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Suit of the Week

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Helmut Lang Smoking Wool SuiticonFor 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.

Love the look of this minimalistic suit from Helmut Lang. The smoking jacket is really what caught my eye: with the collarless lapel with contrast trim and the single button, it looks sleek, polished, and modern (and is a welcome respite from ruffles and bows). The 2% lycra is also a nice touch. The jacket (Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Blazer) is $585, and the pant (Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Bootcut Panticon) is $345, both available at Saks.

Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Blazer Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Bootcut Pant
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(L-5)

83 Comments

    1. This is funny, but I also think it applies to every situation, not just the office. Having lived with women (roommates) and men (boyfriend, brothers), it takes the average woman longer to get ready to go ANYWHERE than it takes the average man. Grocery store, the gym, a date, work…you name it. And I do think a lot of that is societal expectations.

      1. I loved that article. Men can get away with so little. I, on the other hand, have to worry whether or not I’ve applied my Touche Eclat correctly.

        1. Is that thing really worth the $40? I like it but can’t bring myself to spend so much on what seems to me like a sheer concealer/foundation with very little product in the stick tube.

          1. It lasts forever because you use so little. So much so that I started consulting the when-do-I-have-to-throw-out-makeup guidelines because mine ran out so slowly with regular, but not frequent, use.
            That said, I switched to the Laura Mercier one (secret something), which is about $10 cheaper and gives comparable results.
            Worth it? Who knows? But I like.

      2. I dunno. My husband moves really slowly (and I’m fairly minimalist), so I’m always waiting for him!

        1. L — ditto! When it comes to getting ready, I’m at the door with the car keys while my husband is messing with his tie and deciding which shoes are right.

    2. I think about this all the time when traveling for work with men. We’re up late the night before and then meeting early the next morning — I envy them the extra hour of sleep. Grooming is especially important at these meeting because they’re client facing.

    3. Am I the only one who actually takes less time to get ready than my male counterpart? I just shower, throw on skirt/pants and a non-iron shirt or sweater, blow dry my hair for 5 minutes, and throw some moisturizer and make-up on my face. He’s in the other room tucking in his shirt Just So, changing his belt, putting hair goop in his hair and futzing with it, shaving, after-shaving, retucking in his shirt, etc. Maybe I just have a fussy one. =)

      1. Seconded!
        Honestly, I don’t do anything on that list except the clothes/earrings. I worked in biglaw last summer, and I never did this. Even on the three days I wore makeup. Actually, it takes me about 30 minutes to get out of bed, so I never have time anyway!

        1. I’m the same– takes me forever to get out of bed.

          I shower the night before and am lucky enough to have hair that doesn’t require much in the morning (or, alternatively, I have an arsenal of professional ‘dos that I can do quickly). I pick out my outfit the night before. I wear very little makeup–moisturizer, gloss, a little bit of shadow. I don’t eat breakfast until I get to work.

          Alarm goes off at 6:22 (random, I know)…not usually awake until 6:50, then I watch the last bits of the local news and the first half hour of the Today show while I get ready. Out the door usually by 7:30/7:40.

          It helps that I have no kids, no pets, and an organized closet :)

    4. I don’t understand how it could possibly take 45-75 minutes to get ready in the morning, not including time spent in the shower. It takes me a maximum of 5 minutes to brush my teeth and wash my face, 5 minutes to put on a full face of makeup, another 5 minutes to comb and put product in my hair, and 5 minutes to put on clothes that I’ve picked out the night before. Who the heck grooms their eyebrows or irons one-inch sections of their hair for a typical workday? Are there really women out there who put three different products on their face before adding moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and more foundation? That seems completely nuts to me. I know none of my coworkers are doing this, and we all manage to look pulled-together by 9am.

      2. Ditto, ditto, a hundred times ditto. It takes me about 1 minute to put my hair in a ponytail, and I do my makeup in the car (at lights!!!) on the way to the office, if I put on any at all. I think I will spend up to half an hour on my face if I am going to a super fancy event, like a wedding or something.

        Luckily, I live in a low-maintenance city and the other women attorneys in my office are not big makeup junkies either.

        1. Please oh please do not do your make-up in the car (even if just at lights). I was almost hit by a woman the other day (literally, God must have been looking over my shoulder, as the bumper of her SUV, slightly grazed my skirt). I leaped, and was literally missed by fractions of an inch. Did I mention that I am eight months pregnant? She was distracted as she was applying mascara! She could have killed/seriously injured me and my unborn child. I lost it and started screaming in the middle of the street (yes I did look like a crazy person, but it was warranted). She was visibly shaken, pulled over and was apologizing profusely. I have a feeling she has stopped that habit. This should apply to all of us who have texted, called, applied lipstick, drank coffee, etc. (myself included) while at the wheel. For the sake of all the pedestrians out there (and the ones who have yet to join us), just drive.

          2. Ditto. About a month ago I was out for a run when a car went squealing past me. The driver lost control of the car and took out a steel lightpost and another car in the oncoming lane. She got out of her car just moments before it was engulfed in flames. Turns out she had been texting when she lost control of her car (only going about 40 mph or so). How fortunate that she didn’t actually hurt anyone.

          3. AND . . . My husband is a doctor and told me about a patient he saw in the ER who was doing mascara, got rear ended, and ended up with a mascara wand sticking out of her eye ball!!! And that has NOTHING to do with how careful you are being!

          4. @anon: Wow. That story should be enough to keep all of our hands on the wheel. I suspect that the woman has blindness in that eye. What I found that helps me stay focused on driving is to keep my purse behind my seat (not the front passenger seat), with phone ringer off. This way its difficult to reach and I’m not tempted since I don’t hear the annoying beeps of texts and calls. My husband has been extra vigilant since we got pregnant (I used to be soooo bad, and do everything while driving). But with the babe on the way, its just not worth it. I could not imagine hurting myself or someone else because I just typed or read “LOL.” My apologies if this sounds like a PSA.

      3. I’m with you. After my run each morning (so, I’ve already brushed my teeth and wash my face), I need roughly 55 minutes to leave for work on time and that includes eating breakfast while reading the paper and feeding my dog. I blow dry my hair (though really just to get it dry), put on moisturizer, eye cream, mascara, blush, and even brow shaper. What I wear depends on how I’m feeling, but I usually have it figured out before I get out of the shower.

      4. I totally agree. I can’t imagine spending more than 20 minutes total on the things you’ve mentioned- I wouldn’t even know where to start.

      5. Yes, I noted that neither BigLaw men/women seem to shower (acc to ATL atleast) – splashing water on one’s face seems to suffice?

        I take 35mins to get ready incl a 10 min shower . About the same the DH takes to get ready (incl 5 mins of agonising whether THAT tie would go with THIS shirt and how would they both look with THESE pants – duuuh!!).

      6. Well, good for you, Ms. 20 -minutes- to- get- pulled-together. Some of us just ain’t so awesome.

        I have extremely fine hair, lots of it, some of it curly, some wavy, and some straight (you will not be tested on this, I promise) and I live in an extremely humid climate. Altogether not possible to wake up, comb “product” through my hair, and look like a lawyer, or even a human, in 5 minutes. Instead, I have to wash it the night before, wet it throughly in the morning, and do a dam blow-dry — or, in the alternative, put rollers in my hair and blow them dry. Takes 25 minutes minimum. It’s terribly boring, so I also read a book a the same time– probably makes it a bit slower.

        Moreover, I am way too fair and live in the above-mentioned sunny climate. And I’m no longer twenty. This means, freckles, red spots, visible blood vessels, just “things” that make my complexion look lousy. So, yep, a light layer of foundation, etc. I also had skin cancer and had half my eyebrow removed. This requires repair every dang day. I have about twelve eyelashes and they need every bit of mascara I can apply or I look like a bleeping mole.

        And, yes, I’m in court nearly every day. I like to look strong and good and formidable. I hate getting ready every morning. Hate, hate, hate. And yet I do it, because I want to present a strong and together look for the judge, the client, opposing counsel. I don’t want to show up in my high style suit with stringy hair and a blotchy complexion and no eyes. Deal with it.

        I am a night person and a lousy sleeper and I would give blood to wake up looking as great as all of you posters seem to do.

        Just, you know, judge those of us who need some work, a little less.

        1. I agree with this. I often feel (and this may or may not apply to the women claiming to spend 20 minutes on themselves who have posted above) but it really shows when you don’t put much time/effort in.

          I shower and wash hair everymorning and between that, drying hair, applying a face of makeup and making sure I leave the house looking just so, I need about 80 minutes. I liek to take my time in the mornings and do ironing etc before bed but I need the time.

      7. I think significant parts of my “getting ready” time are drinking my first 2 cups of coffee for 20-30 minutes as my brain powers up, then walking my dog. Other than that: I spray pants w/Downy wrinkle releaser and hang them in shower before I get in; use sunscreen with extra stuff (antioxidants); use a lip stain, eyeliner & mascara; and either put my hair up or just put the crown up so as it dries, it gets some lift. I am fortunate in that I have OK skin and cooperative eyelashes & brows. But I love products that save time and multitask. Given more time, I will put on additional makeup to look more finished.

