Since I have been blogging about work attire, I would like to share where I normally shop for my closet. Being a female engineer around her going to be 30, my wardrobe is very different from it was 10 years ago. Now, I generally buy 70% business casual, 25% casual and only 5% business formal pieces. Note that I do have 2 sets of boardroom formal suits (one set of pants and one set of skirt) for very important conferences and meetings.
Let me explain the 5% first. Those pieces are generally black or darker in color and solid in prints. The only prints falls under this category is dark grey with very subtle pinstripes. These business formal pieces are for meetings with higher level boss alongside with customers. I know that my higher level supervisor likes "cute" girls (I mean.... look at his group of assistants!!), so I will not wear anything too serious or formal to meetings with him if I have to help my team to convince him of some decisions. This is not a very good image of female engineers, but I look it as our privileges if used properly. This is reality and a fair game to play, isn't it?
Now, let's talk about my style first. If you have a similar style to mine, please read on. In order to help readers to know more about me, here's my Pinterest link (
click). Check out the boards like "Pieces I like" or "Looks I like" to see if you generally like them.
All right. Now that you have decided to read on... It's time to reveal my all-time favorite brands to shop!!
1. J.Crew!!!
2. LOFT and GAP
3. Ann Taylor and Banana Republic
J.Crew offers a variety of patterns, bold or subtle, and usually play with them in a very high-fashion way.
Pros: I love their cashmere collections particularly.
Cons: a little bit pricey...
LOFT and Ann Taylor are sister brands. Ann Taylor offers more sophisticated and aged versions while LOFT offers career rookies a great way to look professional yet stay chic.
Pros: Both brands offer discount codes frequently.
Cons: not a fan of their winter fabrics
Banana Republic is a great place to shop for business formal and especially great for a more mature look.
Pros: Great suiting options
Cons: a tad too mature for me
GAP belongs to the same group as BR. I do see it as a younger version of BR a lot. Love their essential Ts.
Pros: denim collections
Cons: sometimes too casual
Average Price from high to low:
J.Crew > Banana Republic/Ann Taylor > Gap/LOFT
All brands above offer international shipping.
In order not to make this post super long and loose you, this is going to be the end of Part I. I will dig in each brand and hand pick some items I like to complete my business casual ensembles.
Thanks for reading. XOXO
