Hi Belle!
I’m a lobbyist by day and law student by night. I have an interview with a BigLaw firm coming up this month, and I’m looking for a nice suit to help me dress the part. However, I’d obviously love to get something that can be worn after the interview too, an ensemble that’s not so boxy and/or extremely plain. Is there a skirt suit out there that has a little flair but would still be appropriate for this type of interview? Preferably gray, but I’m open to anything!
Thanks! Ashley

This question is heavily dependent on price range.  Since you didn’t specify, let me break it up into two price points <$300 and over $300.

In the lower price point, I posted this gray Tahari ASL skirt suit a while ago.  I like the wide tie belt and the structure.  This basic Anne Klein charcoal pantsuit is also a good option.  Prefer something other than grey?  This navy tweed suit from Tahari ASL has a bit of flair to it.  I also like the summery color of this Anne Klein pantsuit in navy.

If you have a bit more money to spend, there are a few brands worth looking into.  Hugo Boss is my suit of choice (also available at Nordstrom Rack).  Theory gets a lot of rave reviews.  The Lafayette 148 brand is a bit hit or miss, but when it hits, it hits hard.  I like this Reiss suit, with its textured jacket.  For something with just a hint of flair, but still professional, try the Basler brand.  This navy jacket from their line is pretty great.

Plus-size ladies, I think Sejour has the best selection of suits.  Tahari ASL is another good option.

Dear Belle:
I know you like rings and was wondering if you have suggestions for small bezel-set or other flat/low profile rings that can be worn alone or in a stack. I’m trying to avoid anything that sticks up a lot, especially prongs that could get caught on wires, clothes, ETC.

Thanks, MH

 I laughed when you sent this question in because I just saw a ring today that fits what you’re looking for perfectly.  Judith Jack is making a line of stack rings that are a nice mid-price option.  This bezel-set band is $60.  I also like this baguette ring.  The jewelry also comes in white metal, if you’re not into yellow gold.

If you’d like a ring with a stone, I like this chic and affordable Karen London stacking ring.  I also like this Anna Beck ring.  They bezel set the stones, so no risk of it getting caught on your clothes.  For stacking rings, I like the Monica Vinader rings.  She makes a lot of styles and colors, and you can change them out as you see fit.

Hi Belle,
I have a lipstick-red straight skirt that I love, and I’m puzzling over what to pair with it.  You’ve noted your disdain of black and
red, and while I don’t think it looks “bordello” as you put it, it does look very severe (especially in summertime).  What alternatives do you suggest?  I work in a law office and want to look polished but not over-the-top as I’m in a rural area.
Thank you!  Love your blog, a lot.  🙂  Sara

I do dislike red and black together, but there are lot of other great options.  The simplest options are navy and white/ivory.  This navy tie-neck blouse is a nice option.  I would also try a white blazer with a red and white top (to a plain white one).  I love this red and white print top from & Other Stories.

Another less basic option would be a blush-pink or pinky-nude top.  It gives you a bit of color without being too over the top.  This Iris & Ink blush sweater would be super cute with a red skirt.  If blush doesn’t appeal to you, WhoWhatWear has a list of other hues you can try, but some of them might be a bit too risky for your office.

Dear Abra,

I’ve bought so many of your nail polish suggestions over the years.  I love Bogota Blackberry and Penny Talk.  I need some new options, are you loving anything on the newer side?

Glad to see you coming back to D.C. more.  I hope a move is in your future.

–KC–

For a work shade, I’m really into taupe hues right now.  Deborah Lippmann has a taupe that I like called She Wolf.  She also has a darker shade that I need to go buy called Love in the Dunes.  In fact her entire set of dusky earth hues, called Bed of Roses, is a must have.

Other shades that have caught my eye: this charcoal glitter from Smith & Cult, this Oribe bright red, this OPI lilac shade.