Suit or no Suit?

I am in the process of job hunting and every time I end up with an interview, I ask myself this very question. Is a suit still the way to go in today’s more casual society? I think a suit is always necessary for certain jobs and professions (think doctors, politicos or stockbrokers). In my more creative field, I don’t know that it is always the answer. While I don’t think you can go wrong wearing a suit, is it worth the investment? PR, marketing and events have an interesting place in the world. They really attempt to strike a balance between business and creative. Let me tell you, it is not always easy. As a young professional in the field, you want to feel pulled together and age appropriate at the same time. Fashion forward yet professional. How do you best strike the balance? In addition, I think the answer varies a bit by region. I always feel compelled to wear a black suit and panty hose (yes, they still exist) for East Coast jobs, whereas I would probably never consider it for a job in LA. Here in Boulder, I generally wear a nice skirt and a jacket, but not necessarily a suit. Like this:

Elizabeth and James Available Here

I don’t want to feel like I am relegated to wearing the boxy “power suits” of yesteryear…

…so I have been on the hunt for something that is the perfect blend. Here are some that I like (affording these is, of course, a separate issue)!

Nanette Lepore Available Here

Theory Available Here

Elie Tahari Available Here

Rebecca Taylor Available Here

What do you think? Do you have a rule on interview suits? Would you wear any of these? What are your favorite places to find clothes for work? I would LOVE input!

Kelly