Where do you buy your suits?

[Anonymous]

I am 38, and transitioning from a job where I hardly ever had to get dressed in a suit to one where I am going to have to wear suits quite a bit. Currently I own just a handful of crappy Ann Taylor Loft ones, and they won't cut it anymore. I went to Lord and Taylor and Bloomingdales yesterday to try and find a few that were of higher quality, but I didn't really see anything. I did come home with a few Ann Klein suits, and one Tahari, but after trying them again at home with good shoes, I'm not sure I like any of them. And I felt like it was so hard to just find those. Where do you go for really nice quality suits? How much should I expect to pay?

[Anonymous]

Too bad about Lord & Taylor - which one did you go to? I find that the one at White Flint has less of what I like vs. the one in Chevy Chase - and it also depends on season. That said, I also like Ann Taylor (not loft) for suits. It is hard - it takes me a long time - good luck.

[Anonymous]

What about Bloomingdale's?

[Anonymous]

Neiman Marcus or Saks. Look at Theory, Tahari, and some of the other mid-price names. Jacket will run you $400 to $700, pants or skirt $250-$500. You could also try some of the collections like Worth (sold out of people's homes).

[Anonymous]

As you transition I would say get few off the rack - and have them tailored to fit you. I usually pick mine up at Lord and Taylor (Tyson's), Banana Republic or J Crew.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom. Call ahead and get a personal shopper.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what kind of job you are getting or what your budget is, but mine could never afford $250 to $500 for a pair of pants or a skirt and $400 to $700 for a jacket. I work as a trial lawyer so I have to wear suits almost everyday. I buy my suits at JC Penneys and Macy's. I think I spend between $80 and $200 for a suit after discounts, occasionally less. The PPs who indicated that different stores have different inventories are right. I tend to shop at Columbia Mall and think it has a better selection than Wheaton for both JC Penney and Macy's and downtown Macy's. I also occasionally find something at Lord & Taylors, but don't have much luck at Nordstroms.

[Anonymous]

They're not cheap, but Pendleton suits are very well made and hold up after many dry cleanings.
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/section/Women/1815.uts

They sell jackets and skirts/pants separately, but you match them for a "suit."

I think there's a Pendleton store at Union Station (the sizes tend to run large).

[Anonymous]

I've been happy with my suits from J.Crew and Ann Taylor. They are natural fibers and their cuts fit me pretty well. Assume that you'll be spending significant money on tailoring. Hemming is included on full price items at J.Crew and Banana Republic and probably Nordstrom's. To get a really good fit, I bring my pants to a tailor and have the hips taken in (apple-shape); others have the waist taken in (pear-shape).

And take dress shoes with you when you shop. Changes the way pants and skirts drape on you. You might find a better selection a little later into the summer when the fall clothes are out. Nordstrom's has a great pre-season sale in July, I think.

[Anonymous]

Their clothes are usually too conservative for me, but I find the suits at Talbot's are really well made with good, clean lines that fit well. Plus, you can usually buy the pants and jackets in different sizes, which is a great option.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom has a lot of nice suits. If you can fit into Theory, there is an outlet at Leesburg. If you are on a tight budget, check out Filenes.

[Anonymous]

Banana. I have 3 go to suits that have stood the test of time.

Also, they have a petite section (order online if you know the size), which helps if you aren't heightly.

[Anonymous]

OMG, do NOT buy your suits at Pendleton. What's next? Plaid walking shorts with knee socks?? I know I'm being snarky, but seriously how can someone suggest that Pendleton is stylish? Sturdy? Yes. Ideal for crossing a Scottish moor. Stylish? Not so much. Maybe in 1983.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat as the pp who spends $80 to $200 per suit. I like the suits from Macys and banana republic -quality is fine and the cuts are feminine.

[Anonymous]

I've gotten suits with a nice cut at The Limited.