https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 15:56:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear/page/2#post-1556907 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:17:09 +0000 salt-sea 1556907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in a business casual environment, with some conferences &amp; client meetings. I just went through a complete closet edit this weekend and was surprised how many of the things that are still in good condition, still flattering, and still current / modern classic enough to keep were from BR or The Limited from years back. I have learned to stay away from BR Outlet - quality and cut is substandard to regular BR, and the Limited is getting more hit or miss in terms of cut &amp; quality. Several pair of pants from the Limited are in great shape at least 8 years in. Classic blazers are all from J Crew or BR or Talbots. Some BR dresses. My trendier stuff tends to be blouses from Nordstrom - Pleoine, Theory, Trouve, etc. I've parted with most all of the Eddie Bauer I've bought - the fit and length of blazers just doesn't seem to work for me. Same with stuff from Boden. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear/page/2#post-1556875 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 16:32:40 +0000 rachylou 1556875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have just realised I have a lot of work clothes from Macy's - suits, trousers... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear/page/2#post-1555643 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:54:07 +0000 Elly 1555643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'9" -- just barely borderline "Tall" -- Unilquo is usually too short. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear/page/2#post-1555640 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:47:47 +0000 shiny 1555640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uniglo for 5'0 me is just too long. I do agree that the workmanship is nice. The jeans and puffers -- so wanted them to work! But vertical proportions even in the smallest size are still way off for my height. Gained weight --- vertical proportions still are off. </p> <p>This is a tall person store.</p> <p>Limited now has petites and I ordered some last year... I did like but quality was iffy. Also some of the workmanship was totally off, as in, tabbed sleeve strap thingie being sewn on at a point well below my elbow?? Rather than on upper arm. Bizarre.</p> <p>I'll second the suggestion for Ralph Lauren. I've always loved this brand. It is like Talbots in that you have to be picky. But quality tends to be consistent. As well as sizing: I can safely order online and know that they haven't futzed with their fit model. (Cross fingers, hope I didn't just jinx!)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear/page/2#post-1555604 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:38:41 +0000 rebekahphoto 1555604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I run into similar issues with size, although my work wear is more casual so I have a bit more flexibility. I second the Lafayette 148 has lovely fabric and nice cuts, ebay can be a good source for sales. Anna Sholz has sizes starting at 14 and the quality is very good.</p> <p>I have a dress from Dobbin, which Angie featured a while back. The fabric is amazing, nice smooth jersey that doesn't cling and the quality made in USA I appreciate. <a href="http://www.dobbinclothing.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.dobbinclothing.com/</a><br />They do have sales and I received a first time customer discount</p> <p>I also find the Michael/Michael Kors line and DKNY to have larger sizes in contemporary styles. And it might be worth a check to Lands end, they have some more dressy work items that can stand up to some wear </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555597 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:26:29 +0000 retailgirl 1555597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about Pendleton or Lauren Ralph Lauren for plus size options? Maybe too conservative, but ? And Macy's Alfani line is nice and comes in plus as well as reg. all of these lines come in missy as well as plus so you can cross over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555586 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 23:48:42 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1555586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm always surprised when someone recommends The Limited - and I know Angie does too, for trousers - because every time I go into my local stores, it all seems like flimsy polyester stuff, as bad as H&amp;M but more expensive (and less interesting).</p> <p>The Marina Rinaldi things I've seen were lovely but oh so pricey. I think it was Harrod's in London that had an amazing "plus size" section (which started at a smaller size since UK sizes are smaller than US ones) that I visited the last couple times I was there. It's been years now, though. I've gotten Eloquii a couple times via Gwynnie Bee; I should try shopping them directly.</p> <p>I want to like Uniqlo - especially the IdlF collabs - but I struggle to find anything that fits me. 90% of things are too short and too rectangular. If I moved to Asia I would be so screwed for finding clothes. </p> <p>Really, it sounds like I just need to move to Minnesota with frannieb. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555565 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 22:37:50 +0000 Beth 1555565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experiences with Classiques Entier and Lafayette have been good. Theory has been less consistent, IME, but mostly good quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555560 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 22:32:43 +0000 annagybe 1555560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marina Rinaldi which part of Max Mara starts a size 10 or 12. But you'd have to stalk it at massive fire sale clearance.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/buy/marina-rinaldi">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/buy/marina-rinaldi</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555541 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 21:44:13 +0000 CocoLion 1555541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few pieces from Rachel Roy's Macy's diffusion line. &nbsp;I think it's comparable to the Gap but usually starts at a higher price. &nbsp;For example, I got a sweater for $140 from RR. &nbsp;Then a few weeks later it was available for half the price on line. &nbsp;So I ordered it on line, then when I had a chance returned the original to a Macy's store for a cash refund. &nbsp;The SA checked multiple times and was kind of surprised I actually bought it for full price. &nbsp;That may be saying something. The RR sweater is ok for another year, but changed from new condition to obviously worn very quickly (odd things happening to fiber, light pilling, shape changes). &nbsp;So (sorry to be long winded) no, I would not put this brand in this circle.