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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 123 Comments · by

Holiday Weekend Open Thread

Fashion

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Comments

  3. Sadie

    Same here. It hadn’t even occurred to me that tomorrow might be a day off for some until I saw the weekend-themed posts here.

  4. E

    Shameless plea for help here: I’ve always had serious Issues with finding shoes that fit properly, but I’m pretty sure I can’t wear tennis shoes with my fancy new interview suit. So can anyone recommend a shoe store in Manhattan with exceptional customer service? I need a place that (1) is willing and able to deal with my weirdly shaped feet and (2) won’t sneer at me for being unfashionable. I want to have an opinion about purple shoes and 4″ heels, but I need to find a decent pair of black pumps first!

    • michelle

      I can’t help you with Manhattan shoe stores but if you have an idea what size you are, try Zappos.com – great assortment, you can read other customer reviews for insight into fit and comfort, and they ship and return for free so you can order 8 pairs of black pumps in various sizes and then return all of them if they don’t work at no cost. and, they usually ship overnight whether you ask for it or not. I LOVE Zappos.

      • E

        You’re the second person to recommend Harry’s; it looks like that’ll be my first stop! Thanks for the advice, everyone. Online shoe shopping may be great for others, but I’m tired of ordering half a dozen pairs only to find myself trying to decide which pair sucks the least. It’s time to call in the experts!

    • Darlene

      There’s also Tip Top Shoes on the UWS and Executive Leather on the UES, as well as Eneslow somewhere downtown. There’s some overlap on brands amongst these stores, but it’s worth visiting at least Tip Top AND Harry’s because each has something that the other doesn’t. Even among the same brands, one store has models that the other doesn’t. This is based on my recent experience shopping at Harry’s, Tip Top and Executive Leather in one weekend a few weeks ago when fall styles were just being stocked.

      • Kathryn

        A lot of people like Sacco shoes in NYC. I don’t know where it is, though….

  5. S

    Gag, not only am I working tomorrow, but on the weekend to boot most likely. BLECH!

  6. L

    I was here last night til 3:30 am. Working over the weekend for sure… but at least I have hours! Sigh…

  9. KD

    Ok, I vote we have an informal poll. Are pantyhose required if you wear a skirt or dress to work?

    • Mel

      I’m from Florida and I’d say absolutely not unless you are going into a courtroom. Even there, I’ve seen women without pantyhose. I did work at a few places 10+ years ago that required them, but I think those days are gone.

    • k

      I only wear panyhose under duress. I only occassionally wear them in the courtroom.

      • J

        I usually wear them unless it’s over 90 degrees outside. I think it does look more professional, but I’m definitely in the minority.

      • J

        I wear panyhose only under duress, too! I wear them in the courtroom, in depositions, and I’d probably man up and put them on for a client meeting. To work otherwise? Hell no.

      • Mid-Level Associate

        I’m curious–why the hatred toward pantyhose? Non-control top hose are way more comfortable than opaque tights, which no one seems to mind. Hose make your legs look better and keep you warm–a winning combination in my book.

        • E

          Now I’m curious as to why you think hose are more comfortable than tights! (I’m not saying you’re wrong– it’s obviously a YMMV thing.) For my part, I prefer tights because they last longer, can usually be machine washed, and, in my experience, create less of a problem with chafing.

          I also prefer opaque leg coverings, since finding “nude” hose that doesn’t make my pasty white skin look bizarrely tanned can be tricky. I could buy black hose, of course, but I don’t see many women wearing it these days. Has it fallen out of fashion, or am I just incredibly unobservant?

          • Sarah

            I agree with E. I think Nude hose are never the right color, they look odd and fake–and on many women who choose that weird orangey color, they make women look old fashioned & out of it.
            I don’t wear hose or tights in the summer. I think bare legs and a bottle of light self tanner are the way to go–or however I can get the deathly pallor off of my legs. In the winter I wear patterned tights or beige small-pattern fishnets.

            P.S. E: Black opaque are very much back in fashion now!

          • Kathryn

            Hanes have some very pale, sheer nudes–I’m very white and don’t have a problem…

    • SW

      I always wear pantyhose with a skirt suit. As a third year law student, I’ve been appalled to see others going to interviews without hose. I can understand bare legs in the office, but you can’t even be bothered for an interview?

