RE: The Results (Long)/Addendum

[Kim Roper <kim -dot- roper -at- pixelink -dot- com>]

Rose Wilcox wrote:

> Haven't had to search for a job for three years... And I've 
> lost weight.
> So I'm wondering just how much suit does a woman need?  As opposed to
> the male uniform, the female uniform has more variations.  Could I get
> by with a plain dress with a jacket over it?  Or must I go 
> out and buy a
> new suit when this contract ends?

I think it really depends on the dress and the jacket.  Certainly I've done
the pants-and-blazer thing, and that seems to work for me.  

> If I could get away with wearing a suit here, I would go ahead and
> purchase one or two good interview suits, but sometimes 
> Business Casual feels over-dressy here!

You could try a two-piece dress that can have a blouse worn under it at your
discretion.  This is a little more flexible, and if the top is a jacket
style, it can be worn open for a more casual look.  I have a nice set with a
quilted jacket, and it looks quite dressy when fully buttoned.

I have a very-relaxed-fit black-pinstripe jacket and pants that I team up
with a silk shell or a nice blouse for use as an all-purpose suit.  I'm
quite pleased with this pair--they're machine washable and they fit almost
like pyjamas.   When I bought them, I noticed that the store also offered a
short skirt and a fitted jacket in the same fabric and style. Perhaps a
store near you offers a similar line in a classic style that can be dressed
up or relaxed however you choose.

Cheers ... Kim