Dress me for a blizzard of snowflakes

September 28, 2016 8:03 AM

My entire adult life I've had trouble dressing myself. If it were up to me we'd all be wearing Star Trek jumpsuits. I hate shopping, I mistrust fashion, and I'm really hard on clothing. Also: not made of money. But right now I need clothes and I don't have the time to scour 8 shopping malls for things I don't hate. Help me find an online retailer that suits my tastes and budget that I can be loyal to and buy all my clothes from. I'm preposterously finicky.

I need a reliable source for low-grade office casual (basically one or two steps up from athleisure/jeans but not into the realm of pencil skirts and blouses and pantyhose *shudder*) clothes that are:

• Classic, plain but feminine styles that accomplish the look through cut and subtle detailing rather than prints, ruffles, baubles and other assorted frippery
• Age-appropriate (I'm 42), but
• Non-frumpy (I cannot stress this enough--I look younger than my actual age and while I do not want to dress like a 25-year-old I am not ready for Chicos and J.Jill just yet)
• Comfortable and forgiving
• Look good on a curvy size 12 (i.e. not the potato sacks that seem to be in stores right now)
• Made of high-quality performance fabrics that do not need to be ironed or dry-cleaned (I am really, really, really hard on clothes)
• Appropriate for winter in Pittsburgh
• Easy to wear, extremely comfortable, but still look professional
• Wearable without layering, accessorizing, or needing specific foundation garments (please no more tissue-weight sleeveless everything!) The fewer individual pieces that go into an outfit, the better.

And the biggie: I am not wealthy. $60-$80 for a dress that will last a couple years: yes. $120 for such a dress? Sorry, but no. Not possible. I don't have the money and I'm too hard on clothes anyway. Every piece I buy has a 50/50 chance of getting a huge grease stain of unknown provenance on it within a month. Me buying expensive clothes is just asking for trouble.

Assume I have already browsed all the big mall retailers (J Crew, Land's End, BananaGapNavy, etc...). Where should I be looking that I may not have ever heard of (keeping in mind I am Fashion Dumb and don't pay much attention to The New Hotness)? Are there places that sell clothes like I describe but are mainly known for something else, so I may not have considered it?

posted by soren_lorensen to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (40 answers total)

My favorite sheath dresses that I get compliments on all the time are from White House Black Market. They might be $120 to start but I've never paid that; they go on sale regularly. I wash them cold and they're ok although they might do better dry cleaned, I don't know.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:20 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

Hey, I'm only 31 and I am fully on the Chicos/ J Jill train ;)
I don't think I look frumpy?

Honestly Lands' End sounds up your alley, have you shopped online or their catalog? Their retail outlet at Sears doesn't have a lot. But the nice thing is you can buy stuff online and return it to Sears if you want.

Honestly, I think you dress a lot like me and usually what I do is buy pants or skirts from Chico's, Kohls, etc 1-2 times a year, and then I shop at Goodwill about every 3 months and stock up on tops. At Goodwill, the tops are $4 so even if they don't fit perfectly or you stain them, no big deal.

LL Bean sounds good for you too, but they are a little pricey for some things.
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:24 AM on September 28, 2016 [5 favorites]

Have you looked at eShakti? If it looks like something you may want, I can send you a referral code for $30 off your first order if you memail me. (assuming this is ok to do here?) Their dresses range from $50-100+, however, they also have sales, you can get them fit to your measurements, and if you go with the knit stuff, not only does it feel like pajamas, but I hang to dry then pop in the dryer and I'm good to go.

I have only tried their dresses, but they also have other clothes, and they add new things pretty much daily. You can also choose sleeve lengths, dress lengths, and necklines, and this is included in the customization fee, so you can do that and have them made to your measurements.

