https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:19:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704768 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:41:22 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2704768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: definitely not busty! But also not skinny like I used to be so need to consider what is flattering and what just looks bulky. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704710 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 19:52:25 +0000 pwnstar 2704710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I do, unfortunately, see standard button downs on women--even the ones with the buttons to hold down the collar! 😬😬😬 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704692 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 18:42:46 +0000 looch 2704692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pwnstar: Do you really see anyone that wears button downs though? I work in finance in NYC and I swear, I rarely see a woman wearing a button down. If you go to a department store and look at the way the suits are styled, again, I've never seen one with a button down as an option underneath and I've been doing this a loooooong time.</p> <p>Sorry to totally derail Mrs Turtle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704690 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 18:40:09 +0000 looch 2704690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Honestly, if you like them, wear them, but there are so many options out there for women that are much more flattering, especially if you're busty. The main thing I don't like about them is 1, that you really need to tuck them in if they have shirt tails, and 2, unless you get the ones that are tailored with darts, they just don't accommodate a chest and tend to gap and pull.</p> <p>I won't say no one wears them around here, but really, in my 20 years of working, it's only men that wear button downs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704680 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 17:48:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2704680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: ny&amp;co has flattering cuts for button downs. Drape a long dangly necklace and you can sometimes get away with no jacket or cardigan.</p> <p>Does anyone miss twinsets? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704647 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:36:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2704647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Yes! Button down and slacks still makes for a nice outfit. You can even add a cardigan if its the right cut. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704643 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:35:32 +0000 pwnstar 2704643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Ha-totally acceptable! 🙌🏻💯 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704639 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:34:01 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2704639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @T.H.O.U.: @pwnstar: totally makes sense. But I like button down shirts! I'll save them for summer when I won't need a blazer, is that acceptable? :grin:<br /> @Littlebit7: I've been eyeing the BR site. I will probably place an order next time I can get a good deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704596 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:48:26 +0000 pwnstar 2704596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @T.H.O.U.: If I could change one way professional women put their ensembles together, this would be it. A traditional--even close-cut-- button down under a blazer is bulky and unflattering on just about everyone. The shirt fights the lines of the jacket (and the body underneath!), and even if you manage to escape that trap, you end up looking, well, cliche. A silk shell/camisole/sleeveless (or short-sleeved) blouse works 1,000 times better; it's more flattering, more versatile, more professional (and feminine), and I did I mention more flattering? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704501 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:36:59 +0000 Littlebit7 2704501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Two things: try banana republic. There is almost always a 40% off sale (they have a 50% friends and family coming up, see if you have a family or friend who gets the coupon!!). </p> <p>i just bought this:<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056194&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=585661002" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056194&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=585661002</a><br /> its super flattering. easy wash and wear.<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=590735012" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=590735012</a><br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=588233002" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1056192&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=588233002</a></p> <p>plus a cardigan or two:<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51420&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=584351012" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51420&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=584351012</a><br /> slightly longer<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1078839&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=488166032" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1078839&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=488166032</a></p> <p>plus a slimmer cut pair of pants in black &amp; navy<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009305&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=183602012" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009305&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=183602012</a></p> <p>you can wear those with flat</p> <p>I would buy mainly neutrals (ivory, navy, black, grey) and punch things up with a fun necklace.</p> <p>Lastly: find a tailor. It will be worth it, I promise. If you do a big shop, one or two things will need to be altered and you will feel GREAT in them</p> <p>ETA: Banana has tall sizes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704491 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:25:02 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2704491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Yes agree! And not only that, its uncomfortable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704489 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:24:45 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2704489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Very nice! I think if you had 2-3 tops like that with 2-3 cardigans/blazers you could easily put together a few outfits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704488 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:23:25 +0000 looch 2704488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: please do not wear a button down shirt under a blazer, there are so many better options if you're doing suiting separates. It works great for men, but unless you get a tailored for women one, they're not that figure flattering. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704476 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:09:28 +0000 Anagram 2704476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Looks great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704433 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:06:50 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2704433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all! Sorry I didn't reply sooner...toddlers happened. Sometimes it's all I can do to keep up with the two of them. </p> <p>I ended up running up to the closest mall on Sunday and found this outfit. I don't absolutely love it, but I think it'll work for the more casual meetings in our rural area. I have a black open front cardigan from Target that I can put over it. When we go to the cities to meet with bigger donors, I will have to find something a little dressier. I'm thinking dress pants, a nice button up shirt and a blazer for those meetings. I forgot to mention I'm over 6' tall, so finding anything in a store is unlikely. I almost always have to order to get the tall/long sizes. Also, no heels, I'm plenty tall as it is. So I ordered a pair of black leather ballet flats that I think will be pretty versatile. </p> <p>@pwnstar: I haven't tried ThredUp yet but I just signed up the other day so I will take a look. </p> [attach=5595/17/om5ebf.273x600.20170301_095835.