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Updated: Nov 1, 2018 47 Comments · by

Suit of the Week: Brooks Brothers

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

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Brooks Brothers Pinstripe JacketFor 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. I've been eyeing this suit for a while. The skirt was what caught my eye — a simple, straight A-line is difficult to find in a suit, but that does seem to be what we have here. (They note that there is a slit in the skirt, but don't say where it is — I wonder if it's on the side or in the back.)  Looking at it more closely, the white pinstriping on the gray wool is a bit unusual — a nice, springy touch. I'd pair it with a bright yellow top if I were feeling happy, black or navy if I were feeling more sedate. The jacket (Wool One-Button Pinstripe Jacket) is $368, the skirt (Pinstripe Skirt) is $188, and the pants (Wool Plain-Front Lucia Pinstripe Pant) are $198. Note that Brooks Brothers is having their Preferred Customer Event right now (through 4/7) and you can enjoy 15% off your entire order (25% if you use your Brooks card).
Brooks Brothers Pinstripe Jacket  Brooks Brothers Pinstripe Skirt
(L-1)

Sales of note for 9.30.24

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Comments

  1. Sydney Bristow

    I really like a suit with an a-line skirt. I don’t think I’ve tried one on with slanted jacket pockets like this, so I’m not sure how flattering it would be on me.

    Sorry about the threadjack. Does anyone have a tailor they really like in NYC? I’d love one in Brooklyn near the F or G lines, but I’m willing to go into Manhattan if you love yours. I need to get an expensive-ish ponte knit skirt hemmed a few inches. I think the lining is nylon. Its my favorite skirt, so I’m a little nervous about getting it tailored.

    • found a peanut

      PABLO!!! Pablo is the best. He is here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/stanton-tailor-shop-new-york

      I have been going to Pablo for five years and he has never once let me down. He is also very sweet always asks how I am, where I’ve been, how my husband is. He is super busy though so either go on a weekday or be prepared to wait up to an hour on Saturday. It helps on Saturdays if you don’t have to try things on.

      Pablo is also VERY cheap, although I think he might charge other people more than he charges me (because I have been going forever). For a hem I would be surprised if he charged more than $10.

      There was a NY Times article about him a while back but I can’t find it.

  2. Mabel

    Hmm, the description on the skirt is a bit wacky, “Wool unlined straight skirt with slit. Plain front with contoured waistband. Back zip. Fully lined in Bemberg. 22″ center back length. Dry clean. Imported.” So, is it lined or unlined?

    • AIMS

      Curious indeed. I would go with lined, I have never seen an unlined BB skirt. I have also never seen them do a side slit so I would guess slit is in back. As for the A-line, I am not so sure this is quite A-line, but I think I like that better as A-line skirt suits sometimes look off, imo.

      Pretty.

    • BMBG

      I’m willing to bet it’s unlined. Their newer styles haven’t been lined in the past few seasons, and I’ve gotten tripped up by descriptions like this before that say both. Every time the piece turns out to be unlined and back to the store it goes. :o(

      • Elle2

        I one of those will-not-wear-anything-on-my-bottom-half-that-is-unlined folks. Recently, I was asking a BB sales person what their lined selection was because it seemed every thing I liked in the store happened to be unlined. The helpful saleslady mentioned that they would line anything for you. To add a lining to a pair of unlined pants costs $40. Not sure what a skirt would be, but would assume it would cost less.

  3. anonymous

    “Fully lined in Bemberg” = fully lined. Bemberg is a type of rayon intended to substitute for silk.

  4. Lyssa

    After months of looking, I’ve just managed to snag not one but two phone interviews (Lawyer) for the next week. A few questions for you ladies:

    1) I’ve never done a phone interview before- any tips? One thing I hate about phone use is that people tend to talk over each other (since there are no visual cues that a person is done speaking). How can I avoid that?

    2) Both interviews are in city X, about 2 hours away from my city. I never know how to handle questions about moving. I’ve been to city X several times and like it a lot, but I haven’t spent a lot of time there and don’t really know anyone (I might be able to find a few law school classmates, but not ones that I’m close to). I could see myself living in city X just fine, but, truthfully, the idea of moving makes me very sad. I really like my current city, own a home there, am involved in lots of activities, know my way around, etc. While I certainly won’t say it in the interview, moving definitely falls into the “you gotta do what you’ve gotta do” school of thought. What can I say about my 1) geographic ties to the area, and 2) willingness to move that will sound sincere and enthusiastic?

