Rock the Work Suit

Having to wear a suit to work has never been an issue for me and with work places becoming more casual, it probably isn't a super big issue for a lot of you.  However, if this is something you deal with on a day to day basis, here are some helpful hints to choosing and wearing suits.

1. Fabrication, fabrication, fabrication! This is the single most important part of a "dress to impress" suit.  A popular suiting fabrication is wool gabardine.  There are also a lot of wool blends, these are okay, just try and get as much wool in as possible.  This gives the suit a richer, more solid look.
2. Make sure the fit of the jacket is right.  Shoulders are so important!  The end of the shoulder pad should reach the curve of your shoulder.  If it ends before the curve you lose your shoulder line, if it goes past, you look like a project of the 80's.
3. Most likely you will have to tailor your pants.  Bring the shoes you wear to work most often.  I doubt you are wearing 4" heels to work (if you are, lucky you!).
4. Try to shop all in one place so you can buy different styles in the same fabrication and color to wear together (ie: jacket, vest, skirts, pants).
5. Suits with a pattern (ie: check or herringbone) are best together, but if you are going to mix and match, only match the pant or skirt with a solid jacket.  Save the pattern jacket for jeans. 
6. Don't overlook the "work dress".  This is a great alternative and brings a bit of feminine fun to the office. 
7. Add a chambray shirt to your layering pieces.  This incorporates a casual chic look with your work suit.  Even the stuffy old men will appreciate its fashion flare.
8. For belts - go with skinny.  I like matching my belt with my shoes but if that's not an option, match the color of the garment.  You can always go without one too.
9. What color shoes to wear with a navy suit?  Do NOT go with navy! It should actually be illegal to even make a navy color shoe. Instead, go for a cool nude/taupe, metallic or dark brown, even black is acceptable.
10. If you have to wear nylons, you have to wear nylons, there is nothing I can really help you with on that, but please do not wear black...ever!  Go with a good skin colored one (Calvin Klein makes great ones) or go with opaque tights (in the winter, of course).

Where to buy:  

J. Crew has knocked this look out of the park.  Check out their wear-to-work sections on their website and see some of my favorite selections below.  Ann Taylor and Banana Republic offer a pretty basic selection  but if that's what you need, they offer good quality for good prices.

Navy pinstripe suit with chambray shirt

Black suit with a colored tee 

Check suit with chambray shirt

Charcoal work dress
**LOVE**

**For casual work days**

Suit vest with jeans
**LOVE**

Sequin jacket with chinos