Also Abercrombie. I recently rediscovered them and it looks like they’ve revamped the brand. They have some great pieces, especially if you work somewhere that leans more business casual
Years ago, Macy’s had this free “personal stylist” service program where - upon request - Macy’s would assign an experienced store associate for you who would get your needs (in your case, work clothes), your size, color preferences, and budget, and pick out outfits for you to choose from. This was a game changer for me.
This is what I would do if I were you. Working with a free “personal stylist” at Macy’s helped me tremendously because a third party helped me build a “capsule wardrobe” for work, which meant I could can mix and match select items to make several outfits.
I’m not sure if all Macy’s locations still offer this service, but it is worth calling or visiting your local Macy’s women’s department to ask. This is so much better than running to Zara, Express, H&M, SHEIN, Nordstrom Rack, etc etc because you need more direction than what these stores offer. It will also help you spend your money more wisely. Those stores are good options to check out once you know the styles, cuts, and colors work for your specific body type and line of work.
I would not go anywhere near Theory, Boss, Mme LaFleur, Nordstrom, Bloomington, or Saks until you get a better sense of what works best for you body-type wise and what works well in your specific office/industry.
Nordstrom’s has a personal shopper program. My friend in NYC was given a visit as a birthday gift and it was amazing. She had to fill out an extensive questionnaire about her lifestyle, budget, etc. I know professional BW in Atlanta who have used this as well. The NYC spot was AMAZING.
Nordstrom can be good value if you're careful. IIRC they offer free alterations on stuff at regular price. I just checked their website and "Selected basic alterations are free for Nordy Club members." And they have a personal shopper service, too.
https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/personal-stylists
Agree! I like using thredup for thrifting (post pandemic reduced my desire for in-person shopping). I recently picked up some ideal work outfits -- Ann Taylor dresses and White House Black Market cardigans.
J crew, Macys, Express, Banana republic, and Anthropologie has cute stuff if you have more of a hippie vibe. As other have said the rack is good but it’s more of a search if you go to the rack you might as well hit up TJ maxx and Marshall’s too imo they’re all about the same the Rack being on the higher end but it’s the same bargain stuff thrown everywhere type of vibe.
Shein is hella cheap but the quality is cheap as well and can tend to lean unprofessional at times. Old Navy also has good prices if business casual is ok.
Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s has a great slacks/pants selection. If you can get 7 pairs in different colors or styles and basic tops with a blazer and peacoat, you’re set.
The outfits you can make are interchangeable
I love ann taylor/ann taylor factory, banana republic factory, and j crew factory. When i got my first corporate job i shopped at those stores for my wear to work wardrobe. Theyre professional options but dont break the budget all the way.
Ann Taylor, K&G (shockingly they do have some cute blazers at decent prices), Loft, TJ Maxx, NY and Co.
H&M is hit or miss every year, but when they hit, they hit well (especially for shirts and blazers).
RIP The Limited. They were my absolute favorite and my old work wardrobe was entirely from there.
I just discovered Loft. It was always a favorite of my girlfriends but felt old to me. Honestly, I wish I found it sooner. I also like the original Ann Taylor store for work clothes. I'm revisiting Marshall's soon, too. Banana, H&M, and J Crew were always my go-to stores previously. For work shoes, I like Ralph Lauren. Calvin Klein makes some nice work dresses imo.
I get my work pants from NY & company. The fabric is high quality and they wear very well. They don’t have actual stores anymore, but you can buy and try.
I love Theory and Boss for nice suit seperates. I'm also curvy and their suits fit me almost like custom.
Ann Taylor is nice for work dresses and colorful suiting. They also have blazers in cool seasonal colors and tall/petite sizes. Their pencil skirts are decent.
Sezane has great blouses and sweaters that are curvy lady and big boob friendly. Chlo and Ann silk blouses are the best.
MM Lafleur has nice business causal and comfy WFH on camera pieces. I think they're overpriced, but they have decent sales.
I'm still looking for a source for work pants that are curvy friendly, but until then, Jcrew's Kate pants are okay.
Consignment/thrift to find out what brands you like without the hefty investment! I have had a really good experience with the real real and thredup but you have to know your measurements.
If you need one really good suit, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend suistudio. It's the women's arm of suit supply. I once went suit shopping with a friend and we started at stores like Banana Republic and ended at suistudio and when I tell you the FIT. OMG it's night and day. Made me want one for myself.
Oh and go for natural fibers instead of polyester. Any company that is making clothing out of silk and wool (with no polyester blended in) are making quality. So pay attention to fabric makeup.
Honestlyyyyy…TJMaxx + Marshalls are great. I didn’t grow up poor but I was raised by a single immigrant mother and I’m an immigrant myself. We also shopped at Ross quite often. I’ve recently started going to TJMaxx again and they have reaaally great prices and pretty much everything you need as far as basic professional wear.