    3) I’m still trying to figure it out, but one of the interviews appears to be with a recruiting company. What should I know about handling this interview? I’ve been looking for information about the company online, but it seems scarce, and I admit that I’m not clear on what I’m actually interviewing for (as in, to be recruited, to be recruited for a specific job, or to work for that company). Advice?

    Thanks guys!

    • BK

      This is not unusual. Jobs are very tough to find, so be psyched up for the job opportunity. As far as talking on the phone vs in person, don’t worry too much about talking over them. As long as you talk with deliberation– i.e. not too slowly, but with conviction, you will be fine. There will necessarily be pauses when the other party then is able to speak. And never never never be on a speaker ph0ne! It is very obnoxious to hear people on the receiving end. As long as you are going to be interviewing, tell them you are willing to move for the right opportunity. Make sure to get the full name of the people so that you can offer to send a PDF of your resume and writing samples in case the person does not have what you have given to the recruiter. You can always verify their information from the website in case they mumble it, but not always, so try and get it up front. The key is to be flexible, because you are not signing your life away, just trying to get a second interview. Good luck and I hope you get the job and that it is great for you!

    • EG

      Have a copy of your resume in front of you, and some bullet points of things you definitely want to address during your conversation. I wouldn’t write anything out or you’ll end up reading off your paper. Have water handy. I like to pace around while talking, so if you do too make sure you have a path :)

      Also, I’ve heard that you should dress up for phone interviews. I don’t usually get in a suit, but I do get out of my pajamas and brush my teeth– it does get you in a professional mode to get “ready” as though it were a real interview.

      Good luck!

      • Anonymous

        also smile – really. Your voice sounds different if you smile even though no one can see it. And as someone pointed out, have your resume and points you want to highlight on a cheat sheet in front of you; you can look at that toward the end when they will probably ask some sweeping “is there anything else you want to cover” to make sure you’re hit on your high points.

        regarding relo, 2 hours away is in my experience not necessarily something they will consider a relo. Some people actually commute that far! Others live in the middle and it’s perfectly doable… I think they want to know your availability to work there and would probably not focus on whether you move there or can get there already, it’s not like you’re across the country.

        Regarding the recruiter, definitely it is legit to ask about the nature of the position – depends on whether they are searching for a specific spot or a general getting to know you…

    • Original Lola

      1) There’s really no way to avoid that. Just try your best.
      2) Be honest with them – “If I get this job, I would be very excited about relocating.”
      3) (Not sure.)

    • ADB_BWG

      I’ve been the “interviewer” for a number of phone interviews, and we’ve had as many as six people on our side to interview one person. What helps is for you to use the interviewers’ names in your responses, especially when addressing questions. We were especially impressed with potential applicants who could manage the complexity – showed their listening skills. We were also very open to people who asked for clarification based on multiple interviewers (“Could you please repeat your question?” or “I believe you are asking me about X; is that correct?”).

      Good luck!

  5. Orange Oprah

    Threadjack- I need some advice, ladies.

    Bad news: About a month ago, I was laid off from my PR/communications job.

    Good news: It was really a blessing, since I was miserable, underpaid and underutilized– and now, I am a candidate for my dream job!

    Bad news again: I just found out that the HR guy is telling my former peers that I have filed for unemployment.

    Other than expressing my concern for this epic breach of professionalism to the bosses, is there anything I can do?

    • Maddie Ross

      I’m confused — why would this be a problem? I would actually think this is a good thing because it conclusively shows that you were not fired, but were truly laid off.

    • Cat Lady

      It violates professional ethics and possibly the law for an HR staffer to discuss personnel matters like this. Not sure what you can do about it, though.

    • TCFKAG

      Why would anyone have an issue with you applying for unemployment?

      And who are they telling? The people at the new job or the people you used to work with?

      If its people at the old job, I’d just send an e-mail to his boss saying “This is what he’s doing, please ask him to stop immediately.”

      If its the new job people — well, there’s really nothing you can do. But they really shouldn’t hold that against you.

      • Mary

        I used to work in unemployment. Some employers really take it personally when an employee filed for unemployment.

        • TCFKAG

          Well…I can see the employer being “annoyed” when someone takes unemployment because of the penalty and all.

