Wow - OP here and just wanted to say thank you all! I started to respond earlier and must not have hit submit.

As a few other PPs have noted, there's no point in going to Nordstrom or whatever - they don't carry much if any petite sizes any longer. Actually that's true for most stores. Talbots has always been very hit or miss for me in terms of fit, and none of the stores carry any of their work wear.

I do a lot of hit or miss online ordering and really appreciate some of the suggestions here. The challenge is really around the professional clothing - The Fold, MMLa Fleur, and some of these other places just don't carry anything that's petite. I can get away with some stuff in regular sizes, but I hate spending a lot of money just to have flapping sleeves.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have almost identical numbers. I like things made from ponte fabric for a smoothing but not boxy look. Fit and flare can be flattering. I would go with dresses.

For pants, I like the pull-on professional enough looking ones from LOFT. I've also had luck witih JCrew.

Other brands - Boden, Ann Taylor and places off Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, etc.

Are you all wearing pantyhose/tights with your dresses? That's where I get hung up - they are so tight around my waist and I hate that feeling. Is there a magical secret kind that are comfy? I hate my legs and don't want to go bare.

Only when it's colder out. If you don't like your legs, can you do tall boots? I'm not as high a level as you professionally though so that may not work in a work setting.

I can see the point of the person recommending going to a higher end department store and getting a shopper to help you find higher end pieces. Now that I'm thinking about it more, my friend's secret is buying high-end things on sale and getting everything tailored. It really makes a difference and if I had the money, I would follow suit.