Hi, Where do you guys find your suites? I work in a business casual environment, but want to have a couple of suites as S&C suggest to break up? Any ideas?

If you give body dimensions like height, weight, and body type people would be able to give you more information on where to go and look for clothes. Also if you give your age people will be able to give you age appropriate suggestions. If your on a budget I would go to Kohls or JCPennys to look for a suit. I hope I have helped.

I would recommend going with something more expensive, if you can do it. Men in the business world know how to tell a cheap suit from a nice one (I don't, but then it's not required for my field anyway), and they use it to judge your position. I truly wish there were a Women's Wearhouse out there, but there isn't anything like it (or any other women's business suit store?), and so there's no real standard for women.

I've seen people here talk about the JCrew suits, which seem to be pretty nice (something on the order of $200-$300). Get something in a neutral color and a classic cut that flatters you. That way it will be worth the money, because it will last for years both style-wise and fabric-wise, and you can wear the suit as separates to broaden your wardrobe.

Matt? Could you start a WW chain? Go corporate, young man!

Depending on where you live, there are a number of options. As has been commented on here, I work for Men's Wearhouse. They've a great chain and carry a variety of suit styles in a variety of prices. The most inexpensive one in the store is about $200. But if you're going in to purchase clothing for work, including general business wear and business casual, be prepared to spend between $400 and $500 to get yourself started.

Beyond the suit and the tailoring, you'll need a couple of dress shirts, and ties as well as some items that can work for business casual. And don't forget the shoes. You'll need some nice dress shoes as well.

As S&C always say, you need to view this as an investment. The more suits or dress slacks and sport jackets you own, the more money you'll save on the back end by not having to replace things as quickly, and reduced wear and tear on what you own.

So Men's Wearhouse is one option, there is also Joseph A. Banks--also seen as Jos. A Banks--but they are pricier than MW. A good department store such as Dillard's or Nordstrom usually employs some very knowledgeable people, although there can be exception. Nordstrom is the pricier of the two. Also, some of J.C. Penney's upper end Stafford suits compare very favorably with what MW carries. Don't even dream of going to Sears for a suit. I've never even shopped at Macy's so I couldn't tell you anything about them or the quality of their merchandise.

Many towns also have some good local stores. But there you need to be a little more careful. When it comes to local haberdashers, your best bet is to find someone whose fashion style and sense you admire and ask him where he buys his clothing. Usually when you walk into any store with the name of a good customer, you'll get excellent service because they don't want risk bad news getting back to the one who did the refering and losing that trade.

Anything else you want to know?

I got the impression jb was a woman. Any good recommendations for women's suits (on par with Men's Wearhouse quality or better)?

Women's suiting:
- Ann Taylor (Sale time!)
- Brooks Brothers
- Talbotts (??)
- Banana Republic (Questionable quality at retail)

Another suggestion that's sold by most mid-range department stores is Theory. They feature modern cuts with comfort fabrics at a moderate-expensive price point. I would never suggest buying at full retail, but decent for the discount shopper.

I have it made as far as suits -- I walk into Men's Warehouse, tell this guy Matt that Stacey London is taking off her clothes on channel 17, and he runs to the TV in the breakroom. I grab what I want and run the other direction.

Seriously,

Lands' End: Don't laugh - their stuff is a good deal in the $300 range.

Jos. A Bank: Mostly traditional men's biz wear, fairly nice stuff in most price ranges. Shop carefully if you are athletic build.

Brooks Bros: Like Bank but preppier, more old-school. Traditional, not fashionable. Quality is very good.

Banana Rep: Hipper garb, good fit for athletic/ younger. Still biz-appropriate.

Nautica: Great patterned fabric, questionable cut for a fit guy.

Hartmarx: Traditional, but with range (A Reed branded jackets have higher armholes, etc.). Good quality overall, gets better with Gold Trumpeter line.

With no women in my life, who are willing to spend for a decent wardrobe, I really can't say much on the female line. We've had several women tell us as, they're shopping for their husbands, they wish MW had a female equivalent.

MW does own a small chain of bridal shops. Who knows maybe that will eventually expand into a Women's Wearhouse.

I was also surprised to learn that MW owns K&G
Men's Stores.

If you're female, starting in your career, and on a budget, one way to get a suit look is to buy matched separates at Ann Taylor Loft. Their jackets and skirts are attractive and more fashion forward than a deadly serious business suit, like Tahari or Anne Klein (also much more affordable). Another advantage to buying a career wardrobe there is that they have lots of things that coordinate each season, so you can end up with a whole slew of outfits with a jacket, two coordinating skirts and/or pants, and some tops. They discount nicely towards the end of the season, if you can time your purchases that way.

I don't know if you're a hard-to-fit type, but you might also look up consignment shops. There you can get designer, or otherwise high quality suits for a fraction of the price that you would pay at retail. Make sure that it is a consignment shop and not a thrift shop though, since consignment will have better quality items.