<p>So I’m up for a position with a professional services firm. My last job was with a VERY creative group (8 years) and I could wear whatever I wanted (and I did, and it was fun). I’m a YOUNG 56, 5’ 2" and wear between a 10/12 (depending on whose tag it is) and would like to be professional but NOT stuffy. I prefer classic lines, and I prefer things that are fitted rather than blousy (which just make me look like a blob). I may be looking for a “new” work wardrobe. My D (the fashion designer) says I should hightail it to NYC to see her for a long weekend and she’d “dress” me (she has an amazing knack for dressing to people’s strengths and weaknesses) but that seems insane - although it also seems like it would be a blast - and she’s got a new apartment, so I could see it too . Colors are fine, but I do not wear skirts/dresses or heels. Ever. </p>
<p>Suggestions? And for goodness sakes please do not give links for items that are hundreds of dollars. I’m not a lawyer, or doctor…I just want to look nice, and feel good in my clothes, as well as be fashionable.</p>
<p>I’m a young 54, however I LOVE heels and skirts. I would suggest White House Black Market for starters. Very updated and professional. I still go to Chicos, but I’ve been noticing a trend for things to look a little more mature than I like…but still alot of professional clothes. I’m an accountant, and wear animal prints alot in winter…although only one piece of clothing can be that. I also think Ann Taylor has a nice fitted look, and professional. If you want to go even less expensive you can! Kohls, JC Penney’s, all of these stores have looks that will work</p>
<p>I.N.C. at Macy’s has some nice fun things you can get away with. When I first started working, I wore hose and heels…always, no open toes allowed. We wore business suits and OMG…those awful bowish ties. OK…fast forward 35 years and what you will wear will be considered casual. Scarves are a big thing right now…even in the office! Animal print flats for a little flair. Honestly, as long as you keep the clothing tasteful, you can get away with almost anything. Pick up Instyle magazine. Although the outfits can sometimes run a bit young, there is enough there that you can get an idea. MORE magazine caters to the more mature women. You have so many options now in the office! Have fun shopping.</p>
<p>Good suggestions! The other places to check for moderately priced professional clothes are Banana Republic and J. Crew. The latter can be on the trendier side, but has excellent lightweight cashmere and wool sweaters and nice pants. Express is trendy and under-21 oriented, but do pop in one of those, too. They have a nice selection of dressier slacks, tops and jackets. </p>
<p>I agree. I was also coming on to suggest whitehouseblackmarket. I just bought 4 pieces there that are all for work. I work from home but am gearing up to do more presentations and client meetings. I LOVE wearing skirts & dresses. My other suggestion is also Ann Taylor but I like whitehouseblackmarket better these days. I agree scarves can jazz up a plain outfit and give color to an otherwise plain solid color palate.</p>
<p>If I were you, OP, I’d be on the plane to NY. You will be much better off shopping with your daughter, the expert. If you go out by yourself you’ll make mistakes, and while you might find nice pieces you’ll have trouble putting things together. (I’m projecting here - assuming that you’re like me!)</p>
<p>Staples: one or two blazers.
Slacks: black, navy camel and/or grey
Blouses/tops sweaters…something with some “interest” an unusual neckline (a la Lafayette 148) but not that expensive (or on sale)
Most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn…Banana Republic on sale.<br>
…and a trip to New York</p>
<p>the OP claims to never wear dresses, but I would challenge the OP to try on some of the long tunics with tights or the wonderful wrap dresses that are everywhere. It is such a joy to get up and throw something on so easily. For me, you have to work so much harder when you wear pants (to make it business casual as opposed to weekend grocery store casual or worse yet a female jail warden) and dresses and or tunics and tights are just easy, add some earrings, a necklace and/or a bracelet and voila you are out the door. </p>
<p>Just tell your D your budget and speak up if she puts you in something that you really don’t like. Before you head out tell her your do’s and don’ts (like if you’re not open to skirts/dresses, heels - whatever).</p>
<p>The vice president in charge of the group I work in is always impeccably dressed, yet she does it in a way that requires zero thought every morning. She always wears a black top, black pants or skirt, and black shoes. Every day. She also wears a jacket (or occasionally a sweater) in some other color or in a combination of black with a second color. She looks great and extremely professional, yet I don’t think she even owns an actual suit. </p>
<p>Honestly, if you go into the smaller stores like whitehouseblackmarket or Ann taylor or J Crew or similar, the salepeople there are there to help and if you ask them their HONEST opinion, not just to sell you stuff, you can get some great support that way. Just start with two or three basic pants and have them help you put together an outfit.</p>
<p>‘Sometimes’ I have gotten things from J Jill on occasion. Hopefully you have these types of stores mentioned where you live. Best to go in, try them on and get salepeople’s help and opinions. It’s MUCH cheaper than taking a trip to NYC, but maybe not as fun! ;)</p>
. Colors are fine, but I do not wear skirts/dresses or heels. Ever. </p>
Go for it! Are you asking us because you need clothes sooner than you can make the trip?</p>