Career Style: Affordable Suiting

Mar 14, 2011

When you work in a professional environment, suiting is an important part of your wardrobe.  But when a mid-price suit like J.Crew can set you back $350+, it can be difficult to keep your suiting wardrobe current.  This weekend, I was at the Pentagon City Mall making some returns when I saw the billboards for The Limited’s semi-annual suiting sale, and I asked myself, “I wonder if these suits are any good?”

I grade a suit in four categories: fit, fabric, style and quality.  I was impressed with how some of the suits in The Limited fell into these categories.  For the most part, the suits had creative, feminine styles and were made with fabrics that had good weight and feel.  However, some of the styles were just over the top, and a few of the fabrics felt like burlap.  As for quality, that is something determined over time, but to my eye the seaming and stitching looked as good as what you would fine at Banana Republic, and the styles were a lot more inventive than what you would find at BR.  Think Nanette Lepore-light.

 

This suit with it’s short sleeves and it’s subtle detailing is more stylish than most of what you find at most retailers.  Add a flirty, tie-neck blouse and a chic pair of snakeskin pumps and you have a an outfit that will be perfect for the office in the warm weather months.  I would also add some simple bangle bracelets and a drop earring, most likely in gold.
Being able to buy a decent quality suit with a bit of style for under-$200 is about as good as it gets.  If you visit the store of the website during the semi-annual suiting sale, you can save up to $100 on select suits.  So if you’re looking to freshen up your closet for spring, give The Limited a try.

Career Style

share this post

Leave a Reply to CB Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. CB says:

    I used to work for the Limited as a college job when they were still owned by Limited Brands (Victoria's Secret, B&BW, etc.), and found the suits a great value then. The fabric holds up and still looks great. I would recommend when shopping for suiting on a budget.

  2. Alli says:

    You know, I was just in The Limited last week and noticed the suiting as well. As far as design, I thought many of the suits were as you described–cute with just enough of a flirty touch to be office appropriate. However, I tried on several different suiting styles and the fabric just seemed sub-par. They add a lot of stretch to their suits, which I think is fine in moderation, but it gave the fabric a cheaper feel and look, and it threw the fit off for me.

  3. Govvie says:

    I tried The Limited for some work separates last year after a decade-long hiatus. I signed up for The Limited Card because they offer free pant hemming for cardholders. I was disappointed when one of the cotton sweaters I bought developed holes after just a few wearings and the hem fell out of a pair of pants. With other inexpensive options available (e.g., NY & Co., Loft), I can't say I'll be back anytime soon.

  4. CR says:

    I really like the Limited, though you have to be careful. The material in their suits varies, with the Luxe line being mostly wool, and some of the others wholly synthetic. I have a charcoal pin-stripe Luxe suit that has been my main suit for a year, and it's held up really well. No loose buttons, ripped seaming or anything. The main reason I love the Limited is that they frequently carry clothes that modestly fit my 32E figure. Seriously, try their button-ups – they're the only ones I've found in this price range that ever fit. Their jackets are similar, though you should try them on (as always) since sometimes they have ones that are cut more straight. Definitely worth checking out!

  5. K says:

    I bought two suits at the Limited in 2007. I wore them constantly the first two years I had them and they are still in decent shape. The fabric and colors are a little on the casual side so not nice enough to wear to court, but they work great for the office. I think the styles are hit or miss so it's worth keeping on an eye on what they have.

  6. Megan R. says:

    If you're signing up for their email updates for the first time, you can get an in-store or online coupon for $15 off every $50 you spend. It helps to sweeten the deal a bit.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

6

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

6

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO