Business Suits

[RubyReins]

Wondering if anyone can give me a steer!

I need to be very smartly dressed for work in a quality black suit. I tend to favour a skirt for work. I used to buy all of my suits from Jigsaw as they did that wonderful thing where they kept the same fabric but changed the styles each season so I could mix and match the individual pieces. For reasons best known to themselves they are no longer doing that. Remember when Jigsaw used to be good?!

Anyway, my suits are all on the shiny side now and looking a little shabby and sad. Where do I go? I am rather busty so a lot of jackets look ridiculous on me. I'm a 12 on a good day, a 14 for the most part. I love the Vivienne Westwood style of suiting - has anyone seen anything similar?

Where do you ladies who have to be super smart get your work wear?

Thanks!

Bump!

The places that I recommend / seem to be popular are:

• Reiss
• Banana Republic
• Massimo Dutti
• Austin Reed
• Jaeger (esp the Outlet)
• J Crew (look in the sale section, too)
• Hobbs (though can be a tricky fit)

Then, you can also get lucky at The Outnet with Michael Kors, Theory and Joseph.

Does it have to be black? Black suits so few people. Could you consider grey, blue, or even brighter colours?

@Belinda - that's amazing thanks - will check them all out

@phonebox - yep afraid so... A friend once asked me if there was an unwritten rule that I had to wear black and white all the time; I told her no, it's a written rule... Wigs and gowns etc... I bought a russet red suit a while back as I was so sick of looking as though I was in mourning!

x

I've just got a cracking one from Next. Was genuinely surprised when I found it. It's grey and BEAUTIFUL.

Mine mostly come from Hobbs, although they seem to do fewer and fewer things in wool these days. It's mostly yucky polyester, but you can still find the odd gem. LK Bennett also worth a look, although I don't think the quality always reflects the price.

Link please Floop - Next is more my budget than the others mentioned.

Apols for hijack Ruby

[http://www.next.co.uk/x5462s1#679207x54]

It is seriously stunning in real life. Skirt isn't as short as it looks on the model either. I love the print.

I was looking yesterday and was really disappointed with the selection in Hobbs and Jigsaw.

My best black suits came from Aquasuctum and Austin Reed. Very tailored and flattering. Pricey though.

Aquasuctum for the bar ... Or one Armani suit that lasts an entire decade ... Hugo boss in the sale is quite reasonable too

Thanks floop

Mine are from Austin reed and have lasted well.

When I was as the bar navy and charcoal were fine and I started out when trousers weren't permitted, so I think you can venture a couple of inches away from black.

Reis, Hobbs, Jaeger and LK Bennett were/are my favourites. Have also had great suits from Ede and Ravenscroft - surprisingly stylish.

I also lament the loss of the jigsaw same fabric/different season suits.

Thanks all! This is gold!

@Pastperfect - Scottish Bar and it is written that it has to be black :( I was looking at E&R and in amongst the lime green cords and mustard plus fours there are some gems.

I'd love to join the Scottish bar and I'm toying with the idea. Sorry no help re suits though as I feel the Sheriff Court where I practice is getting less and less formal.

Right now I would caution against anyone joining the Bar! It's astonishingly tough. Only come if you have an established practice waiting for you after you are devilled! The newer calls are having a really rough time of it. PM me if you want to chat about it.

Thanks Ruby, I've heard a few people talk about how hard it is especially for newbies and I'm still too young I think to have a particularly established practice behind me. Maybe one day! Meantime I'm loving my job but always looking for a new challenge!

Nae bother!

outlets/ sales are good though for Jaeger/ Austin Reed/ Hobbs...

Why not book a free personal stylist session at John Lewis & there is no obligation to buy their recommendations. They do all the running for you so you can relax and consider their choices and get ideas for future shopping trips.

You will get a fresh perspective on what styles and colours suit you. The good thing about going to a department store is that there are so many brands under one roof so you don't have to traipse around.

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service#page_loaded