Need fashion help

[aimeefarrahfowler]

So, I am in the market for a new suit and have some limited gift cards. I have to wear a suit almost everyday for work and I only have two jackets right now - black, that I have a bunch of pants to wear with, and a light grey suit. I was planning on buying a charcoal grey suit because I have a few pieces in the color already and I work in DC. Everyone wears black and grey.

Anyway. This already long. Geez. So I'm looking online and I see this suit:



Great news is, this "camel" color is on sale. I can get both pieces for under $100, normally the jacket alone is $160.

But I can't decide, what color blouses could I wear with camel? Would it look good with my skin tone? My skin is on the "cool" side and this is kind of a "warm" color.

Someone please make up my mind for me. And please don't suggest going to the store to try it on. Aint nobody got time for that. 

[kittyriot]

Okay some thoughts for you.

I am pale and on the cooler side as well, this colour looks great as a neutral on me. So I am thinking it would work for you as well.

I also know I would need to ground it with strong colours to make it work though...I would gravitate to black, rich royal purple or cobalt blue (both of those I would likely do in silk, or a silk blend to keep the look sophisticated and not dated).

But if I am being perfectly honest, I love the cut, but I wouldn't wear it. I am a chubby girl (12 - 14 usually) so I just don't feel comfortable in light suits. I have a gorgeous pair of Banana pants in that colour but I only wear them with tunics because of my fear. I know the cost is appealing but I think you would get more mileage out of charcoal (cause I think I remember you saying we're a similar size).

[haykay13]

I'm not sure about the skin tone thing, I have a hard time picturing that haha

I think it could definitely be worn with black, white and gray blouses.
I also searched Pinterest a little and they have some cute outfits with coral, navy and kelly green I can't get the pics to attach though.

[katzalia]

You can wear a lot of colors with that, but my top picks would be black, cream, navy, burgundy/wine, peacock green.

That said, I have a jacket this color and I almost never wear it. Not only because it's not as flattering on my skin tone (super pale cool) but somehow it always seems a little less formal than black, grey, or navy.

If you're not in love with it and you're expecting the suit you buy to be a wardrobe workhorse, I'd skip it and go for the charcoal. Think about price per wear?

[aimeefarrahfowler]

kittyriot, I think you are right about getting more wear the charcoal. I only wear my light grey suit once or twice a month.

I'd like a brown suit eventually, but maybe a chocolately color would be better.

Clothing is annoying Idk why I can't just come to work in yoga pants and sweatshirts.

[flockofmoosen]

I think you'll be fine with this color, and it's a great neutral. Neutrals include camel (tan/nude/beige), brown, black, grey, and even navy. Because it's a neutral color, you can pair it with any color or patterned blouse and/or shoes and it will look great. Try jewel tones for top or shoes, or go soft with ivory, soft coral, light blue, etc. You can't go wrong!

[Deleted]

What about a nice floral shirt with some hints of camel in it? I love mixing solids with busy florals or other patterns.

[Susan0utLoud]

I have no advice but if I had to wear a suit to work everyday I would die. Die! I found professionally looking pants with elastic waists and never looked back.

[aimeefarrahfowler]

Feb 11, 2015 16:31:33 GMT -5 Susan0utLoud said:

I have no advice but if I had to wear a suit to work everyday I would die. Die! I found professionally looking pants with elastic waists and never looked back.

I know! I don't know how I found myself in this job!

Oh, and for the record, I should add I have to wear the jacket at some point most days, but only for maybe an hour or two. If I don't have to have the jacket on I have a bunch of cardigans I'll switch it out for. I am not wearing the same two grungy jackets all day erryday.

[emmagk]

Would you consider a business dress instead of a pants suit? It might be a nice alternative if you already have a few suits and can worn with or without tights based on the season

Something like this www.thelimited.com/product/collection-sheath-dress/3141530.html?prefn1=saleStatus&ppid=c1&start=1&cgid=dresses&prefv1=regular&dwvar_3141530_colorCode=316

[becole]

Feb 11, 2015 16:33:28 GMT -5 aimeefarrahfowler said:

Feb 11, 2015 16:31:33 GMT -5 Susan0utLoud said:

I have no advice but if I had to wear a suit to work everyday I would die. Die! I found professionally looking pants with elastic waists and never looked back.

I know! I don't know how I found myself in this job!

Oh, and for the record, I should add I have to wear the jacket at some point most days, but only for maybe an hour or two. If I don't have to have the jacket on I have a bunch of cardigans I'll switch it out for. I am not wearing the same two grungy jackets all day erryday.

What about navy blue? I have a navy suit from limited and I love it. I would think you could almost any colored blouse with camel including black or brown.

I agree with kittyriot though about the flatter. I have camel colored pants from express and you can see the outline of my thigh in it way more pronounced than in my black. I wear them, but they're not what look the best on me. I pretty much have it so I don't look like I wear the same pants every day. I would get black, light gray, charcoal and navy blue before getting a light color. Of course if you have to wear suits in the summer, this would double for winter and summer.

[mamarazziof3]

Coming from someone who worked at Ann Taylor for five years, I love that suit and I think it would look great on you! However, it's not super versatile because I would probably only wear it in spring or summer, unless it is actually darker than it looks on my computer. It would look great with burgundy, peacock blue, chocolate brown, most shades of green, white, and black. If you could find a printed blouse with some combination of those colors, that could be great! Or a white shirt and a scarf with those colors. For the price I think it would be worth it if you don't mind the seasonal issue.

Charcoal gray is definitely a great idea! One of my favorite suits I ever owned was a charcoal gray with a light gray pinstripe.

I like what someone suggested about navy blue too. I'm going through a major navy blue phase right now. :-)

www.thelimited.com/navy-collection-slanted-pocket-jacket-%26-drew-pants/August13_suit_40.html?prefn1=saleStatus&ppid=c15&start=15&cgid=suits&prefv1=regular

[kittyriot]

Ooooh, good find mamarazziof3 ! I want that suit, I used to have a navy suit I loved, this would be a great replacement!

I also like it because it has two buttons, waaaaay better for us chubby, big breasted girls!

[SpinsOffResonance]

So I was looking at your avatar thinking that color would look good on you. Then I remembered you're not actually Mayim/Aimee!

I think it looks like a summer suit. I woudlnt wear it in fall/winter. But I like it.

[activebaby]

I agree with what everyone has said about color choice. I just cleaned out my closet and found pieces that I barely wore - they were all the pieces that I hesitated on when buying and only got because (1) someone lies and told me it looked great (2) it was a "great" deal

[aimeefarrahfowler]

Thanks everyone for all your input I think I will hold off on ordering it. There was a great sale on Monday that I just missed because I didn't have my gift cards, so I think I will just hold on to them until I can get my charcoal suit.

becole - I love navy too. I had stayed away from it because at a former job I had to wear an awful navy suit (think 90's flight attendant), but I really like the color, I think I will put that on my mental list for the suit after charcoal

emmagk - I've actually been meaning to go by the store and try on that sheath dress. I really like it, but dresses are really hit or miss right now on me. Usually a size that is big enough to fit around my middle is too big in the chest and too long. I suppose I could get it tailored but UGH. Am I that grown up now? Getting clothes tailored and shit? lol. And I'd still have to wear a jacket over it!

[Susan0utLoud]

You inspired me to try real pants, with a zipper and button. I ordered two pairs from the Limited. We shall see! They used to work for me.