Work Clothes

[Cohl]

Ok... I posted this in my journal, but I thought I'd put it before you fashionable girls. I start my first "real" job in September and I need a work clothes. Business casual is the criteria and I would love to see what you all come up with. Oh yeah, I am going to be an Accountant, btw. Thanks in advance.

PS. Please post where I can find the clothes. I am pretty much clueless when it comes to professional clothes!

[LeslieandPaul]

I love the Gap! I don't wear business clothes, but I know what kind of stuff they've got-you can get really nice dress pants and shirts, and occasionally a decent blazer.
www.gap.com

[tlew12778]

I'm in accounting as well. Will you be working for one of the big 8? If so, I would stick to the more conservative end of business casual and go for Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Zara style... basically that means dressing up but not necessarily a suit. I would still wear pants and heels to work IYKWIM.

Oh look! Ann Taylor is having a sale now! This is nice:
http://fp.anntaylor.com/@v=0148@/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/122678_6505l.jpg
$159.99
http://fp.anntaylor.com/@v=0148@/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/122679_6505l.jpg
$99.99
Obviously that's a suit but you can wear them separately as well. I do this a lot. I wouldn't consider this conservative bc of the style and color (too light).

Ooooh. BR is having a sale too! These are nice:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/NR/rdonlyres/ec7ecehud2xcvhddfqc27xueqhjmvm6npog4ecffrv4dqxt4in tarx2p75jeuglfkf2kvfz37sldsqz5ui4asduylhh/br269190-01v.jpg
$34.99! (OK this is ultra conservative but it's good to have in the closet in case you have meetings or something.)
http://www.bananarepublic.com/NR/rdonlyres/epgmzjlpoeo272l32ybvqymt7cadjnoyyv3ahxgj7jvipokyeg gyuou5hanniycovjj36pdhflimx4tgxnv5ravzkdd/br293954-05v.jpg
$34.99 (silk-angora blend... mmmm) (Good to have in the office in case your AC is set on high)

Some offices allow cropped pants. I would wait to see what the other ladies are wearing before going down this road. My office allows them but I work in telecom and most IT type environments are much more casual. When I say cropped I mean this length:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/NR/rdonlyres/eqhbj2w7qkk5h56la3hujyppbiojriy52kojlw53iyt4ae5td3 gverqavkk5jkqjlnqjl3xoys26zttblr5gpepkd7g/br274764-01v.jpg
$29.99
Paired with a nice top and heels, I would still call it business casual.

Twin tops are great for the summer. Get a sleevless shell paired with a long sleeved sweater. This is perfect for travelling in the summer heat (sans sweater) then for office AC.

Hmm... I'm in the mood for shopping now :p

[shopaholic]

I buy a majority of my work clothing from Express. You can look at expressfashion.com for an idea of their "tailored" looks.

I swear by Editor pants, although they are getting a bit pricey. Anyways, I am business attire but I guess I pull off business casual. I wear button down shirts with my editor pants.

[Cohl]

Thanks ladies!! I will definately check all of these places out. Gotta love the sales!!

[shopaholic]

yeah, definitely look at Express and The Limited. Very cute things, sometimes pricey, but more affordable than some other places. :D

[Annette]

I like Petite Sophisticate / Casual Corner and The Limited.

[looch]

just in case you were still looking for ideas...
when i started working full time 8 years ago, we were business attire every day. then we went to casual fridays, then casual year round. i found the best things were basics, like pants, skirts and a jacket or two in a nuetral color. black, brown and navy are good options. then, aim to add 2 to 3 button down shirts, a sweater set in a color that complements your basics, and one coat or jacket. you will be amazed at what you can combine and still look fresh every day.

now, we're still casual, but i prefer to wear suits at least 3 days a week. i believe that it really helps with your image ( i am a big believer in dressing for the position you want, not the position that you have) and your authority. i get away with suits not because i spend a lot but because i shop a lot and have a good idea of when the sales are.

all that and one investment bag and one pair of fabulous shoes will really round out a work wardrobe.

hope that helps!!!!

[lawyerlee]

I've also found some really nice items at JC Penney, suprisingly enough. And you can't beat their great prices. They've got a great selection online, and some very stylish, fashionable items to choose from. :)

[lawyerlee]

Here are some examples of things that might work well for your professions wardrobe:

Audrey Fit Pant (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31360&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=0c86325&ProdSeq=3&Cat=career+pants&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Pants+%26+Skirts&PCatID=30390&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=22&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c986dbL.jpg


Shaped Plush Jacket (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c85847&RefPage=Products&StoreRegNo=&catalog_base=&firstpage=&cmOrigID=0C86325&cmPosID=1)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80d002e2L.jpg


Inverted Pleat Skirt (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31365&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=0c5e61d&ProdSeq=2&Cat=skirts&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=pants+%26+skirts&PCatID=30390&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=16&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80cc0dbfL.jpg


Pattern Skirt (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31365&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c8754d&ProdSeq=12&Cat=skirts&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=pants+%26+skirts&PCatID=30390&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=16&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c98713L.jpg


Big Button Cardigan (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=0c8757b&RefPage=Products&StoreRegNo=&catalog_base=&firstpage=&cmOrigID=0C8754D&cmPosID=3)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c986e5L.jpg

[lawyerlee]

