Where to get business casual clothing in Melbourne, Australia?
November 2, 2010 6:06 AM Subscribe
Clothing filter: Where can I, a 23-year-old female, get business casual attire in Melbourne, Australia?
So I got this job! Yay!
Now I need to buy an entirely new wardrobe, basically, because the dress code at my new workplace is business casual and I have been a jeans-and-t-shirt girl my entire life. I own a suit and some dress shirts which I've been wearing to interviews, but that's it. Obviously I need more.
I have some idea of what business casual is, thanks to Google and the AskMe tag (although tips here will be helpful too!) - business attire taken down a notch, essentially. Happily, women seem to get more leeway here than men do, and anyway I do plan to have a look at what the other women in my workplace are wearing before really going on a shopping spree. But - well - where does one buy business casual attire? This is where I get stuck. There seem to be online retailers aplenty, but I'd like to go to bricks-and-mortar stores before resorting to them because I hate buying clothes I haven't tried on first. They never quite fit right.
So help me MeFi! I probably need something of everything: blouses, shirts, slacks, skirts, shoes, suits ... where do I get them?
So I got this job! Yay!
Now I need to buy an entirely new wardrobe, basically, because the dress code at my new workplace is business casual and I have been a jeans-and-t-shirt girl my entire life. I own a suit and some dress shirts which I've been wearing to interviews, but that's it. Obviously I need more.
I have some idea of what business casual is, thanks to Google and the AskMe tag (although tips here will be helpful too!) - business attire taken down a notch, essentially. Happily, women seem to get more leeway here than men do, and anyway I do plan to have a look at what the other women in my workplace are wearing before really going on a shopping spree. But - well - where does one buy business casual attire? This is where I get stuck. There seem to be online retailers aplenty, but I'd like to go to bricks-and-mortar stores before resorting to them because I hate buying clothes I haven't tried on first. They never quite fit right.
So help me MeFi! I probably need something of everything: blouses, shirts, slacks, skirts, shoes, suits ... where do I get them?
Response by poster: Oh yeah, that'd probably be important ...
I'm 5'2" and I tend to wear anywhere from size 8-12 depending on cut and how fitting the garment is supposed to be. Shape... er... ordinary? I think my shoulders are slightly broader than average, but that usually isn't a problem. Then again, I do usually just wear t-shirts.
As for price range, there's the tricky part too: I don't really know how much one should spend on these things. I tend to prefer having a few high-quality pieces to having much lower-quality stuff, because they last longer and thus I have to shop less often, but I don't have an exact dollar amount in mind. Preferably my total expenditure would run into three digits max, but my budget at the moment is hazily defined as "what I can justify to my mother" and she loves shopping for expensive quality items, so there's a bit of leeway.
posted by Xany at 8:58 AM on November 2, 2010
I'm 5'2" and I tend to wear anywhere from size 8-12 depending on cut and how fitting the garment is supposed to be. Shape... er... ordinary? I think my shoulders are slightly broader than average, but that usually isn't a problem. Then again, I do usually just wear t-shirts.
As for price range, there's the tricky part too: I don't really know how much one should spend on these things. I tend to prefer having a few high-quality pieces to having much lower-quality stuff, because they last longer and thus I have to shop less often, but I don't have an exact dollar amount in mind. Preferably my total expenditure would run into three digits max, but my budget at the moment is hazily defined as "what I can justify to my mother" and she loves shopping for expensive quality items, so there's a bit of leeway.
posted by Xany at 8:58 AM on November 2, 2010
Um, you could try the mall. Lol. Or Collins St in the CBD. Or a suburban mall like Chadstone. Or anywhere where there are lots of clothing stores. Just like in any city in the world...
posted by smoke at 3:31 PM on November 2, 2010
posted by smoke at 3:31 PM on November 2, 2010
Response by poster: Yes. I'm looking for exact store recommendations.
posted by Xany at 5:14 PM on November 2, 2010
posted by Xany at 5:14 PM on November 2, 2010
Best answer: Not knowing anything about your style, it's difficult to say; everybody is different, all the stores are close together, there's not substitute for going to look at them yourself.
But.. Cue, Saba, Jigsaw, David Lawrence, Seed, Ojay, Marcs, Lisa Ho (higher end); Myers, David Jones, Witchery, Revue, Kookai, Seduce (mid-end); Portmans, Giordano, Sportsgirl (lower end).
I'm not saying any or all of these stores would be appropriate for you. But you'll probably find something there. Go to Collins St and work your way up from Queen St to Swanston St. Cross over through David Jones and Myers (looking at their stuff) until you get to Melbourne Central, then wander about it in there.
posted by smoke at 6:03 PM on November 2, 2010
But.. Cue, Saba, Jigsaw, David Lawrence, Seed, Ojay, Marcs, Lisa Ho (higher end); Myers, David Jones, Witchery, Revue, Kookai, Seduce (mid-end); Portmans, Giordano, Sportsgirl (lower end).
