This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. Also: we just updated our big roundup for the best women's suits of 2024!
There are a TON of blue suits out there if you're hunting right now, whether for lighter blues like this lovely dusky blue or more saturated blues like cobalt.
This Ann Taylor suit looks great because it's almost the perfect color — blue enough to be something different in your wardrobe, but light and muted enough to be worn with everything you'd wear with a gray suit. (This is one of the reasons I always think light blue suits for summer are some of the most versatile!)
This suiting line includes with two matching blazers, two pairs of pants, a pleated dress, and a pencil skirt, all for between $109 and $198, in regular and petite sizes.
Hunting for something similar? Check out more light blue suits at Reiss and Eloquii, and lucky plus sizes for 1.State; Wildfang also has some sporty light blue options. If you're hunting for a shorts suit (or, perhaps, just a blazer), Cinq à Sept has a nice “French blue.”
If you want something a bit more saturated, there are a ton of great cobalt suits out right now, including at Ann Taylor, Theory, Veronica Beard, Liverpool, and Tahari.
Psst: If you're hunting for suits in specific colors we've started to update this post on colorful suits with options.
Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
Anon
My straight hair used to be very shiny, but I think now that some gray has crept in, it is coarse and my hair just looks a bit fried and dull (it’s not fried — it’s just how the coarser gray hairs work in to the non-gray). I’m only maybe 5% gray near my temples, but ugh. It’s not pretty from the front. Is there a good hair masque or anything that will restore the shine? I get regular trims, so it’s all fresh “new” ends vs actually heat damaged split ends.
Clementine
You can get something a the salon called a ‘gloss treatment’. I think this is what you’re looking for. It does amp up the shine and help the grays fall in like, but it’s just a clear/transparent hair color.
Anon
You can use a leave-in hair product to calm down texture. I have a similar amount of gray to you, maybe 10%, and I like an oily or silicone-y product. I squirt it into the palm of one hand, rub my hands together, then run those hands over my hair. Then I sort of comb through my hair with my fingers to distribute it.
I know lots of advice is ends only, not near the scalp, but I use it all the way to the crown of my head because that’s where the grays are misbehaving.
If it helps, my grays are behaving better now that I have more of them. It was like I just needed to give them time!
Here’s a serum I use sometimes. I have fancier versions like from the salon, but this one seems to work about the same.
https://www.target.com/p/garnier-fructis-sleek-shine-anti-frizz-serum-5-1-fl-oz/-/A-12443651?
Anonymous
I just did an Olaplex No 3 mask and noticed a big difference in my gray hairs sticking up – but who knows how long that will last.
Anon
Another 529 question triggered by this morning’s thread.
My spouse has undergrad school loans that are in deferment until he completes his grad program (the grad program cost was covered). Is it possible to open a 529 for him with the intent of withdrawing from it once his deferment ends, even if we are only contributing for a short period of time? Our state tax benefit for 529 contributions would make it worthwhile even if the contributions do not see any investment return. From my reading, it seems like this would be within the allowed uses, so I am curious whether anyone out there has experience with this.
Anon
I thought you could only use up to $10,000 to repay student loans. But I don’t think your timing is necessarily a problem. Just the limit.
Anon
Well that makes a big difference and I have no idea how I missed seeing that limit. Thanks for mentioning it!
Anonymous
i think this is a matter of state law? apparently federal law allows you to use 529s to pay student loans but not all states have updated their rules.
Anonymous
i have never had a facial – i am coming up on my 48th birthday though and noticing that my skin, while good, isn’t quite as dewy as it used to be anymore. i use suncreen, retinol, and vitamin C, and try to regularly do little peeling masks like that red one from the Ordinary. Should I book a facial (and what kind)? A fancier mask? Increase my retinol usage/dosage (I only use it about 3x a week, not 7)…
Anonymous
Are you using retinol or tret? Prescription strength will make a huge difference if you’re not already at that level.
Anonymous
fair point, i’m using tret – ojabi brand or something, from my derm.
Anon
A facial is a pampering treatment but it doesn’t do the job of good skincare, no matter what estheticians say.