    • michelle

      I always wear pantyhose with skirt suits, but if it is hot and I am wearing a more casual dress or skirt, I don’t usually.

    • newassociate

      bay area biglaw: never to the office, but yes to client meetings and absolutely must to court. i externed for a federal judge and she never failed to comment in chambers about a female attorney’s lack of hosiery. though thankfully i am still employed in this economy, hosiery is also a must for interviews.

    • divaliscious11

      No, unless its cold, in which case I wear tights. I hate pantyhose, and only wear them under duress. Will wear pant suit first

      • Mama JD

        I only wear pantyhose to interviews, court, depositions and high-profile client meetings in summer and spring. When it’s cooler in fall and winter, I tend to wear tights when I can and pantyhose all other times b/c it’s too damn cold to have my legs bare. All that said, I hate pantyhose; they are nowhere near as comfortable as tights b/c you are in constant fear that they will run! Ugh! Hate them with a passion! LOL.

  12. Kalorama

    KD–re pantyhose: No, but it depends on your workplace and what geographical area you are in. [I am in DC]. Most days, unless I have a meeting (I work in govt) or it is cold out, I don’t wear stockings with my dresses/skirts (including my skirt suits). But I think it is also a generational issue . My female bosses tend to wear stockings with their skirts and dresses (even though they have nice legs).

  13. eplawyer

    With luck, I will draft the TRO today. Which leaves the weekend to work on a law journal article (that is my idea of time off).

    Those who are working. I feel for you. Being told to be grateful you have a job in this economy does not make up for not seeing your family, friends, just having time to yourself.

    • S

      I’m at work today, and I am grateful for it. My husband was laid off 6 months ago, and can’t find anything as no one is hiring. My lawyer friends who were laid off can’t find squat. And I had another friend get laid off on Thursday. I would much much rather be here working today than in her shoes.

  15. AIMS

    RE: Shoes in Manhattan

    Harry’s Shoes on the Upper West Side has exceptional customer service and will help you find (and will order if necessary) whatever kind of shoe you need. They sell all kinds of footwear, so don’t be thrown off by the sneakers and random hiking boots in the window.

  16. AIMS

    Re: Panty hose at work —

    Very context sensitive question, I think & definitely depends on where you work (both actually and geographically). But, also — and I hate to say this — I think a lot depends on the shape of your legs generally. I don’t mean thin/fat, but some people simply can get away with not wearing stockings whereas others cant. Youth, fitness, skintone (pasty vs healthy glow), scrapes & bruises on one’s knees & random body acne have as much to do with whether pantyhose are required as where you work and what the day calls for. Some women can never wear stockings and no one would notice because their legs are in perfect shape. Others cant pull it off.
    Everything is not for everyone.

    • Bri

      Exactly….my legs used to be my best asset and I never wore hose (professionally, I did not need to). Now, at 29 I have freaking ugly varicose veins at the back top of one calf and I have to wear hose (to work) or else I will gross people out. It’s horrible and I hate hose.

    • Eva

      I agree. I don’t think people in my office need to wear hose, but I have scarring on my legs from surgery as a child, so I always always always wear hose with skirts and dresses in the office.

      • For Bri

        Bri – as someone who had surgery for varicose veins in her early 20s, relax. No one ever notices them as much as you think they do (or at all) – it doesn’t gross people out. If you feel more comfortable personally wearing hose, then certainly do it – but other people really aren’t as observant or critical as we sometimes fear.

        • For Bri

          I should clarify that the surgery was medically necessary, not cosmetic. Obviously there was a cosmetic benefit but that was a side benefit, not a motivation.

          • Emily

            Thanks to my pregnancies with my two daughters I have terrible vericose and spider veins over a large portion of my right lower leg, extending up over my knee area. (My first pregnancy with my son didn’t cause my any problems – girls!) I thank God for the gift of pantyhose – otherwise I’d be too self-conscious to wear skirts and dresses to work! However, even when I get my veins fixed, I can’t foresee ever going without hose to work. I’m 31 and work in a smallish Midwestern town at a somewhat conservative office. Am I too old fashioned?

