Lucky enough to be starting a professional job at a young age?  Are you dreading having to wear boring suits, heels and nylons everyday?  Well, unfortunately in the big cities and at larger companies, this type of attire is still required.  This is especially true for lawyers, such as myself, as we often meet with clients, other lawyers and judges.  This guide will take you through some great brands and stores where you can find cute and feminine suits.  I'll also give you my opinion as to what is appropriate based on my own experiences and what other professionals - both male and female - have said in my presence. 

Often a young female has the urge to dress sexy, but is this really appropriate or acceptable at your company?  In my opinion, if you are working in a professional office, no.  Many companies, such as my own employer, have very detailed dress code requirements, including the length of your skirt, whether sleeveless shirts are appropriate, and the materials you can wear (such as no corduroy!).  Therefore, some decisions are based on your company requirements and others are based on what is generally accepted in big cities or big corporations that still have a professional attire requirement (versus business casual where a suit is not required).  I am a lawyer working in a large law firm, in a major city, so take that into consideration when you read my guide.  And when in doubt, always err on the conservative or boring side until you've had a chance to get a feel for the environment at your job and to determine what others wear (and what you feel comfortable wearing).  Honestly, even if I was allowed to wear sandals and tank tops to work, I wouldn't.  It's just not the place for it and you never know how it may change someone's perception of you.  We have casual Fridays where suits are not required,  but 90% of the time I wear a suit anyways - I just feel better!

First, there are pantsuits and skirt suits.  You may have a personal preference as to one or the other, or prefer to mix it up.  Honestly, I think women separate themselves from the men and appear more feminine when they wear skirt suits, which is what I prefer, although I do have several pantsuits.  Depending on your body size, shape or height, do what works best for your appearance - there is an abundance of both out there.

Now, to the important part:  where do you find cute suits that aren't boring or too "old" for you?  I can tell you, I don't have this problem anymore.  After spending a year or two suit shopping to the point where I now have 140 suits, I have the opposite problem - not buying every cute suit I see.  My all time favorite brand is Tahari by Arthur S. Levine.  There is also Elie Tahari, but it's more expensive.  Tahari suits are sold in the major upscale department stores, such as Marshall Field's and Parisian.  Most have great sales where you can get them for at least 30% off the retail price.

The best place to find high end suits for low prices?  Discount websites, such as ebay, overstock and smartbargains.  There are several sellers on ebay that specialize in selling career suits and always have brand new ones for sale.  I have found the greatest bargains on ebay for career suits. And I love smartbargains.  Suits are often 50% off the retail price.  It's especially convenient if you know your size in a particular brand because then you know it will fit.  I cannot stress enough the importance of using these discount websites, especially if you need a whole new wardrobe.  Some great brands to look for include:  Larry Levine, Elie Tahari, Tahari by Arthur S. Levine, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Mexx, Tristan, H&M, Kasper, Le Suit, Michael Kors, Grace Dane Lewis, Jones New York, Kay Unger, Isabel & Nina, Nanette Lepore and Sunny Leigh.

And there is nothing wrong with wearing pink!  Or flowered patterns!  It's fun to be a girl in a man's world.  I have suits in all colors.  Some have ruffled hems.  Some have bows or funky buttons.  You'd be surprised how many woman still only wear black, gray, navy, and brown suits, all the time, everyday.  Boring boring!  I have been told several times that my choice of color and style is very "refreshing."

Several of the brands mentioned have suits that are professional, yet have feminine touches, such as rhinestone buttons, ruffled hems, bows on the pockets and funky patterns (and if you are extra creative, you can change the buttons or add a cute brooch).  Often when I've seen a suit in a department store, but it's not on sale, I will make a note of the brand and check ebay and the other discount sites.  Half the time I am able to find the suits on sale somewhere on the internet - and these are in-season items, not last season.  I have also had some success at stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Loehmann's - although these can be hit or miss and are often frustrating to search through.

If you don't know your size, or what brands you will like, spend a day visiting department stores - try stuff on - even buy something and return it later if you find it at a lesser price.  About 90% of my suits are the same 4 brands - once you find something you like, you'll keep checking that same brand for newer styles.  Once you know your fav size and brand, it's easier to purchase online.

Never hesitate to have a suit altered.  Sometimes we are different sizes on the top and bottom, but when suits are not sold as separates, we have to opt for the larger size.  Have the piece that is too small altered to fit you!  It's worth the price to have your great suit fitting you perfectly.  This also applies if you lose a few pounds - you don't have to sell all those fab suits you bought - just have them tailored.  Same thing with pants that are too long - make sure you are wearing heels when you go to have them altered as this makes a huge difference.

If you are a lawyer, always wear a suit to court.  About 95% of the lawyers do and the ones that don't just look sloppy.  Believe it or not, you get much more respect if you have a suit and heels on - and you don't be mistaken for a filing clerk or a secretary, which often happens simply because you are female.  I don't advise wearing revealing shirts (cleavage) or short skirts.  It is distracting and often makes a girl look immature.  You can still be cute without dressing like you would for a bar night - save the halter tops and lycra minis for the weekend.

I also recommend nylons, even if you have great, great tan legs.  I know a lot of girls hate them - but at least wear them when you are going to court or a deposition.  When I can't possibly fathom wearing nylons all day, that's usually when I opt for a pantsuit.

As you can tell by now, I have learned to love wearing suits.  I am still trendy and cute, while looking professional and stylish at the same time.

Please email me if you have any questions about this guide or any of the brands I have mentioned.  Enjoy your new career and shopping!