    5. The one thing I didn’t get is the conclusion (which you have to jump to another website to get to–at the bottom of the full post). She ends by saying, basically “anyone who doesn’t put this much time into her appearance, probably should.” And she even says this with reference to other women who look better because they spend more time.

      I agree on the problem stated. But the solution…?

      1. It takes me about an hour to get ready in the morning, including shower time; although I admit I never do much with my thick hair, I just pin it up wet.
        I’m probably the only one of my co-workers who wears makeup; one of the other lawyers on my team wears lipgloss, but that’s it. They look just fine to me. I think it’s all just personal preference.

        1. An hour including shower seems reasonable. I normally spend 10-15 min in the shower, plus a bit of time for putting on lotion or shaving or whatever, and then I need 5-10 min to blowdry my hair. That’s an extra half hour to my normal 20-minute routine.

    6. I take about an hour and a half from getting up to getting in the car. I get up, put on first set of clothes, walk dog, feed dog and cat (20 min or so) shower, put in contacts, face cream, body lotion, concealer, powder, blow dry hair, straighten or curl hair, put on clothes, put on eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lip stick, make breakfast and lunch, cover furniture so pets don’t get on it, out the door.

      1. I try to only wash, dry, curl/straighten hair every other or every two days, and I’ll admit, if I don’t go to the gym and sit on my butt in my office all day, I sometimes shower every other day, cutting down this time. Sometimes I do the shower, blow dry, straighten the night before but that still comes out of my “could be sleeping” time.

      2. Have you tried disposable contacts you leave in overnight? Of course those are based on personal pref and whether you can wear them. Mine have just been the best thing since sliced bread. I have worn them since they came on the market years ago.

        1. Add 3 kids(or even one) ..just you guys wait to see what happens to your time (um, fuggedaboutit ….:)

  2. Just a PSA — Talbots is having a flash sale on line on all coats:
    30% off & free shpping from 12 to 3 …. COAT30 at checkout.
    They have some really cute ones!

      1. That looks great. I just got the basic trench in black, originally $190 for $99 plus tax.

        1. I love the trench. I have a Talbots trench from a few years ago that is similar and still wearing great.

          I like the puffy coat I ordered for those days when I want to be warmer than my black wool (or just when I want to wear brown!) I’ve been looking for one, and just saw this one in the new arrivals this week. Thanks again to AIMS–you made my day!

  3. I’m not loving the padded shoulders. I really hope this trend doesn’t come back in full force.

  6. I’ve seen the one-button-coat look in more places now, and I have to say that the more I see it, the less it does for any of the women I’ve seen wearing it. I’m a non-shoulder-pad woman, as well.

    I do appreciate the lack of ruffles, though. Thanks for posting this.

    1. I could take or leave the jacket, but those pants are amazing. I would wear the jacket just to get to wear the pants!

        1. I love that the pants are > 35 inch inseam, but I’ve got to say… JCrew pants in their size talls are definitely working for me. I used to buy all high end pants from department stores like Saks, but once I had the patience just to order from JCrew, I have saved a TON of money. Any other tall corporettes out there with another great go-to suit place that’s affordable?

          1. Tall corporette here — I haven’t tried JCrew lately but will do so now based on your rec. I rely on BR and Boden (although they haven’t had much in the way of work clothes lately), but someone told me recently that Limited has good tall selections, so I’m going to give that a whirl. Oh, and Long Tall Sally – they have 36 and 38 inch inseam pants. I bought a suit from there, and while the quality isn’t fabulous (all synthetic materials), the style is great and I’m pleased as punch to have something long enough!

  8. I like this, but without a collar, I’m not sure that it does what I need a suit to do. I pretty much only wear suits for appearances in court/chambers. Do you ladies think this suit is “suit-y” enough for that?

    1. Depends on the court, I would say. God knows I’ve seen lawyers in less suit-y attire here in Boston, and no one seemed to mind (Dear god, the houndstooth supershort miniskirt and four inch heels! My eyes!). Obviously you’d probably want a collared jacket if you’re arguing in front of the Supremes, but it seems plenty suit-like for most appearances, in my admittedly inexperienced opinion.

