A suit is probably my least favorite thing to wear, but since I work in finance and am face to face with clients all day, a suit is a must. Sadly, from observing people who also work in a similar environment, not everyone follows this rule. I’ve seen maxi dresses, flip flops, cleavage, back cleavage, and tattoos–yikes! You can wear a suit and still look fashionable and age appropriate. And you really don’t have to spend a lot of money (unless you want to).

Let’s set some ground rules first.

The Style and Beauty Doctor Conservative Work Environment Style Tips:
1. Anything too-tight, low-cut, or ill-fitting is a no-no.
2. Steer clear of fabrics like cotton and linen as they can look too casual
3. Never think of a suit as a “suit” but instead think of the pieces as separates. If you get suits in basic colors like grey, navy, and black you can mix and match the tops and bottoms to create an almost infinite amount of wardrobe options. This method also works well with pinstripe suits (as in a pinstripe jacket with solid pants/skirts or pinstripe pants/skirts with a solid suit jacket)
4. Show your stylish side by putting a feminine blouse or tank under your jacket rather than the standard white button down.
5. Accessories are a simple yet chic way to show off your stylish side.
6. Be wary of the suits from the juniors department at your local department store. Yes, they’re still “suits” but the material of these type of suits can look poorly made and unprofessional.
7. Gym shoes and a suit? In what world? If you can’t make it through the day in your heels, get a cute, sensible flat or a platform heel.
8. Check out fast-fashion retailer Zara for sales. You can get fashionable blazers up to size 12 for as low as $19.99. Express is another good source for suit jackets, pants, and skirts up to size 14. Macy’s has a good collection of suits for sizes 14 and up.

You don’t need a ton of clothes to have a good work wardrobe. All you need are a few suit jackets, skirts or pants, blouses, and tons of accessories. Look for suit jackets that are interchangeable with your skirts and pants.

Here’s some examples:

First Row: Helmut Lang Wool-blend jacket; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Pacific twill jacket; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Monday wool-blend jacket; Aminaka Wilmont Wool and leather suit jacket (all at net-a-porter.com)

Second Row: LUXURY STRETCH 1-BUTTON JACKET at Express; STUDIO STRETCH 1-BUTTON JACKET at Express; Lightweight wool sheath dressat Banana Republic; Lightweight wool blazer at Banana Republic.

Third Row: Semantiks ‘Pen & Ink’ Piped Jacket (Plus) at Nordstrom; Eileen Fisher Tweed Jacket (Plus) at Nordstrom; Tahari by ASL Plus Size One-Button Pinstripe Pant Suit at Macy’s; Jones New York Plus Size Suit Jacket, Shawl-Collar Blouse & Suit Skirt at Macy’s.

First Row: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Accident stretch skirt at net-a-porter.com; Alexander McQueen Stretch pencil skirt at net-a-porter.com; Alexander McQueen Wool-blend tuxedo pants at net-a-porter.com; Burberry Straight-leg wool pants at net-a-porter.com.

Second Row: LUXURY STRETCH BUTTON PENCIL SKIRT – HOUNDSTOOTH at express.com; LUXURY STRETCH RUFFLE PENCIL SKIRT at express.com; EDITOR LUXURY STRETCH PANT – STRIPED at express.com.

Add some style to your suit with one of these blouses:

First Row: Anna Sui Silk lace bib top at net-a-porter.com; James Perse White cotton shirt at net-a-porter.com; Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Stretch cotton ruched shirt at net-a-porter.com; Bamford Silk frayed blouse at net-a-porter.com

Second Row: BR Monogram silk abstract blouse; Puff-sleeve ruffle blouse; Pleated blouse; Silk ruffle top. All at Banana Republic

Third Row: Silk geo-print bow top; Silk striped blouse; Silk ruffle geo-print top; Flutter-sleeve abstract blouse.

Fourth Row: Alfani Plus Size Printed Short-Sleeve Top at Macy’s; ECI Sleeveless Silk Blouse with Ruffles (Plus) at Nordstrom; Semantiks Box Pleat Silk Top (Plus) at Nordstrom; ECI Plaid Silk Blouse with Ruffles (Plus) at Nordstrom.

Accessories help to add “character” to your work suit so don’t forget them:

First Row: Slique at Steve Madden; Miu Miu Ankle strap pumpsat net-a-porter.com; Christian Louboutin
Bianca 140 python pumps Ankle strap pumps at net-a-porter.com; Chloé Paraty leather tote at net-a-porter.com; Fendi Small patent Peek-a-Boo bag at net-a-porter.com.

Second Row: LONG CROSS CHARM NECKLACE; SCULPTED CRESCENT PENDANT NECKLACE; TWISTED DANGLE EARRING; CLUSTER EARRING; SCULPTED SHINY METAL CUFF (all at Express)