HINGHAM, Mass. (May 13, 2005) – If you’re entering the job force fresh from college, returning to work following a lengthy hiatus or looking to add some executive polish to your closet following that (hard-earned) promotion, you may want to invest in a few suitable pieces that will give you a solid platform on which to build a professional wardrobe. According to leading specialty retailer Talbots, there are three key things to remember as you assemble this starter kit:

• Always get the best fit/proportion for your body (regardless of price or trend).
• Think of your clothing as an investment. For the highest return, invest in well-made, suitable separates (versus structured suits) with clean, classic lines you’ll wear forever.
• Choose colors and fabrics wisely, with an eye for seasonless wear and mix-and-match ease.

Keeping these pointers in mind, your starter kit should consist of the following:

1. Authority figure. A well-cut jacket lends an air of authority to just about any outfit. Choose a single-breasted jacket in a classic two-to-three button style that fits squarely through the shoulders. Slightly nipped at the waist, it should comfortably frame the body so you look confident sitting behind a desk or stepping off an elevator. Make sure you can button it (even if you never plan to) and raise/move your arms freely. Opt for a lightweight, transitional fabric that drapes smoothly and stands up to a lot of wear through at least two seasons – e.g., stretch wool, woven matte jersey, tropical weight wool. There’s no questioning the stellar versatility of black but any shoe-friendly neutral works, including grey, chocolate, taupe and navy. The buttons should be the same color or a bit darker than the jacket - not flashy, ornate or otherwise distracting. Since you’ll likely pay the most for this investment, make sure the cut, cloth and workmanship are of the highest quality you can afford. When shopping, focus on getting the best value for your dollar versus the lowest price you can find. Remember: the more you wear it, the greater its value. A well-constructed, classic jacket that fits you to a T will never let you down.
2. Matchmaker. Add a matching skirt or pants to wear with the jacket as a suit. For the skirt, a straight, knee-length style is timeless but a longer or shorter style also works as long as the length isn’t too revealing or impractical for the workplace. The most universally flattering pant style has a smooth front with a slightly contoured waistband that hits about one-inch below your bellybutton, with slightly fuller, straight legs without a cuff. However, women’s figures vary so be open to trying different styles. Make sure you can slip two fingers inside the waistband without cutting off the circulation in your hand, and any pockets should lie flat while standing or sitting. The key is to make sure you like the fit from all angles - with and without the jacket on.
3. Relative. Then add a coordinating skirt or pair of pants that goes with the jacket for a mismatched, modern suited look. Consider a pinstripe, complementary color, subtle pattern or texture.

These three pieces are the bricks to your foundation. To hold them together, you’ll need two tops. You have many choices here so make sure you choose styles that are comfortable under a jacket, feel good against the skin and are appropriate for the workplace. Avoid plunging necklines, transparent fabrics and any fussy detail that has the potential of becoming an occupational hazard (i.e., sweeping bell sleeve that obscures your view of the keyboard and constantly gets jammed in the sleeve of your jacket). There’s something to be said for choosing two tops that can be layered together and worn independently – e.g., white stretchy tee and wrinkle-free cotton shirt. You can squeeze another top into the mix by choosing a twinset as one of your two choices. This cardigan-shell combo is great because the cardigan doubles as a soft jacket alternative and a handy layer for varying temperature conditions, in the office and outside. Whatever combination you choose, make sure ease of care is a top priority. If dry cleaning is a concern, read the label to ensure the top can be machine or hand washed. When choosing your tops, select:

4. Indispensable friend. Whether it’s a stretchy tee, featherweight sweater shell, silky blouse or crisp menswear-inspired shirt, select a versatile layering piece that goes with both bottoms. Something in white or ivory is smart here but there’s nothing wrong with a hint of color.
5. Interesting character. Then add color, texture or pattern for visual interest. Choose something that accents your eyes, calls out the highlights in your hair, reflects your personality or simply gives a new look to your foundation pieces.

To look your professional best, you’ll need three other important pieces:

6. Solid Footing. Tailored pumps or slingbacks that add polish without pinching your toes. If you’re wearing them with a skirt, choose a 1-2¼-inch tapered heel that you can walk around in. While open toe pumps, sandals and mules are acceptable in some office settings, be sure to check your company’s dress code policy first as many companies require employees to wear close-toe shoes and hose (it’s difficult to walk in mules wearing hose).
7. Protective Element. A practical yet stylish raincoat that slips comfortably over your jacket. Black or tan is smart year-round but a brighter, fun color is perfectly appropriate for the workplace as long as the coat isn’t too casual or rugged.
8. Organized Front. A structured work tote with easy access to life’s daily essentials. For safety in crowded spaces, choose a style that lies flat against your body with comfortable, sturdy handles. Look for uncomplicated pockets and zippered compartments to help you organize important documents and locate that ringing cell phone without stress. Avoid a sloppy sack-style bag that spills its contents when stashed under a desk.

Talbots overall advice is to start small and think big. When building your working wardrobe, a solid base of classic separates will give you infinite mix-and-match potential and the highest return on your investment. Once you have your base, you can add more color, texture and pattern to extend your wardrobe options and create a distinctive sense of style that defines your professional image.

Talbots is a leading specialty retailer, cataloger and e-tailer of women’s classic apparel, shoes and accessories with more than 50 years of experience dressing busy professional women. Virtually all of its assortment is made exclusively for the Company under its own private label in sizes designed to fit real women, including misses 4-20, petite 2P-16P, woman’s 12W-24W and woman’s petite 12WP-24WP. In addition to versatile career separates, Talbots offers casualwear, dresses and dressy separates, as well as a complementary line of shoes and accessories. For the Talbots store near you, visit the Company’s website at talbots.com. You can also shop with Talbots through catalog (1-800-825-2687) or online at talbots.com.