Where do I go for classic suits?

[RooRooCooChoo]

Long time lurker but first time poster looking for advice from the S&B mavens.

I will soon be starting a new career in a profession which will require a whole new work wardrobe. Women in the field dress conservatively in traditionally cut black suits. Navy might work at a push, although it could be seen as daringly eccentric!

I have no idea where to look for these clothes as most of my usual haunts (Jigasw, Whistles, Me & Em) add jazzy details - peplums, puffed sleeves etc - to their suiting which I don’t think will fit the bill. I’ve looked at The Fold but everything comes with a “twist” which I might get away with once established, but I won’t want to risk as a newbie.

I’m happy to spend £6-700 on the right suit, although could go higher if necessary. Cheaper would be fantastic, but don’t want to compromise on cut and materials.

So, where should I look for classic, beautifully cut, women’s suits? Thank you!

Have a read of this article which is quite good about the expectations when appearing in court

https://www.thelawyer.com/life-at-the-bar-using-your-dress-sense/

@Katrinawaves Thank you so much for this! Really helpful and reassuring. If I'm this tripped up over dress code I shudder to think what actual pupillage will do to me!

Ah well if a Barrister OP you are overestimating how formal you need to be - you need sharp suiting (could be dress or trousers) but certainly not all black. I suggest you go to the high court and sit in on a few hearings that are not gowned (there are loads in the Chancery division) to see what the women barristers are wearing (particularly the KCs). Think about your shoes carefully - you will be walking to court at a fast clip and standing quite a lot (that said I was recently in court with a female KC who had incredible stilettos).

You'll be fine!!

The Fold does a lovely classic navy or black suit in its "clever crepe" - couple of different trouser shape options but no jazzy details. Likewise Jigsaw always does one. I was in there recently and saw it. Think the trousers are called "London".

Cefinn also have some nice tailoring in your price range. I'd also look at Theory, who make brilliant suiting and you can often find on The Outnet. Also look at Me&Em.

Thinking about it if you are pupil definately make sure you have shoes that you can walk fast in whilst carry papers (your pupil master/mistress will not appreciate you not being able to keep up on the walk to court or having to wait for you to change your shoes).

@MsFogi A very good point. I have already shadowed for a day, and ended it vowing to buy better shoes. Glad I've got that bit right at least.

The Fold Clever Crepe is their place for plain black suiting, and its machine washable as well. I like that they have slim trousers, wide, skirts, dresses and a couple of jackets in the collection and it will always match across seasons.
If you go to their shop, the ladies there are incredibly helpful and will send your clothes for any needed adjustments.

Ha! @RooRooCooChoo Even at the end of the previous century I could dress more excitingly in chambers and running around London than your OP suggests.

I tended to favour black, grey, or tweed suits and dresses by Jil Sander, (original iteration) Antonio Fusco, Armani. Considered MaxMara a bit basic and would never have considered anything that came out of Ede & Ravenscroft. If I were dressing for the Bar now I might well still look to Jil Sander (several iterations along) if I could stretch to it, or brands like Toteme, Bite Studios, Co Collections. And I’d aspire to The Row and bits of Phoebe Philo.

Definitely pick shoes you can walk in, though!

All that said - I would tailor your spending to your earning potential during the year. An expensive suit isn’t going to make much difference if you’re schlepping around magistrates courts …

Agree with the others, Hobbs, Reiss, John Lewis. And definitely look again at Jigsaw, they have a lot of "directional" pieces but normally also some decent quality conservative suits that won't raise any eyebrows, eg pictured.