          But, I guess I was more thinking of her prior co-workers. I mean…what issue would they have with it?

          Meh…whatever. Maybe people are just crazy.

        • Lynnet

          Why? I mean, I get that the employer has to pay, but they laid the person off, what did they expect?

        • Ann

          I work in HR consulting and I have seen people get apoplectic over ex-employees filing for unemployment. I worked with one HR manager who would start literally pulling her hair out every time she had to go tell the president of the company someone was filing for unemployment, because he would go ballistic and insist on trying to fight the claim, even when it was a clear layoff and the person was entitled to unemployment. Some employers seem to think of it as, I got rid of you, why are you still costing me money? I have seen the same reaction to employees who stay on COBRA – even though the company is not paying any of the employee’s insurance, the benefits staff still has to do paperwork for the ex-employee on COBRA, and some managers take this as a personal affront, for whatever reason. It’s both bizarre and inappropriate.

          In any case, to the OP – the HR person in question should not have shared that info, but the fact you were granted unemployment is actually good info for your new company to know, because you generally can’t get unemployment if you’re fired for cause. It shouldn’t have been shared, but the info shouldn’t hurt you that much. Shake it off, and good luck on your interview.

          • govvie

            Wow, talk about Scrooge. These managers have not been through Medium/Long-Term Investment School in their “today’s bottom line” frenzy. If there were a choice, I would not want to work for such an idiot- even though there are plenty of them out there.

    • Anonymous

      I’ve never understood people’s objection to others collecting unemployment/reluctance to collect unemployment. Unemployment is an insurance program, not an “entitlement” program. You pay into the fund. So does your employer. By definition, it provides for those who have been working, but lost the job due to no fault of their own. If you needed surgery and had to miss 8 weeks of work, you would collect disability insurance if it were available, wouldn’t you? Wouldn’t your former co-workers?

      At the same time, the HR guy shouldn’t be sharing anything with your peers. Nothing. I think a well-placed phone call to a supervisor should do the trick, because whether there is really anything salacious about this fact, the HR guy is clearly spreading the word to gossip.

      • Manoa Valley Girl

        As a mild aside, the employer’s rates go up for every employee that collects unemployment. So they tend to resent you even tho they created the situation. As to co-workers, doubtless it only increases their sympathy. And as to the HR guy, he. must. go.

        • BK

          I agree. The company is very dumb. If they had’nt layed you off, you would’nt be even eligble for unemployment. You are not employed and it was b/c of the company. That is why they have unemployment. Duh! Tell the dummies that “I would be happy to stop collecting unemployment when I get a job, but until I do, I will get what is due to me. ” I haven’t been there, but I sympathize with you and to all others that have been layed off. I hope every day that the economy will get booming again so that everyone who wants to work can have a great job. It’s not that unrealistic for us, as long as we stick together! Good luck on the job search! And as to the HR guy, he is a schumuck!

    • Orange Oprah

      Thanks for your input, ladies! I’ve contacted the CEO about the situation and am awaiting a response. One of the reasons I was eager to leave the company was the gossipy environment and the blurred lines between personal and professional business.

      Just FYI, when I said “HR guy, ” I meant that he’s actually the CFO who handles HR and accounting. It’s a small company with very little turnover, so they never really had a need for a full-time HR person.

  6. S in Chicago

    The length of the jacket seems a bit too long to me. Probably not a very flattering style for anyone without a straight build since curves would appear wider. Or maybe it’s just the placement of the single button? Just seems kind of off to me.

    • MelD

      I think the model is wearing a jacket that looks a size too big. If you look at the picture of her from the back, you can see bunching in the sleeves around the armhole area. That probably means that the shoulders and sleeves are too wide for her. I think you can be curvier and do a longer jacket if you have a long torso- for me, even a longer jacket may not fall at the widest part of my hips even though I am a pear. That said, longer jackets with just one button don’t work for me.

  8. Alias Terry

    Wow, my comment with some other BB suits and jackets got rejected.

    Lovely.

