Wondering about the top 5 brands for affordable women’s suits? These are long-standing reader favorites… Remember to dry clean all suit separates together!
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{related: check out our entire Guide to Women’s Interview Attire!}
Remember, if you’re on the hunt and willing to spend a bit more, these are some of our favorite “basic” suits…
Our favorite mid-range suits for women as of 2023: one / two / three / four / five
And if you’re on the hunt for plus-size suits, these are some of our favorites (from all price ranges):
Some of our favorite plus-size suits for interviews as of 2022: Calvin Klein / Eloquii / Universal Standard / Talbots (not pictured but also J.Crew)
(Here are our last discussions on budget-friendly interview suits and cheap interview suits, as well as our discussion of whether you can mix black separates to make a suit (noooooooo!).)
(If you have problems finding suits in your size range, check out our posts on where to find stylish petite suits for women, maternity suits for professional women, and the best stores for tall women.)
The Top 5 Brands for Affordable Women’s Suits
1. Banana Republic Factory
BR’s outlet section has a lot of good finds for work, particularly on the more affordable, classic side of things (including a TON of washable suits!). Note that because these pieces may be produced just for the Factory Store it may mean that there are differences in fit and quality — so keep that in mind when ordering.
We frequently feature them in our Suit of the Week posts because they often branch into fun colors and prints. Selections include regular, petite, and tall sizes up to 20, as well as “curvy” fit pants.
2. Express
If you’re a fan of their Editor/Columnist pants, do check out their matching blazers and other suiting options. As always with these brands, watch for fit — but note that Express has been stepping up their workwear game lately, so these may be a great option if you’re looking for an interview suit on a budget.
Sale to watch for: 50% off.
3. Anne Klein
Nordstrom has a few Anne Klein suits; Macy’s also carries them. They also have an exclusive line at Macy’s called “Anne Klein Executive,” but note that those are full suit sets, not separates.
Pictured above: a skirt set from the Executive line
4. Ann Taylor Factory
Ann Taylor has been a long-standing reader favorite, and their suits go on sale twice a year for 30% off — so if you happen to be on the hunt for a sale during that period, buy! (They also frequently have less basic suits in the sale section!)
If you’re looking for a classic suit for an interview or building your work wardrobe, Ann Taylor’s Factory Outlet is a great option. They offer regular and petite sizes up to size 18 and often have additional sales.
5. J.Crew Factory
J.Crew’s factory outlet is a great source for workwear, particularly affordable wool suiting separates — inventory comes and goes, but when it’s in stock it’s pretty great. (This sweater blazer is also a LONG-STANDING reader favorite.)
Readers, what are your favorite brands for affordable women’s suits? What have you found to be really versatile?
Julie
One of my closest friend’s daughters is graduating from college in May and got a job in an office environment. She’ll be providing support services to a major construction contractor. I’m not clear whether she will be starting in person or virtually. Any suggestions on graduation gifts for someone starting out?
Anonymous
If she’ll ever be at a project site and will need good safety boots, I recommend a giftcard to Redwing Shoes, especially if the employer doesn’t reimburse part of the expense. Redwings are expensive but super worth it.
For general gifts, a nice mug or tumbler never hurts. What’s your budget?
Katie
A messenger bag or some kind of laptop tote for the day-to-day would be good, I think. Doesn’t have to be Cuyana or Lo&Sons necessarily for someone just starting out, but that would be useful for just about anyone to receive.
Anonymous
My mother would like to earn some spending money and get paid benefits while working from home. She read about a job called medical coding. Is this a thing? She needs to take an exam to be certified in it. It sounds like a scam to get money out of retirees but I googled and it does seem to be a thing. Does anyone know if this is a good job?
Thanks.
Vicky Austin
Um, yes, this is a real thing. You know how when you go to a hospital and your bill comes back saying exactly what you had done with all the little charges for each thing? That’s what coders do. It’s real, it can be 100% virtual and from my understanding it pays pretty well. (I work in a hospital.)
Anon
That’s a real job that pays a middle-class salary.
Anonymous
It is real and some coders work their way up through higher revenue cycle positions in the business office of hospitals or physicians groups or at insurance companies. A big part of the job is taking physician notes and applying the proper medical code for billing. It’s steady and in-demand work although some hospitals will outsource offshore (though trend has slowed).
Anon
Yes, it is real and a decent job and easy to get certified by taking the classes via local community colleges for cheap or even online for a bit more $.
I have worked in the medical field and have even considering getting trained in this to give myself a easy job option while I am transitioning to ???? something else in the future.
Anonymous
Yep – totally real! I work for a health system and we are always in need of good coders. We have a lot of mid-career transition people who get certified and come to work for us. We used to have a “cube farm,” but I think most of our revenue cycle team is 80% virtual right now. I think it would be great for a retiree!
Anonymous
Looking for suggestions on places to stay in the San Diego area this July. Traveling with husband and daughter (fully vaccinated) to check out some colleges in the area (hopefully open for in person tours). Any suggestions for something resort like (pool, restaurants) not necessarily in San Diego itself but close to. On our last visit we stayed in the convention center area and Hotel Coronado. Thanks!
Anonymous
Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.
Anonymous
Thank you- this looks perfect!
Anonymous
Hotel Del Coronado is great!
Anonymous
It is and we may end up there again!
Anonymous
I loved the Fairmont Grand del Mar.