Where to buy work clothes?

[Anonymous]

I'm about 6 month post partum and still haven't lost the weight. I realize that it might take me a little while longer, but I can't wait any longer to fit into my old clothes. I need some work clothes NOW!!! I also want to simplify things and get pants and shirts that i can easily throw on in the morning without worrying how to put an outfit together. My dilemma is: 1) I'm pretty short (only 5 feet) so where do you get nice work pants that don't have to be hemmed; 2) Where do you get button-up shirts for large chested ladies? Please help!!! TIA

[Anonymous]

OP - Everyone should have a tailor. Buying new clothes only gets you halfway - they should also look good on you! No such thing as ready-to-wear - everything you buy should be altered. If you make the investment in clothing, make the complete investment in your appearance.

You'll still probably want to buy petites in pants but maybe look at misses for tops in order to fit the chest area properly. The higher the price points, generally the better the choice you will have.

[Anonymous]

I'd head to the outlets -- that's what I did. Bought several pairs of pants at Nordstrom Rack and AnnTaylor outlet to tide me over until I lost the baby weight. I was able to use those pants again when I got pregnant the second time before I needed maternity pants and then post partum again. It was worth the investment. Pants off the rack never fit me and I'm 5'6 -- I'm always stuck getting them hemmed. I think most tailors or drycleaners will do it for $10.

[Anonymous]

post-partum I scored some pants from the sale rack at the Gap for under $20. They were OK for business casual.

If you are willing to spend a little more money on work pants, Banana Republic and Nordstroms include hemming in their full price items.

As a busty woman, who also doesn't iron frequently, I mostly wear knits. Tops that have the faux wrap work well over a camisole for the office. They have the empire waist that helps make the post-partum body look a little thinner.

The no-iron button up shirts from Lands' End are also pretty roomy on top and I think they come in petite. You might be better off with the 3/4 length sleeve in regular or petite.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much everyone. I did not know that BR included hemming with their full price items. Also, great idea about the tops. Thanks again.