If you are doing this in a place with a Nordstrom’s just do that to start. They have it all including classic shoe styles. She is going to find it too overwhelming otherwise. As a 50+ year old with a JD who loves to wear things until they wear out, I wish I could still get into my clothes from the 1980s! Maybe like me she is the child of depression/WW 2 parents. We breathed frugality growing up.
I realize this is stating the obvious but to start just keep it really simple. A base foundation color that everything else builds off of so she does not have to think too hard in the morning. Black, brown, gray, navy blue - whatever. She can branch out in the future. Mine is black; always works in law and is mechanical when you do not have time energy or inclination to think about what to wear. Easy to accessorize with classic pieces of good jewelry (pearls, duamonds, saohires, whatever she has). And as we all know the true key to avoiding “dated” hair is to find a great stylist who you trust and let him/her keep your look fresh.
If she hasn’t bought any new shoes since the 80’s please consider looking for at least ONE pair of versatile shoes. I’d hate to see all these new clothes and her look be ruined by a scuffy pair of years or decades old shoes!!!
Also, plan shopping breaks and some light meals/snacks in your day. It will be good for you both to sit back and regroup a couple of times during the day.
Both Saks and Bloomingdales have personal shopper staff who can help. I’m thinking if you wanted to do all of this at Nordstrom, you can probably afford these two.
Macy’s is not a place I choose to shop. Too disorganized.
Are there parts of her body she likes/doesn’t like? No sense buying a lot of sheath dresses for someone who is self conscious about an undefined waist, or sleeveless for someone who doesn’t like to reveal her arms, etc. if you know this you can avoid minefields.
22 - our local Nordstroms remodeled their space to incorporate bars serving wine, cocktails, and pupus. Ladies can park their SOs in there while shopping, and the bar at the Eastside store (strategically placed near higher end stuff) is always packed.
Undies are even more important than the outer layers! Is there an Intimacy boutique? Those ladies do a great job fitting bras, and they sell Marie Jo and Prima Donna bras, which are comfortable and supportive.
Banana Republic? I work from home so I don’t need a professional wardrobe but when I visit the store they seem to have a nice selection of basics and more stylish items.
What is her motivation? Reading between the lines it sounds like her H is pushing her. He may be right to, but I think you will need to tap into her psyche for this to be a success. Does she feel frumpy? Does she feel she’s losing business to younger or sharper dressed lawyers? Does she just need a change?
As for shoes…I have a condition that I call, Jewish feet. I am limited to certain brands for comfort, style, and use in my wardrobe… In my shoe closet I have (in order of price points) Chanel (ultimate in versatility…black beige and cream), Ferragamo and Banana Republic. Banana republic shoes, especially on sale, are the most comfortable shoes ever. And when they are onsale…I pay about $40 per pair. And they go from high spikey heels (my girls can wear these) to flats.
I also go to Banana Republic for inexpensive shirts and sweaters.
I’d look for coordinating separates in black and gray because they’ll usually work with the same shoes and accessories. A solid black skirt, jacket and pants, and a solid gray jacket, pants and either a sheath or skirt would be a good start. To that she can add a few blouses, a nice cardigan twinset, and some additional pants, skirts and/or sheaths in commentary patterns or colors. Maybe you can also talk her into at least one nice pair of black pumps that will go with everything. Good luck!
I would just have to say (even though I hope fireandreain that you are thinking this) that if you really want your friend to reach in her closet and grab the new clothes to wear and not the 80’s wear, she is going to have to be sold on the pieces she buys. Not buy them because the saleswomen says it’s right. Not buy them because you say they are right. She has to be sold on the style, comfort, etc. or it will just feel like she is putting on a costume!
For someone who doesn’t like to shop, the event tomorrow could be dreaded and a nightmare. You are a good sport to be part of it!
“She doesn’t do courtroom work. She does meet clients, although not every day. She does do conferences and presentations. I think my first goal is getting her a few outfits for when she gives presentations.”
As a member the audience at such presentations, I can say that when the presenter’s outfit is obviously outlandish, seriously outdated, or simply hideous, it distracts from the substance of the presentation. I still remember one female lawyer who wore a jacket 2 sizes too small and pants so tight that I was afraid they would burst at the seams during her talk. I am not trying to single out women; same rules apply to dudes, too.
I noticed that she wants to feel comfortable in her clothes. She has to try St. John suiting pieces. They are beautifully crafted out of fabric that stretches gently and does not wrinkle.
Has she had her hair & makeup updated at all?
Those sort of things will change the way the clothes look & might be something she wants to consider.
Also you might find scarves & jewelry, to personalize the clothes in the dressing room, if she wears that sort of thing.
If you note the type of fabrics and colors she likes, maybe she can just get updated versions?
lol - Bevhills- my mother has that condition for which the prescription is Ferragamo! So I had to rebel and wear running shoes. Thanks for the suggestion of Banana Republic- I didn’t know they were comfortable and will try some.
Remember What Not to Wear? They got rid of all the old clothes in the closet. Well…sort of.
I have read anecdotes that after the show, and the total makeover, that many went right back to wearing what they wore before.
I agree…the friend needs to be on board.
How about this idea. If she has black slacks, take those and replace them with new ones. If she has a jacket, take that and replace it with a current style. Continue until done.
And also, look at what she has. Some of it might be fine.
OK, CC friends, everyone cross your fingers. I’m waiting to hear back from Saks about getting a personal shopper tomorrow morning. If we all channel positive energy I’m sure it will happen.
I am in my hotel for literally 10 minutes before I need to run out again, so I can’t answer any questions. Promise I will later.
I went into Ann Taylor and was very unimpressed; liked Ann Taylor Loft better. I have a stylist lined up at Theory if I want to go uptown. I also went into St. John (there’s a store on Fifth) and while their clothes are gorgeous she will have an absolute fit at the idea of paying $1000 for just a jacket. Is Theory that much, too? Oy. And Banana Republic – the saleswoman in there told me that they just did a total redo and went casual. There was still a few nice possibilities in there.
