My favorite go-to brands for work wear

Ten years ago my work wear consisted of the most “fashionable” nursing scrubs I could find. At one point I was actually considering starting a line of stylish scrubs because well, I wanted to look stylish going to work even if my work dress code was kin to wearing a set of pajamas. When I became a nurse practitioner and had to start wearing business attire every day, I was always on the lookout for a good “go-to” place for work wear.

Originally it was H&M. This was mostly because at that time I was very (very) slim and could not find a good variety of business attire that fit well in my size. I spent a considerable amount of money having to get things taken in or hemmed to look polished. I remember being super excited with finding a pair of dress pants at H&M that required no tailoring. Yes please! I’ll take one in every single color!!! The price for the quality was also reasonable and so H&M had me at hello.

As time went on, my body evolved (code for I gained weight). My hips expanded and so, so did my clothing options. Now, I rarely ever have to get my clothing tailored. I have Hillary Clinton esque tendencies with my work wear style, i.e. my work attire consists mostly of pant suits which is my preference over skirts/dresses for no particular reason except that is what I am most comfortable in. If I am not wearing a matching pant suit, I’m almost always wearing blazers. Sleeves on blazers are my biggest problem. Most of the time they are too long but my simple fix with that is to just “stylishly” roll them up and throw a nice watch or some cute bracelets on!

I often get asked at work, “where do you buy your clothes?” So here it is! A list of my absolute favorite work wear brands you will catch me in on any given day! I mostly shop online and have an awesome sixth sense of the moment all of the pieces I want from my favorite brands go on sale!

Club Monaco

When I want a classic, contemporary look, I go to Club Monaco.

Several years ago I invested in a black (seasonless) Italian tropical wool three-piece suit from CM; blazer, skirt, and dress pants. It is the suit I have reached for when going on interviews or if I want total clean, crisp professionalism.

Another favorite of mine from CM are their tees. I am all for being as comfortable as I can be in my work wear (maybe it’s from all of those years of wearing scrubs). Sometimes instead of wearing a camisole or blouse under my blazers I often opt for tees (like the gold dotted one I’m wearing with my pink blazer above).

Pros of CM, durable, timeless style. My wool suit still looks brand new!

Express

For my more fun pant suits, Express is my fav. They have suits and blazers in great colors and awesome patterns (stripes and plaids, oh my)!

My love for Express is also in part to their “petite” sizes. Yes, Express! Thank you on behalf of all the 5 foot wonders of the world!

The biggest pro of Express is the work wear is washable, including the blazers! Yes, Express! Thank you for this too!

Another pro, they often have sales!

Ted Baker

I always consider my Ted Baker suits my “stunning” work wear. If I want a suit with the “it” factor, I go to Ted Baker. Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways… the attention to detail (I LOVE my suits linings), the feel of high quality, my list (and love) goes on and on. I don’t think I have ever worn a TB suit and not gotten a compliment on it.

I had one incident where a pair of pants of a work suit I bought did not fit great and I was totally bummed. (That’s ok, nobody’s perfect, right?)

TB suits are on the pricier end of the spectrum so I really tend to stalk them until I see my favorite four letter word (sale)!

BCBG

My love of BCBG is primarily their blazers, tops, and sweaters. I can always add great flair to an outfit with my BCBG pieces! I tend to hang on to my BCBG clothing for a long time too! I’ve said it before; it’s my shopping motto (from Vivienne Westwood), buy less, choose well, make it last!

What are some of your favorite brands for work wear?

Featured image photo credit: Timothy Blanks