  9. Is it just me or does the single button on this jacket make the model look pregnant when the jacket is buttoned?

    1. I think single button jackets frequently make the wearer look pregnant (regardless of the wearer’s shape/size)

    2. If you think that model looks pregnant, you should see a picture of me right now. No comparison.

  10. Question– when wearing a pants suit with a shirt tucked in the pants and the jacket open for most of the day, do you wear a belt (if the pants have belt loops)? Or can you go without? I can’t decide if I look sloppy today w/o a belt, but I’m not the biggest fan of belts on suits, mostly b/c i think the ones I have dress it down.

    1. I think visible belt loops call for a belt, but that’s just me. I always wear a belt if my shirt is tucked in, even if I’ll be wearing a jacket over (and buttoned). I only go beltless if I’m wearing a sweater that covers the loops.

    3. I don’t always wear one but I never considered myself a fashion expert.

  12. PSA: Talbots is having a “lunch hour” coat sale 30% discount. It says 12-3pm but doesn’t say what time zone. I just used it now (12:17pm PDT) and it worked. FREE shipping too, without a code over $125.

    COAT30

  14. Damn you, Corporette, for making me want things I can’t afford! LOVE this suit. And RR, I’ll take the jacket if you just want the pants. :)

  15. If I decide to invest in one high quality suit (i.e. something outside my normal suit budget but viewed as an “investment piece”) which would you all recommend?

  16. Fair question… $250-350 although I admit I have a couple of cheap dept store suits I bought for under 200 that I’m looking to replace

    1. You should totally go to a high-end consignment store! I got a beautiful Burberry black suit that is so wonderful (people FREAK OUT about it whenever I wear it, it’s almost awkward) for $400. And I swear the original owner must have worn it only one time. The one I went to in Dallas had Chanel, Burberry, Nanette Lepore, everything and all in really good condition. It’s called Clothes Horse Anonymous, I think. I know Houston has one too, and I’m sure most others do too. You just have to make sure it’s a high-end consignment store that is more selective about their clothing.

    2. At a slightly higher price point are Theory and Brooks Brothers; I’ve had good quality from both although I will give Brooks Brothers an edge on quality and Theory on being a little more stylish/modern in cut. But if you are looking for a timeless suit, BB may be the way to go.

      I have never pulled the trigger, but I think Armani suits look gorgeous and I’ve heard good reviews on their quality. One day …

  17. Can anyone recommend a site for inexpensive eyeglasses? I want a pair to leave at work for emergencies/unexpected late nights, nothing fancy.

    1. Good idea. I lug mine everywhere “just in case.” I’m blind w/o my contacts. It would be nice not to have to bring them to work and back home daily.

    2. goggles4u.com and more expensive, 39dollarglasses.com. I’ve ordered from both and been pretty satisfied, 39dollarglasses is better, but for what you want, I’d go with goggles4u

    3. I’ve had good success with 39dollarglasses.com – I’m actually on the site right now looking for another pair, I wear mine at night/home, had my current pair for a year and they’re still going strong, cute styles too. check retailmenot.com for coupons.

  18. Hi, fast threadjack here!

    I just graduated from college and have very little experience working in a corporate setting before (mostly non-profits/government). However, I was hired recently as a corporate strategy analyst.

    My supervisor wants me to tell him what areas i’m interested in for professional development. I’m honestly not sure what that would mean. I do want to get better at using Excel/Powerpoint in the way my team does, but I feel that I should be looking for something deeper.

    How would you have answered that question/what do you think are areas of professional development a young Corporette should be thinking about?

    1. Your instincts are right about the Excel/PPT goal — that is something necessary to help you get to the next step, as opposed to a career goal.

      Think about what the people 1-3 rungs ahead of you are doing. More freedom to exercise judgment/control over projects? Specializing in a certain type of analysis, or broadening their roles? What appeals to you about their responsibilities/paths (even if it may seem scary that you would be the one in that role someday)? It’s okay that you may not be completely sure at this point, but at least you will have some talking points.

    2. What do you want to be doing (at the same company; don’t tell your boss your goal is to go back to school and study French literature or whatever) in 3 years? In 5 years? 10 years? What steps do you need to take to get there? Those steps are the areas you should focus on for professional development.

  19. Ohhh I love this! If the tall/thin fairy visits me in the night I’m getting it! And if I win the lottery I may just stuff my short little curves in here anyway :)

  20. The suit is beautiful, but I would never spend that much. Whether or not you havethe money stashed away is decidedly not the issue. It would, however, be a great suit for court or for anywhere. I would wear it with the sheer printed shirt shown just below. If….

  21. The suit is beautiful, but I would never spend that much. Whether or not you havethe money stashed away is decidedly not the issue. It would, however, be a great suit for court or for anywhere. I would wear it with the sheer printed shirt shown just below. If….

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