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2704412 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:43:58 +0000 codeitall 2704412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had good luck at Target, JCPenney's and Kohl's. All of them have decent regular prices and great sale prices. Plus, I've usually been able to find stuff on clearance and pair it with a coupon.</p> <p>Since this is your first foray into dressier clothes, I'd go cheaper till you find types of clothes you like or have a better idea of the dress code in your area. I bought a ton of dress slacks only to discover that I vastly preferred dresses instead! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703924 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 14:35:32 +0000 PeaceLily 2703924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually work in the fundraising department at a non-profit. :happy: </p> <p>When meeting with donors our fundraisers usually wear blazers with a nice dress or black pants/blouse. I love skinny black pants with long shirts, but I tend to look a little more dressed down than the fundraisers. I get all my black skinny pants at the gap - I think I have maybe 7 or 8 pairs. If you don't like blazers (I personally hate them) I think a nice cardigan is fine as well. </p> <p>Besides the gap I also have a decent amount of work clothes from express, old navy, target, loft, banana republic, and Macy's. I was never a fan of old navy, but there's one 5 minutes from my house so I've started shopping there and you can find some cute stuff for pretty cheap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703824 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 12:18:50 +0000 pwnstar 2703824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: Have you looked at ThredUp? They sell a lot of NWT and practically brand new clothes. I just received my first order-two BR wrap dresses and 2 silk blouses (1 WHBM and 1 BR) for a little less than 1/3 of what I would have paid retail. I am very pleased with the condition/quality--everything arrived exactly as described. If you have an idea of what brands/cuts fit you best/work for your body, this could be a good option for you to explore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703303 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 10:12:53 +0000 Mrs D 2703303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: I second votes for Ann Taylor/Loft. And also Target.</p> <p>Since you arent a dress person I'd go for 2 pairs of pants (light and dark) could do one full length one crop depending on where you live? Then I like to wear shells (sleeveless tops - not tanks) with a cardigan. Targets Merona brand has AMAZING open front cardi's that I love. If it were me I'd get two basic shells (in solid neutrals) then 2-3 cardi's. You can mix n match it.</p> <p>I love blazers too - but def recommend spending a little more there for quality - so maybe wait on that?</p> <p>Target often does 25% off all apparel (they just had one presidents day) when they do that I stock up on Tees, tanks, shells and cardis. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703259 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:31:14 +0000 RonjaL7 2703259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Target has great clothes on a budget. If you are in a rural area I would suggest a nice pair of dark jeans with almost any shirt and a blazer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703249 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:13:32 +0000 looch 2703249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: I am wondering if you have a New York and Co in that mall? They are another great option. What do you have in that mall for department stores?</p> <p>I personally buy almost all my clothing online, I know the brands and styles that work well for me, so it helps when I need to get something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703239 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:03:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2703239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: Agree with this "recipe". </p> <p>I am trying to do more of a capsule/uniform style. I have 3 pairs of black pants (skinny, regular and joggers). I also have a pair of navy pants and khakis but those are left over and not often worn. I also have 2 black skirts (a pencil and a midi from Old Navy). </p> <p>Basically I just do black buttons and a variety of shell tops that mix with the various pants/skirts. I have casual cardigans or blazers that mix in depending on on dressy I feel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703235 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:01:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2703235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: For cheap dress pants, I really like the Merona ones from Target. They have held up decently compared to other dress pants that are double the price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703218 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:26:56 +0000 ShootingStar 2703218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also check out Zappos once you have stuff in mind. They ship for free and do free returns. And they carry a decent variety of clothes. Not as extensive as amazon, but I hate buying things from amazon that might need to get returned because it's a huge hassle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703210 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:25:32 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2703210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: ha ha my confidence booster in work clothes with these days is Assets pantyhose- Spanx built right in. I don't wear make up 99% of the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703209 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:24:34 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2703209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your mall have a Macy's? </p> <p>Macy's suit section has Calvin Klein suit separates. I particularly like the dark gray pant suit the way the jacket is cut. I would get the gray pantsuit and two blouses from anywhere even the Juniors section. The black CK pants are nicely cut too. Pair the black pants with a white Oxford shirt or other shirt and colored sweater or cardigan for a casual look. The pants will be long enough any comfy pump with a 3 inch heel will work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703116 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 19:21:24 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2703116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Loft/Ann Taylor and banana republic are also my go-to's for work wear! </p> <p>I would say a couple suit separates (pants and a jacket are a must), with a shell, blouse, and/or sweater to mix in.<br /> I also had really good experience finding suit separates at JC Penney- paid only like $40 for the suit! I think it was their worthington brand. </p> <p>What about shoes? I also love Ann Taylor's pumps. They are a bit more comfortable IMO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703094 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 16:36:33 +0000 youboots 2703094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love machine washable Express slacks and loose fitting prettier tops with a cardigan or blazer. Banana outlet was my go to when I worked in an office. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703091 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 16:19:04 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2703091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had good luck at Ann Taylor and Gap for decent work clothes. For me the trick was to go frequently so I could check out the clearance rack and sales. I also like Ross for tops and dresses, but that's more of a gamble because you never know what you'll find. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-new-work-outfitshelp#post-2703077 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 15:40:27 +0000 wrkbrk 2703077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds weird but you could also try amazon. They carry a lot of normal brad clothes and if you have prime - free shipping! When I find something I like I check for it on Amazon haha. You could also get by with some black pants and a few tops from Target. I'm a lawyer and half my wardrobe is from Target :P </p>