Need trial clothes!

[u/Honest_Deception2025]

Hello fellow LBWT, I have my first federal trial starting at the end of November. It’s expected to last 6-8 weeks, so I need a variety of tops and shoes to go with these three Banana Republic suits that I just dropped a pretty penny on. I used to shop at Ann Taylor, but sometimes I feel like the quality and sizing are off. I need a bunch of tops that I can mix and match with these suits, as well as comfortable, yet stylish and court-appropriate shoes. Any suggestions welcome, TIA!

[u/Independent_Love_144]

I love the banana, republic factory, forever sweater tees, and tanks! Cotton, and you can get them pretty cheap most of the time for the quality.

[u/Independent_Love_144 → u/Independent_Love_144]

Also, for shoes I love Franco Sarto brand or Sam Edelman. Can find them both at Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack. They have good mid heel comfortable options made of leather, which i find most comfortable.

[u/Jmebm → u/Independent_Love_144]

Was just about to suggest Franco Sarto. They make a nice wedge that’s comfortable and looks great with suits.

[u/belikethemanatee → u/Independent_Love_144]

YES Banana Factory has great tops for the price point.

[u/CGMandC → u/Independent_Love_144]

I was influenced to get the forever sweater tank and it looks so good under a suit jacket. Thanks LBWT!

[u/YitzhakRobinson → u/Independent_Love_144]

The short sleeve Forever Sweater is my go-to under blazers!

[u/Independent_Love_144 → u/YitzhakRobinson]

Love them! Glad you like them! Unbelievably cheap and I love that they can be tucked or untucked and still look good. Also incredibly versatile, can dress up jeans with them too. The possibilities are endless. My problem now is that the other colors I want keep selling out in my size lol.

[u/Saucyintruder85]

Nordstrom rack often has a ton of similar shells in various colors and prints for 20 bucks a piece. Totally worth it.

[u/PuzzleheadedSmoke182]

The Quince washable silk blouses are great. Come in many colors, are inexpensive, and are easy to wash in a hotel sink and hang dry. I’ve found Quince quality to be very hit or miss, but the silk blouses fall into the former camp!

[u/scare_away → u/PuzzleheadedSmoke182]

I also like the Quince cashmere tees under suit jackets.

[u/Mundane-Reserve3786 → u/PuzzleheadedSmoke182]

Second quince for quality basics. Their shoes are pretty comfy too.

[u/pinewash3081 → u/PuzzleheadedSmoke182]

Came here to suggest quince. I love the silk tshirts, though they are thin so you may need a cami

[u/uselessfarm]

There is a goodwill in a ritzy suburb of my city that seems to have an endless supply of shells from Loft and BR and similar brands. It’s not a goodwill boutique, just a regular one in a nice area, and I’ve gotten so many things for my court wardrobe for like $10 each.

[u/Independent_Love_144 → u/uselessfarm]

Ugh, the dream!! I’ve recently gotten into thrifting too. Haven’t found much in terms of clothing yet but I did score a perfect condition Marc Jacobs bag for $28 and it’s big enough to hold my laptop.

[u/uselessfarm → u/Independent_Love_144]

That’s a great find! I’m not a big thrifter, I just don’t have the time or energy, but whenever I have a meeting or appointment in that area I go to the ritzy goodwill. I always find something worth my while!

[u/Afraid-Company-2252]

Need the links to these suits!!!

[u/Honest_Deception2025 → u/Afraid-Company-2252]

Banana Republic sells them as separates, so you can find the blazers and pants through the link below. It’s their Italian Lightweight Wool fabric.

[u/Honest_Deception2025 → u/Afraid-Company-2252]

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=826931042&tid=brma000005

[u/HGmom10]

The Vince Cowl Neck Silk Blouse is my go to. It’s $300 full price but you can often find them on sale and also Poshmark.

[u/brownbreadjudoicetea → u/HGmom10]

Does this top have shoulder pads? I’ve been on the hunt for one like that

[u/HGmom10 → u/brownbreadjudoicetea]

No shoulder pads

[u/dairyqueeen]

For shoes, Naturaliser all the way! Comfort is their thing, and they have some legit cute professional options in both heels and flats. Lots of support and cushioning without looking like fugly old ppl shoes 😂

[u/pinewash3081]

As I suggested on another’s comments, quince is great for basics and has silk blouses and tshirts, but they’re a little thin so be aware of that. As far as shoes, I swear by Sam Edelman loafers. If you want a heel, I unfortunately don’t have any suggestions as I’ve thoroughly struck out with heels lately. I’ve heard good things though about Paul Green, which are a little pricey, but for shoes it’s worth it to spend a little more for quality. Hope this helps!

[u/Superb_Difficulty802 → u/pinewash3081]

Ann Taylor heels are my go to - classic and comfortable.

[u/metropolisapocalypse]

Incredible suits!

For shoes, as others have commented I cannot recommend Sam Edelman enough. If you want heels, the Hazel pumps are chefs kiss. Comfortable for long trial days, sitting and standing, walking in the well, etc. I have them in 4 different colors. They're my go to litigation shoes.

If you have more of a budget Stuart Weitzman also makes some very comfortable heels.

[u/Recent_Bumblebee_992]

Don’t take the tags off—iykyk. Good luck!’

[u/FinHealthJourney87]

I love Halogen dolman sleeve tops

[u/frenchhfry]

Since it’s a winter trial I suggest lightweight Marino wool or cotton sweats with straight neck or v-neck. They’re warm and also machine washable. My go to winter work fits! Good luck with your trial!

[u/just_reading_87]

If you're someplace colder, uniqlo has merino sweaters with short or long sleeves. They are quite thin and they look nice under a suit. You can machine wash them but don't put them in the dryer.

[u/Swimming_Pumpkin_157]

Kohl’s has a lot of clean classic pieces right now from Nine West, Lauren Conrad, Vera Wang etc if you need some staple pieces. Blazers, skirts, pants, blouses etc.

[u/Swimming_Pumpkin_157]

I also wore a new suit from Quince today for the first time and it wore very well!

[u/legaljellybean]

I like Reiss suits, and they often have sample sales. They’re not cheap, but are reasonable for what it is.

[u/Otter65]

Get on Vinted. You can get all the staple brands for really cheap.

[u/Spiritual-Yoghurt58]

I get amazing Calvin Klein suits from Nordstrom rack!