I think you would have to evaluate which fabrics there are high quality, though - some of their knits are lighter weight. I am pretty happy with their heavier ones - I can give you examples of which ones I have if you memail me and want more info.
posted by needlegrrl at 8:27 AM on September 28, 2016

I know you've mentioned you looked at the big mall retailers, but have you looked at Ann Taylor Loft? Ann Taylor (used to?) have a reputation for being frumpy but my friends and I (20s-30s) all buy and enjoy their clothes. The "Loft" brand is also cheaper than traditional Ann Taylor. I find their clothes flattering as a curvy size 10, although they do have some of the currently trendy potato sacks. Dresses run $60-$80 (plus there are frequent sales/coupons) and have lasted pretty well for me (without dry cleaning or ironing or anything). They have a variety of styles, from blouses/pencil skirts to jeans and nice tops, the latter of which sounds like what you're looking for. I can't comment on their winter-appropriateness, though (I live in Texas).
posted by jouir at 8:28 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

You might luck out at Down East Basics.
posted by Mizu at 8:28 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

I'm a local, and still thinking but can address this:
Honestly Lands' End sounds up your alley, have you shopped online or their catalog? Their retail outlet at Sears doesn't have a lot.
The Sears at South Hills Village has a fairly decent sized Lands End footprint. I'm admittedly going for returns because I'm plus sized and order online, but have been pleased with the availability to browse there. Their cardigans are a standard staple in my wardrobe, especially since our office can't regulate heat/cold with the Pittsburgh seasons. (Also, they may be pricey, but they last forever, and if you sign up for their emails they're doing the 30% off friends & family like every other week.)
posted by librarianamy at 8:30 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

Here's a dress for you, on sale. I just ordered it myself. I like Boden's clothes, although they're too expensive to wear exclusively as a line, which I think is what you're looking for.
I confess I shed a tear as you dismissed J. Jill. 'Tis true; they're going through a potato sack phase right now. dresses-wise, but their other stuff is nice, and the ponté knits are long-wearing.
The stumper in your question is the all-inclusive retailer that you can rely on. I have not found one. My wardrobe comes from Nordstrom, eBay, J.Jill, Boden, Gudren Sjoden, Etsy, and a few other places. As far as your requirement for high-quality pefornance fabrics, that suggests Title Nine, Athleta, sites like that, though the clothes are very skimpy width/waist-wise, The same problem with Merrell clothes. They don't acknowledge grown women's bodies! Drives me mad.
I'll be watching this thread eagerly to find suggestions from other posters. I wish I could be more help; your issues are my issues ('cept I'm a wider gal than you.)
posted by BostonTerrier at 8:30 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: You want Boden. The sale section in particular.
posted by sonmi at 8:31 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

I like Target for this kind of clothing. I find that the quality is fine (the women's and office clothing is often a little better in quality than the juniors clothing), and the price is right. They have a lot of basics in solid colors, which I prefer, and many items have enough stretch to make them flattering and comfortable. When I find something I like, I tend to buy multiples.
posted by insectosaurus at 8:32 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

I don’t have general store recommendations, but I’m also a curvy 12 and really like these shirts in solid colors. Scoop-necked tee

I also find a stretchy black knee-length or just-below-knee-length skirt, along with fleece-lined tights, is awesome for winter. It’s more feminine than I think of my style being, but it’s incredibly comfortable, not at all frilly, and it looks dressier than equally comfortable pants.
posted by metasarah at 8:40 AM on September 28, 2016

Best answer: Boden and Loft are for you.
posted by Bunglegirl at 8:44 AM on September 28, 2016

Oh hey, have you been asked to join a LuLaRoe Facebook group yet? I know that not everyone is a fan of their insane prints and the whole online shopping via a closed community thing, but the few pieces I've bought have been great for work travel. I wore a tee and capris on the flights there and back recently and looked put together (with the above mentioned cardi addiction) and then a variety of their dresses during the conference. With or without leggings under. I admittedly steer away from the more quirky prints, but you can find some basics from them pretty easily. Pretty much like wearing my PJs to work, and without having to iron.
posted by librarianamy at 8:45 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

I forgot to mention Duluth Trading! It may look like a lot of rugged wear, but there are office-presentable pieces in there, too. Their stuff is renown for being hard-wearing!
posted by BostonTerrier at 8:45 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

Nthing Lands End. Their ponte sheath dresses are my favorite. Every season they make more in different patterns and colors, and they also sell a million cardigans you can get to pair with them. I don't know how I managed a work outfit before I discovered these dresses, seriously. Ponte is a great keyword to look for in general - it's a thicker fabric, very forgiving and comfortable.

