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Suit of the Week

Fashion· Suit of the Week· Wear to Work | · · ·

For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. We’re liking this white suit with beige contrasting details. It strikes us as interesting but professional, and avoids the “prissy” vibe that afflicts a lot of white suits. (And for whatever reason, we love the brown The jacket (Antonio Melani “Cruz” Jacket) is $199, and the skirt (Antonio Melani “Felicia” Skirt) is $99, both available at Dillards. (L-4)

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Comments

  1. Law-Less

    I think this is a beautiful suit! However, I could never EVER do a white suit. It would be stained within 5 minutes of hitting my body.

    • Shayna

      That was my first thought as well — Beautiful jacket, but I’m known in my department for the ‘trackmarks’ of ink that I get on my arms from pens that are uncapped on my desk… One advantage of my largely black wardrobe is that it hides a multitude of sins ;-)

      • MelD

        I’m with you there. I just choose colors that make my skin look like it has a glow.

    • AnneCatherine

      Former “AC” here, with a longer name. Why is it okay to say this (about “needs a self-tanner”)? Imagine how embarrassed and wrong you’d feel saying, “The model needs a fade cream.” And you should be embarrassed to make either statement. Someone else’s skin color is not your “problem” to assess and fix. Self-tanning only perpetuates the fashion for tanned (I am not referring to naturally tan) skin, which ages, and in the case of skin cancer, can kill. There is nothing wrong with refusing to participate in the whole sham. And the “tan skin looks better with white” argument will not hold up, because that (a) is a personal, subjective opinion and (b) is no reason to enforce one “optimal” skin color onto everyone.

      • anon

        Sing it sister. I hate being told I’m too pale. What’s that all about? I would never tell anyone they were too brown.

      • MelD

        Bleaching creme certainly is common in other countries and it’s just as damaging as this idea that you need to be tan. We should appreciate every person’s natural color instead of expecting him/her to change to meet some subjective idea of what is a perfect skin color.

        With all the unhealthy activities that go on in the modeling world, it’s good to see that there are models who do fine with their natural skin color, whatever that might be!

      • ARinFL

        Thanks, AC. Entirely agree.

        I find it fascinating that one of the largest targets of discrimination is based on the darkness of one’s skin. Yet, (particularly, though certainly not only) young, white, American females actually choose to put themselves in a capsule for somewhere between 5 and 30 minutes for the sole purpose of changing the color of their skin.

      • AD

        Everyone should love who they are and what they look like – but comparing a comment about self tanner to fade cream used on darker skinned women is pretty myopic. The politics of black and brown women feeling pressure to a norm of white beauty ideals is a problem rising out of slavery, colonialism, and racism. I think its a bit of an over statement to compare a relatively recent trend, tanning, to fade cream. After all, the saying, “If you’re white, you’re alright, If you’re yellow, you’re mellow, If you’re brown, stick around, If you’re black, step back” isn’t new.

    • A

      Why would she need to change the entire color of her body? To please you?

      She is beautiful the way she is.

      • EG

        I agree! I hate being told I am “too white” and “ghost-like” and that I should get a tan! I am proud of my pale skin and love the fact that I won’t have wrinkles from hours of baking in the sun!

        The model is beautiful. Leave her skin color alone.

        • zerodoll

          As another pale person, I’ve also often been complimented when I wear white clothing.

  3. cj

    It’s really cute, but it’s a cotton blend so I think you’d get major creases across the front of that skirt after sitting in it. Still, it’s pretty affordable so I would totally buy & wear it if I were going to some kind of event where I’d be standing most of the time.

  4. ARL

    I really like this suit, although I agree with cj that it’s probably a wrinkle magnet. Cotton suits are less expensive (which I like), but I hate looking rumpled. That and frigid offices usually make wool my fabric of choice. I could probably solve my second objection with a small space heater under my desk though.

    • Shayna

      When I was with another firm we all had space heaters… we got about 90+ violations from the fire inspector and that was the end of them :-(

      • Law-Less

        We had an attorney at my office that was ALWAYS inexplicably cold and she knocked out electricity out four times in the same day with her space heater!

        • ARL

          I have a really small one that I want to bring in. It would basically just be pointed at my feet. She was probably anemic like I am… thin blood and poor circulation make my extremities like ice cubes.

          • Shayna

            I have the same problem… more with my hands than my feet, but it’s better to resist – being the woman who burnt down the building or got the firm assessed with a ridiculous fine is not how you want to be remembered

      • cj

        There are certain types of space heaters that pass fire inspection and certain types that don’t. Heaters that turn off automatically if they are tipped over should be ok. My old company (pre- law school) had to replace everyone’s space heaters, but we were allowed to use the fire-prevention-friendly ones. (Thank goodness, b/c my cube was right below the AC vent!)

      • anon

        try a heating pad or electric blanket! That was the solution at an office where I temped where space heaters were forbidden.

