XP: Shopping for a suit

GnomeSweetGnome

I have an interview coming up (at a yet-to-be determined date and time...), and I would like to buy my first suit.  I want something that will last me for a few years, since I'll be graduating in about a year with my master's degree and hopefully landing a real job after that.

Where do you shop for suits?  I was thinking Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Macy's would be good bets without being *too* expensive.

Do you prefer wool, a blend, or synthetics?  Anything else I should know?

casmgn

You can get good suits for a great price on sale at the three you mentioned.

I have suits in various fabrics depending on the season. Wool or wool-blend would be preferable though.

Magdala9

Ann Taylor and Banana Republic are good for an athletic build.  For a curvy build, check out Talbots, Liz Claiborne (at Macy's) and Ellen Tracy (at Macy's). 

Natural fibers like wool breathe better, look better (IMNSHO) and generally cost more.  100% of a natural fiber is best.  Not all wool is hot because there are different weights (thicknesses) of wool.  There are summer weight wools that are lighter than man made polyesters.  I avoid 100% synthetics in favor of some blends.  I prefer my blends to be 50% or more of a natural fiber.

Double breased suits make curvy girls look like Frankenstein. 

A neutral color and classic shape work best for transitioning from year to year.   People with different types of coloring look good in different neutrals.  Not everyone should wear a black suit.  If black makes you look ghostly and ghastly, wear a dove grey or warm chocolate brown. 

The key to making a suit look good is the lining.  A lined suit is more polished than an unlined suit.  Look at the interior of a suit closely.  Check the back of the buttons.  Better quality suits with have a button on the interior to hold the button on the exterior on.  This will extend the life of your suit.  Better quality suits will be fully lined including the sleeves.

 

jessicah628

Banana Republic is my go-to for suits, but make sure you find a coupon. You might want to consider buying matching jacket, pants and skirt, so you have a few options. Definitely natural fibers or at least a blend.

ETA: I believe this is the one that I have: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/outfit.do?cid=45039&oid=OUT14147 

TX-Bride

I prefer AT and BR. They don't cost a lot, if you find them on sale and they are cut nice, and I can get the pants in petite length so there won't be any alteration cost.

I wear a suit to work everyday, and almost all my suits are from AT. I get them on sale and final sale. A few months ago I bought three suits for less than $200. I do have couple of summer suits from BR, too. And they are also very well made.

Tambcat

I like Banana Republic's lightweight wool. I think BR's suit quality is better than Ann Taylor's, and they always have great sales/coupons. I never have any luck suit shopping in department stores.