I'm moderately picky about clothes and usually steer clear of Target because I don't find the quality very good, but I'm pretty into these pants right now. I keep going back and buying more colors.

And yeah, agreeing with the others about Loft. I can almost always find something there that works for me.
posted by something something at 8:46 AM on September 28, 2016

I'm not sure there's going to be any one brand that will provide everything, but I've had reasonably good luck finding certain go-to staples and then just continuing to buy them as they gradually wear out.

I generally feel like Lands End is a bit frumpy but their ponte knit line (sheath and A-line dresses and skirts) is actually very flattering and hardwearing. If you sign up for their mailing list their clothes are 30 and 40% off pretty frequently. Their 3/4 sleeve stretch button downs are also very flattering to the busty office worker.

Uniqlo might be a good choice for you for some things, although their fabrics are not always sturdy--I buy five of their merino V-neck sweaters every year as part of my "uniform" and generally ruin 4 of them over the course of the year with snags and stains, because I insist on machine washing everything. But at $20 for a sweater (on sale) I'm OK with that.

Boden does have some nice things but will probably be out of your price range except when things go on sale.

The following are more expensive brands that are primarily sold in department stores but can typically be found at Nordstrom Rack or on sale: Vince, Lafayette 128, Theory
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 8:46 AM on September 28, 2016 [2 favorites]

I accomplished this by joining Stitch Fix. You tell them your measurements and some info about your aesthetic as well as your needs and price range. (And they also ask some basic questions like whether you like pants or skirts better, whether you wear jewelry, etc.) They then pick out clothes based on that and send them to you.

It can get a little pricey if you end up keeping the whole box of stuff (mine run around $250 for a few tops and pants or skirts, a pair of shoes, maybe some accessories), but I tend to pick one or two things per box which keeps things affordable. I try not to think about price per piece but how much I spent per box. You can definitely get, e.g., a $20 shirt as opposed to their $50 shirt, but to me it's worth it for both the peace of mind of not having to shop and the fact that I'm using it to buy nicer things to punch up my wardrobe. I feel like, yes, I could keep buying $20 shirts, but there was a reason my previous work wardrobe was shitty, and it was those $20 shirts.

I also feel like having a bit of a work uniform helps. Mine is dark denim with a nice-ish top and cute shoes, also generally with some kind of cardigan or light jacket. So I can just plug items that Stitch Fix sends into that basic template and end up looking put together.
posted by Sara C. at 8:49 AM on September 28, 2016 [4 favorites]

Have you tried stores like Patagonia or REI or Eddie Bauer? Not everything is work appropriate, but the dresses and sweaters and occasionally shirts and pants can be, if you look carefully. Hard-wearing, comfortable, easy, performance fabrics - it might be up your alley.
posted by umwhat at 8:50 AM on September 28, 2016

For your pants strategy, I would recommend looking at standard mall stores like NY&Co, Express, Banana Republic that produce named "series" of pants. If you find one style you like, it will be so easy to buy more of the same fit in the future, even from Ebay!

You want to shop online, but I think it would be worth a trip to the mall just to try on all the styles of pants in your size in 2-3 stores like these and decide which you like best. If you are as finicky as I am about pants fit, it will be less frustrating than ordering unpredictable fitting pants from a store like Target and having to send half of it back.
posted by beyond_pink at 8:53 AM on September 28, 2016

I came here to say what umwhat just said. Patagonia and REI and that ilk might be just what you need. The clothing is made for durability and performance, it generally lacks the prints and frills you say you dislike while often being cut in a flattering and functional way, and it's pretty age-independent. Prices might be a little high ($60 doesn't seem to get one very far in terms of clothes, these days) but there are constant clearance sales at REI for out-of-season items, so with a little forethought you could probably swing it. You'll end up with a pretty "outdoorsy" aesthetic, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:58 AM on September 28, 2016

So I'm about your age and walking the aging hipster/office lady line pretty well, I think. I'm a 6 or 8 or Medium. I never buy retail. I'm also very picky on fit. I would be delighted to help you find stuff online if you memail me!