          • Bri

            Thanks! For me it is definitely about being very self conscious. Whenever I get health insurance I’m going to get them checked to make sure they don’t pose any real health problems and are just a cosmetic annoyance. Until then…I’ll wear hose. They do have a nice benefit of feeling sleeker under my dresses, I suppose I don’t hate hose as much as I thought.

          • Jen

            Thanks everyone! I’d been needing some advice on varicose veins. I’ve been getting them since I was 15. I stopped wearing skirts when someone asked me what that “heck of a” bruise was from. It really sucks too – I’m 30, tall, slim and have great long legs, but I’m terrified to be seen in skirts. I can see them through pantyhose too. I don’t even own any skirts now.

            Surgery isn’t an option – my doctor has weighed in that it would have to be on my on dime as I don’t have any symptoms. I got a quote for it and it weighed in at four grand, more than I’m willing to spend at the moment.

            What options do I have?

          • Mel

            Jen- try opaque or patterned tights. Obviously that’s not going to work for summer, but you should be fine for the rest of the year. Also keep in mind that you’re more critical of your legs than others are. Perhaps with pantyhose the veins aren’t as noticeable as you think they are. Why not ask a close friend what she thinks?

          • Jen

            I did the opaque tights for a while, but I stopped when I realized how uncommon they were. They’ve come back in style since then, so maybe I should give it another go. I was big into boots for the same reason, until I developed new spider veins on the back of my knee. My skin is so pale you can see the veins through opaque tights.

            Unlike most the women on this blog I’m an engineer, which has a very different rule set. Finding that line between the fashionable and “male engineer drab” is tricky. I’m constantly butting up against my desire to feel pretty and the tomboy side that wants to play with tools and take things apart. As such, giving up skirts was fairly easy, but I don’t want to give up that other part of myself.

          • Kathryn

            @Jen
            Varicose veins–if they aren’t too big, a doc can inject saline into them and “kill” them and it shouldn’t cost too much. Also, Sally Hansen spray-on leg make-up covers well–or just Revlon Colorstay concealer where you need it. If they bulge, though you’ll want compression hose–ugh, poor you, I’m so sorry.

          • Jen

            Kathryn,

            I’m lucky that they don’t buldge, but the spider veins are pretty extensive. The doctor I saw said they’d be difficult and likely require two full sessions. It isn’t just a spot here or a spot there, but wraped around my ankles and big blotches here and there. My skin is has a translucent quality to it and shows every vein. Maybe I just went to too pricy a guy, but $4 grand as more than I’m willing to spend to wear a skirt occasionally.

            Thanks for the makeup recommendation. I’ll have to give them a try.

  17. Ruth

    E: I have the same problem (and so does everyone else in my family – my father has to have shoes handmade for him because they simply don’t make shoes that fit his feet – we all have long and narrow feet). The only places I have found both the service and fit that are really comfortable and long lasting are Jimmy Choo and Ferragamo. They will be very expensive, but will last a really long time. At Choo they will actually stretch or pad the shoes (beneath the lining) for you in the shore – so it’s semi custom and that is what makes all the difference. Make sure you go to the actual Jimmy Choo store, not a department store where such services are not offered. Ferragamo has really well made and comfy shoes in a wide variety of sizes. I have found that if I literally try on every shoe in the store, I will always find one that is perfectly comfy for my foot. Both have amazing customer service. At both stores the simple black pumps tend to cost around 500 dollars, so a once or twice a year investment, but I still wear pairs that are several years old from both stores.

    KD: No, I don’t think pantyhose are required anymore, except at the most formal occasions. Of course you have to have really well manicured skin – no razor burn, perfectly smooth shiny legs. I always wear hose when I don’t feel my legs are absolutely perfectly groomed, just as a courtesy to those around me. Also, when I want to feel really pulled together and a little more professional, I wear hose – for me it’s a confidence thing – I get cold easily and worry that my goosebumps are unattractive in a business setting, because it’s distracting to worry that someone else is cold or uncomfortable.

  18. Anonymous

    Hi-
    I am a plus sized law student in Denver looking for a good pencil skirt that will not make me look like a stuffed sausage. And my budget is that of a law student. Any suggestions?

