Ask the Edit Vol. IV, No. Twenty-Two

Jul 6, 2017

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.

Ask The Edit, Ask the Editor

share this post

Leave a Reply to kk Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

  1. Pompom says:

    LOVE that baguette ring you linked to! Too bad I have sausage fingers and they don’t have my size…I’d be adding it to my wish list.

  2. Kate says:

    I think camel and red looks very sharp, or a light gray! Definitely would not be wearing navy and red the week after the Fourth, you look like you haven’t been home yet ; )

  3. Chelsea says:

    My favorite taupe nail polish is OPI You Don’t Know Jacques. I always have gel and get this color more often than not!

  4. kk says:

    I think the more traditional Anne Klein suit options are a safe bet. I would not wear a tweedy or wrap belt suit to a big law interview- save that for once you work there. Stick to traditional!

  5. Summer says:

    @BigLaw — In addition to Theory, I found my suits at J. Crew and Talbots. I agree with not having a boxy suit for interviews!

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.

3

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.

3

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