When seeking a suit and shoes, use your senses and select sensibly.

It’s no secret I love clothing and being well dressed (wouldn’t have started a website dedicated to it if I didn’t), however I firmly believe in making sensible selections when curating your wardrobe. For me, that means ensuring that my purchases represent me well, are fiscally responsible*, are wearable and complement my wardrobe (check out The Dress Code for my full shopping philosophy).

To me this outfit is the personification of looking sensible without actually being sensible – it looks like it’s meant for no-nonsense days when style isn’t at the forefront of the agenda. When you need to effectively be in a uniform and not worry about anything getting in the way. However – there’s actually a fair bit about it that makes it more high maintenance than I am willing to tolerate.

The dress is made of a stretch fabric, which while comfortable – because of the more flared cut tends to ride up and look shorter than I prefer for the office, so I’m constantly having to pull it back down – not ideal. Consequently, I regularly wear the matching jacket (a favorite) with other dresses that are less fussy. I have zero time to worry about a skirt being too short.

The shoes are a new purchase this fall – one that I was really excited about. I adore heels – I wore 4+ inch heels almost every day of high school… and typically feel short and less powerful when I’m in flats. So, the idea of finding a professionally styled dress shoe with a bit of height, that gave more structure and stability for long days on my feet than my typical stiletto was appealing.

However, in full transparency… they need massive time to break in – after shooting them in just a few outfits with minimal steps (thought trying them out for a shoot would be a good way to break them in…), I had bleeding blisters on my heels that have now left scars – I personally find that unacceptable – and I can’t say I’m eager to put them back on and keep trying to break them in. Especially when I’m onsite with a client and can’t take them off.

If willing to get through the break in time (which mind you neither my new black Jimmy Choo or navy Prada pumps this season required…) they seem to offer a sensible appearing shoe option.

Personally, I’d far prefer the balls of my feet to be tired at the end of the day, then have blood in my shoes from blisters…

On the flip side – two of my favorite staples (Burberry Trench Coat & Prada Work bag) may not seem sensible due to their luxury price tag however they have earned their place in my wardrobe as trusted basics, and at this point are dollars per wear while always looking great.

Having wardrobe pieces you can count on makes a huge difference. Being able to know what to expect from each piece you wear mitigates a lot of frustration, and unnecessary detraction from all the other things that are way more important to focus on – like serving your clients…

So, while some things may seem sensible, use your senses to ensure they suit you. Sometimes your selections won’t survive your standards – in those instances, look to sell them, and seek something savvier.

*Fiscal Responsibility for me means – cost amortization over time. I don’t mind spending money for quality and would rather spend a lot on something I love that will complement my wardrobe well.  

All my best,

Outfit Details – Suit: Theory  Shoes: The Office of Angela Scott Trench Coat: Burberry Hose: Natori Necklace: Pearls Earrings: Pearls Sunglasses: Krewe  Bracelet:  David Yurman and Hermès Ring: PERSONAL DESIGN (SUNFLOWER) CREATED BY: RONNY BARNEA –  JEWELRY ON 5TH  Purse: Prada  Perfume: Black Orchid by Tom Ford