I really didn’t expect a college freshman to need business attire, but D has already had several events where she needed it. She made do with a blouse and skirt, but said she felt under-dressed compared to others. She would like to get a suit jacket or blazer that can coordinate with both a skirt and pants. Would like something that doesn’t look too “old”, and she will probably need a size 0 (maybe size 2 if the clothes run small). I would appreciate hearing what other college students wear and recommendations on where to shop. Thanks!
Suit jackets or blazers are difficult to find. Banana Republic does have some choices. If you can afford it, have it professionally tailored.
Does Express still carry separates? If so…try there.
She might also want to check out a Nordstrom Rack…and see what they have.
What does she need these for?
DD has Black slacks and a black blazer with several blouse options. Interviews, Internships, Business Fraternity, there are multiple times a month where she needs something outside of the basic college wear. She even told DW the other day " I get what you meant about black dress pants being a good option" Wow she really is becoming an adult!
I second Banana Republic. My D is now a sophomore, and probably a size 4, since she is so tall, We found nice suit jackets with matching skirts and pants, in solid and patterns. We found younger looking tops to make her outfits feel fresher. I also ended up getting her a pair of heels with a block heel. She was having to walk across campus to some meetings in regular heels, and they made her feet hurt.
My D is very small and has found business clothing that fits at Express. She is generally a size 0 or 00 and has had good luck there.
I highly recommend Express. While they are known for flashy-trashy stuff displayed at the front, their suit separates are quite well made and look very professional.
Another idea. Go to Nordstrom or Saks and try on some higher end brands. Max Mara, for example, makes great dresses and blazers. Their sizing is very consistent, and some classic styles are repeated year after year with just the fabric updated. So if you find something that fits, keep looking at RealReal for the pieces that look similar. Blazers get discounted quite significantly, so you can get a great Italian made one, often brand new, in cashmere or nice wool, $150 max.
Here is an example:
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/jackets/maxmara-wool-fitted-blazer
Thank you all so much for the suggestions! I saw some good possibilities on the Banana Republic and Express websites. We’ll try for a shopping trip over Thanksgiving.
@thumper1 , she is part of a scholars’ program where they have special events (dinners, receptions, talks with visiting speakers and professors, etc.) So far, she has also needed business attire for a career exploration event with alumni, pre-professional fraternity meetings, and an interview for a special program.
Suggestion made to me regarding the dinners and receptions (for my DD) was DVF wrap dresses. Classic style, and travels well (no wrinkles). Lots of print and color options.
Our kid is getting $$$ for Christmas to shop for this attire.
Another thing…Nordstrom has a 50% off sale on all Boss items, I think in January.
My D had good luck with Ann Taylor and Banana Republic suit wear. They carry petites. Also the Loft was flood for tops for under the jacket. Also Calvin Klein makes a knot sleeveless top that goes nicely under suits. They can often be found on the clearance rack.
My girls needed business attire in high school for debate and DECA. H and M had some great inexpensive options.
My D who is the same size as yours has had luck with Banana Republic (petite dept.) and H&M.
My daughter got her separates at Banana Republic during one of their big sales. Youthful but professional. If BR isn’t in the budget, H&M also has options.
Funny thread. When S was a Freshman I made him bring a sport coat and suit to college. He complained and thought he would never need them. He wore his suit many times. Actually joined a business frat and was required to wear it to meetings. Sport coat and slacks to countless mixers, networking events, etc. Sophomore yr he brought two suits with him and they get used quite often.
You could also add a solid color sheath dress that she can wear with or without the jacket as another option. My S is more apt to wear a dress than a jacket and skirt.
My older S took an expensive sport coat to school and soon realized that it was sort of a liability because he couldn’t just take it off and drape it over a chair and have beer spilled on it. So, H had an old, decent looking navy jacket that became the “party coat,” and now younger S has the same jacket at school - it’s definitely the workhorse of all jackets.
My daughter had to have business attire in HS for drama/debate tournaments and we found what we needed at Express. She wore a size 0 at the time. They also have great blouses to wear under the suits.
Go om, is it Brooks Brother? Some things are recognized & never go out of style
I found things that worked well for my D at Talbots.
Students do need business attires in college. They also need semi formal clothes for parties. I think my daughters needed dressier clothes in college than when they were in high school.