    • k

      If you have larger hips, I’d go with skirt with a little flair at the bottom, whether because it is an A line or otherwise. In my personal exprience, true pencil skirts tend not to work on those with larger hips (like myself) because the design is supposed to skim the body. Additionally, in my opinion, if you’re curvy, a pencil skirt can look a little too sexy for the office by hugging your tush.

      I’m not saying it can’t be done. I just think you have to shop carefully.

      My sister is plus sized and has had success with finding work clothes at Victoria’s Secret online. Also Old Navy occassionally has work-appropriate plus size separates. I think C did a roundup about plus sized shopping a bit ago that you could search for.

    • Mel

      Semantiks at Nordstrom is a good, reasonably priced brand. I think they have a few pencil skirt options in plus sizes. The good thing about Nordstrom is that they will ship for free and you can return it to a local Nordstrom if it doesn’t fit.

      That said, I have to agree with k. Unfortunately the pencil is not a flattering style for every figure. I think it depends more on your proportions than your size. If you’re heavier on the bottom, plus sized or not, the pencil is going to be hard to pull off.

      • Nevadamtnbear

        I do a lot of shopping online and I find that ordering online by measurements is fundamental. That way I’m not looking at the number (and I tend to be less hung up on what “size” I am). And, by ordering by my measurements, I find that I can be satisfied that what I order will fit appropriately.

        For various sizes I have found Macy’s and Nordstom to both be good places to shop. Both offer a good selection of high quality items for reasonable prices and both offer tailoring at the store (which is a must) because regardless of your size, most of us need a little customization here and there. I often have to have the rise of my slacks shortened (which sucks adding $50 to any pair of slacks).

        In law school I had great success with Nordstom suits. Other places I find good deals for reasonable quality (particularly for the budget conscious) are Kohls and Dillards (check their sale racks – you can find screaming deals on Dillards sale racks). Kohls can be hit and miss, but generally you can find a few pieces that work particularly paired with some higher end pieces.

        Good luck!

    • J

      Have you tried Talbots? They carry an extensive array of sizing (2-20 in “regular” sizes + 12W-24W + petites in almost all of those) in reasonably good quality for a moderate price. I think the sizes tend to run big there, and the fit tends to be a bit “less modern” (read: mom butt), but if you’re looking for a non-sausage pencil skirt, it migtht actually be just the ticket. The “seasonless wool blend pencil skirt” is about $100.

      http://www1.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi23200&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat80022&conceptIdUnderSale={conceptIdUnderSale}

    • Darlene

      The blogger for Syrup Sandwiches recently recommended Dorthy Perkins and Asos. I just checked their websites and both have pencil skirts.

    • millelilly

      Land’s end has some good skirts. I don’t know what they have in stock right now, but they had a lot of office-appropriate clothes on clearance. I love my skirts from Igigi.

      Pencil skirts are amazing on larger women. Lane Bryant has a pretty blue one right now for $60. I do most of my shopping online, and use Igigi, Zaftique, Nordstrom, Lands End, the sale rack at Neiman Marcus (some amazing deals, sometimes), Lane Bryant, Jessica London/ Avenue, and Kiyonna for most of my work clothes. Also, ebay is an incredible resource for good quality clothes.

      • Kathryn

        I think plus-size can mean different shapes, as Lane Bryant has shown with its Right Fit line. I am really butt-y, so a pencil skirt is way too va va voom on me–I go with an A-line or a slimmed down A-line. If you are straight up and down more or less, a true pencil can be wonderfully slimming and balance a full bust.

        I agree with all the options above, but find that Talbots fits small, not large. Do measure yourself and go by the numbers–although Lands End builds a bit more ease into its skirts. If you are average, a 25″ long skirt will be knee length. I am 5’10” and 27″ is just over my knee-cap, and good for interviews. Don’t go too short or you will be distracted.

        Best of luck!

    • For Anon

      Sure, if you wear it ordinarily, but don’t put it on just because you have a job interview. I wear concealer on a daily basis and that’s it, so I’d feel strange putting on extra makeup for an interview. If I wore lipstick and eyemakeup every day, I wouldn’t hesitate. Go for whatever makes you feel comfortable.

    • Kathryn

      Soft brown along your lash line–right in there–definitely–it will draw focus to your eyes. Bottom lash line maybe. Not around the waterline (inner corner), though. Just to darken the base of your lashes. No wings out either.

