QUICK: Name where that quote is from!
If you said "How I Met Your Mother" then you were correct!
On a more serious note, I went suit shopping right around this time last year after going through some mock interviews and wearing a dress instead of a suit. Realizing my mistake, I knew I had to change my choice and go big and buy a big girl suit. After doing some research, my final choice was a Banana Republic staple lightweight suit:
I chose the Banana option over plenty of other choices for a few reasons:
1. They have tall, petite, and regular options for all different shapes. You can look at the size guides and have a better idea of what to buy for your (ab)normal shape!
2. Reviews are posted. I do a lot of online shopping via reviews. I think you really can get a good idea of the fit and quality of pieces from shoppers. Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic also do a great job of highlights repeat shoppers who really understand the fit of their clothes.
3. I could return it easily. Ordering online makes me nervous especially with big purchases like this because if it doesn't fit it will HAVE to go back. I have always had good experiences with this shipping!
4. Advice. My dad made a great point in telling me that I'd probably never (note: not finite, but more of a suggestion/guess) work anywhere I would need a HEAVY wool blazer. Or at least not in the short-term. A lightweight wool was perfect and black was an obvious choice. Our business school suggests buying a skirt suit first and a black suit before any others, so combining this advice, I went with the lightweight, black skirt suit.
When making your purchase keep in mind what shoes you'll most likely be wearing with your new ensemble and if you'll be more comfortable in pants or a skirt. I am by no means a suit expert, but I figured as a job applicant, I'd share MY decision process!
xxKatie
10 comments:
I think you definitely made the right choice! Another great thing about buying it at Banana is that it makes it super easy to buy matching pants at a later date if you need them (which is totally what I did)!
Thank you for the great advice! I have to buy a suit for interviews this fall and had no idea where to start!
Thanks for the advice! I managed to get through interviews without a suit, but I really feel like I need to bite the bullet and get one!
Great advice, and a fun blog!
ohbuoyboston.blogspot.com
Great advice! Such a big fan of Banana!! I love a good skirt suit, it says I'm feminine but I'm serious AKA exactly what you are looking for! Now only if it were acceptable to watermark "hire me" or "I'm awesome" in resume paper!
i've never had a job or an interview where i needed an actual suit, but i often wear skinny black pants with a blazer as a sort of pseudo-suit!
PS -enter my Jack Rogers giveaway to win a free pair of sandals!
I've also found that having a great local seamstress is critical. It's so rare that business attire will fit perfectly right off the rack - at least, for me. Spending $25 to have something nipped in or hemmed a bit so that you're looking super sharp is so worth it. A little tailoring will really set you apart from the crowd.
Great advice. I also love Ann Taylor for off-the-rack suits to get tailored. Esp lightweight ones!
Great post! I'm always on the lookout for business clothes for attending career fairs, job shadows, etc. Any advice for accessorizing these (sometimes drab) outfits?
xx Elizabeth
Champaign Taste
Post a Comment