silk are a lot better.

[Odin2005]

137. Cotton is nothing but cellulose, too.

:shrug:

[CrispyQ]

144. I never wash rayon - dry clean only.

That's why I have so little of it!

[SoCalDem]

140. Ross for Less, Kohl's, Marshalls

even Target..

Concentrate of separates.. a few neutral skirts, some white/light blue, tan shirts/tops..a few pair of khaki slacks, a pair of Navy slacks , a pair of black slacks..and you are good to go..


Look in the sale sections & you can often find nice dresses at very good prices too..

If you like embellishments, a few colorful scarves can work wonders:)

[TNLib]

142. I really like Talbots but it can be expensive

JC Penney's in the womens dept for good deals. Talbots and Belks if I want to spend more and sometimes Kohls has good deals.

[lynne]

146. I always end up back at J.C. Penneys -

- seems they have separates that can be mixed and matched, the quality is good and I'm now so familiar with the fit of some of their brands - Worthington and Arizona - that I don't even have to try stuff on. I can always find items on sale and the styles are usually current but are still appropriate for work. They also carry some name brands for jeans and more sporty clothes. I've gotten so that I ask for Penny's gift cards for birthday's, mother's day, etc. and then save them up and go on shopping spree's when they're having big sales, which is rather frequent.

My #2 spot is Kohls but I find their styles more youthful and trendy and I've had some quality issues with their items. Like the pants suit where the entire inseam of the pants just fell apart DURING CHURCH!!!! I suddenly had an open pant leg from thigh to ankle on Christmas Eve!

#3 is T.J. Maxx but their inventory is always unique and I can't always find what I need there.