  20. Azure

    I have a questions about glasses. I wear glasses every day — a black framed Versace pair. Because of it, I feel self concious wearing larger neck jewelry or scarves because I’m afraid of too much clutter around my face. I feel comfortable wearing a pendant necklace, but not much more. Am I just being paranoid? I feel my clothes are a bit drab, especially for California, and I want add some interest. Should I focus on shoes and forget the necklace/scarf/broach approach? Thanks.

    • Amber

      I have the same problem! I have no answers, but wanted to second this question.

    • Erin

      I wear framed glasses to work as well, and having one additional accessory around the face or neck has never been an issue for me. Scarves are no problem; I am not really into big necklaces, but pearls or pendants also seem to be fine.

      I like to accessorize below the neck as well…with belts and interesting shoes.

    • KLo

      For me, it depends on the size of your head, neck & bust. I am a big-headed, thick-necked busty woman who also wears dark chocolate frames. And I live and die for a chunky necklace. But if I wear it, the rest of my outfit is usually pretty calm (solid colors, muted pinstripes, etc.) to balance. If however you are a tiny, delicate one, a scarf (or something more elegant and soft) might call attention without looking oversized. There are always those necklaces with a bunch of beads strung far apart on several strands of wire, etc. that can be smaller but still bring interest to your face, too. Or you could take notes from Mrs. O with brooch placement. But have fun!

      Part of me wishes we could have a place on here to post pictures of ourselves (maybe with black bars over the eyes for anonymity) to say “does this work?” Ya know?

    • Kathryn

      I don’t see any problem with any office-appropriate accessories with black-framed glasses, or any other office-appropriate glasses, and I’m a minimalist (but a scarf-lover). You aren’t wearing Elton John/ Dame Edna frames to the office, one hopes!

  21. Anonymous

    Indeed, not only does hose mask goosebumps, but also helps prevent them by keeping you a bit warmer. Provides a small measure of insulation against frigid office temperatures!

    • Mel

      I’ll take the goosebumps instead of the other alternatives resulting from wearing pantyhose in extremely hot temperatures. Again it probably depends on the area, but I know plenty of older women here in Florida who wouldn’t be caught dead in pantyhose.

  22. KD

    Thanks for the hose advice. I live in the north east and will be working for a business casual firm. I have always worn them for interviews and court and wasn’t really sure whether to wear them on day 1 at the new place or not. I want to wear a suit for day 1 even though it is biz cas. I might wear a pants suit to avoid the hose issue totally, at least for day 1. I HATE hose b/c I have a medical condition that makes it painful to have anything too tight on my stomach. I tried thigh highs and garter belts but always felt like I was about to have a wardrobe malfunction. I usually just wear the hose and be in pain when necessary. Ick.

    • Nevadamtnbear

      If you’re uncomfortable in standard pantyhose and a garter belt with stockings, have you tried low-rise pantyhose? I can’t think of the brands off hand, but I know several companies make low-rise hose and tights which are more comfortable around the belly area. I found them more comfortable when I was pregnant than standard pantyhose (even maternity hose) and when a garter belt was uncomfortable. It was the best of an awful solution.

    • A

      KD, I have the same issue: due to a medical issue, things tight across my abdomenon make me sick! Have you tried stay up thigh highs? They work for me.

  23. Sadie

    For those who wear hose often, what brand do you prefer? I have a hard time finding non-shiny hose that don’t break down after a couple of wearings. Any suggestions?

    • NB

      I have settled on going either really cheap (which may break down easily) or expensive. The midrange ones that I used to swear by – Donna Karan and Calvin Klein – don’t seem to hold up that well these days. I go either for $3 Hanes that I stock at home and at the office, or Wolford – crazy expensive (to me), but fantastic quality that holds up. I have one pair of hose from them that I wore several times a week for months and they are great.

    • Kathryn

      I love Hanes–the kind you get in department stores. I think any hose with a lot of lycra will hold up. Ones with just nylon won’t. Ultra super duper sheers don’t hold up, and I don’t like the really high end ones for that reason. The Nordstrom store brand is great, too.
      I get ones that are large enough–if you are close to the edge of the chart, go up a size.
      I wash them in the washing machine in a mesh bag and hang them to dry. They last a very long time.