I'm not saying any or all of these stores would be appropriate for you. But you'll probably find something there. Go to Collins St and work your way up from Queen St to Swanston St. Cross over through David Jones and Myers (looking at their stuff) until you get to Melbourne Central, then wander about it in there.
posted by smoke at 6:03 PM on November 2, 2010
Best answer: I work in an office with a business casual dress code. Here it's pretty much anything except denim. As suggested above you might like to try Myer (their house brand Basque can be good for the basics) or David Jones as they'll have a whole lot of brands in one place - this is my preference because I have a short attention span for shopping. You might like to add Country Road to the above list too and Wittner for shoes.
Don't forget about dresses. I love putting on just one item of clothing! It makes me very happy.
posted by WayOutWest at 9:36 PM on November 2, 2010
Don't forget about dresses. I love putting on just one item of clothing! It makes me very happy.
posted by WayOutWest at 9:36 PM on November 2, 2010
Best answer: Here are my go to brands for certain items:
FITTED SHIRTS
-indispensable and can go with anything - skirts, denim, pants etc.
--->Cue - about $90 each. Long lasting, machine washable, easy to iron.
--->Temt - very cheap. don't last long. good cuts
---> Satch - expensive. long lasting. Great cuts
--->Herringbone - amazing cut, quality, and french cuffs
--->MNG - good for satin shirts
--->Barkins - good for colors, affordable, machine washable
--->Review - more feminine cuts and colours
SHIFT DRESSES
-amazingly comfortable, dress up easily, throw blazer over. Wear alone in summer, and layered over a shirt or knit in winter. Very versatile.
--->Cue - well cut, easy care
--->Temt - especially in winter, cheap, well cut
--->Jigsaw - good quality
--->Review - nice cuts and fabrics
---> MNG - well priced, very nice cuts
SUITS
-100% wool will last you and will sit well
---> Satch have amazing cuts and are well worth price
---> Arthur Galan are more expensive but incredible quality
---> Cue are a bit cheaper and also last well
---> Alannah Hill have amazing suits with cute feminine details. Check the Clear It outlet in Brunswick St for their outlet. I've found many suits there!
PANTS
---> Cue
---> Satch
---> David Lawrence
---> MNG
You'll probably want a good selection of work clothes, I would start with:
1. Basic Suit (full 3 piece for versatility, if it has a matching shift dress, grab that too)
2. 1 or 2 pencil/work knee length skirts
3. A few less formal tops (Kookai's basic Cotton de pima tees are dressy enough for under a suit and such great quality) for skirts, pants and suits
4. A few shirts (1 white), for dressing up casual pants/skirts/denim
5. A great black blazer can dress up ANYTHING
6. 2 pairs of comfortable work shoes
7. i keep a scarf/pashmina for unpredictable office aircon
I'm happy to have more fun helping - Memail me if you need more help, and I also know someone who's an incredible and affordable stylist who can personal shop with you if you want!
posted by shazzam! at 9:48 PM on November 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
FITTED SHIRTS
-indispensable and can go with anything - skirts, denim, pants etc.
--->Cue - about $90 each. Long lasting, machine washable, easy to iron.
--->Temt - very cheap. don't last long. good cuts
---> Satch - expensive. long lasting. Great cuts
--->Herringbone - amazing cut, quality, and french cuffs
--->MNG - good for satin shirts
--->Barkins - good for colors, affordable, machine washable
--->Review - more feminine cuts and colours
SHIFT DRESSES
-amazingly comfortable, dress up easily, throw blazer over. Wear alone in summer, and layered over a shirt or knit in winter. Very versatile.
--->Cue - well cut, easy care
--->Temt - especially in winter, cheap, well cut
--->Jigsaw - good quality
--->Review - nice cuts and fabrics
---> MNG - well priced, very nice cuts
SUITS
-100% wool will last you and will sit well
---> Satch have amazing cuts and are well worth price
---> Arthur Galan are more expensive but incredible quality
---> Cue are a bit cheaper and also last well
---> Alannah Hill have amazing suits with cute feminine details. Check the Clear It outlet in Brunswick St for their outlet. I've found many suits there!