  9. AB

    Fellow Corporettes, I need your help! After much soul searching (especially given the current market) I’ve decided that I should switch from my DC biglaw associate (3rd year) position to… something else. I’m not sure whether I would like to stay within the law or not. I’m sort of content where I am, but I’m afraid I will burn out very soon. My problem is that I don’t even know “what” is out there, or where to look. I graduated from a tier one school, I have great credentials and the partner I work for would vouch for me in an instant. The problem is that I am total extrovert in a very prestigious, but lonely, practice area. A couple of people have suggested, unprompted, that I should go into lobbying. Does anyone know how to go about looking for such a job? What lobbying is really like? Anything out there that would fit my “extrovert lawyer” personality? Thank you very much! I’m a huge fan of this community and the first source I thought of was you!

    • theirway11

      Well, I’ve had some experience in the DC nonprofit scene and I ran into a number of people with JDs from tier one schools (a boss from my intern days with a JD from Harvard Law comes to mind) although they were not doing anything law-related in their current job. Rather, they found that their JD got them in the door and looked good on their resume. Anecdotal information, to be sure, but if you were interested in going nonprofit and working for your favorite political cause, you wouldn’t be the only former lawyer who had taken that path.

    • Lobbyist

      Well you may be able to guess my profession! I am a graduate of a tier 1 law school. I worked as a lawyer for government (not in DC) and now lobby. Its great for extroverts. And my work ethic and legal training have been very helpful. I am not in DC but I think several large firms have lobbying practices — perhaps see if you can get introduced to folks there??
      See the biggies: http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=l

      Honestly the hardest thing about lobbying is getting in — if you like people, socializing, and can create good relationships then the work part is not very hard. Also do you like politics and politicians? Do you read Politico? Good lobbyists have the personality and also love politics.

      • theirway11

        I’m actually VERY interested in getting a career in lobbying. I won’t be coming from law though. Any pointers for getting involved? Thanks.

        • MelD

          I think it’s helpful to get some government experience to learn how things work. If you are able to work with the legislative process from that end (you won’t necessarily need to be a lawyer) and do a great job, someone might want to hire you as a lobbyist. Keep in mind that there may be laws that prevent you from going straight from government to lobbying the same body- so you may have to find something else to do for a while or move.

        • AL

          Unless you have several years of federal government (usually legislative) experience, I would say it is more often than not difficult to go straight into a lobbying position. As with all job descriptions, be sure you fit the criteria of what they’re looking for. And, more importantly, you have to know politics, the environment, where your issues stand in today’s Congress (and how those can change on a dime). It’s about making connections and sustaining those connections.

    • EG

      Bradtraverse.com is totally worth the $5/month subscription fee. They post dozens of jobs every day, all politics related, including lobbying.

      • AB

        Thanks for the site link! Can anyone recommend other sites like it? I’ve heard of job engines for corporate jobs, but can’t find any info on them… Is indeed. com really it?

    • Eponine

      Go work on the Hill for 2-3 years first. Lobbying offers will then come to you.

  10. Lawgirl

    Very expensive, ordinary light-weight wool suit. I’m mystified by the allure of BB. What makes it so awesome? Why do they cost so much (3x Ann Taylor…). Maybe I need to feel it up close & personal…? Somebody help me out!

    • Anonymous

      Yup. You do need to feel it up close and personal.
      I’m not sold on this particular suit for my body type. But BB looks and feels and fits better than less expensive brands. I have a wardrobe that consists of a lot of novelty pieces of AT quality, but every time I go in BB (even the outlet) I swear off buying any more inexpensive suiting and vow to focus on saving up for BB-quality suiting and other items.

    • MHM

      In my experience the quality of BB is far, far, far above that of places like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, and also above Talbots (which I own a lot of, and which seems to be getting a little more fashionable but dropping even more in quality in the last couple of years). Both on the workmanship (seems don’t open, no threads, lining doesn’t rip out, buttons don’t fall off quickly, waistbands stay flat and nice) and the hand of the fabrics, it is just a lot higher quality clothing. I wish they had a wider selection of womens’ clothing, especially petites. (BB caution — their pants are really short. I’m under 5’2″, and I can’t even buy BB petite pants, they are too short with heels.)

      • Lawgirl

        Many thanks, @MHM & @Anonymous – I’ll check BB out in the brick and mortar stores. I like the “expensive” look and feel of Hugo Boss and Theory jackets, so I guess BB is on that level. Appreciate the info!

    • Bonnie

      I like that BB stores also have a tailors on staff and they don’t charge for some alterations.

  11. Angela

    Don’t forget that ABA membership gets you a discount at Brooks Brothers.

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