  24. Bri

    I have a problem finding suitable shoes too. My closet has quite a few beautiful shoes that I love but most I cannot wear (I often do not find out until I’ve worn them for a day out and about and then I cannot return). I’m a size 10 and narrow with long toes. My heel slips out of shoes constantly. I have tried so many things like Insolia, heel grips, and other items like that to get the shoes to stay.

    • Ruth

      I have exactly the same size and problems. I have found, as I said before, some shoes at Ferragamo (10 narrow size) that fit perfectly off the rack (but not all – maybe one out of 6 pair, so try them all). Also, if you go to Jimmy Choo, they can put padding under the ball of your foot (under the lining of the shoe so you can’t see it), which will push your heel back into the back of the shoe, then the heel won’t slip out anymore. Also, they can stretch the toe box. I think you can also buy (at the drugstore) pads to insert under the ball of your feet to achieve the same result, but they are visible when you remove your shoes and wear out rather quickly (perhaps aren’t of great quality). Maybe you could try them, though, and see if that solution works for you. They are kind of triangle shaped and fit into the front part of a pump (the part that hits the ground).
      If you get really desperate, you can have shoes custom made. My father does this and women can have them made too – for a professional looking shoe, a pair will cost between 700 – 1,200 dollars, but they are made to fit your feet perfectly. Many companies do this, especially in big cities like NYC, Chicago, London, etc. You can find them online.

      • Bri

        I have tried the drugstore ball of foot pads with no luck. I might have to try your brand advice because if I add up all I have spent on shoes that don’t fit me properly in the $50-$175 range I could have several from Ferragamo and/or Choo. Thanks!

        • Anonymous

          I completely feel your pain – I have learned to only buy a few pairs that really fit. Also, I wear the shoes in the store for at least 45 min (while walking around in circles) to make sure they are comfortable. The salespeople may think I am nuts, but I don’t care. Also, if I have even the slightest pinching feeling or doubt, I don’t get them. The really successful buys I have found felt like stepping into slippers immediately and still felt that way after 90 minutes of walking around the store without sitting down. I just explain to the salesclerk that I have to do this before I buy shoes – they get annoyed, but I can’t throw around that kind of money easily.

    • Ruth

      Hi Bri, I have a more specific suggestion for you. I bought a new pair of Ferragamo black pumps last week that are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn in my entire life. They are called LIMON 55 and run in 10 Narrow. They are made from nero calf leather, have a rubber sole and 2 inch heel. The perfect shoe. Also, they only cost $400 (one of the least expensive in the store and as usual the last pair I tried on) . I plan to save up and buy another pair asap. Maybe they will work for you too.

    • Kathryn

      I got some heel grips from Zappos that are a lot better than drugstore kinds. I love low-cut skimmers, but I have the same problem you do with them.

      Try Mary Jane style shoes. There are so many sharp styles to choose from this fall, as well as oxford pumps.

  25. newassociate

    wear them on day one for orientation, slip into the restroom and take them off once people stop looking at you as much. you don’t want to give people something to comment about on your first day about being underdressed. someone will probably mention that you don’t need to wear hose, and that will be that.

    i never wear full pantyhose. especially if you have a medical condition, give thigh highs another try. i find the hue brand of thigh highs at macy’s stays up well. also, one of my friends swears by the old school garter-and-stockings ensemble.

    • Marla

      That just seems weird to me — taking off pantyhose during the day the first day of orientation? You meet people all day every day for at least the first several days. That seems silly to me. Either do it or don’t, but don’t go into the bathroom and take off the pantyhose part way through the first day. Maybe no one will notice, but if they do they’ll think you got a run and were ill-prepared or are just weird.

  26. A

    For online shoe shopping, endless.com is fantastic. Free overnight shipping and returns, as well as a wide selection of styles and designers.

  27. Nevadamtnbear

    Well, I’ll be working a bit from home this weekend. Need to review a couple new cases that I have just been assigned and want to finish up a research memo and initial disclosures before next week. But, I’ll avoid physically coming into the office. Besides, I need to finish painting our kitchen and want to finish taking off wallpaper in our master bedroom over the long weekend.