You could up your retinol or get actual tretinoin from a place like curology or your dermatologist. If you’re not alread, you should have an annual skin cancer check with a dermatologist, which also creates a relationship with a dermatologist so you can get prescriptions from her/him for things like tretinoin.
How about peptides? Are you using any sort of peptide serum or moisturizer after the retinol or vitamin C? I think that’s what the latest research is showing – we should use peptides in addition to Vitamin C and a retinoid product (optional).
Anonymous
oh – thanks for the peptide tip! do you have a product you like? i used the green one from drunk elephant a few years ago and didn’t notice any big difference, but maybe i was just younger then, ha
Anon
I’d check out fiddysnails on IG and buy whatever she recommends. I’m currently using Flash Face Lift drops from Beauty Pie, but they’re replacing them with a Ginseng moisturizer that has niacinimide and the same peptide formula they used in the drops.
Anon
I’m 37 and in the last year I’ve really had to lean into moisture. In the mornings I do snail mucin on damp skin and follow that with another moisturizing serum. I also use a moisturizing sunscreen. I think the snail mucin is especially helpful.
Me
Laser treatments are probably a great option here if you’re willing to throw some money. I don’t trust med spas as a category. Instead, I recommend calling your derm’s office. I bet they have a group that does laser treatments. If so, make an appointment for a consultation. If not, ask for a referral to somewhere else. I’m mid-40s and have been doing Moxi and BBL treatments for a few years, and my skin looks a lot better.
I agree that facials are spa treatments that won’t provide real change.
BeenThatGuy
Coming here late to say that I’m in the middle of a BBL series and my skin is looking fantastic. It’s expensive but very worth it (approximately $600 a session). I also double cleanse at night and use a retinol and a face oil under my nighttime moisturizer. My skin is plump and dewy; not an easy task at almost 48!
Anon
Is there a good calculator out there that does this for people thinking of going to a graduate program from a job?
Like:
— opportunity cost of X years not making job income
— opportunity cost of X years not funding retirement accounts (+ any employer match)
— full options of factoring in borrowed tuition, plus any accretions up due to deferred interest, plus how much you pay over a lifetime of paying it off
— ability to add in any increases in salary
vs very simple math of “I make 50K now but if I spend 200K to go to law school, that will be more than offset by making, say, 100K for the next 40 years”, which IMO does not factor in how stretched I’d likely by loan repayments + not having roommates + ever getting married and having a kid or 2 during the loan repayment years.
Anon
A lot of us would be getting married and having kids at age 70 if we waited for loans to be repaid.
Anon
Very true!
Anon
I did this in a ~5-8 row excel model for myself before going back to grad school. There may be something online too but not too hard to build yourself!
Anon
You’ve just written it all out, just plug in the numbers.
It would be hard to program something so specific to an individual.
DC Pandas
When I was trying to make a grad school decision, I put each option in as a column and each year of the horizon as a row. With a sun total of the cumulative income or net worth of each decision.
Looking up research about long term economic grains from your grad degree could give your calculations a bit more weight.
Anon
Everyone’s risk tolerance is different. I was able to complete a funded master’s in 3 semesters (at 45 years old) that paid a livable stipend. My financial risks were one year of reduced retirement contributions and a relocation afterwards. I wouldn’t have quit my job for a degree I had to pay tuition for.
I already lived cheap (have never made >$50k), so there wasn’t much to reduce there. Even though I’m positioning myself somewhat better financially, I went back to school as much to stretch myself intellectually as for the financial benefits afterwards.
Anon
This is a really beautiful suit!
Anonymous
out of curiosity, does anyone follow fashion shows? do you have favorite brands or designers you follow, and how do you view the runways?
Anon
Do you mean like videos of runway stuff like NYFW? I occasionally see one I like and then I watch it over and over and over. Like this one that I think was shared here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPvp3chIDJc&ab_channel=FFChannel
mesmerizing
Anokha
I got the Magic Sleek treatment and just washed my hair for the first time. The smell is unbearable. How long does it last?! Searching online is not working.
Anon
It only lasted a few days for me the two times I have done it. I am about to go for a third time. Mine wears off in three months (yes, I use the special shampoo), but I haven’t been able to talk myself into doing it until month 4.