Here's where I shop on clearance:

Toad & Co
Lucky for nice jeans
J Jill for basics (cardigans, plain skirts)
Talbots (some good stuff, some horror shows)
Banana Republic (incl Outlet)
Ann Taylor
Loft
Boden
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:58 AM on September 28, 2016

Nthing Loft; I've tried most of the suggestions mentioned and Loft is perhaps the best I've tried. Their clothes are comfortable, work-appropriate without being too dressy, and generally easy-care, their sizing is pretty consistent, and there's almost always some sort of ridiculous sale going on so it's easy to find decent stuff for cheap. I've had much better luck with their website than with their stores.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:05 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

I was coming here to sing the praises of the Lands End sheath dress (often with pockets!) myself, and J. Jill cardigans and tops as long as you stay far away from their dresses.

But another thought with a giant caveat: If (IF!) you are willing to spend time online scouring through some horrifying clothes, there are actually some nice, simple, comfortable pieces at ModCloth - often with pictures of actual people wearing them so you can get a sense for how they might look on you.

However, any given session I spend on their site is about 80% staring in horror at really bizarre detailing or patterns, 15% dithering over things that are interesting or cute but not for work, and 5% digging the actual work-appropriate, flattering, comfortable pieces out of the rest. This is not something I often have patience for, but the handful of times I have done it, I have come away with some pieces I still really like. So - YMMV, big-time, but it might be an option.
posted by Stacey at 9:18 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

This is just a side note, but if you find yourself frustrated always by clothes, I can't recommend enough picking a few cuts and fabrics you know look good on you and then putting together a capsule wardrobe. Though it is unintuitive, fewer things is better and easier (and the 37! in the link is a bit much, though I think the writeup is good). I have accepted that though I like other cuts in theory, as a curvy 16, a fit-and-flare type dress is always going to look good on me and so are tight jeans and longish tops and so, those are what I buy and I try to keep my closet tight.

Being a monster, I also destroy clothes easily with food or tearing. I generally obviate this by buying fabrics that clean well (the ponte knits suggested above will be great) in dark colors. This is probably all super obvious and the suggestions above are great, but I don't think just finding one good place is the end-all of answers.

And I can't second eShakti enough. A site that tailors things to you will always have clothes that look good on you.
posted by dame at 9:23 AM on September 28, 2016 [3 favorites]

Oh! Also, I made myself happier by limiting my wardrobe to 90% dresses (with knee-high boots and wool tights in winter). It's just one piece! Perfection!
posted by dame at 9:24 AM on September 28, 2016 [5 favorites]

Friends of mine in the same situation swear by Nordstrom's personal shopping service. Lay out these requirements and have someone do it for you.
posted by advicepig at 9:36 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Hi, you sound like me in many, many ways. I pretty much live in clothing from:

Aakasha (very cool separates, simple but chic)
Karina ("the original easy dress" - PM me for a referral that saves you $)
Karen Kane (love her tunics)

And select items from Pin-Up Girl Clothing (the separates especially).

Sometimes I find stuff I like by scrolling through Zappos.

My best bets for work have proven to be dresses in stretchy fabric, slim-fit pants or leggings paired with stretchy tunics, pencil skirts paired with cardigans & tank tops. And then I get a solid pair of shoes - usually on eBay, lightly worn or new in box (NIB) - from a fancy-ish brand (like Frye or Fluevog) at a price I can afford. I rarely if ever spend more than $80 on an item.

Hope this helps!
posted by pammeke at 9:41 AM on September 28, 2016 [4 favorites]

Oh, and I know you said no pencil skirts, but it you get one in stretchy fabric with a little kick at the bottom, it'll be very wearable and looks pretty fab with a curvy bum.
posted by pammeke at 9:49 AM on September 28, 2016

I have finally found a uniform for myself that fits most of your criteria: comfortable, affordable, stylish (I think?), warm, and appropriate for work and home. It's these leggings paired with a tunics like this. Sometimes I mix it up and wear a loose fitting tank and cardigan instead.