    Opinion on hose – not only no, but hell no in most situations. I can’t stand the stuff. But when it’s absolutely necessary to wear hose (i.e. Court) I’ll wear stockings with a garter belt. First, I find hose very uncomfortable, particularly around the hips and thighs. So, stockings work beautifully to avoid that. Second, stockings are more sturdy for me, I don’t find that I blow them out as easily or often as pantyhose. Just my 2-cents.

  28. Kim

    Even though hosiery is less common at offices, remember who is doing the hiring – slightly older folk, who likely do not join in no-hose day. You absolutely cannot go wrong with it, you might go wrong without it –> hedge your bets.

  29. Woman of Color

    I love wearing panty hose. I think it pulls your whole outfit together and gives you a smooth sleek look. I always wear dresses and skirts (rarely a pants wearer) and never leave home without two pairs of stockings. One on my legs and the other in my purse for the inevitable run.

  30. y

    What about those comfortable ballet shoes? Yay or nay? I found a pair of black ones, very comfortable, black, and stylish. I still haven’t gotten the gut to wear them to work yet, dont want to look like an intern.

    • b

      I wear ballet flats every.single.day. They are well-made (not necessarily expensive but nice-looking), polished, and I get nothing but compliments.

      • y

        Thanks! Mine look professional (in my opinion), I will try to wear them to work next week ;-)

        • Lincoln

          Any other suggestions for “flat” appropriate work shoes. I have plantar facsitis (sp?) and can’t wear heals. I hate looking like I’m wearing frumpy old lady shoes, but I just can’t wear pumps. I’ve found J Crew had some nice pointy toed flat shoes a while back, but I haven’t seen any in the catalog recently and mine are looking worn. Lots of ballet shoes I’ve worn just don’t offer much support — Basically I’m looking for shoes that are supportive but don’t make me look like I should be wearing them while wheeling behind my walker in the nursing home. Help.

          • Kathryn

            Plantar fasciitis–you’ll want something with a one inch heel or so–a pancake flat will kill you. Ecco makes some great supportive fairly stylish dress shoes, as does Clark’s, especially Indigo. Naturalizer has improved their styling, too. Munro are supportive and some aren’t too bad.
            Heels are actually easier on plantar fasciitis than flats–it’s the strain on the flattened heel that gets you.
            Also, make sure you were some kind of supportive sandal when you get up in the morning —that’s when your fascia are stiff and prone to getting overstretched. Do your exercises–there are some online if you don’t kow them yet, and you won’t always have it!

          • Mel

            Born has some stylish shoes and the insole has great arch support. I also like Nature from Dillard’s.

            Indigo has good support, but the one pair I got had this textured insole that blistered the bottom of my foot even with thick tights on. I got an insole and it was great, but it’s something to beware of if you go that route.

    • Kathryn

      check out eBay for Eileen Fisher @ a discount. Talbot’s sometimes has silk tees (I got some years ago just like those from Talbot’s)—also check Talbot’s on eBay. Rayon and viscose can pass as well.

      Kohl’s?

  32. M

    Will be here all weekend working on too many things that need to be done by early next week. Was thinking of going to the beach but decided it would be too much. Good thing since all the work popped up.

    Am currently working still to avoid going home to husband, who has dictated we’re having a party tonight. The longer I work = less to do tomorrow, and more importantly, someone else has to clean the house before the party he’s decided to host. Awesome.

    • chickinthestix

      Or, you just have to clean after working all day. My husband and I have diverging ideas of “clean.”

  34. dr

    re:hosiery

    I’ve worn pantyhose every day since the 1970s…

    if you are worried about sizing, chafing, and skin tone colors, you must check out shapings.com. They are a lingerie storefront and website out of Toronto. Great customer service, willing to discuss needs and make selections and a fabulous assortment of sizing, lengths, quality and brands. I didn’t appreciate hosiery much until I started wearing those made in Italy…and they tell me I haven’t even gotten into the wonderful brands yet. also, the sizings are great for shorter ladies as well as petite to larger…give them a try. I don’t have the time nor ideas of how to get those polished, smooth, bare legs look and with our home reno work, the scrapes and bruises aren’t a nice view imho.

