https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:20:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1986668 Sat, 29 Dec 2018 17:06:52 +0000 WitchyD 1986668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Update on the suit shopping.<br />I did find a gray suit (I have so much black, so was trying for another neutral). But I might return it because the column/pencil skirt is weird. It's impossibly high-waist, and the waist is kind of tight, while the hips/bottom fits loose. The waistband comes up and hits just under my boobs. Is that a thing w/skirt suits now? &nbsp;I do like the jacket because it was lightweight and had 3/4 sleeves, but unfortunately there weren't options for other types of skirts.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's been a while since I've been to Talbots. They have good quality there, but I still struggle to find the right fit with them (too long or too small!) but I'm going to check it out.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also considered a sheath dress/jacket. Unfortunately, no dresses ever work on me. I'm just too short and round and I get the pregnant look from all dresses, so I never wear dresses. &nbsp;Finding 2 pieces is more of the way to go on me, plus I can break it up easier and get more wearable use in my wardrobe.</p> <p>Sigh. Why are suits so hard? &nbsp;Fortunately, I don't need these too often.&nbsp;<br />Heading out today.&nbsp;<br />Wish me luck!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985424 Sun, 23 Dec 2018 21:40:00 +0000 Gretchen 1985424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for Talbots! They are great at dress with jacket combinations. My recent finds below, this set comes in multiple colors.</p> <p>If you are more comfortable in pants than dresses, you might also look at WHBM. They have extended sizes, but you will likely need to hem the pants as their inseams run long.&nbsp;</p> <p>And... depending on budget, Lafayette 148 is a great option. I just refreshed my black suit from them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another way to create a good line - wear a surplice or wrap top untucked underneath your blazer. It reminds that you have curves. I often pick a contrasting color, but you could also do a grey like this paired with black if you wanted more monochromatic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985119 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 16:46:37 +0000 Jules 1985119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This seems like a good time to find a good tailor who can advise you how online purchases might be tweaked, or a retailer that assumes alterations are part of the purchase, just like they always are for men’s suits!<br /> Will you take the jacket off? I know I often run hot in winter heating so I need to have that option. But if you are comfortable with it, a simple sleeveless shell might layer better than a full on blouse or knit. Jones NY used to always have them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985069 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:36:30 +0000 Anonymous 1985069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with dress + jacket. A couple other things to avoid boxiness: more of a cutaway style of blazer not a straight hem across, and a tapered skirt instead of straight. And diagonal pockets on the blazer instead of straight. Basically avoiding strong horizontal lines anywhere.<br /> Examples from my closet below: curved hem blazer and tapered skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985068 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:29:18 +0000 Sydney 1985068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Second Talbots. Suggest ordering a few sizes online as they have a generous return policy. The have women's petite sizes which may be a good fit for you. I have worn their seasonless wool suiting for years. Pants are now lined, which I really like. I think almost everything is 40% off right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985065 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:23:45 +0000 kkards 1985065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure what your timeline or budget is. If you have time for buy return cycle you may want to try MM LaFuer. They have options to choose petite friendly, bust friendly etc.<br /> also like Vix idea of a dress with jacket.<br /> Good luck, please let us know what you find </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1985023 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 06:22:08 +0000 Bijou 1985023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WitchyD - do you have a specific style of dress that you like to wear and feel fab in? I know for me, pencil skirts and cropped jackets are my favourites - and so that helps when narrowing down what I am looking for in a suit for a special meeting or event.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984999 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 01:55:09 +0000 Vix 1984999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Witchy --</p> <p>What about the classic dress (in suiting fabric) with matching blazer? I know the necklines on suiting dresses often feel too high for me, but you can have them altered to a high scoop or V neck if needed and if you have time.</p> <p>I honestly think a black blazer over a grey dress -- or vice versa -- creates the least blocky look on most of us because it gives that "column of color" thing, but I know many consider that a step down in formality.&nbsp;</p> <p>ps In addition to brands mentioned above, I love many of the fabrics Lafayette 148 does, and their petite line goes to a 16 (regular plus to 24)...not sure if you could get the right fit between the lines, but may be worth exploring.</p> <p>Best of luck in the shopping (am sure your event will go well!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984997 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 01:51:28 +0000 cjh 1984997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Might a Chanel style jacket, maybe not tweed but collarless and hip length, work? Maybe in a crepe fabrication instead of a hard all-season wool? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984990 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:54:29 +0000 rachylou 1984990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, with collarless silk blouse... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984989 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:53:45 +0000 rachylou 1984989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can you do a collarless jacket suit? That’s what my mum always wore at 5’1” and it was a really elegant, polished look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984980 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:06:57 +0000 Angie 1984980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd head over to Talbots - can you do that? Or lets help you buy things together online.&nbsp;</p> <p>Alison from Wardrobe Oxygen rocks. LOVE that you mentioned her, <b>Shiny</b>.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984978 Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:55:01 +0000 Anonymous 1984978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suit with a skirt and boots sounds great. The more feminine styles are very flattering, so maybe a round collar and shorter sleeves instead of lapels. A black knit suit jacket with white or cream trim around the collar and cuffs to lighten it up and highlight your face.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984971 Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:37:54 +0000 shiny 1984971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope Angie doesn't mind me making a referral to another blog - check out WardrobeOxygen. Alison is a plus petite (she's been losing weight recently so I think she's now a 14). She's done reviews on suits recently. She often plugs Talbots for suits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also Jcrew now offers plus sizes as well. </p> <p>ETA: I find matching suits difficult as well, since I'm a size larger on top compared to the bottom, and bottoms are the trickiest for me to fit. I don't really need a matching suit in my profession anyway. I find a pair of well fitting black pants (as I never wear skirts) and then load up on interesting blazers that will go with them.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dreaded-suit-shopping#post-1984947 Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:55:24 +0000 WitchyD 1984947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a big event in NYC next month and I need to go and buy a suit for it as it will be client facing. I'm kind of dreading it because I am both short and fat, and to be honest most classic business suits simply do not look very good on me. What appears classic and chic on others seems to make me look stumpy and frumpy and dumpy, especially if I try to layer a blouse under my already chesty frame and then it feels bulky.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm trying to decide on gray or black, and skirt or pants.&nbsp;<br />I prefer pants, but I think the skirt suit might be more formal (plus I could wear with tall boots as it's winter).&nbsp;<br />Any ideas? Thoughts? How do I keep the proportions right without looking too boxy? Buttoned or unbuttoned blazer? I don't see a lot of tips for plus/petite suiting for this except to keep a monochrome color scheme. It's funny, you'd think finding a suit would be easy, but I find it difficult to shop for and getting both pieces to fit.<br />I'm a size 16w or 18. But I'm only 5'2" </p>