Weekend Open Thread
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Sales of note for 2/14/25 (Happy Valentine's Day!):
- Nordstrom – Winter Sale, up to 60% off! 7850 new markdowns for women
- Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase — and extra 60% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + 15% off (readers love their suiting as well as their silky shirts like this one)
- Boden – 15% off new season styles
- Eloquii – 300+ styles $25 and up
- J.Crew – 40% of your purchase – prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site and storewide + extra 50% off clearance
- Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Flash sale ending soon – markdowns starting from $15, extra 70% off all other markdowns (final sale)
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- My workload is vastly exceeding my capability — what should I do?
- Why is there generational resentment regarding housing? (See also)
- What colors should I wear with a deep green sweater dress?
- How do you celebrate milestone birthdays?
- How do you account for one-time expenses in your monthly budget?
- If I'm just starting to feel sick from the flu, do I want Tamilfu?
- when to toss old clothes of a different size
- a list of political actions to take right now
- ways to increase your intelligence
- what to wear when getting sworn in as a judge (congrats, reader!)
- how to break into teaching as a second career
I work for a large non profit advocacy organization in Chicago, worked for a similar one in Boston for ten years. The way that women here dress for major meetings, presentations etc. is so foreign to me, and I am not sure if it is regional difference or something else. By far the most common item worn for something like a presentation to the Board, meeting with external funders etc. is a dress and a cardigan. Floral dresses/ other bright prints and wrap dresses are common. My wardrobe is primarily comprised of Jcrew pants suits, solid color cashmere/wool sweaters, and silk button down blouses. I feel like I look like I am going to work and many of my colleagues look like they are going to a wedding or on a date. They look very pretty/cute. I wouldn’t describe my appearance in that way.
No one has said anything negative to me, I get along with colleagues and I have been doing very well and feel quite respected in the office. But in some respects, I stick out. For me, I don’t like those type of clothes and don’t plan to change. But it is noticeable and sort of uncomfortable. Wondering if anyone has had this experience/can shed some light. Thanks!
Your outfits sound pretty much beyond reproach. If full suits make you feel conspicuous, then I’d follow the cue and collect a few nice cardigans. Can’t go wrong pairing them with your silk blouses and suit trousers (besides in front of some very conservative judges, as we’ve discussed).
Statement jewelry and fun shoes could be an easy way to lessen the formality of your outfits as compared to your colleagues.