Velvet Blazer (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=30219&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c859f9&ProdSeq=7&Cat=suiting&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Jackets&PCatID=30215&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=12&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c985ffL.jpg


Three Button Jacket (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=30219&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c8601d&ProdSeq=9&Cat=suiting&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Jackets&PCatID=30215&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=12&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c985adL.jpg


Long Sleeve Blouse (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31520&CatTyp=LFS&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c7c9eb&ProdSeq=2&Cat=blouses&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=Shirts+%26+Blouses&PCatID=30391&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=13&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c98dcfL.jpg


Non Iron Shirt (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31524&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=0c8782f&ProdSeq=2&Cat=easy+care+shirts&Dep=Women%27s&PCat=shirts+%26+blouse&PCatID=30391&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=8&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c9865bL.jpg


Washable Suede Blazer (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0c87657&RefPage=Products&StoreRegNo=&catalog_base=&firstpage=&cmOrigID=0C8782F&cmPosID=1)
http://a583.g.akamai.net/7/583/175/2005040510/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80c9863bL.jpg

[bookworm]

I am the queen of the sweater set, for business casual. Pair with dress pants or a skirt (or even khakis, after you see how formal/casual your office is).

[maxandmolly]

For basics like black pants, skirts, etc, try Marshall's or Ross- they often have good quality stuff cheaper than the department stores. But, be prepared to search through lots of crap to get the one or two decent pieces in there! Old Navy has some nice stuff, too. But I would start with a minimal wardrobe of basics, and get an impression of how your higher-ups dress. I think someone mentioned above, dress for the position you want to move up to, not where you are now. So, in a nutshell, dress (kinda) like the boss.

[karlatta]

Like lawyerlee posted, I find some good stuff at JCPenney. I especially like the pants in the Worthington line (which she posted). They are on sale right now for $25. My favorite thing about them is that they're washable. So I don't have to worry about sending them to the cleaners. They also have cute tops, jackets, and skirts.

I teach, so I try to stay away from places like Gap, Old Navy, Express, The Limited etc. It's no fun if your students show up to school wearing the same thing you are.

[mrselle]

Ann Taylor is a good place to shop if you’re looking for basics to get you started and they are having a pretty good sale right now. I buy most of my pants from Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft or Banana Republic because they fit me best, but my tops come from anywhere I see something I like and is having a sale. ;)

[katmg]

I get most of my clothes at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. I really like they way they fit me.

Recently I've found some great blazers/jackets at Target. They're also good for basics like t-shirts or shells to wear under things.

[Cohl]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will definately check them all out! Keep the suggestions coming!

[Delaney21]

I'm in accounting too. I worked for one of the Big 4 firms out of college, but I didn't have a lot of money at the time to spend on work clothes. I mainly bought my work clothes at NY & Co because they were cheap and they still looked good. My advice is that if you are on a budget, stay away from too many pants that have some type of stripe or pattern. With solid black, brown, tan pants you can wear them more often without people noticing.

Now I just don't like to spend a lot of money on work clothes, but I want some better quality clothes. I shop the sales racks at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft a lot now. I don't have a BR near me, but I've heard they have some good stuff too.

[Georgiana]

JC PENNEY, Chadwicks of Boston have awesome work clothes!

[Cr8nme]

I usually frequent Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft oh and Banana Republic. I really like the quality of their clothes.

[Sophia]

I'm a teacher and usually shop at Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, and JC Penney. I haunt the clearance racks, especially at Loft, because they put things on sale/clearance very regularly.

I generally stick to slacks and skirts in basic colors, sweater sets in basic and fashion colors, button down shirts in solids and prints, and a few fashion blouses (fun cuts/colors/prints). Most of the pieces mix and match, so I get lots of different combos.

[laura]

I saw a lot of good professional-ish stuff in Gap over the weekend - it's their new stuff for Fall. It's on the price-y side now - for Gap - but I'm sure it will be on sale for about $7 in a few short weeks. :p And it is currently comparable or cheaper than AT, so that's a plus.

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga299600-03p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga299602-00p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga300964-00p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/Main/gap/ga299578-01p1.jpg

[laura]

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga299581-00p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga299604-00p1.jpg

A nice trench is a good piece to have, depending on your office:

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/Main/gap/ga299820-04p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga319924-05p1.jpg

[laura]

I love fitted button down shirts; in the store they had these in a bunch of colors and/or patterns:

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga302295-03p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga299892-02p1.jpg

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga326119-00p1.jpg

I just like these...

http://secure.www.gap.com/assets/product/main/gap/ga319926-05p1.jpg

I also mix and match w/ sweater sets from AT (I like their quality the best, but they are $$$) and other misc. shirts I find at AT, Old Navy, Macy's, etc.

[Sophia]

It's on the price-y side now - for Gap - but I'm sure it will be on sale for about $7 in a few short weeks. :p

LOL So true. Gotta love it. Unless you just paid full price for the same item.
:p

[laura]

Nah, I'm the master of the price adjustment. ;)

[Sophia]

Yes. Must save receipts. DH always wonders why I have to go back to the scene of the crime so soon after shopping. To make sure I haven't paid more than I needed to. I have lost a couple of receipts before, though. It's maddening.

[kemaji]

I wear business casual to work and I usually shop at Gap, Banana, Ann Taylor, Old Navy and J. Crew. I shop sales and outlet stores.