Done. Have gotten several compliments on these outfits, all while feeling as comfortable as I would wearing pajamas.
posted by scantee at 9:56 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Talbots has killer sales and sizes 0x and 12w. Consider *individual* pieces rather than the Talbots, well, concept. Examples: bi-stretch pants, crew and v-neck tees, no-iron slightly fitted shirts, cardigans and shells. I wear all of these from them, have a similar but larger body, and do not look frumpy. Their jeans are a godsend.
posted by jgirl at 9:57 AM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Seconding Stitch Fix. I always love the *idea* of shopping until I actually get there and can't figure out how to put outfits together and leave with yet another v-neck t-shirt that I don't need. Stitch Fix sends me a box of 5 things for me to try on, in the comfort of my own home, where I can see how they would work with the clothes/shoes I already have. If I hate something, I just send it back. They are also great about knowing what sizes will work for me in different brands/cuts. I usually get a a good mix of basic pieces that they know I will like and new things to try that might be outside of my comfort zone (but I usually end up liking). You can send a request before each fix if you have specific needs (ie. "please send a complete head-to-toe work outfit this time", or "need a fall color sweater and business trousers") and they usually hit the mark. You can set price points for different categories of items and select colors/patterns or pieces you absolutely don't want.

The only downside is that it works best if you have a pinterest board for them to look at to get the best feel for your personal style. I don't mind updating one board every so often with pictures of outfits, but YMMV.
posted by tryniti at 9:59 AM on September 28, 2016

Seconding Talbots sales. Overall, their look is definitely "rich matron," but if you are selective about pieces their quality is great, the clothes are classic and long-lasting and well constructed. I look for trousers from there (I love wide leg trousers with cuffs and they often have them - also, nice jeans) and sheath and A-line dresses. They always, always go on sale toward the end of the season, and I mean things go down from $150 per piece to like $20.
posted by Miko at 12:06 PM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: They may not be on your radar because they specialize in kids' clothes, but Hanna Andersson is very durable.
posted by xo at 12:17 PM on September 28, 2016

Best answer: If you, like me, prefer not to dress up beyond non-denim pants and shirts that more or less reveal your outlines, I recommend Duluth Trading. Their pants fit like they're made for women with hips, their shirts are cut long so if you're bigger in the chest they don't ride up to your ribcage, and they're specifically designed to have the living shit beaten out of them (my perfectly nice-looking brown khakis are waterproof, people.) I can't speak to their dresses, as I don't wear them, but I've been really happy with their nicer t-shirts and their pants, and I *wish* I lived somewhere cold enough to justify getting a couple of those sweaters.
posted by restless_nomad at 12:27 PM on September 28, 2016 [4 favorites]

My capsule wardrobe sources:
Eddie Bauer for jeans - slightly curvy straight leg short
Eddie Bauer for "Christine" cardigans & assorted under tops
Uniqlo for more v-neck cardigans
Target for more assorted under tops and tshirts.

It's simple, high quality, easy to maintain, not too old, and not breaking the bank.
posted by bleep at 1:44 PM on September 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

I think what I said about Talbots also applies to J. Jill. Look at stuff individually. The short knit skirts and cardigans, as well as the pants, look great. I wouldn't touch those tunics (mostly) or or kimonos with a ten-foot pole, but a lot of things could work really well. I live in hot and steamy D.C., and I pretty much live in J. Jill linen crops and linen pants and shirts from June through September and often longer than that. You might have to order multiple sizes and try on; fit seems to be pretty generous. I go a size down in linen pants and crops.

And their Birks are wide! Yay!

My other staples are LL Bean, Lands End, Eddie Bauer, and Macy's Charter Club brand. Jones New York can still be found at Marshall's. I cautiously and very selectively have acquired Chicos pieces that do not scream "Chicos aging hippy-wannabe matron" because I like their linen.

I have great accessories, if I do say so myself as who shouldn't, and they generally come from resale places. I make sure my hair always looks great, and my glasses are rimless so that my face shows. I don't look frumpy and I don't purchase at full price.

Might I also add that frumpy is (or at least can be) a state of mind.
posted by jgirl at 2:35 PM on September 28, 2016

There is an option like Stitch Fix, but for bigger sizes called Gwynnie Bee. I have found really great dresses on there. You pay a fee each month, and get x pieces of clothing, and then you can choose to purchase the clothes. I love it for all reasons you listed- durable dresses that are easy to wear but help me to feel like a professional. I have cute Dansk heels, and knee high boots for winter.

I also love Target for tops and cardigans.

