Top Five Places to Shop for Professional Clothes for Women

Banana Republic is by far my favorite choice of stores when it comes to buying clothes for work. As a short person I am especially fond of their overwhelming choice in Petites. While their clothes can be rather expensive, they are high quality and generally pretty timeless. So of course they can be worn year to year. In addition to clothes they also offer great work handbags, shoes and accessories to pull together an entire outfit.

Of course shopping in the sale section at Banana Republic is never a bad idea but even if you pay full price you will not be disappointed. I have always received many compliments on clothes that come from there. In addition to the many stores, you can also purchase clothes at www.bananarepublic.com or use the store locator to find a store close to you.

In addition if you shop at Piperlime for shoes online and order something from Banana Republic your order will ship for free.

Ann Taylor

Very similar in style and quality is Ann Taylor. I do feel that Banana Republic has a better style, but for classic looks Ann Taylor is fantastic.

Ann Taylor also offers Petites and pants in long for those of you that are bit taller. They too offer shoes to pull together an entire outfit.

My only complaint about Ann Taylor is that some of their prices are exceptionally high. While I have no problem spending money on clothes that I know will last, spending over $80 for a camisole seems a bit excessive. Perhaps a little more than Banana Republic the sale rack is best.

Most major malls have an Ann Taylor, but if you prefer to shop online visit www.anntaylor.com for work fashions.

Express

I have been shopping at Express since I was in high school 12 years ago. While some of their fashions are very "young" looking, I do find great skirts and tops for work. The quality is not as good as Banana Republic or Ann Taylor but the good nonetheless and at a lower cost.

Express offers Petite and long pant lengths.

Oftentimes, Express has sales or offers coupons if you join their e-mail mailing list. Check out www.express.com or visit virtually any mall for stores.

The Limited

The Limited reminds me of an upscale Express. Their clothes are pretty simple and while there is not necessarily a large variety they of good quality.

The Limited is a great place to get basic pieces for a wardrobe, such as black pants, a black top etc. They also have some nice accessories to go with almost any outfit you can think of. The Limited like most stores today offers Petite and long pants in addition to standard lengths.

The downfall to The Limited is the fact that there are very few stores around. Visit www.TheLimited.com to buy online.

Nordstrom

While many have the preconceived notion that Nordstrom's is exceptionally expensive this is simply a rumor. There are certainly name brands and sections in Norstrom's where this perception applies but generally speaking Nordstrom's carries excellent quality clothes and shoes.

Norstrom's is a department store so what they offer for work depends on many things including what the designers they carry have going. I have never been let down by a trip to Nordstrom's when looking for professional clothes that are of high quality and not exceptionally expensive.

Nordstrom's also offers a bi-annual sale during which you can find exceptional deals and great finds.

If you are feeling like saving a little bit of money check out Nordstrom's Rack (Nordstrom's version of an outlet). Visit www.nordstrom.com for a store near you or to order online.

Whatever you choice for great shopping for professional clothes, keep in mind that sometimes the higher costs up front still save you money in the end. Good quality clothes that are a bit on the pricey side might end up saving you money in the long run.

Happy Shopping!