Actually, to combine your question and the first question above (about straight hair and wiry grays at the hairline): the MagicSleek works for my whole head for 4-6 months, but wears off around the hairline after 2 1/2 – 3 months. Also, it turns my gray hairs, which I am fine with, orange, so then we have to color my hair.
Someone just recommended K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask to deal with the wiry grays. I am looking for any and all input on this whole (makes circular motion around face with hand) situation.
Anon
Has anyone used K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask? Any use notes?
Anonymous
Yes, I used it and liked it but not enough to buy another. You don’t need much, so start with only a little and work it through your hair really well.
Anon
Chapter 13 here with an update on the dream job I was offered. I accepted it! As far as the credit check, I found this out: since it’s a federal agency, they don’t finish the full background investigation until 60-160 days after onboarding. So I won’t find out the results until a few months after actually starting work there. There’s a very real possibility that I could be let go once the background results come in. I told the security office about the Chapter 13 and explained to them. They said I have good mitigating factors (have paid faithfully, am on a 100% payment plan, was forthcoming with them), albeit they can’t speak to my specific situation until the background investigation is done. I’m taking a huge chance on this job and hoping everything will be okay. Here’s to feeling excited but also sick the next few months until this is over!
Anon
Congratulations!
You’ve been honest with them and acted in good faith so that has to give you good standing. Hope the new job is great and gives you a chance to shine!
Anonymous
Congratulations!! I hope the background check works out and the job itself is fabulous!
anonshmanon
wow, I bet you feel nervous taking this plunge! I am crossing all my fingers and toes for you!
Anon
Congratulations!
A side rant: unless the position involves a security clearance or a high level of fiduciary duty, I truly do not understand screening out people with bad credit. It can be a *proxy* for other characteristics, like a general level of irresponsibility, but it’s just that – a proxy. The downsides are so obvious: a few bad decisions, medical debt, a bad divorce, an accident leaving you unable to work, and suddenly, you’re in a hole you can’t truly ever get out of.
Anon
No experience with government roles, but in my private sector finance firm, bad credit is slightly more than a proxy. Someone with bad credit is more likely to commit or be blackmailed to commit fraud, steal, etc. So while a poor credit history doesn’t take them out of the running for all jobs, it does limit their promotion potential as well as prevents them from taking on a role with responsibilities that include something like money management or wire approval authority.
Anon
That would be covered under the “fiduciary duty” exception I noted above.
Anon
Someone can have good credit and still be buried in CC debt, which would also make them more likely to commit fraud or be blackmailed. Someone could also have bad credit from a divorce, which doesn’t seem like a proxy for anything other than sh*t happens.
Proud Aunt
So happy for you! And maybe this story will encourage you: my nephew went through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and then applied for a State Dept job requiring a deep background check and a security clearance. He was forthright about the bankruptcy and related details of his personal life during the interviews and background check. He passed the background check, got the security clearance, and has been happily working for the State Dept overseas for several years.
Anon
A colleague took a federal job at the Smithsonian (in accounting…non-legal, not law enforcement or intelligence), and her background check went on for almost a year, during which time she was paid as a contractor with no benefits. The biggest challenge was she’s moved around a lot, and she’s near 50. An investigator had to verify all her previous residences and past employment. So I’d plan to cushion in additional time despite whatever they say, in case you need the health insurance.
Last Thursday’s Workwear Report: Bouclé Lady Cardigan Sweater
I commented last week that this sweater looked yummy, and i had ordered it from J. Crew Factory at $64.50. I was asked to provide feedback when it arrived. I arrived today, and I would say it is eh, ok — I ordered size large, and it runs large — extra lengthy sleeves, and a lot of room on the sides, cut large, and almost might bunch up a bit under the arms. On the other hand, the knitted fabric is lovely, a bouclé knit that is basically a pre-pilled knit, but the pills are part of the design. It is soft, but might have a tendency to itch a bit. There is a hook and eye closure at the bottom of the short mock-T collar. I think it is quite wearable, and will provide some warmth. I just checked, and the price today is $54.50, and many sizes are available in both cream and baby blue.