        • anon - chi

          That’s a creative solution, although then you are stuck sitting at your desk under a blanket or sitting on a heating pad. I don’t know if I would feel comfortable resorting to this unless I could close my office door (although, now that I think about it, my other alternative of wearing my winter coat indoors is not super-professional-looking either).

    • Delta Sierra

      I had a job once in a suite of offices that had been subdivided down from one very large room. Guess whose office got the one ceiling air-conditioning unit that had previously served the whole area. Boiling hot summer, I carried a small suitcase to work every day, went straight to the bathroom, put on tights and thick sweater, took it all off again to go home.

  5. eplawyer

    Can we have ONE suit where all the comments are criticism. I am sure C tries really hard to find good, affordable suits.

    Unless it is something truly hideous, I just don’t comment if it is not my cup of tea.

    • K

      I like the criticism. It helps those of us who like the item know that it’s not universally fashionable. Also for those of us who are trying to be budget conscious but love clothes, you know the item is probably worth it to you if others say they don’t like and you still really want it.

      I happen to LOVE this suit. I’ve never really seen a white one I liked but I would definitely buy this one and keep wrinkle releaser and a tide pen at my desk.

    • Lee

      I don’t mind differing opinions, but the tone of some commenters who dislike C’s choices is ridiculous. Frequently these commenters give the impression that their opinion is fact and that anyone who likes the item is unfashionable or dressing inappropriately. I find it especially funny when these comments are about a pair of plain black pants, or something that is clearly a joke (clear shoes).

      • Abby

        I totally agree with you, Lee. I can certainly appreciate the criticism, but when someone says “oh, this could NEVER be work appropriate for anybody,” or something like that, it makes it sound as though the person feels she is the final authority on what is fashionable, or work appropriate for any/all work environments, or what looks good on people of all ages, shapes, sizes, etc . . . . And that really bugs me. In my mind, it’s much more helpful if you comment on why you don’t like the item and then leave it at that, rather than making obnoxious or presumptuous sweeping generalizations.

    • Shayna

      I like hearing everyone’s perspective — many of you have a lot more knowledge of fabric, fit, and different firm/company cultures than I do, so I value the tips and advice — especially when I’m out shopping and debating a purchase!

      • Trunk

        Its funny, as I was scrolling down the comments I found my self thinking, “Self, it really seems like this board is full of Negative Nancy’s lately, ugh.” I am the first to think that when there is a proper criticism to be given, or a few points about time/place for the item to be worn they should be made…but, I agree with Abby + Lee, there is a difference in tone that makes some comments off putting. IMHO.

        • A.

          I think we have some people who are trolling, trying to start fights – at least, that’s what it seems like to me. It happens a lot on blogs and boards when people don’t have to post comments under a registered account. The best thing to do is ignore them (no, I do not do a good job of doing that myself, but I’m trying :) and pretty soon they will move on and try to pick fights elsewhere.

    • cj

      I agree that the criticism is helpful. What’s the point of reading comments from a bunch of yes-men? And to be honest, I like a lot of the violent reactions from some commentators–they’re amusing, and I’d personally rather know if people are thinking such strong thoughts *before* I go out and spend money on something!

      • Shayna

        That’s true — the remark about a suit (?) being so ugly she wouldn’t let her dog lay on it made me crack up

  6. Legally Blonde

    I LOVE it. I have been looking for weeks for an interesting white blazer, and I think this fits the bill beautifully. Chic, sophisticated, and summery. I’m considering buying it. I think I will have to pass on the skirt though. I agree with others that I would be 100% guaranteed to drop something on it before noon.

    • s-k-s

      Agreed! An entire white suit might be too much for me, but I’m all about the blazer.

    • jcb

      That is actually a great idea. I love my cream fall/winter blazer and am always sad when it has to go back in the closet for spring/summer. Maybe I’ll order this one, too! I spend so much money due to this blog.

  7. RR

    I think it’s beautiful. I usually shy away from white suits though, being a pasty pale girl. Any thoughts on whether my fear is warranted? Can we pale girls pull off a white suit? I think they look beautiful on others.

    • Bets

      I feel your pain! I love the white suit look, but white clothes turn my pale skin to hideous blotchy red. I have one friend–a red-head–who looks great in white. I suspect it all depends on your skin tone. If you look good in pastels or white dress shirts, this look will probably work for you.

    • MelD

      I think it depends more on the white than anything else. I find that some whites make me look like I have a nice, healthy glow, while others make me look sickly pale. I know some ladies can’t wear pastel at all, so if that’s the case for you, I don’t know whether white will work. I can’t wear all pastels, but some look great on me.

    • Shayna

      I’m pretty pale and while I’ve been able to pull off white pants and skirts in the past, the white jacket leaves me looking like a lab assistant who has never seen sun :-( The only thing I can think of to try is a bright shell underneath, but I think my hesitancy over keeping that beautiful crisp white looking pristine trumps my tries at pulling it off.

