Going Shopping
Shopping for business attire can be a daunting task, but there are options for the fashionably-challenged to get the right look for a professional employment setting.
by Rita Gworek

When you go to purchase clothing for an interview or to build a wardrobe you will find many stores in various price ranges. Depending on your budget and needs, there are many options. The challenge is finding just the right store for you.

Higher-end stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus stock the latest models worn by NBA stars and the rich and famous, but be prepared for LeBron James-like prices. Mid-range stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s offer both quality and value, while utility and affordability are commonly found at lower-end stores such as Macy’s and Belk.

For men’s suits the spectrum begins with Brooks Brothers on the higher end to a Joseph A. Bank in the mid-range with Men’s Warehouse on the lower-end of prices. Nowadays you will even find budget stores like K-Mart and Stein Mart selling men’s suits.

With the development of new clothing technology, countries like China are coming out with inexpensive goods. Cheap labor has provided them a big advantage over other countries trying to produce similar goods, which is the main reason you see discount stores selling suits.

What Knowledge do the Sales People Have?
First and foremost, a salesperson is there to sell you something. They have been trained in how to sell, but they should also be knowledgeable about the clothing manufacturer’s name brands and how they size the clothing. For instance, salespersons should know whether their manufacturer’s pants come in short, medium and long rises and if the suits come in two- and three-button models. An experienced salesperson will also know what size suit you wear, the best manufacturer to fit your body style, different colors of the suits, and most importantly, the price advantages of each suit.

The more knowledge a salesperson gains the more compensative he will receive either through commissions or base salary. Therefore, you will always find more knowledgeable salespeople in the higher-end stores and less experienced sales reps in the lower-end stores. Naturally, you can expect to pay more for a suit in a higher-end store. However, the personal service is usually better in the higher-end stores.

You will have to decide the trade-off between price and service at the higher-end stories against affordability in the lower-end outlets. In a discount store you are strictly flying solo.

Who Can I Count on for Help?
Whenever you shop there are a few options on who to look to for assistance. First is a significant other or someone you feel you can trust to give you an honest answer. Next is a store salesperson. Ask for someone who heads the department. This person will most likely have the most knowledge.

"You will have to decide the trade-off between price and service at the higher-end stories against affordability in the lower-end outlets. In a discount store you are strictly flying solo." Another choice is to engage a personal shopper. Most higher- and mid-end stores have personal shoppers. You need to make an appointment with them at which time they will assess your needs, style, budget, etc. They will then call you back to choose your preferences from items they have pulled off the racks of their store. The personal shoppers are paid a commission on what they sell to you by the store. There is no cost to you, but I would tip them 10 percent of your total purchase price.

Image consultants are another choice. They charge a fee, usually by the hour, for the time they spend with a client. Image consultants will talk with you ahead of time or see you during an appointment to evaluate your needs before they shop with you. Then they will meet you in the right store according to your budget, needs, location and time constraints. I would extend the same gesture of tipping them 10 percent for their services.

What do You Need to Know?
Regardless of whom you choose to help you, you will need to know a few things before you shop. Make sure you tell the sales person in what environment you will be using the clothing. Is it business attire, business casual or casual? What part of the country will you be in? Is the clothing for an interview in a classic office setting or a social event? They will do a better job if they have more specifics.

Ask Yourself This:
What is my budget?
What styles do I like or dislike?
In what setting will I wear the clothing?
In what part of the country will I wear this suit?

Let Them Know What You Like.
Let them know what you like and don’t like. How much you are willing to spend? What colors you like and don’t like? Whether your body is warm or do you feel cold? Tell them about any problems you have had when you shopped for yourself. The more information you give them the better they will do in helping you make the right selections.

I wish you the best in your shopping endeavors.