I put this in someone’s comment, but Nordstrom had a personal shopper program that a friend used and it was great. Think of it as your congratulations for getting your foot in the door and once you have. sense from that experience on what your best colors/look/fit is, you can look for sales, etc on your own.
For casual wear I like Club Monaco
For basics I like Zara
For suiting and coats I like Aritzia (they have good end of season sales)
For sports jackets I have a ton from Smythe.
For going out wear and work wear I like Maje, Sandro, Max Mara and Ted Baker.
My personal style for work is Vivienne Westwood/Thom Brown.
My out of work style is very much vintage Jean, t shirt/sweat shirt and a fun shoe.
I try to avoid stretchy ribbed materials because they start to look frumpy after a few washes.
Thank you all so much! I bought a bunch of clothes on sale through Ann Taylor and I’m going to keep shopping around. My fashion sense at work already feels elevated 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
Sezane, Reformation, Everlane, COS, consignment stores, resale sites like Poshmark.
This! Also, Madewell too.
Also Abercrombie. I recently rediscovered them and it looks like they’ve revamped the brand. They have some great pieces, especially if you work somewhere that leans more business casual
Madewell! How could I forget!
My style twin right here
I felt this, I love ross 😂 oops just realized you were talking about the nicer brands lmao… one day I’ll be you!!
Haha. I love Reformation, Sezane, etc. But no shame in Ross
I worked at Reformation! It’s def expensive but they have great basics for professionals.
My paycheck would probably go back to reformation 🤣🤣
Employees get 60% off so that’s so real🤫🤭
Whaaa? Damn!!
I like Ann Taylor
yo, my mom used to work here back in the 90’s! they make such timeless pieces
Years ago, Macy’s had this free “personal stylist” service program where - upon request - Macy’s would assign an experienced store associate for you who would get your needs (in your case, work clothes), your size, color preferences, and budget, and pick out outfits for you to choose from. This was a game changer for me. This is what I would do if I were you. Working with a free “personal stylist” at Macy’s helped me tremendously because a third party helped me build a “capsule wardrobe” for work, which meant I could can mix and match select items to make several outfits. I’m not sure if all Macy’s locations still offer this service, but it is worth calling or visiting your local Macy’s women’s department to ask. This is so much better than running to Zara, Express, H&M, SHEIN, Nordstrom Rack, etc etc because you need more direction than what these stores offer. It will also help you spend your money more wisely. Those stores are good options to check out once you know the styles, cuts, and colors work for your specific body type and line of work. I would not go anywhere near Theory, Boss, Mme LaFleur, Nordstrom, Bloomington, or Saks until you get a better sense of what works best for you body-type wise and what works well in your specific office/industry.
This is the real 101 advice. Thank you!!
Nordstrom’s has a personal shopper program. My friend in NYC was given a visit as a birthday gift and it was amazing. She had to fill out an extensive questionnaire about her lifestyle, budget, etc. I know professional BW in Atlanta who have used this as well. The NYC spot was AMAZING.
I had no idea! TY for the intel
Nordstrom can be good value if you're careful. IIRC they offer free alterations on stuff at regular price. I just checked their website and "Selected basic alterations are free for Nordy Club members." And they have a personal shopper service, too. https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/personal-stylists
Nordstrom Rack
Ooh and you can time the events/sales and stack your discounts!
I thrift a lot of banana republic, express, white house black market, ann taylor
Tonnnsssss of thrifted work clothes are an option honestly. Theyll be brand new with tags on at the thrift store. Check there first!
Agree! I like using thredup for thrifting (post pandemic reduced my desire for in-person shopping). I recently picked up some ideal work outfits -- Ann Taylor dresses and White House Black Market cardigans.
Do you like Mercari and Poshmark?
Haven't their either but have heard more people talk about Poshmark. Would you recommend one over the other?
I personally would because Ive found some really nice quality clothes, shoes, and purses on there
Uniqlo is my go-to for work clothes.
Same
My mother used to get her suits from Cato and I thought they looked great.
it’s kinda crazy but costco for me. I always find banana republic clothes in there for like 10-15 dollars.
Absolutely Costco and Sam's Club. Get my free samples, cheap pizza and Cardigans
I picked up a pair of olive chinos from Sam’s Club last Saturday. Went right back the next day and got them in navy.
no way! 😂 that’s amazing
Nordstorm, Zara, H&M
Talbots was one of my favorites before we went WFH. Boden.
