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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.