Anonymous
Thanks for the report. I just googled it to find the item you mentioned and noticed Gap has a similar cardigan on sale for about $38. https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=764653002
Anon
Any tips to deal with anger, when it’s pretty new? I’m really on edge lately, which is unusual for me. I’ve always been a pretty conflict-avoidant person. I learned about fight, flight, or freeze years ago…and I’m a freeze and cry silently in the bathroom/my office type. I get sad, not mad.
Lately, though, I’m getting so frustrated and don’t like it. I’ve been snippy with my husband, and it’s not even him. I’m facing a lot of challenges in a new job. It’s been about 6 months, and every.single.thing has to be done by committee. It all moves extremely slow and inefficiently. At first, I thought it was me. I watched videos about change management. I tried to get people’s buy in. I feel like I waste half my time validating lateral colleagues (thank you! Great idea!) when in fact, it’s a stupid idea that will fail for so many reasons. And then we do it, it fails, and we’ve wasted 2 months. I elevate issues to my boss, who I really like, and she just shrugs it off saying it’s the org culture (she’s only been here a year, too). I’m wondering if she’s planning to jump ship soon.
Usually, I wouldn’t get phased like this. But I feel like even when I’m home, I’m not “off”. I can’t leave the work behind. I can’t turn my frustration off…I’m waking up stressed, going to bed stressed, and having stress dreams about my colleagues.
Maybe this is the result of WFH nearly every day since covid? I go into the office maybe 1 day/wk, and often only 1 person is there if that. On Monday, I was the only person there on 3 whole floors, and it was creepy and not relaxing.
I’m about to turn 40, and I just can’t imagine spending the next 20 years of my career like this. I’m asking chatgpt to look at my resume and identif different jobs I could do based on my skills beacuse I’m just so over inefficiencies that make my job and projects 10xs longer. I have pretty niche skills though..
Is this a midlife crisis? LOL Maybe just the wrong job?
Anon
Sounds like you mostly need a new job. But anger can also be a depression symptom in women so that’s something to keep in mind.
Anon
+1, bad job + possible depression was my first thought.
Barring outside reasons for staying longer, I’d go ahead and start job searching. In the meantime, could you institute an after-work ritual to help you tr ansition to being at home? A walk, a workout, sitting in a park for 15 min, etc.
Anon
I was chatting with my neighbor yesterday that I’d been feeling irritable due to a medication change (I went off beta blockers, cardiac stuff) and she just said “There’s a lot to feel irritable about right now.”
You’re human. Being a human is tough right now. Hugs to you.
Anon88
Most of what you’ve mentioned here is work-related, so it sounds to me like you need a new job. Have you started any new medications? Only asking because I remember stimulant ADHD meds making me very irrationally angry when they wore off.
Anon
Lexapro.
anon
It sounds like the wrong job to me. But, there are many environments where buy-in is needed and things move more slowly than they could or should, so think carefully about your next steps.
What are you doing to relieve stress? Would hard exercise at the end of a work day help?
Anon
One BC I was on did this to me after a while. Quitting it was a cure. Annoying things were still annoying, but it impacted me differently. I guess you’d have noticed if it were a side effect, but if you’re about to turn 40, is it possible a hormonal situation has changed a bit? I support the job search though either way!
Anon
My husband was in a new job years ago, and when he walked in the door at night, it was like a rain cloud descended on our home. The kids felt it; I felt it. The job was in the legal department of a company you would all recognize, but it was just a terrible fit. He changed jobs and was immediately back to his old self. I think he was at the bad job about 4 months. We refer to it as his mid-career internship. So my vote is that this is the wrong job.
Anonymous
Anger can be a perimenopause thing, so while your job sounds like the source you might be getting the perfect hormone cocktail from your body to enhance your frustration.
Anonymous
I quit my bad job and my anger evaporated instantly.
Anon
This is probably a dumb question, but how do you buy an OpenTable gift card? I’m on their site https://www.opentable.com/gifts and can only see a way to buy a gift card for a specific restaurants. I want one of the general gift cards that can be used at many restaurants.