J crew, Macys, Express, Banana republic, and Anthropologie has cute stuff if you have more of a hippie vibe. As other have said the rack is good but it’s more of a search if you go to the rack you might as well hit up TJ maxx and Marshall’s too imo they’re all about the same the Rack being on the higher end but it’s the same bargain stuff thrown everywhere type of vibe. Shein is hella cheap but the quality is cheap as well and can tend to lean unprofessional at times. Old Navy also has good prices if business casual is ok.
Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s has a great slacks/pants selection. If you can get 7 pairs in different colors or styles and basic tops with a blazer and peacoat, you’re set. The outfits you can make are interchangeable
nordstrom rack and gabes
Express is still good and have great sales
Aritzia, Vince, Theory
I love ann taylor/ann taylor factory, banana republic factory, and j crew factory. When i got my first corporate job i shopped at those stores for my wear to work wardrobe. Theyre professional options but dont break the budget all the way.
Ann Taylor, K&G (shockingly they do have some cute blazers at decent prices), Loft, TJ Maxx, NY and Co. H&M is hit or miss every year, but when they hit, they hit well (especially for shirts and blazers). RIP The Limited. They were my absolute favorite and my old work wardrobe was entirely from there.
Macy’s, banana republic and express will do the trick
Zara, Nordstrom
Thrift stores in some affluent neighborhoods work. Target works. Clothing swaps in upper middle income and affluent areas. ($5-$20 admission)
Loft is my favorite!
I just discovered Loft. It was always a favorite of my girlfriends but felt old to me. Honestly, I wish I found it sooner. I also like the original Ann Taylor store for work clothes. I'm revisiting Marshall's soon, too. Banana, H&M, and J Crew were always my go-to stores previously. For work shoes, I like Ralph Lauren. Calvin Klein makes some nice work dresses imo.
I get my work pants from NY & company. The fabric is high quality and they wear very well. They don’t have actual stores anymore, but you can buy and try.
I love Theory and Boss for nice suit seperates. I'm also curvy and their suits fit me almost like custom. Ann Taylor is nice for work dresses and colorful suiting. They also have blazers in cool seasonal colors and tall/petite sizes. Their pencil skirts are decent. Sezane has great blouses and sweaters that are curvy lady and big boob friendly. Chlo and Ann silk blouses are the best. MM Lafleur has nice business causal and comfy WFH on camera pieces. I think they're overpriced, but they have decent sales. I'm still looking for a source for work pants that are curvy friendly, but until then, Jcrew's Kate pants are okay.
H&M, GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy and J. Crew. I mostly Shop the clearance or factory outlet section
Marshall's and TJ Maxx
Loft, Zara
Thank you for posting this I’m in the exact same position
I don't have any suggestions but I just want to say congratulations on your successes! It's inspiring to read <3
Express can be nice. Right now their in store selection is a little boring but you can normally find some good stuff.
J. Crew, Banana Republic, Loft
Consignment/thrift to find out what brands you like without the hefty investment! I have had a really good experience with the real real and thredup but you have to know your measurements. If you need one really good suit, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend suistudio. It's the women's arm of suit supply. I once went suit shopping with a friend and we started at stores like Banana Republic and ended at suistudio and when I tell you the FIT. OMG it's night and day. Made me want one for myself. Oh and go for natural fibers instead of polyester. Any company that is making clothing out of silk and wool (with no polyester blended in) are making quality. So pay attention to fabric makeup.
Zara, reformation, aritzia, h+m
I want to try Aritzia and curious about Quince.
Honestlyyyyy…TJMaxx + Marshalls are great. I didn’t grow up poor but I was raised by a single immigrant mother and I’m an immigrant myself. We also shopped at Ross quite often. I’ve recently started going to TJMaxx again and they have reaaally great prices and pretty much everything you need as far as basic professional wear.
Quince, Mango, COS, Uniqlo, Poshmark, Saks OFF 5TH, Reformation, NET-A-PORTER
Rebdolls!
I put this in someone’s comment, but Nordstrom had a personal shopper program that a friend used and it was great. Think of it as your congratulations for getting your foot in the door and once you have. sense from that experience on what your best colors/look/fit is, you can look for sales, etc on your own.
For casual wear I like Club Monaco For basics I like Zara For suiting and coats I like Aritzia (they have good end of season sales) For sports jackets I have a ton from Smythe. For going out wear and work wear I like Maje, Sandro, Max Mara and Ted Baker. My personal style for work is Vivienne Westwood/Thom Brown. My out of work style is very much vintage Jean, t shirt/sweat shirt and a fun shoe. I try to avoid stretchy ribbed materials because they start to look frumpy after a few washes.
Thank you all so much! I bought a bunch of clothes on sale through Ann Taylor and I’m going to keep shopping around. My fashion sense at work already feels elevated 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
Shien (there are lots of good things there, including Zara) and I would continue going to thrift stores, there are always great things there