Ask BB: Fab Business Suits on a Budget

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October 22, 2009

I was just asked by my Senior VP at work if I could make a presentation next week to a client of ours that's a bank CEO. I'm really excited about the opportunity but I don't own anything that even closely resembles a suit—I'm freaking out! Do you have any ideas where I can look this weekend for a cool but not-too-expensive suit? I'm not quite the suit-wearing type so I'm hoping to find a fun suit, if there is such a thing… —Desperately Seeking Suit

Congrats! You've been presented with a big opportunity at work, and your instincts to dress accordingly are correct. Now might be a good time to invest in a classic black or dark gray suit. Since you only have one weekend to shop, I recommend hitting up LOFT aka the store formerly known as Ann Taylor LOFT. They have some of the best suits in modern-classic styles, with feminine cuts that flatter many figures, all at very reasonable prices. You might even be able to find one on sale or ask a friend who shops there if she's received any rewards cards/deals by mail that you can use.

Look for a great fit, something that makes you feel powerful and comfortable when you're trying it on. Be sure to see how it moves when you walk around and move your arms up and down. If you feel awkward, keep looking. Another great store to check (and these are often located near Ann Taylor, at least where I live) is Banana Republic. Other stores that carry affordable, stylish suits include The Limited, Express and Macy's. Look for dark gray or black in a medium-weight fabric that you can wear for at least 3 seasons, if not year round.

Now for the fun part: Add your personal touch with a beautiful blouse, statement necklace or conservative yet colorful (or otherwise embellished) shoes! You can also mix-and-match the blazer with a pencil skirt and tights, or pair the pants with a nice top and vest (if it's less formal). Browse JCrew.com for style inspiration; you can imitate with less expensive wares.

Suits are generally conservative by nature, so opt for a great fit in the best fabric you can afford, get it tailored, then liven it up with your blouse, jewelry and other accessories.

For more advice, check out the reader comments on this post about what to wear to a job interview.

Readers: If you only had one weekend to shop for a suit on a budget, where would you go?

Comments (18)

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I would also check out Chadwicks - especially if you have time to order from a catalog. Not only will you find suits, but you may be able to find shoes/accessories if needed.

#1 Jen on 2009-10-22 16:01 (Reply)

However - if I'm in a pinch for time, I always go to The Limited. They have a variety of tailoring/sizing for pants and although it's at the higher end of my budget their clothing wears well over time. Good Luck!

#2 Jen on 2009-10-22 16:05 (Reply)

I actually went on this quest this past weekend and ended up getting one from Kohl's (which is also where I got my only other suit jacket). Didn't even think about The Limited but that's a great idea.

I hit the LOFT but at least at mine, there was only one thing closet to a suit jacket and whatever it was, it wasn't even close enough for me to bother trying it on.

Also check out JC Penny. Their Worthington line had a few well priced suits - they didn't really suit my shape but if they had fit correctly I would have gone home with one.

#3 Kelly (Homepage) on 2009-10-22 16:15 (Reply)

Banana Republic is a great choice, as is Club Monaco or Mexx. Otherwise, great advice BB!

#4 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-10-22 16:44 (Reply)

The Norma Kamali line at Wal-mart has a great suit right now for around $40.

#5 Sarah on 2009-10-22 18:58 (Reply)

Over the summer I got a nice black Nine West skirt suit at Macy's for $80 on clearance with a catalogue coupon. They have a big selection of women's suits, especially if you live in or near a city.

#6 Ariel on 2009-10-22 19:11 (Reply)

I agree with the Banana Republic suggestion; I purchased a lightweight wool suit there in February that I wear at least once a week and it still looks great. I purchased a H&M suit a couple of years ago that was a lot cheaper but unfortunately, you can really tell the difference in quality.

#7 Jane on 2009-10-22 19:28 (Reply)

New York and Company has great affordable suits as well. I recently purchased two from there.

#8 Cece (Homepage) on 2009-10-22 19:46 (Reply)

Yes! JC Penny's Worthington line is definitely worth a look. I wore a red pencil skirt from that line to work today and got two compliments.

New York & Co is also a great previous suggestion (they are a lower priced division of Limited Brands).

#9 Jen on 2009-10-22 20:58 (Reply)

I would check Loft first - my first interview suit is from there and holding up beautifully after 8 years! I would also check TJ Maxx, Filene's, Ross, and Marshalls. I'm petite and I've found all of my other suits there. Jones New York and Nine West are the other brands I have and I would recommend them. My suits at TJs et al cost $50 - $99.

#10 Laura on 2009-10-22 21:12 (Reply)

FYI: Ann Taylor still exists. There are several divisions like Ann Taylor Loft (recently changed to LOFT), LOFT Outlet, etc. LOFT is going more contemporary, casual, and a bit cheaper.

#11 Liz on 2009-10-23 01:02 (Reply)

Thanks, I do know better! It was a typo, I've fixed to avoid confusion.

#11.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-10-23 12:41 (Reply)

I think NY& Co is much more affordable than Banana (although their suits rock) and would work fine in a budget pinch.....and I've also always had great luck at the Ann Taylor outlets. Got my first 5 suits there when I started my first corporate job. 5 years later - still in great shape!!

#12 Jane @ The Borrowed Abode (Homepage) on 2009-10-23 08:28 (Reply)

Ann Taylor Loft is a great one, my suits from there have worn really well over the years. I've also found some great ones at Nordstrom Rack, great discounts on nice ones that will last you for years!

#13 Trude (Homepage) on 2009-10-23 12:22 (Reply)

The Limited!!

#14 Heidi on 2009-10-23 14:31 (Reply)

My local TJ Maxx just got in a big shipment of suit sets in brands that I'd typically see at Macy's (Calvin Klein, AK, Jones, etc), so if I had one weekend, I'd start there and then head to Macys, Penney's (where I've gotten very good, well-priced suits in the past), or LOFT. I don't ever have a reason to wear a suit to work, but every once in a while I get a wild hair up you-know-where. Plus it's good to always have at least one that fits well, because you never know what opportunities/needs might arise. And as expensive as they can be, a good suit is usually worth the investment, especially if you do have to wear one occasionally. Although, I've found that the lower-priced brands are sometimes just as well-made as the higher-priced, and frequently from the same materials.

#15 Selene on 2009-10-23 15:01 (Reply)

I once bought a really cute Calvin Klein 2 piece skirt suit for $99 at SYMS. It probably would have retailed for at least $200 elsewhere.

#16 Vic on 2009-10-25 11:08 (Reply)

Sears! the apostrophe brand has great fitting pants that I wear with Jackets from Anthropologie, if you have one near. I have more serious suits from the Limited, but dont like wearing the jackets, because they are too serious. The Limited suit pants are the same as Sears pants.

#17 Sarah Carmon on 2009-10-26 23:27 (Reply)

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