Anonymous
Post 01/22/2026 22:53     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Bloomingdales had the most options last time I was looking for a suit. Ann Taylor isn't what it used to be. Their suits were great in the 90's early 2000's. Now not so much.
Macy's is hit and miss. There is so much stuff crammed in there it's like a scavenger hunt and if it isn't on sale the quality isn't worth it.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 14:34     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Check out the Fold. Beautiful suits.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 13:01     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t discount Macys. They have a ton of suits and unless you want super high end, they have a lot of the same brands as Nordstrom. I also have a low tolerance for shopping and would rather have a ton of options where I can try everything on at once.


I would consider anything at Macy’s to be Ann Taylor quality at best…but likely lower. OP Said she wanted something nicer.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 10:47     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I need a new pants suit for an interview with a conservative finance industry employer … willing to spend more for an upgrade from Ann Taylor (and frankly just don’t want any more Ann Taylor) but I have limited energy for shopping. What would be the best department store for this? Nordstroms, Macys, Bloomingdale’s, something else?


Are you sure you need a pants suit? I have spent the last 10+ years at one of the big Wall St investment banks and no one (at the firm or our clients) wears those. The most successful women in finance, at least outside the back office (legal, finance, audit departments) dress high end and with a lot of flair. Not saying you want too much flair for an interview, but I’d think about a fashionable jacket (like Veronica Beard) with slim pants you already own and great but not flashy heels (Jimmy Choo, not Louboutin), or a solid dress, maybe with a scarf and a good bag.


I am a former investment banker and lawyer. I now work at a large trade association. I love wearing pantsuits. Just love them. I have some very fly and fashionable ones. I also love a monochromatic look. They look great and definitely stand out. Get lots of compliments because it's nice to see someone dress up. People at my org don't dress up.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 10:45     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:Do not go to Saks or NM for business attire.


Why not? They have beautiful work dresses and suits.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 08:50     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Lafayette 148 is at the Galleria. No need to drive into MD.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 07:53     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
PP here- but agree the Nordstrom personal shopper is also great. I’ve done it several times and been successful, plus they can bring alterations in while you’re there.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 07:52     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
I wouldn’t discount Macys. They have a ton of suits and unless you want super high end, they have a lot of the same brands as Nordstrom. I also have a low tolerance for shopping and would rather have a ton of options where I can try everything on at once.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 07:25     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:Bloomingdale’s. Try Reiss, Hobbs, and Theory.


This. I also think Hugo Boss does really nice suits as well. Bloomingdale’s, NM, Saks are going to be your best bet and have the largest in store selection to try on. Nordstrom has very poor in store offerings.
Anonymous
Post 01/20/2026 23:07     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:I need a new pants suit for an interview with a conservative finance industry employer … willing to spend more for an upgrade from Ann Taylor (and frankly just don’t want any more Ann Taylor) but I have limited energy for shopping. What would be the best department store for this? Nordstroms, Macys, Bloomingdale’s, something else?


Are you sure you need a pants suit? I have spent the last 10+ years at one of the big Wall St investment banks and no one (at the firm or our clients) wears those. The most successful women in finance, at least outside the back office (legal, finance, audit departments) dress high end and with a lot of flair. Not saying you want too much flair for an interview, but I’d think about a fashionable jacket (like Veronica Beard) with slim pants you already own and great but not flashy heels (Jimmy Choo, not Louboutin), or a solid dress, maybe with a scarf and a good bag.
Anonymous
Post 01/19/2026 18:34     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Do not go to Saks or NM for business attire.
Anonymous
Post 01/19/2026 18:24     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Make sure you have time to have it altered. If you don't need it, no problem. But you want to make sure it fits beautifully and for a suit that frequently involves tailoring. Also, make sure you have nice shoes and handbag/smaller tote.
Anonymous
Post 01/19/2026 18:19     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Banana Republic or Bloomingdale's.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 10:34     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Bloomingdale’s for an initial fitting and 1-2 suits, but then once you know your fit, you can go to the outlets. This is what I did with Theory from Bloomingdale’s.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 17:57     Subject: Best department store for new suit?
Anonymous wrote:Macy's will not be an upgrade from Ann Taylor. Nordstrom will be an upgrade, but as a PP pointed out, they don't have much. Bloomingdale's is definitely an upgrade, but it will probably be a significant enough upgrade that you could have sticker shock if you aren't ready for it.

With "limited energy for shopping" ... which I totally get ... you might start with the free personal shoppers at Nordstrom. You make an appointment, show up, and they have a fitting room ready to go with everything they've got all ready for you to try on. The downside to this, or, at least what happened to me, was that I picked something, and it was way over the budget I'd given them. So be careful about that.


This, and, give them a budget. I’ve had great luck with this at the Montgomery Mall Nordstrom