Hi Una --

Theory pants don't work for me and my thighs, but I'm seconding MaryK's suggestion to take a look at Ann Taylor, at least for wool pants. I find the Modern fit good for the hip-challenged but their new City Fit might be even better for you.

[I know AT has some ridiculous shipping charges to Alaska; maybe there's someone in the lower 48 who can help you out?]

Nordstrom Classiques might work for you too -- and you can mix and match jackets/pants.

I know the pic below is crummy, but it's my AT bootcut wool trousers; I find it easy to go more or less corporate in them.

As I said earlier I think a straight leg trouser would be "your" silhouette, but don't be shy about having something like that (traditional/bland) to set off your special items per all the great advice upthread!

Vix! I'm so glad you're here! I'veactually decided to try getting a suit custom made - with the shipping costs to try stuff on and the likelihood of nothing being perfect, I may as well take the plunge and invest in something just right. I will need all the help I can get from you and Steph, the fit experts!

And can I just add that I find every single photo you post to be something I could frame and admire all day?

AG --

I just saw your post about the custom possibility. I hope it works out/goes forward...your pants fit troubles should be over! [And I will live vicariously.]

You are kind but way too generous, there.

I'm in love with this top (can be worn forward! backward! sideways!) and am going to get *actual* and decent photos of it someday soon. For godsakes it's periwinkle, not that anyone can tell. I will be sure to alert you.

I love periwinkle myself. Though I always hear it in Brad Pitt's unintelligible gypsy accent from the movie "Snatch"... I wish I had the discipline and self-awareness regarding personal style that you do. Alas, my strengths lie elsewhere, like in flailing and struggling.

Hey, you get a lot of fearlessness in there with your flailing! Meanwhile, I have a tendency to stick to my uniforms.

[I was awfully proud of myself for going crazy with the Periwinkle Pouf...but of course now I'm having a (slightly less voluminous, more matte, sleeveless, printed) dress version created. Signed, Old Dog/Reverting to Non-Trick]

Lots of great advice here. Depending on how formal you have to dress I would add one "twist" item to an outfit. Maybe the blazer and trousers are classic but the blouse is more "you" in print and color. Or perhaps the shoes are the standout piece of the day. This would let you fit in with any standard expectation for the legal field while still expressing yourself.

I just wanted to add Una that the best part of YLF is having someone to hold your hand through the lows and celebrate the highs. It is a cliche but remember it 'is the journey and not the destination'.

Late to the party, but I hope I can share the few things I've learned and noticed since deciding to dress like *me* at the office.

There is one particular woman I work with - she is client facing and and always looks professional yet stylish. She is NOT an UWP, but I think the basic, formulaic principles or her work outfits can still apply:
- Suits. Fun suits. I swear she has a closet full of them, like any normal banker, but they are all current and feel fresh. Gray with white pinstripes. Textured black. Double lapels. "Corporate" colors, but cheeky in either cut or fabrication (MaryK hit on this, too). I don't think hers are greatly expensive, because I get the feeling she refreshes often.
- Blouses. I don't think this person ever wears a crisp shirt. She doe scoop necks, soft and silky blouses. I think this also helps take away from the "stuffed shirt" feel of the banker look.
- Jewelry. I don't know about your clients, but even older, conservative ladies in BH can appreciate some fab jewelry without thinking the wearer will funnel their estates into pork futures.

My own strategies:
- Boots. Tall boots, short boots, booties. They carry a lot of personality for me.
- Jackets. I've always loved jackets, and now they've largely replaced blazers for me. I still have some blazers, too, but my AT jacket with the leather throat latch, for example, feels more right.
- Prints and textures... tiers, stripes, dalmatian hair... even though I'm still technically wearing a pencil skirt and button front, it feels more soulful.
- And I think the most helpful thing to me has been to look at the whole picture and ask myself if it feels UWP. Do I need more warrior? Should I swap the blazer for a leather jacket? Is it professional enough? Should I wear a button front instead of a knit top?
- The other thing I like to do recently is have professional "stand ins" for my favorite casual items. Blue BB shirt stands in for denim shirt/jacket. Skinny cords stand in for jeggings. Aviator jacket stands in for utility jackets.

I love the idea of your bespoke suit, too. Perfect fits are always stylish, and I think the menswear vibe transcends trends because it is truly your style. That will be the Urban Professional part of the outfit. Add a little warrior and perhaps some princess color, and you'll be in business (so to speak).

/volunteers to be the AT shipper if you need it!

Also, how about a colorful suit like the ones Angie posted about a couple days ago? Maybe not a bright citron, but at least something more unconventional than black, gray, or navy.

Rae, you are awesome. What fabulous advice!