  35. dr

    hosiery addendum = It’s hot here in Texas, but the hosiery from Italy and Spain that I get from shapings.com hold up to multiple, frequent wearings as well as bumps in the office environment! They also have an incredible stock of tights, patterns, colors, etc. from all over Europe. good luck, sadie.

  36. Anonymous

    Do you think that it is appropriate to wear a grey suit jacket with black pants? What if they’re different material? I’m trying to figure out what I have vs. what I need so I can go and hit up the Labor Day sales.

    • Mel

      I think black and gray are great for mixing and matching. I have a gray jacket that I’ve worn with a black skirt several times and I think it looks fine. I match a lot of patterned pieces with solids and mainly I try to find pieces that look like they work for the same season. I have a lot of summer jackets/blazers that really need something cotton/linen on the bottom.

    • moremadder

      I worry about looking like a security guard. Or like I’m wearing my daughter’s prep school uniform. (I am probably too old to be mistaken for a prep schooler.)

      • CorporateTool

        You can definitely do it, as long as you wear a black, white, or really neutral shirt underneath. I suggest black (with black pants) as it makes it look like a more cohesive outfit, and less like a prep schooler.

    • Ruth

      Great hairstyle! Make sure to consider, though, what can you do with it on a bad hair day? When all goes well, it will look smashing and professional (like a feminine version of a male professional haircut), but what if you have a crazy rainy, frizzy day when it just won’t behave? Can yo u put it up? How will you deal with it then (when one would normally throw the bad hair day into a french twist and forget about it)?
      Probably your stylist will have an answer, maybe lots of product to really slick it down, then pull it half up? Would you feel comfortable with that or be checking your hair all day long? My best friend has frizzy, curly hair, so we constantly talk about this, good luck and please let me know how the haircut works for you!

    • KLo

      I love it! And I’m certain a stylist could point you to the right product (i.e. a curl creme and Frizz Ease, whatever) to make the short hair work. But Ruth is right – I’ve found that making sure the pieces in the front (other than the bangs) are as long or longer than the rest really help with the bad hair day. You can always scrunch the back and pull up the front – I’m a little jealous of the curls!

    • Kathryn

      Audrey’s looks a bit scraggly. The second one looks great. I think you need a lot more hair than Audrey has. I would think that styling products would keep it under control and since it’s your natural texture, you wouldn’t be fighting it.

  38. Sarah

    I have a job pursuit question and really need advice. I had an interview for my dream job a few weeks back. They were looking for someone with significantly more experience than me (me: 2 years out of law school, job posting 5-8 yrs) They knew my work history but called me anyway. Had a phone interview with HR, the woman said she would pass my resume along to Legal–1.5 weeks later I got ding letter. I had a previous successful career as a journalist for 15 years so I’m not a newbie in the career world just the legal world. Yesterday they posted the job on some more job boards so I know it isn’t taken. Is there some way I can continue to pursue this job without looking like a crazy person? Help!

    • Diane

      As I see this, you have two options. If its a small business or law firm, you’re probably out of luck. Unless you know someone who can make a call & personally recommend you, pick your self up and move on. BUT, if its a large business or firm, apply again. Chances are a different HR person will look at your resume and maybe you’ll get another shot–MAYBE. I had a friend who got rejected from Oxford University. He hopped on a plane and talked his way into the freshman class. Crazy but it happens. If its truly your dream job, I hope it works out for you.

    • Kathryn

      Why do you care if you look like a crazy person? I think you look like a very interested person. What do you have to lose?

  39. dr

    re summer hosiery – I forgot to mention that shapings.com has summerweight pantyhose…the ones I have tried are from a Spanish line, but they are very sheer and prone to runs. Also carry a variety of thigh high and garter-belt using stockings.

  40. Kris

    Has anyone found a good wide-leg black trouser, with lining, appropriate for work this season? I have hit all my usual stores this weekend and am having very little luck. Ideas?

    • C. Z.

      I have a pair of black wide leg trousers from Tahari’s ASL line at Macys. Fully-lined, but they aren’t wool, if that’s what you are looking to buy these won’t work for you. I think they were fairly cheap, definitely less than $100. I can’t find them on the website, but they’re virtually always in stores. They run large though.

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