How would you “dress smart” at 38?

[Anonymous]

It isn’t any one store. By this age you should know what cuts and styles suit your height and body type best and shop for those. Look at fabric composition and fit more than anything and you can find good stuff at any store. For example as someone who is very petite and has a very fit upper body, a sleeveless v neck looks better on me than a crew neck, so that’s what I look for. Jeans with a high waist and wider legs give me the illusion of length/height so that’s what I look for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ann Taylor, Boden, lane Bryant, j.Jill

Oh god no

[Anonymous]

Hermes, La DoubleJ, Massimo Dutti, Bottega Veneta, sometimes Zara for a trendy item. Tailor everything. Sometimes I'll work with my tailor and they will help design and make a custom garment for me too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I disagree with the Talbots hate I often read here.

They have some good items at a reasonable cost and other items I wouldn't be caught dead in. I agree that it is wise to tread carefully with their prints; I have made a few carefully considered non-solid color purchases. I am also picky about fabrics and return items I have ordered because the fabric does not stand up to expectations. They do have broad offerings of all cotton or high wool content items.

The range of sizes is a godsend for getting a good fit, which can be more than half the battle. I wear petite in jackets and blouses and regular in pants and dresses; skirts can go either way so I choose whichever has a better length for me. Almost every style they sell is available in both regular and petite. And that is in addition to plus, plus petite, and curvy.

Talbots is one of the few sources of lined pants, though admittedly the range is limited. Still, they at least have them.

No tall sizes. I'm limited to stores that offer tall sizes so it's JJill and Athleta for me.

[Anonymous]

I've gotten some great pieces from Dissh lately (online). Shipped from Australia and great quality. You can also find great pieces at Mango and Me+Em.

[Anonymous]

Sezane

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hermes, La DoubleJ, Massimo Dutti, Bottega Veneta, sometimes Zara for a trendy item. Tailor everything. Sometimes I'll work with my tailor and they will help design and make a custom garment for me too.

Not a helpful reply.

OP likely does not have the budget for Hermes level brands and "dress smart" is not the same thing as dressing fashionably.

I love an intricately printed silk kaftan from LaDoubleJ as much as any other fashion person with no job and regular dry cleaning pickup, but I wouldn't say it's going to be practical brand for someone who is looking to branch out beyond Chico's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sezane

+ 1

Sezane is my go-to store for smart clothing as a 39-year-old woman.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suggest starting with basics and not falling for prints or loud patterns then build a bit from there
Skip jeans or only wear trouser style

STRONG disagree about jeans

Jeans are a staple

Totally! Just not for dressing smart for work

Really depends on the workplace. But you definitely need some good jeans for life - and no not just trouser jeans.

OP hasn't come back with more info but we need to know if she's trying to look more fashionable, just trying to get some basics she can wear to a stuff office, needs clothes to go out for dinner, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am 37 and am told I dress well. I wear:

- J Crew
- Banana Republic
- Theory
- Aritzia
- The Fold London

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sezane

+ 1

Sezane is my go-to store for smart clothing as a 39-year-old woman.

Based on mentions here, I ordered two items from them a couple of months ago. The quality was disappointing for the price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've gotten some great pieces from Dissh lately (online). Shipped from Australia and great quality. You can also find great pieces at Mango and Me+Em.

Me+EM is newer to me but they have some lovely pieces (I just turned 40)!

[Anonymous]

Vince, Theory, Tibi, Khaite, Totême, etc

Overpriced a bit so look for past season items

[Anonymous]

Banana Republic!
Silk blouses, trousers, nice button down tops, camisoles, light sweaters. Easy

[Anonymous]

Try Bloomingdale’s. I like theory, sandro, ba&sh, maje, l’agence etc. all brands they carry. Thats on one half of the 2nd floor at chevy chase location. If you want something more conservative, go to the other side.