    • ARL

      I agree with the other two posters that it matters what white you wear and what your skin tone is (blue or yellow undertones or pink). Also, if you put a jewel tone color (or a bright) by your face in the form of a scarf or blouse, I think it totally changes how a white/light jacket makes your face look. Part of it is learning what shades look best on you and making sure those are near your face. That can help balance starker fabrics like white and black that might otherwise wash you out. That said, I think it’s always safer to stick to charcoals, browns, navys and taupes if you are worried about the tone.

    • Eponine

      I can do white pants, but generally I think white close to my face just makes me look wan. I find that bright whites are better than winter whites – the latter are really close to my skin color, and totally wash me out.

  8. legalicious07

    Not a fan of a white suit, but I like the Antonio Melani pieces I see in Dillard’s. One day I’ll be able to afford this line…

  9. Sharon

    I think this is quite lovely and a nice find. I’d wear it to a client meeting.

  10. Lynette

    If I had to wear a suit, I would rather wear the jacket with the pants. I like how the pale taupe contrasts ever so slightly with the white.

  11. Lola

    Thread hijack: I’m employed, but have been applying for other jobs for about six months. A few people at my office know that I’m looking (references, mostly), but it’s not general knowledge. I haven’t given notice and plan to stay with my current job until I accept another. I just learned today that a supervisor is planning some marketing materials, and wants to put my picture on them. Should I tell her that I have one foot out the door, before she spends money printing them up? She’s not my direct supervisor, but I regularly do projects for her, including the one she’s trying to publicize. Any advice?

    • Lynette

      Do not breathe a word to her. You don’t know how long your search is going to take, so you may be at your job longer than you anticipated. Go ahead and have your pictures put on the marketing materials. Besides it will increase your visiblity.

      And I so wish that you hadn’t told your co-workers about your search. It can come back to bite you. Couldn’t you have searched for references outside of your current position?

    • Shayna

      Lynette is right — be stealthy! I know a woman who thought she was being a good person by giving the marketing director at her firm a heads up that she likely would not still be there in six months when this symposium that was in the works was scheduled… she got let go a few weeks later when they found her replacement. She didn’t have another job for about four months.

    • AN

      Not a word to her! Companies don’t often give enough notice before laying off people, and by that yardstick, you are not obliged to disclose that you intend to leave either. Might also take you a while to find something you like, so ensure utmost discretion here!

    • Delta Sierra

      Oopsie. Never ever ever ever tell anyone at work that you are looking. It’s one of those things that is Not Done.

    • A.

      I agree with the others. Your heart is in the right place. But never, ever breathe a word about looking for another job until you find another job and have an offer letter in-hand. It is way too easy, since most states have “at-will” employment, for them to terminate you once they find out you are looking. I personally wouldn’t have even told the people you work with that you wanted to use as references, but now the cat’s out of the bag. It is just much safer to keep a job search to yourself until the right time comes to say something – i.e., when you need to put in your notice.

    • Eponine

      Don’t say a word.

      They can use marketing materials with the picture of a former employee on them – no big deal.

    • Shayna

      Additional advice – I suggest telling your reference colleagues that you’ve rethought, and are likely not going anywhere… if you really need a letter of reference, consider asking for a To Whom This May Concerns “for the files”… everyone has to apply for professional designations, renewals of licenses, credit approvals, even additional graduate programs, etc., so it shouldn’t be as big a flag

      • Lola

        Thanks for the advice, ladies. In the grand scheme of things, of course it’s better not to tell, even if my picture is on the brochures.

        (Also, I heart this community. Thanks to everyone for contributing!)

  12. JR

    I really like this, but am on the pinkish side of ghostly white. I’m not sure it would work on me. It would be great for the summer in the South though. Our town has a lot of after work outdoor bar events in the Spring and Summer for attorneys and clerks and I’m always at a loss as to what to wear that won’t have me sweating buckets, but is still appropriate.

  13. Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

    Can a white blazer be an appropriate replacement for a black one? If so, would you style it similarly or no?

    • anon - chi

      Personally, I would say sometimes to both questions. I think a white blazer is a little more casual than a black one, and certainly not as traditional. If I were going to a client meeting with younger clients, I might wear this blazer; I would not if I knew the client were older and/or a stickler for formality.

      • Shayna

        I agree — There are definitely varied levels of formality and a white blazer is on the lesser end of the spectrum

  14. AN

    Love this suit, and how the jacket looks with the taupe pants. Wish I had seen it in my wear-a-suit-to-work days!

  15. afl73

    I will have to find time to make a trip to Dillard’s this weekend. Not only do I love the jacket, pants, and skirt – there are other options in the “Bluegrass Belle” collection that I want to check out.

  16. 75

    I like the suit, but it would certainly look out of place in many parts of the country….NYC, San Francisco, Chicagoland, Boston. It is more of a Southern look – LA, Baltimore, maybe Phoenix.

    • MelD

      That’s not surprising as Dillard’s based primarily in the South/Southwest. Melani always has a few basic suits, but the rest tend to be more colorful/pale.

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