</p> <p>I think their sizes run small, but I am loving the quality over at Uniqlo right now. &nbsp;Really great workmanship for low prices. &nbsp;I have several of their shirts and jeans which I wear to work and they are holding up well. &nbsp;I have pretty much left H&amp;M and Zara in favor of Uniqlo now. &nbsp;I do think it's shifting my style in a more classic direction but that's ok.</p> <p>I do have a white shirt from The Limited that I love and has held up really well. &nbsp;But that's my only item I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555534 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 21:17:00 +0000 frannieb 1555534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I so wish you lived in MN by me - I have the greatest boutique I shop at the is sizes 12 and up and European brands that are beautifully made that you can't get in the US.&nbsp;<br />Not that it helps you much.</p> <p>I would highly recommend lafayatte 148 clothes. &nbsp;So worth it.&nbsp;<br />Another brand I love and are workhorses for me is Doncaster - it is not sold in stores you need to go to a stylist. I don't know if they do shows. My stylist has her own little shop with other sytlist and I go see the collection every season.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555529 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 21:00:06 +0000 annagybe 1555529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was also going to suggest The Limited. I haven't shopped there in donkey's ages, so I don't know about the current quality.<br />Their styles look decent and they do go up to your size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555528 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:58:51 +0000 shiny 1555528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! Try the Bento box. The items I received (I kept ALL of it!) reminded me of Theory -- similar quality, simple lines, good building blocks for a work wardrobe. But fit me much better and without alterations (okay I'm going to take a simple nip in at the neckline on one dress).&nbsp;</p> <p>If they send you the book, I wouldn't bother buying it. I did, because I was curious. It's okay, but pretty basic "101" advice and seems more geared for young adults just starting out in the work world. I am giving it to my daughters -- it's perfect for them.&nbsp;</p> <p>This does not mean that the clothes are more targeted for young adults. I don't think so at all. Honestly, the dresses I received are EXACTLY what I've been looking for, for years... you know, to look like the grown up I am? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555516 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:23:33 +0000 abc 1555516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had good luck with eloquii but back when they were new. I know they are now independent and not linked to the limited - my stuff was before this. </p> <p>I like whbm for stuff that is work and casual appropriate. </p> <p>Interested in the bento box thing. Shiny did one recently I think. Let us know if you do it. </p> <p>Bookmarking thread. Thx for asking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555477 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 19:14:40 +0000 jenanded 1555477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Fold are gorgeous pieces but alas not many sizes. I contacted them and they don't do custom makes. I read that there are not many brands that make 'real' sizes becauses people have an illusion they will 'lose weight' so don't see more expensive wear as an investment. I have looked at Marina Rinaldi but nothing has sparked my interest for workwear alas. I would love to try Lafayette but postage is sooo expensive to and from Australia and USA. I had a test skirt made in a fabric and I have to say I am beyond happy with it so hope the dress jacket pants set are the same. It is even tricky getting really good fabrics in several colours for the basics where I am starting. Wools are most beautiful but we have a looong summer in the sub tropics and I get itchy. They would be my choice if it was more temperate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555470 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 18:55:12 +0000 Astrid 1555470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, Jenanded - those The Fold London clothes are absolutely stunning. And all produced in Europe as well. If I had the money and would be in need of serious business wear I'd be all over them... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555431 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:40:21 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1555431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really generative conversation; I hope everyone else has found the suggestions useful too. Rachylou, I've found the lower-end Nordstrom brands (Halogen, Pleione) just as inconsistent as, say, Gap. I guess the only benefit is that I could return an item (but I choose not to do that even at Nordstrom for worn items, unless there's a clear flaw/quality issue). I've had mixed experiences with Classiques Entier - well, I guess that's not true exactly, I've never had anything that was <i>bad</i> quality, but I have had things that I felt were overpriced for what they were. The Lafayette &amp; N Coll. stuff I saw the other day seemed more high-end as far as fabrication and construction. </p> <p>I will definitely try Lafayette when I get the chance. Where's the best place to buy - Nordstrom? Other dept stores? Directly?</p> <p>Jenaded, I hope the custom dressmaker project works out great - you should post your experiences once you've gotten some pieces.</p> <p>Looks like I'd be sized out at Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, The Fold and Winser London - all stop at 12 / UK 16. Rachel Rachel Roy, her diffusion line, is at Macys and goes up to a 14. Anyone seen this in person? </p> <p>Same with Judith and Charles - size chart goes up to a 14 but current items are only available up to a 12. Gorgeous stuff, though. </p> <p>Re the being sized out: I tried on a Theory jacket a year or two ago when I was at my (recent) skinniest, a size 12 in most mall brands, and it was a squeeze. Definitely built for a narrower frame and body type than I am, even if I did get back down to that weight. </p> <p>I just looked at Brooks Brothers, and I think it's too preppy for me - although my Dad has worn their shirts for years and they do seem to be keeping up the quality of their basics better than a lot of brands. I have enough of a hard time finding stuff from Talbots that doesn't skew too preppy, but I continue to shop there because their stuff fits me and I think it's good quality