Professional Attire Question?

Question

I am a 40 year old professional woman living in the southern U.S (very hot in the summer). I usually wear black or gray slacks or tan khakis to work. We must wear flat, closed toe and heel shoes for safety reasons, so I usually wear black or brown leather loafers or mary jane style shoes. My problem is that I can't find cute, stylish tops that aren't either for skinny teenagers or grandmas. I cannot wear sleeveless tops. Anyone suggest a store where I can buy cute summer tops with short sleeves that would be work appropriate for a 40 year old? Links to specific items would be great. I don't want to spend more than about $30 or $40 at most for one top.

I am under size 14 (not plus size). I should add that I HATE shopping, so I am not up for going to a discount store (Ross or TJMaxx) where you have to dig through tons of junk to find one decent item. I am willing to shop online.

Answer 1

1] try twin sets - they have many in light weight fabrics
2] fitted Ts - in favorite colors - when you find a good one, buy it in several colors
3] wrap top
4] a fitted tunic top [ not babydoll ] kimono or trapeze style
5] lace or textured T
Sources -
Chadwicks - online
Coldwater Creek - online
Lands End - online
JCPenney - online
Macys

Answer 2

I solved that problem. I bought a simple basic Simplicity pattern for a top, I purchased material for $3 a yard (takes a yard and a half) and I made a dozen. Some of them have a neckline, some have a collar, some are above the waistline, some just south of the waistline, and some are as long as down to my wristline. Some are sleveless, some have short sleeves...but ALL go well with the color of my slacks and suit jackets. It takes about an hour or two to make, but then you have them for about ten years.

I also have an array of t-shirts...got those at walmart and from chadwicks (online). Just be careful that online the s/h cost is high, and high if you have to return something if you didn't like it.

Answer 3

If you're a bigger than a size 14, thean try Lane Bryant. The clothes there are stylish yet you cna still find professional work attire. However, if you're smaller than a size 14, I would have seen stores like Target that have more dressy clothing. Go to your local mall and find a store like Ann Taylor; they have moderately priced clothing, or you could just spend a day browsing what stores close by have appriopiate clothing. You might also want to try a local thrift store. I used to work in one and we got in professional tops all the time, you just have to have some patience to look for them. Good luck!

Answer 4

Wal-mart has a clothing line called George and some stores carry Metro 7 they are both very stylish for work...the line comes from europe. Hope that helps...

P.S. i also live in the south so i know how the heat can be.

Answer 5

Whenever I want to buy sophisticated clothes that can be dressed down or up, I go to INC at Macy's. It's not too expensive, but the quality is really good for its price. For better quality, I sometimes go to Banana Republic and for more free, casual items, my favorite store is Forever 21.

Hope that helped!

Answer 6

go to macys, if you go through the sale items im sure you'll find something well priced. thats what i do. if you go online the tops look a little too pricy, but go shopping at the actual store and there is so much to find

or marshalls or ross- they have really nice stuff, you just have to have patience to find it there

Answer 7

I would check Walmart, Target, and any of those department stores. They have some really cute outfits in the plus sizes and are reasonably priced.

Answer 8

I live in Florida and get a lot of summer clothes for work at Beall's
http://www.beallsflorida.com/page?name=page-department&top=52&major=53

Answer 9

Locate a local seamstress. You can go to a fabric store and pick out your own styles and fabrics for a custom wardrobe.