I've found good dresses at lands end.

Look at the Kaya pant at jcrew. They’re lined. I’m petite too. They do run small.
I got them in 3 colors. It’s like a kick flare.

I started a role in DC that was 100% in office (previously fully remote and casual when I was traveling/in office) and needed a full business formal wardrobe. I am Petite midsize so I need Petite sizing and also need to do tailoring for most blazers, pants, and dresses.

My wardrobe is mostly from Ann Taylor (Tysons), Theory outlet (Clarksburg outlets), Self-Portrait (online), Quince (online) and Nordstrom Rack.

My wardrobe is probably 50% Ann Taylor - it took a combination of in-store and online purchasing of multiple sizes and returning what didn't fit.

For tailoring I went to SK cleaners in Rockville. I kept all tags on my clothes and the tailor was honest about what was worth tailoring vs what I should return.

Starting from scratch, I figured that I needed about 15 days/3 weeks worth of basic outfits for spring/summer season, and then filled in gradually with fall/winter pieces.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m wearing: shirt dresses - cotton poplin, ideally with belts

Also lightweight high rise trousers, with short sleeve linen-cashmere blend sweaters.

Boring, but simple

+1

+2 except the sweaters are cotton and long sleeve since the office is frigid.

Currently wearing a cashmere sweater and uggs at my desk because the thermostat is stuck at 60 degrees and I’m sitting under a vent. I always forget that happens in summer. But I do have lightweight layers underneath so I don’t turn into a sweat puddle while commuting.

Seconding the PP, people are stepping up their shoe game. You can still be comfortable without sneakers. I need ankle support if I’m not wearing sneakers, so I have lots of sturdy ankle boots in different styles to suit a variety of seasons and outfits.

Also make sure you have good quality shoes. During Covid you could get away with white sneakers with dresses ect but I think now it’s too casual/ dated. Even the golden gooses which for some reason people at my office seem to think are are dress shoes because they’re $$$$

Anonymous wrote:If anyone has a good summer weight blazer they see, please post! I have a lot of meetings where I need pants and a blazer and can get away with a simple shell under that.

J Crew Factory is actually good for this. They usually have linen blazers.

Anonymous wrote:I’m wearing: shirt dresses - cotton poplin, ideally with belts

Also lightweight high rise trousers, with short sleeve linen-cashmere blend sweaters.

Boring, but simple

+1