Boden is great, but pricey and sometimes their cuts are totally wacky.
posted by momochan at 5:17 PM on September 28, 2016

I share your exact feelings on fashion, and virtually all the same requirements too, especially including "feminine but without frippery". I am also extremely hard on clothes. Like you, 50% of my stuff is likely to have a grease stain on it within months. (HOW do other people avoid this??? I've never understood.) I sit cross-legged all the time, I'm out in all weather hiking, I have a 2 year old (hello, stains), and I have cats. Plus, I only do one kind of wash - everything goes all together in "regular". The only difference is that I'm 5'2"/120ish pounds, which means I'm kind of 0/2/4 depending on the item and store, and I don't know about size 12.

It's taken about 12 years, but at this point 80% of my clothes come from Patagonia. I didn't buy a new wardrobe or anything, and in fact I have quite a small number of outfits, but the Patagonia items are the survivors. The grease stains come out (with Dawn, mostly), the fabrics wear very well, they're useful and comfortable and just generally the best quality stuff I own. Also - and this is key - Patagonia will repair their clothes indefinitely. You don't need to have a receipt or any kind of paperwork, you just bring your pants or jacket or whatever to the store and say you want them repaired and they will do it for free. It often takes a month, but that's fine with me. I had the crotch of my favorite jeans replaced twice, holes in technical jackets fixed, zippers replaced, pockets re-sewn, etc. I also have my own sewing machine and I do my own small repairs and hemming.

I'm kind of embarrassed to be a walking advertisement for Patagonia - and as I write this, I'm noting that everything I'm wearing except for my underwear and shoes came from there - but it's what works for me.
posted by Cygnet at 7:02 AM on September 29, 2016 [1 favorite]

Based on what you've written, here's what I'm picturing:

A selection of sheath dresses which you buy online (Amazon has a ton), and get tailored to fit you. Cardigans for layering (I know you're anti-layering, but it really is a great way to stretch your wardrobe, and to transition pieces from warmer to cooler weather!). Soft, comfortable opaque tights in yummy fall colors, worn with boots or (if you prefer to commute to work in winter boots and then change) comfortable ballet flats.

I know we all harp on tailoring in these what-should-I-wear threads, but really, get stuff tailored. After years of frustration at not finding much that fit me well off the rack, I started shopping at thrift stores and online for lower-cost things, then spending anywhere from $10.00 to $30.00 for tailoring.

Tailoring can do so much more than take up a hem or nip in a waist! Darts can be added to sheath dresses, taking them from boxy to curve-honoring. Utilitarian skirts that hang straight from waist to knees can be narrowed ever so slightly at the hem to hit that sweet spot between "my entire lower body is the width of my hips" and "Joan Hallowell said I could borrow this."

Here are a couple of inexpensive sheath dresses from Amazon:

This one comes in lots of colors and sizes, and ranges from $26 - $30 or so.

Another option in the same price range, but with a longer skirt.

Regarding pantyhose, I used to feel the same way. Then, I started exploring brands, styles and sizes beyond what I found at, say Target. This has turned me into kind of a hosiery nerd. Like you, I want my clothing to be soft, comfortable and forgiving. Here's what I've learned.

- Don't be afraid to buy a size up. If the hose roll down or pinch at the waist, or pull your skin, they're too small.
- Opaque microfiber tights are my winter staple. They basically feel like pajama bottoms.
- You don't have to hand-wash your hosiery. I wash mine in the machine in those mesh, bra-wash bags that zip shut (not the drawstring ones!) and it works really well.
- Brands: I've loved everything I've ever bought by Falke; they're super soft. Trasparenze is also nice, as is Cecilia de Rafael. Some CK options are decent. At the low end: Hanes Silk Reflections are okay for day-to-day.
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 12:32 PM on September 29, 2016

I wear pencil-like skirts all the time with t-shirts and a tank under. The t-shirt dresses down the pencil skirt, which for me is more stretchy than a tailored pencil skirt. So I wouldn't rule them out. But definitely no hose (agreed, ew). (I also don't tuck my shirts, and I don't wear heels, both of which may dress it down also)
posted by evening at 11:50 AM on September 30, 2016

I just discovered them and want to spread the word: Universal Standard
posted by koucha at 5:44 PM on October 1, 2016