Banana Republic suits - worth it?

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a sharp interview suit. I am in my late 30's if that matters. Does not have to be conservative, but should be nice. I was in BR this week and was surprised that the suit jacket alone was $200. Are their suits worth it? Should I expect to find a sharp suit for 200 in total? Where should I be looking? Or what price range would be more realistic?

[Anonymous]

Wait for a sale. Sign up for their emails and wait for 40% off coupon. Never pay full price at BR unless you are in a bind.

[Anonymous]

Agree that you should always pay 30-40% off at BR. But $200 is very reasonable for a suit jacket. And the bottoms are usually 1/2 that. It's hard to get a decently made suit for less than $300 retail, at least one made with decent fabric and lined.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I don't think the quality is amazing but the suits look nice enough. If you get the suit at 40% off, then I think it's worth it. Women's suit styles change a lot and I've found that I just don't wear my old suits anymore so durability isn't so important. Plus I like suits that look fitted and slim and over the years, the suits get small!!

Ann Taylor used to have nice suits too, but their quality has declined (as well as style).

J Crew also has nice suits but fewer sales and slightly higher price point.

[Anonymous]

Look for Theory on sale instead.

[Anonymous]

Fine in a pinch if you don't have time to tailor but quality is poor. Expect less than a year of solid use.

[Anonymous]

Hey OP- you are in luck, they are on sale:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/

[Anonymous]

Have you checked SuitSupply in Georgetown for a decent priced custom suit?

[Anonymous]

I always get mine from Jcrew, perfect fit and last a long time looking new. I have one that I've been wearing for eight years and it looks great. I wait for the sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you checked SuitSupply in Georgetown for a decent priced custom suit?

Suit supply online seems to focus on men's suits. Does the store carry women's?

[Alexia12]

Considering that Banana Republic tends to have a lot of sales (I can honestly not remember them NOT having a sale any time I go to the mall) I would recommend waiting a bit until something you love is on sale. I have seen savings of 30 to 40 percent.

As far as the quality is concerned, I do think that BR makes some great stuff that is not only stylish, but also lasts.

[Anonymous]

I've purchased several BR suits over the years that hold up well. Some have a tiny but of stretch in the fabric to give it more of a custom fit look. I also like JCrew suits but expect to pay almost double considering BR almost always had a sale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've purchased several BR suits over the years that hold up well. Some have a tiny but of stretch in the fabric to give it more of a custom fit look. I also like JCrew suits but expect to pay almost double considering BR almost always had a sale.

J. Crew has lots of sales, too, just fyi. I like the cut o f a lot if tgeir pants better - almost all of BRs are low slung, which just isn't professional.

[Anonymous]

So it seems like jcrew and BR are basically it for the price range. They each only sell a couple different suits. We must all be walking around in the same suits!

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I buy Calvin Klein from Macy's. Pants fit at the waist like a professional woman's should. They are good basic solids that you can change up with blouses, jewelry and shoes. They also make four pieces - jacket, pants, skirt and sheath dress, so you can mix and match. Way better value than the overpriced options at BR, JCrew, or AT and made to fit women, not anorexic models.