Help! Suit needed ...

[Arcadia]

I have just been into my local city centre to try and buy a suit for a very important and formal interview which could be any time between 7 August and mid sept. Help! I am a pear shape and all the dresses are pencil dresses, skirts ditto. Trousers don't work in my shape either. I have been to Hobbs, John Lewis, etc but nothing. Even m and s and next had nothing. I am going to London next weekend so could go shopping there. Any suggestions?

Anyone? I am panicking!

Have you tried Reiss? I had bought a sit fyi t m Lewin in the past can you possible try there

TM Lewin seems to only have menswear in the stores even in London? I just looked at their website. I did try Reiss but only a small store. Might try Bicester village?

I am a similar shape and love my Banana Republic suits. I do buy a size 12 jacket and 14 skirt (or 8 and 10 as they are American sizes so watch out for that if you look) but I think they're really flattering. I also like my Hobbs and Austin Reed suits but think the latter has closed now maybe?

Thanks I will look at banana republic website then see where the biggest store is in London

Banana republic is all pencil skirts and dresses apart from one dress

Austin reed don't seem to do women's. No wonder we can't get on, where is the decent work wear?!

How much money can you invest? If it's £££, you may like to look at the Fold. Good professional clothing that you will wear endlessly, but costly upfront.

Umm ... a few hundred potentially? Would that cover it? I like The Fold website! I might book in an appointment ...

Zara has lovely suits.

Do look on Hobbs , John lewis website as they have way more than in the shops. It's just sale scraps now.
Are you looking for a-line/flared skirts?

free personal shopper at john lewis?

I don't know if it would cut it but www.lucyalice.co.uk/womens-suits/asti-sophisticated-collection.html this kind of place do mix and match suits. You could probably glam it up with accessories. They do petite and tall too.

IME the high street is now useless for standard black, /navy /grey suits. If you are going to London head for the City as those branches are stocked out with suits.

It is basically an interview to be a Judge so needs to be very formal!

NotForMe where do you mean in the city?

Can't really buy online as I need to try on my shape is so difficult! Yes maybe personal shopper at John Lewis on oxford street?

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

Thanks for the link I might book in for next Saturday.
Yes, skirt can't be pencil style, can be flared or a-line but will still need to try on.

Good luck!

I second the Fold. I have few dresses from them which I need to dress down for work sometimes but they are excellent quality.

Thanks all. I have a plan now. The fold and John Lewis on Saturday - will book in with each about 2 hours apart. It just means braving central London in the heat and crowds but it needs to be done!!

Good luck OP! I'm debating DDJ application in September (if opens as rumoured) - would love to know suit what you go for in the end and how you get on!

It's difficult to find suits for women now. My favourite one is from Jigsaw but does have a pencil skirt. Might be worth a look though. Also Ede and Ravenscroft always have one or two lovely suits for women in their window. I've never tried them but they would definitely be "judgely". Good luck!

That's what I am doing riceandpeas. So nervous!