Looking for a high-quality women's suit in Toronto.

February 1, 2009 12:56 PM

Looking for a high-quality women's suit in Toronto.

I'm willing to make a reasonable investment in a well-tailored suit. I'm still quite young and find that it's difficult to find something that is both fashionable and well-made, but below the designer price range. Are there any places in Toronto where I have a good chance of finding an appropriate suit priced somewhere around $500?

posted by Grimble to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

The most important thing to keep in mind when investing in a suit, especially if you are young and trying to make a good impression is that quality pays off. Unfortunately, $500 does not translate into a high quality women's suit, it's more of a mid to low range for suiting. Though you can find something fashionable, albeit not long-lasting at Zara (Eaton Center or Queen West).
The problem with the bridge market and fast fashion is, people think they are getting a good deal with a cheap suit, but in the long run you pay more for less. Those who know can tell a cheap suit easily, and a $1200 suit will look great for ten years, while a $500 suit will look acceptable for 3 or 4 tops.
If you are actually looking for something that is tailored and high-quality, try going custom at an actual tailor. Most local tailors will be able to take a simpler suit's runway picture and mimic it with high quality wool or silk. This runs the $800-$1200 range. It will also be your suit, made specifically to your measurements to flatter your body. The key thing with this approach is finding the right tailor with experience in women's suiting. Walter Beauchamp (Wellington St) is a bespoke men's and women's tailor who caters to Bay Street.
Beyond that, if you want something actually well made, you are probably going to have to move into the designer range. However, the Winner's at Yorkville (Bloor St and Avenue Rd) often has great designer stuff at about half the usual price. Remember, unless you find something that fits perfectly, getting it tailored could easily run you another $200-$300.
posted by Count at 1:52 PM on February 1, 2009

Tom's Place in Kensington has lovely women's suits, but not a lot of them. I haven't yet been able to afford the suits there, but I've coveted them.
posted by girlpublisher at 2:00 PM on February 1, 2009

It might skew too old for you, but try Price Roman on Queen W.
posted by pised at 3:28 PM on February 1, 2009

For sub 500 dollar suits I like Femme de Carriere

http://femmedecarriere.com. They have decent sales too. They are on sale right now.

Try the First Canadian Place and TD Tower locations.
posted by geekigirl at 5:00 PM on February 1, 2009

Best answer: Seconding Femme de Carriere (I've been to the one at the Eaton's Centre, upstairs- the First Canadian Place one geekgirl mentioned is a bigger store, though, and there's also one under Holt Renfrew). Femme-d-C's stuff is awesome- fits well and has nice, designy details. As long as you're at the Eaton's Centre, also check out Tristan & America, Mexx, and RW & Co.

Although the following stores will be a little more mall-quality, you might get lucky at Banana Republic, Jacob, Club Monaco, or Zara. Also, weirdly, Aritzia has nice suits under the brand name Talulah. I think they really only have one style, so if it doesn't suit you, you're out of luck- but it is a nice, classic style (shortish jacket, 3 buttons, high stance, nicely fitted) that's made of nice fabric, properly lined, etc.

You could also try Teenflo (First Canadian Place). And check out Holt Renfrew. Dress nice or the retail snobs will give you attitude.

And finally, Girl Friday at College & Ossington sometimes has suits, and Champagne & Cupcakes at Queen & Dovercourt has good stuff. I got a kickass pair of hand-made dress trousers there last summer, really nice slightly stretchy plaid suit fabric, on sale for $30- and as I recall, there were suits, too. (Both those places specialize in dresses, though, so call ahead, and if they don't have a lot of suits right now, you can save yourself a trip).
posted by pseudostrabismus at 6:42 PM on February 1, 2009

Oh! And also there's Any Direct Flight, which is a boutique featuring suits and other lovely clothes by a local designer, as well as outside labels.
posted by girlpublisher at 2:03 PM on February 3, 2009