Where can I buy a suit?

[FauxFox]

I need a suit for interviews. I have freelanced forever and have nothing workwear like at all. I went shopping today and there was nothing! I want a black or dark grey trouser suit with a one button single breasted jacket that nips in at the waist. The trousers need to be long enough (I'm 5ft 8) and straight or slim leg - no bulky pockets on the hips and definitely no cropped culottes (plenty of those in the shops!)

I want a high street shop so I can try on.

I don't want to spend more than £100. I don't want cheap shiny fabric. I cannot bear to shop in Next. Am I asking for the world on a stick?

[shirkingworking]

Yup....! Not sure - maybe try M&S? I don't wear suits anymore though, even though I work in the city. I tend to wear a textured jacket and slim leg trousers or a dress. And Zara and Mango are good for those at reasonable prices without looking really cheap. (Tend to mix their stuff with Reiss and Whistles though...!) Good luck!

[leadrightfoot]

I have the suit you want just been upstairs to check the label and its label free!
Although the jacket is longline rather than hip ish length. It's about mid thigh.
I am also umming and ahhhing about selling it .... Can't remember the last time I wore it.

[FauxFox]

I have been searching blind and reckon m&s is worth a try. Oasis also potentially might have something...designers at debenhams?? Why is there a gap like this? It's either cheap crap £35 jackets or £££ at Hobbs and L K Bennet

[FauxFox]

Online not blind!

[TheCraicDealer]

You might want to wait a few weeks- the summer sales will be starting soon and you'll be able to get something decent from the likes of Reiss without having to remortgage your home.

I agree there's a real gap in the market for well made tailoring on the high street at a reasonable price. Next is ok, but there's always something a bit "off" about their stuff, not that well cut.

[phoolani]

Banana Republic? Though I think expecting a halfway decent suit for 100 quid is wishful thinking.

[notagiraffe]

faux Fox, if you can find exactly the right cut in Hobbs, it's worth spending £££. I had a Hobbs suit that looked new for about 15 years and was so well cut it never dated. It got loads of compliments and I wore it to death. (It was just what you describe.) Got rid of it in the end because I realised I'd never be size 8 again. But it still had loads of life in it. Far cheaper in the long run than a much cheaper (and nastier) suit from M&S.

Have you tried John Lewis? If you live near London, have you thought about going into the City, near Old Bailey/St Pauls. There are loads of suit shops for lawyers round there, at surprisingly low prices for classic plain black suits.

[notagiraffe]

the Vara suit at Reiss is lovely. More than twice what you say you want to pay, but it's what you describe and if you work it out at cost per wear, the more expensive stuff is often better value long term.

[eurochick]

Your budget is very low for a suit. Tailored clothes are expensive. You might just about manage in Zara. You'd certainly get smart trousers and a blazer for 100 quid in there if not an actual suit.

[notagiraffe]

How about this jacket from Mango with these trousers? Comes in under £100 if the fabrics match.

[OhThatThingAgain]

For a decent suit your going to be pushing it for £100. If you can go up to £150 try lucyalice.co.uk

They do great suits for all sizes/heights in a good wool blend, no shiny polyester. There returns process is good so you can try and send back for free.

I can not find anything on the high street which isn't shiny polyester. High street suits are either yuck or way overpriced.

[SuperFlyHigh]

Warehouse do nice suits for about your price range.

However in the past 5 years I've been interviewing I'd say suits are definitely out. You're looking at a smart work dress instead with a jacket, either Ebay or wait for sales and do Hobbs etc.

I did buy a skirt suit about 2 years ago from warehouse just in case for smart stuff but only wore it once.

[FauxFox]

I know I'd be better to spend more but its an interview suit and what I need for the actual office will depend on the job I get so I'm reluctant to fork out...currently stalking some nice suits from proper brands on eBay...need to check the brand size guides but it seems possible I could get a 'worn once' suit from a good/designer brand for under £50 that way...just a bit pot luck on whether it fits well

[AndImAnElf]

Try Austin Reed outlets maybe?

[FauxFox]

I like that Reiss one giraffe just the sort of thing... I know I could wear a dress but I think a trouser suit is better for interview. I'd feel more relaxed and put together.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I'd agree that suits really don't seem to be popular at thr moment, I work in finance and very rarely see women in suits even at very formal events.

Suits I have are from calvin klein in the us, French connection, hobbs, warehouse and jigsaw who have a good outlet website

[SuperFlyHigh]

Stalk any outlets eg Jaeger etc for suits... Don't whatever you do spend full price on one.

Just thought, maybe a decent mid price suit could be had from M&S or Next. The next directory is often good for suits.

Can you scope out if a suit is really needed? Seriously where I work now (fairly central London) and with female lawyers, yes some of the older female lawyers wear suits but they're almost always trouser suits and because they have to go to court, barristers chambers etc. I would as another PP says scope out in Chancery Lane etc where the lawyers buy their cheaper black suits.

The other female lawyer who doesn't do court etc wears a smart work dress with smart jacket.

[Frazzled2207]

Dress with smart jacket instead?

[notagiraffe]

Try on the Reiss suit and buy it if it looks good. You will get years of wear from it. It's classic. Can't date.

[NuggetofPurestGreen]

I got a suit like you described from Mango. Wasn't too expensive.

[RaisingSteam]

Outlet shop - need not be very posh- I was at boundary mill this week and they do Jaeger, Hobbs, the last of Austin Reed, Planet. You might have to be a bit flexible on style. House of fraser outlet?