Business formal in winter (female)?
Hi, I have an upcoming off-cycle internship at a top 5 private equity firm (one of Blackstone, KKR, Carlyle, Apollo so super formal attire required). My previous internships were all during summer so i mostly just wore blouse/shirt + pencil skirt +blazer or dress + blazer.
Q1: I am just wondering what should you wear on the way to work/ at the office in new york winter? I was thinking if i could just wear same clothes as summer in the office and wear an extremely warm coat and uggs on the way and change shoes at the office? Or do people wear some sort of winter office wear like sweater, boots (professional not uggs of course) at the office?
Aside from that is there any brand you suggest that has cute blazer, skirt and blouses you would suggest? it is extremely difficult to find small suits. I am not 'petite' in terms of height and shoulder width so for example typical petite clothes (e.g. Brooke brothers) petite 0 is too short on arm length but otherwise still slight loose; however, normal size 0 is too big, same goes for smallest size in J crew. The only brand mostly work is theory size 00 and hugo boss 0 after slight tailor. I really don't like when the blazer is too big cause i feel like wearing my mom's clothes and playing dress up.
Q2: So do you have any brand you would suggest which size that runs small or with more fitted style blazer?
Q3: Any suggestions on brands that have cute good quality silk blouse that does not cost a fortune (A lot of silk blouses would cost like 400+), i was hopping to find top that's around 100-300 range. Is there any brand specialize in blouses?
Thanks!
Can't help you specifically with shops/brands in regards to good fits in size 00 or 0, but I know that Century21, TJ Maxx and Marshall's all carry a wide range of sizes [and all have sections for petites] and they all carry discounted designer brands, where you should be able to find silk for within/below your price points.
As to your other questions, I keep several pairs of pumps in one of my work drawers year-round: black, neutral and an alternate. I also keep a blazer and 2 longer-length button-less cardigans at my desk for when I have meetings and am wearing something sleeveless. Depending on the weather and time of year, I walk to work in sandals, flats, sneakers or boots and then swap footwear at my desk. Hooded rain jacket and umbrella for rain. I have both hoodless and hooded winter coats, knee-length as well as ankle-length, in wool and in faux shearling which I periodically spray with water repellent to help with rain and snow.
Good luck with your internship!
Thanks! That’s very helpful :)
Q1 - you are right on the money Q2 - check out Reiss. It’s a little more spendy but perfect for tall/slim people. There is a store in the city or you can find some pieces on sale on Amazon if you have time to deal with returns, etc. They run in designer sizes, so a UK6-US2 is more like a BR/Brooks Brothers size 0/00 and they have a UK4 in some pieces if you need to go smaller. Q3 - Grana is my favorite for affordable silk shirts and carry sizes down to XXS. Everlane is also an option but I don’t like how boxy they are and a 0 isn’t really that small - it fits me and I’m a busty size 2.
Thanks! I’ll check those places out.
Business Formal for Women (Originally Posted: 06/16/2008)
I have seen a lot of posts asking about attire, but most seemed specific to men. I have a few questions about what is standard of women.
As far as blouses and shirts go, do they always have to be long sleeve button downs? I have heard some mention of a sweater option, is this common? And what are the specifics on this? Are there any shorter sleeve options for during summer months?
Is there any difference in attitude towards pants suits or skirt suits?
With skirt suits, are hose still always necessary?
What bags do women typically carry?
Are flats ok if you are very tall?
Obviously black, charcoal, and navy are common suit colors, what others are common, but still don't scream attention? Brown? Light gray?
Is there any preference in number of suit jacket buttons? One, two, or three?
What suit materials are acceptable?
Thanks for your input! I find the women's guidelines to be quite gray and dependant upon what those above you wear, which can make planning for the first few days tough.
Search the forum- there's definitely stuff.
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/for-the-girls
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