Jul 15

Jul 15 Best Places to Buy Professional Clothing

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Not gonna lie…it feels a little odd to be discussing work attire during a pandemic. However, I’ve had this topic in my draft folder for quite some time now and I don’t want to push it again. I’ve recently gotten the itch to re-do my entire wardrobe and one of my main goals is to make it versatile. Sure I’ve spoken about versatility over the years and being able to wear things multiple ways, but today I’m talking about buying items that are appropriate for work AND play.

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Everlane Dress ( almost s/o, similar here and here) | Cariuma Sneakers (c/o) | Senreve Coda Belt Bag with Chain (cheaper chain here, use code ELLEMULENOS for $50 off your Senreve purchase of $300 or more.) | Aerie Sunglasses

Take this dress for example. It is seriously one of my favorite items. I am always reaching for it! I wear it as is out, but can easily style it to be worn in an office setting with change of shoes and an addition of a layer to cover my shoulders. I may live on the West Coast where workwear is literally whatever you feel like wearing and very laid back, BUT this dress would def pass the Dallas workwear test, you fell me?

So where to shop? Here are a few of my favorite places to buy workwear! Though I think the work-from-home factor has changed a lot of jobs forever, sharing these in hopes that we will be back in in offices sooner rather than later!

WORKWEAR FOR WOMEN:

Everlane. My favorite and where this dress is from! Their prices are great and so is their quality. They have wonderfully elevated basics that look like they cost more than you paid for them.
Madewell. I love all of Madewell; however, their dresses are my favorite regarding workwear. From fitted to flowy, they can usually be dressed up or down and are comfy / cute.
J. Crew. In my early work days I lived in J. Crew No. 2 Pencil skirts. I still have some of them; however, my style has changed. Still great pieces! J. Crew Factory also has some good pieces from time to time.
Loft. The queens of workwear! I find myself wearing more and more neutrals, so I don’t always gravitate to their bright colors, but they have great basics in addition to trendy pieces. They tend to have good sales too.
Banana Republic. The fit is sometimes hit or miss for me personally, but they have great pieces for work and everyday wear..
Nordstrom. You sometimes have to search for the good workwear pieces, but they are great when you find them! I like the brands Chelsea28, 1.State, Leith, Halogen, and Bobeau.
Senreve. Okay a bit more on the pricy side, but work bags are better when they are quality / durable and Senreve are my favorite work bags! From the Maestra bag to using the Envelope Sleeve as a laptop case, I love them so much! Use discount code ELLEMULENOS for $50 off your purchase of $300 or more.
Vince. Most of my favorite work shoes are Vince! I love their apparel too, but typically splurge more on shoes than I do apparel, as I tend repeat shoes more often than clothing.
Betabrand. Four words: dress pants / yoga pants! These bottoms are comfy and work appropriate. Can it get any better?

I tried to share more budget friendly options, because that is what I try to buy. Some brands that are pricier and on my “wish list” are Anine Bing (blazers!!), Cuyana (midi dresses!), Veronica Beard, Theory, Jenni Kayne.

WORKWEAR FOR MEN:

Bonobos. Nick’s favorite! He loves their workday warrior pants and a lot of his favorite shirts are from here too. They will occasionally have some good sales and are usually included in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale too.
American Eagle. This is Nick’s wardrobe’s secrete weapon. He wears his clothes really hard, so getting casual work shirts from AE is very budget friendly and they still look good. I buy them without the AEO logo, so you aren’t even able to tell where they are from. People are always so surprised when they learn where the clothing items are from!.
Everlane. Again, great for basics that are easy to wear and easy on your wallet.
Nordstrom. Great basics and suits!
Suit Supply. I wanted to list this as an option if you are looking for a suit. It’s hard for Nick to shop here because of his shoulder size, but he really likes their style and they are budget friendly. Most of Nick’s sport coats are J. Crew or Nordstrom private label.
Taft. Nick’s preferred shoes!! He’s been wearing their shoes / boots for several years now and loves them. They have basic styles and trendy styles, but all of them are great quality. They are a little pricey, but less than what you’d normally pay for them due to the fact that they cut the middleman out of the process.
Dagne Dover. I wanted to include a “bag” option for guys too. I actually have a Dagne Dover backpack, but they are pretty unisex and great as a practical workbag IMO.