PANTS
---> Cue
---> Satch
---> David Lawrence
---> MNG
You'll probably want a good selection of work clothes, I would start with:
1. Basic Suit (full 3 piece for versatility, if it has a matching shift dress, grab that too)
2. 1 or 2 pencil/work knee length skirts
3. A few less formal tops (Kookai's basic Cotton de pima tees are dressy enough for under a suit and such great quality) for skirts, pants and suits
4. A few shirts (1 white), for dressing up casual pants/skirts/denim
5. A great black blazer can dress up ANYTHING
6. 2 pairs of comfortable work shoes
7. i keep a scarf/pashmina for unpredictable office aircon
I'm happy to have more fun helping - Memail me if you need more help, and I also know someone who's an incredible and affordable stylist who can personal shop with you if you want!
posted by shazzam! at 9:48 PM on November 2, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Seconding MNG - I get pretty much ALL my business casual work clothes from there. I personally wouldn't bother with a suit - I work in a professional office and, unless they are going to court, no one wears one. My works clothes are pretty much:
One black pencil skirt (Supre)
One pair of grey fitted pants (Portmans outlet on Bridge Road - always a winner, I get a lot from there)
One pair of denim cut black cotton skinny leg pants (MNG and my favourites)
Two summer skirts (Alannah Hill outlet on Brunswick Street)
Various knitted shirts and 'fancy' t-shirts (mostly MNG & Portmans) - I don't do ironing
Camisoles & cardigans (Wish is good for these)
Knitted vests for winter
Everything I have is black, grey and cream so while not that exciting I can mix and match to make it look like I have a lot more clothes than I do. That new DFO outlet near Jeff's Shed, while a total pain in the ass to get too, has been fashion gold for me - I always pick something up and usually for under $20. I'm cheap though and rarely spend more than $50 on something.
My rule now is, if I can't think of at least three ways I can wear it, I don't buy it.
posted by Wantok at 1:06 AM on November 3, 2010
One black pencil skirt (Supre)
One pair of grey fitted pants (Portmans outlet on Bridge Road - always a winner, I get a lot from there)
One pair of denim cut black cotton skinny leg pants (MNG and my favourites)
Two summer skirts (Alannah Hill outlet on Brunswick Street)
Various knitted shirts and 'fancy' t-shirts (mostly MNG & Portmans) - I don't do ironing
Camisoles & cardigans (Wish is good for these)
Knitted vests for winter
Everything I have is black, grey and cream so while not that exciting I can mix and match to make it look like I have a lot more clothes than I do. That new DFO outlet near Jeff's Shed, while a total pain in the ass to get too, has been fashion gold for me - I always pick something up and usually for under $20. I'm cheap though and rarely spend more than $50 on something.
My rule now is, if I can't think of at least three ways I can wear it, I don't buy it.
posted by Wantok at 1:06 AM on November 3, 2010
Seconding MNG - I get pretty much ALL my business casual work clothes from there. I personally wouldn't bother with a suit - I work in a professional office and, unless they are going to court, no one wears one. My works clothes are pretty much:
One black pencil skirt (Supre)
One pair of grey fitted pants (Portmans outlet on Bridge Road - always a winner, I get a lot from there)
One pair of denim cut black cotton skinny leg pants (MNG and my favourites)
Two summer skirts (Alannah Hill outlet on Brunswick Street)
Various knitted shirts and 'fancy' t-shirts (mostly MNG & Portmans) - I don't do ironing
Camisoles & cardigans (Wish is good for these)
Knitted vests for winter
Everything I have is black, grey and cream so while not that exciting I can mix and match to make it look like I have a lot more clothes than I do. That new DFO outlet near Jeff's Shed, while a total pain in the ass to get too, has been fashion gold for me - I always pick something up and usually for under $20. I'm cheap though and rarely spend more than $50 on something.
posted by Wantok at 1:07 AM on November 3, 2010
One black pencil skirt (Supre)
One pair of grey fitted pants (Portmans outlet on Bridge Road - always a winner, I get a lot from there)
One pair of denim cut black cotton skinny leg pants (MNG and my favourites)
Two summer skirts (Alannah Hill outlet on Brunswick Street)
Various knitted shirts and 'fancy' t-shirts (mostly MNG & Portmans) - I don't do ironing
Camisoles & cardigans (Wish is good for these)
Knitted vests for winter
Everything I have is black, grey and cream so while not that exciting I can mix and match to make it look like I have a lot more clothes than I do. That new DFO outlet near Jeff's Shed, while a total pain in the ass to get too, has been fashion gold for me - I always pick something up and usually for under $20. I'm cheap though and rarely spend more than $50 on something.
posted by Wantok at 1:07 AM on November 3, 2010
Oh, I meant to add - it's worth getting spendy for shoes, pants and cardigans. Shirts you'll get bored of quickly so don't need to last as long.
posted by Wantok at 1:08 AM on November 3, 2010
posted by Wantok at 1:08 AM on November 3, 2010
Response by poster: You guys rock! That's exactly what I need - thanks loads. Looks like I have some shopping to do.
And I might indeed take you up on that, shazzam. :D
posted by Xany at 1:56 AM on November 3, 2010
And I might indeed take you up on that, shazzam. :D
posted by Xany at 1:56 AM on November 3, 2010
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I'm in Melbourne and only slightly fashion obsessed (looks away), and there's nothing I like better than putting together good work outfits. Let me know your size, shape and price ranges (eg how much would you spend on a good suit, a shirt, shoes etc) and I'll give you a list of stores to try!
posted by shazzam! at 6:37 AM on November 2, 2010