Suits don't suit her

March 6, 2008 7:48 AM

A friend needs to buy a suit for an interview, and she is having a terrible time finding something suitable. Where, in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, can she get an inexpensive yet fashionable, formal work wear ladies suit in black (size 16 or 18)?

She has considered going down to the Men's Wearhouse and asking them to tailor a man's suit for here, but I have a feeling that wouldn't work unless she were fairly flat-chested, which she's not. But if anyone has any actual experience doing something like that, please report.

posted by ubiquity to clothing, beauty, & fashion (13 comments total)

Has she tried Lane Bryant? There are several around Scottsdale, but the only one whose location I really remember is at the corner of McClintock and Rio Salado -- right at the edge of the Scottsdale/Tempe border. (IIRC, that location is close to a Men's Wearhouse, in case she still wants to try that.)

Their webpage has several suit items, but none which exactly meet her description. They may have a better selection in-store, though?
posted by Ms. Saint at 8:40 AM on March 6, 2008

I am a size 16 and often find Lane Bryant's stuff to be a little weird for work -- seams in odd places, weird trim, etc.

Has your friend tried JC Penney? It makes me feel old to shop there, but I got a couple of totally presentable, basic suits on the cheap from their Worthington line. They are perpetually having a sale, and I know the line goes up to at least an 18. It looks like there is at least one in Phoenix.
posted by Siobhan at 8:50 AM on March 6, 2008

Catherine's Plus Sizes almost always has suits or separates, but they trend a little less fashionable than most places. I would also have suggested Avenue, but they don't seem to have any normal blazer-type jackets there at the moment.
posted by cabingirl at 9:03 AM on March 6, 2008

I've always hated Lane Bryant for suits. In fact, most plus size specialty stores seem to do them poorly. I've had the best luck in large department stores, specifically Lord & Taylor. There don't seem to be any of those in Phoenix, so I would suggest Macy's... there are several in the area.
posted by kimdog at 9:11 AM on March 6, 2008

Seconding Macy's. They have a fairly decent plus-size section, including cute work clothes.
posted by donajo at 9:40 AM on March 6, 2008

Talbots - According to the interwebs their store at the Scottsdale Fashion Center has their whole line including womens (12w- 24w) and their regular misses sizes go to 20. They aren't your least expensive choice but your friend should be able to find something affordable, flattering and not so trendy that she'll never wear it again.
posted by rosebengal at 9:42 AM on March 6, 2008

When we bought a suit recently for our freakishly tall and skinny son, we were able to buy one off the rack (except for hemming the pants) at JCPenney of all places. They had an amazing inventory of men's suits on-hand, even for odd sizes.

Granted, women's wear might be different, but it's worth a shot, especially if you're going to the mall anyway.
posted by Doohickie at 9:52 AM on March 6, 2008

I was in this same position two years ago, having gained enough weight over several months of unemployment that I couldn't fit into any of my interview suits. I found something decent at Sears for under $80. It's not the nicest suit I own, but it's perfectly fine for interviews.

I love Talbots, and they do have plus sizes, though I have never bought a suit there and it's not the cheapest choice.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:13 AM on March 6, 2008

Nordstrom Rack carries plus sizes, and often has nice stuff for decent prices.
posted by amarynth at 10:16 AM on March 6, 2008

Spiegel carries beautiful suits in size 18.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 10:50 AM on March 6, 2008

I would check any of the department stores and look for Dana Buchman's line. It's a bit pricey but no one cuts suits for women better than Dana IMHO. I'm between a 12 and a 14 but I still find suits in other lines can make me look masculine. The lines are too severe. I know Nordstrom carries them. Also, Dillard's has a wonderful suit department with something for my sinfully skinny sister and her more substantial older sibling (me).

FWIW, I have stopped several of my curvy girl female friends from shopping at Lane Bryant. Yes, some of their clothing is contemporary and stylish but it still looks cheaply made. She might also want to check out Last Chance on 20th St. and Camelback. It's the Neiman Marcus clearance store and when they have deals, they have deals.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 11:49 AM on March 6, 2008

I bought a beautifully cheap suit from JC Penny - very conservative, but it had lavender lining, which I loved. I don't know if they have size 18 suits, but the sizes tend to run a bit big - I'm usually a 16, but I fit in a 14.
posted by muddgirl at 3:30 PM on March 6, 2008

...are you suggesting a Tailor wouldn't be able to fit a suit?? If they've been doing it for 6 months I'm sure they've had to work with the odd set of man boobs here and there...

I'd definitely ask them. Tailors are clever, it's not like tab A in slot B - it's architecture, if you know what I mean?

If your suit doesn't fit nicely (read beautifully) then you may as well just wear your comfy old jeans for all the difference it's going to make.
posted by mu~ha~ha~ha~har at 8:01 AM on April 28, 2008