At sea with suits: please help?

I've put it off for awhile, but I really do need to find a suit. My Aunt, sadly, is in palliative care and a funeral will be taking place sooner than later. Also, well, let's just say that I'm hoping to need a suit or two in the future as circumstances change. Since they haven't done so yet, though, and since I'm losing weight, one suit is all I feel right committing to at the moment.

Problem: I have no clue what to look for. None whatsoever. Are pant suits really the unbridled sartorial horror that Hillary Clinton's critics make them out to be? Are black suits without the benefit of tonal pinstripes entirely too dowdy looking for a 30-year-old? Is a 1, 2 or 3-button jacket best with my body/most current looking? What trouser silhouette would be most modern? If wide legs and boot cuts are best, how the hell will I find any long enough to accommodate me in heels?

It's kind of funny that in working on evolving my style to be more fashion forward, I've lost my way completely with such a quintessentially classic item! I intend to do some shopping tomorrow, but I'm not encouraged by what I'm hearing of the selection available. Most of the black and charcoal suits on offer are available only in plain solids, and I do feel I should get something in one of those colours as my starter option. Nordstrom had no suit options in plus sizes, and shockingly enough, nor did Talbots! Macys has tons of offerings, but as I said I don't even know where to begin.

Any guidance would be oh so much appreciated.

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Unfortunately, I'm not very suit savy... the only piece of advice I can offer is that jackets with multiple buttons make me look dumpy ... I like the 1 button look

CocoLion

Michelle, I think suits with one button and a low stance are both up-to-date looking as well as flattering on a fuller bust. Here is an example of this style from AK Anne Klein at Macy's. The first link is a black pantsuit in Misses sizes, the second link is a similar suit in Plus. I'm not sure where you fall size-wize. I don't think pantsuits are bad at all! I like them, I've seen quite a few from Rachel Zoe as well as other brands on Shopbob. If the pants length is right (PPL!) then you won't look like HIllary, who always wears hers too short.

A modern way to style the pantsuit is to wear a bright colored satin or silk blouse. Maybe electric blue with a black pantsuit, or bright purple or orange.

Anyone else have ideas?

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....slotId%3D2

Lantana

To widen your options, would you consider a pale, pale grey? As for the jacket, I think "the bigger the bust the lesser the buttons".

Nakidra

I agree with Coco Lion. I have to wear suits at work and I'm in my 30's. Pantsuits are my "go to" pretty much every day. You need to make sure that the length of the pants are correct. The Jacket also has to be really well fitting to avoid looking like a box. I like my jackets on the longer side, a little below the hip, too short and you get the boxy, not very flattering look. As far as buttons go, you don't have to actually button all of the buttons - so if you find a jacket you like and it has "too many" buttons, you can leave them open as an option.

nancylee

I'm not an expert on suits, Michelle, but here's link to one of Angie's past posts on suits:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/12/.....-the-suit/

I don't think a suit is a dowdy option for a 30-something at all. Make sure you get one that's versatile and can be broken up and worn separately. A black suit might be best for that. Everyone can use a black jacket and a good pair of black pants.

Kristine

Hi Michelle! I've been suit shopping recently too. I now have a black skirt suit and a charcoal suit with both pants and a skirt.

I don't think there's anything wrong with black but it can be rather harsh looking. You'll probably want to pay extra attention to the shell or top you put under it, to bring in some color or lighter tones. I like my black suit better broken up, although it does look very formal together. Dark grey or navy might be a better option and I kind of wish I had went that way.

Pants are an individual preference but I don't think you can go wrong with a moderate bootcut. Most suit pants seem long so heels probably won't be a problem. It's not a bad idea to look for a line of suit separates and get the matching skirt and pants. It gives you a ton of options and it's easier to get the right sizes too.

I like 1 or 2 button jackets. I think 3 can verge into dated although it depends on the cut of course.

abc

Hi Michelle, I just found a great suit at Macys but it is sold as separates, I believe it comes in straight as well as plus sizes. It is gray and Calvin Klein brand. I agree with the other posters, I used to be a black suit all the time girl, but recently decided that the look is a little too harsh. I am finding that the gray is very versatile.

One tip, I never have good luck buying as a suit. I have way better luck buying the 2 pieces separately. I find there are more options this way and also you can tailor the fit if you are not exactly the same size on top as bottom.

Another idea is to get a gray suit and a black suit and break up the pieces, maybe one being a skirt and the other pants. That would give you even more options. Then you can bring in pops of color with your shirts.

Good luck and don't get discouraged, you will find something!

Diana

OK, disclaimer first: I don't actually own a suit since neither my life nor my work necessitates one.

That said, if I were to only get one suit, I'd stick to black or charcoal since they are the most versatile. I'd get both pants and a skirt, as all the pieces can be worn as separates as well.

I would suggest going to a higher end department store (I don't know what you have in Toronto, but here in the US I'd go to Saks or Nordstrom) that offers personal shopping services and alterations. Bring a fashion-savvy friend too, and of course show us your fitting room shots!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

What, Diana said.

(I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt. That's so sad).

Does Rina's shop sell suits, Michelle?

Nadya

Michelle,
My most recent suit, which is black, has a jacket with seaming under the bust that defines a bit if a waist. It's subtle but very flattering. I like to pair it with a jewel tone top and very geometric, modern silver earrings and cuff bracelet. Good luck with your shopping!

Suz

Michelle, I am so sorry about your aunt.

As for the suit, I think Diana is giving you good advice, and I was also going to ask about Rina's shop. She might know of good sources even if she doesn't stock suits herself.

You know, since you ARE losing weight, I might be a spanner and say, what about using your lovely new jacket and a charcoal or black skirt? Not saying don't dress for the body you have, but a suit is a big investment and really needs to be well fitting. So if it were me, I'd be tempted to wait a while, especially given the fact that you have many beautiful, classic and relatively formal pieces already in the wardrobe.

However, if you know you will need it for an interview or something, I suppose it really IS time to shop!

Amy

Michelle, you've received a lot of good advice about the suits. I'm just popping in to say I'm sorry to hear about your aunt.

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