Ask Angie: Suit Advice Please

Transcona Shannon

I've been thinking for a few months about investing in a suit - jacket, trousers and possibly skirt as well. Preferably in navy/ink blue.

As a petite apple, what are some things I should look for in terms of number of buttons on the jacket, button stance, style of trousers, etc? And are there any particular brands you would recommend for petites?

As always, thanks!

13 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from KikiG

christy

Veteran

Not Angie, obviously, but as a petite apple I'd suggest the T Tahari brand (Nordstrom sells them). I have two suits and I love them. I also tend to love my Ann Taylor suits - I buy the petite jackets, but usually need to buy regular length trousers because I tend to wear high enough heels that the petite trousers are too short. If you do Ann Taylor, I'd recommend against their 100% tropical wool - mine wrinkles terribly and makes me super frustrated every time I wear it. Loft also has some good basic pieces at a lower price point. Banana Republic is another one that has petite sizing and my suit from there has stood up very well. I've not bought a J. Crew suit, but I know that's one Angie has recommended for me in the past. FWIW - I adore Theory suits, but they just DO NOT work on my shape at all. They are cut too narrow.

Looking forward to hearing Angie chime in also!

13 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Not Angie, but wondering whether you have a Femme de Carriere in Wpg? They have lovely light wool suits. I have had several from there when I we were still business suits every day. They never wrinkled and the cuts are beautiful. I am petite and they worked very well for me. I have a friend who buys her suits from BR, and she must wear a suit every day. She is petite. I love the idea of ink blue. Good luck

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay!! Welcome to Team Suit! You know I love that Team.

Shannon, I can't help you with Canadian sources, but affordable petite is the way to go and Christy's suggestions are spot on.

- AT
- BR
- Tahari
- J. Crew
- Anne Klein and Calvin Klein do a good job too

I vote ink blue, grey or charcoal pinstripe.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Shannon, you must have read my mind, because I woke up this morning thinking the same thing, that I would like to invest in a suit! If I could piggyback, Angie, would you recommend the same colours for me?

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Glory - I have not heard of Femme de Carriere and unsure whether they have here or not. Will have to check - thanks.

Thanks Angie! For brick and mortar stores, the only one available here would BR. Occasionally Winner's carries Calvin Klein suits so there is that possibility. I would love to try AT but think a suit would be a bit risky ordering online due to various fit issues.

Will have to give BR a try and see what else is available. Thanks for the welcome to the Suit Team!

13 years ago

qpswan

Active Member

I love suits! The Jones New York Factory story in Winnipeg would be worth checking out. I know that the store in Vancouver has great prices and carries petites.

Good Luck!

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks qpswan! I just checked them out online and there are definitely some good possibilities.

13 years ago

KikiG

Veteran

I just got in the mail this AT jacket:

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=6600

In a 10P. I'm your height--5'1" and built a lot like you, and the jacket is still shortish, but unlike the model, comes down and covers the top part of my rear end and 2/3s down over the fly of my pants. I adore the 3/4 sleeves, and especially because AT upsets me with their fancy functional buttonholes that keep me from being able to have jacket sleeves altered as I need to. I think that the detailing in the back is flattering, and helps create the illusion I have a waist. I'm sorry I didn't get a decent picture of the front--these were "let me see my butt" pictures taken by my son!

Next up will be to pick out pants and a skirt--a good suit is my most urgent wardrobe need, and they have multiple styles in this fabric. The shipping wrinkles hung out, BTW!

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13 years ago

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