A nice blouse and slacks, often grey or black, pinstripes in the pattern is pretty common. Add a matching blazer if you want to be really fancy.

A skirt rather than slacks dresses it up a little more, even.

To get an idea, go to JCPenney's or Macy's website and look at their suit listings. That will give you a pretty good idea. If you end up needing to buy something, you might check any thrift shops you have in the area (though I've not known thrift stores to carry much in the way of business clothing). Or keep in mind that business attire is an investment (or at least it is for those who are required to wear business attire every day).

I hope that helps.

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*shudder* I hate thrift stores. I spend hours pawing through other people's rejects, and I never come out with anything I actually end up wearing. :(

It might be worth the purchase new, though. If I can find something awesome that's not black and won't break my credit card limit, ha.

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So how do you feel about consignment shops? They'd probably be more likely to have business attire, and consignment shops are usually a little more upscale than the standard thrift shop because they're more selective.

You should be able to find something not black. Neutrals are pretty standard, but there are muted colors out there, too. And a good suit is a good investment. I loved my gray wool suit I had just out of college.

Edited at 2010-09-29 12:24 am (UTC)

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You can't go wrong with a nice knee-length skirt in a stiff material in gray or black with a nice long-sleeved blouse in a silky material in white, gray, or pastel.

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Maybe a nice blouse and a skirt, or a businesslike dress. A little black dress might work, if you have that.

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I second the LBD vote -- most of us own one that is capable of being accessorized as either businesswear or eveningwear, depending; if you don't, it's probably the one of the most useful and versatile purchases you could make.

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I have two little BROWN dresses--black makes me look ill, at least when it's next to my face. But one is more on the cocktail side of things, and the other I'm not sure qualifies as business wear or not....

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Perhaps a knee-length/pencil skirt, nice top and heels?

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Ditto on the skirt and blouse. If you have nice slacks in a neutral color, that and a blouse would also work. Depending on the weather, you could switch the blouse for a sweater-type shell and a matching cardigan (that's slightly more informal, but still acceptable). A dress with a matching jacket over it would also work.

Probably the easiest and least expensive option is the pants and blouse option, with a jacket/blazer if you have one.

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I second the little black dress idea, the straight (dark-colored) skirt and nice blouse idea, and definitely the thrift store idea.

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Cute sundress with a sweater/shrug/what have you over it. If you're looking to buy something on the cheap I'd suggest walking into a Forever XXI. The store can be hit or miss, but they're good for inexpensive basics, and have business-type clothes too.

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I just got back from a seminar, and something occurred to me that I'm not sure why I missed it before. Have you considered a pant suit? Like a matching pant and "jacket" (tunic style top) set? I had a couple of them when I worked at the PAC. Very comfy, very versatile (as far as event appropriateness), and quite professional looking.

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