for the price. </p> <p>Last year's fall/winter Violeta release was just up my alley, but this year they've gone with more of a boho vibe, so I'm less excited about it. I wouldn't call Violeta mega high quality - it's comparable to good Gap or AT pieces - but it does serve that in-between sizes market, and is the only brand I know of doing so. </p> <p>It looks like MM LaFleur goes up to a size 16, so maybe a Bento Box from them is worth trying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555393 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 15:01:00 +0000 stainedglass 1555393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think so. &nbsp;I'm somewhere between a 10-12 at BR and AT on top &nbsp;and the one time that I tried on a Theory suit jacket it looked like a straight jacket &nbsp;I've always lusted after Theory, but I don't think that I'd ever be able to wear it. &nbsp;I've been eyeballing Lafayette 148 and Classiques Entier because I wouldn't be sized out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555374 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:25:08 +0000 Jenn 1555374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, so I love a lot of Theory tops, but their Large is a 12, and they run small, right? Has anyone in the 14-16 border zone ever found a Theory piece to work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555365 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:14:59 +0000 retailgirl 1555365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lafayette 148 is worth the price; beautiful fabrics and nice design. Nordstrom private label, Classiques is also good quality. I think you can find some good things at Talbots, and their size range is extensive. I especially like their pants. I buy a lot of things from Brooks Brothers but I'm a prep at heart, so they may not suit you. But the non- iron shirts are worth every penny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555336 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 13:20:32 +0000 jacquez 1555336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like everyone, I've had good luck with Classiques Entier; I used to get a lot of workwear from that line when I worked in an office.</p> <p>My go-to dress pants are the Exact Stretch line from The Limited. &nbsp;They consistently have loose buttons, so I always fix that when a new pair arrives, and they go up to a 16 (which because of the fabrication is wearable if one is an 18). &nbsp;Despite my general ability to destroy clothing by looking at it, I have never managed to destroy a pair of Exact Stretch trousers, so I'm pretty pleased with that line. Everything else from The Limited is of variable quality, though I do buy their Perfect tees because I like their softness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555261 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:06:00 +0000 viva 1555261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theory has some beautiful work tops right now. If their quality is good, they might be worth the investment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555243 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 09:53:23 +0000 Anonymous 1555243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll be following with interest. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555204 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 05:06:06 +0000 Sheri 1555204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had good success with Judith and Charles, a Canadian brand.</p> <p>They are a bit more expensive, but quality is excellent and made in Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have a suit and a dress that I wear to work.</p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555168 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:11:15 +0000 Allie 1555168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had mixed success with Classiques Entier... bought a pair of their pants at full price once and the side seam unraveled on me while at a work event! Thankfully I had a long cardigan and safety pins handy. Fixed that, but then they sagged out horribly.&nbsp;But I have a great jacket by them. I've had better luck with Theory pants, though the fit is small. Good experience with Lafayette 148 too.</p> <p>Agreed on the drop in quality as clothing is being bisected into fast fashion on one end and high-luxury on the other.<i>&nbsp;</i>I have a BR suit from 2001 and it is night and day with their current stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555166 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:08:32 +0000 catgirl 1555166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to throw Theory into the ring although I haven't bought anything recently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555165 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:06:32 +0000 jenanded 1555165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would also look at UK brands Winser London and The Fold London both set up recently to address this market. I saw some while in UK and quality looks good. They might have shipping deal with the USA as its by arrangement with Australia... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555162 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:01:48 +0000 jenanded 1555162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am watching this post closely as I too am so over paying $ for poor quality that doesn't last and I am at top end of size ranges which shrinks the pie further. In Australia, Perri Cutten is quite good but really cut for a much shorter figure than mine. I am making a serious spend on top quality fabric and a dressmaker to make me some basic pants, skirts etc. The cost will be comparable to Perri which is a bit cheaper than Lafayette. I will get tops, coloured jackets etc in the better brands as I see them. I am even considering getting Shoes of Prey shoes made as well... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555140 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:59:50 +0000 Anonymous 1555140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've had luck with the Classiques Entier line at Nordstrom and Lafayette too. Also Tracey Reese and Rachel Roy. They're comparable to Vince in price with vastly better quality. Lately I've been buying St John at discount. I've sadly found that lots of my former go-to brands have really dropped off in the past year or two. Not sure if it's having to compete with cheap fast fashion, if it's because they think customers don't notice or care or if they're just trying to gouge out as much profit as possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-brands-are-worth-the-price-office-wear#post-1555099 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:59:49 +0000 elpgal 1555099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that CE at Nordstrom is very good. </p>