White House Black Market. You can schedule and appointment with a stylist and it doesn't cost you anything. The clothes are well made and all their blacks match so you can get good staple pieces.

Eileen Fisher

I'd second the norstrom advice.

I'd also suggest a really classic, comfortable suite. I got one at Norstrom ($500) and love it. I also got one at Macy's $99 and loved ti but since it was not natural fabric it didn't last as long. it got kind of shiny.

I also think a sheath dress can go with a lot of blazers like PP said. I do have blazers from all over the shoping world and pair them with everything.

I also, frankly, think that pearls on ears and neck make anything you wear automatically nicer. Now, I know you asked for trendy but this is DC and you are almost 40 and a "thought leader" so its ok to be classic.

Anonymous wrote:I see the point on heels but dresses are super comfortable and easy !

That's me (procrastinating on work, so obsessing here on the boards) - dresses are comfy and easy. But the ones I got for that job were not. I'm built a little funny (short with hips and a butt) so it's easy for me to look either very slutty or very frumpy, sometimes both. And the dresses I got were mostly both - even though I was in my 30s at the time, I think I did the new intern thing of getting everything a bit too severe and a bit too tight.

Point being: it can take a little while to figure out what actually works for you. So don't buy too much too soon.

I see the point on heels but dresses are super comfortable and easy !

I would recommend picking up some stuff at J Crew on sale. Not a huge amount to start - just a few pieces that'll get you by until you can figure out what really works for your new gig, but that you also feel comfortable in.

Last time I had to get dressed up for work, I went nuts buying these little dresses I thought would be so perfect, and heels - I didn't end up wearing either much, cause I can't walk very well in heels even if they look amazing, and the dresses were great for about an hour, and then I just felt so uncomfortable.

I guess I am saying: Let my experience be a lesson that can save you some money during your transition period. Start with a few pieces. Figure out what you really need. Don't buy too much before you know what's going to work for you.

And congrats on the new gig - sounds awesome!

BCBG, maybe. Their more classic pieces are at least a little interesting.

Check out the corporette website.

Book time with a personal shopper at nordstrom. Tell them what you said here and give them your measurements. They will save you tons of time and give you a professional perspective.

A good looking jacket or blazer always makes me feel more professional than just a cardigan or soft shouldered outfit. I have gotten great compliments on my jackets from h an m, old navy and target even.

Order a bunch of stuff online and then return it in the store to save some time. Combine your kids shopping at old baby with your shipping at banana republic, and order 10 things and expect to return 5 of them.

I like JCrew suits and DVF shirtdresses.

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Julia Farr DC

Boring skirts and dresses will look great with accessories.

Banana Republic

I'm 39 and work at a policy think thank. For years I've had a pretty low-profile role, which was nice because I could work from home a lot and dress fairly casually in the office. But in the last couple of years my career has accelerated, which is good, but has also occasioned a wardrobe crisis. Suddenly I hav lots of meetings with donors, senior government officials and so on. I have I also ended up doing public events and going on TV fairly often. And... I don't know what to wear!!!

I desperately need help updating my wardrobe. I'm kind of a fashion idiot, and left to myself I'd be in jeans and tees all year round. How do I dress stylishly but professionally for my new role as policy expert who goes on TV?

Part of my problem, I think, is not knowing where to shop. I used to go to Ann Taylor for boring skirt suits and pant suits, but that seems awfully bland and not very stylish. The suits at Macy's and Nordstroms also seem grim. I don't want to look like a corporate cookie cutter stamped me out: I'd like to look stylish. That said, my budget probably can't accommodate anything more than about twice as expensive as Ann Taylor. I don't mind investing in a few really nice staples but definitely am not someone who can routinely afford to shell out $500 for a jacket or a dress.

Any suggestions of looks to emulate or places to shop?