Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Quality Business Clothes Question: I've read your articles on business attire. You often write of wearing certain colored suits. However, you do not mention fabric, quality, cost or name brand. In business suits, are some fabrics more professional than others? For example, is a cheaper Liz Claiborne suit as good as a more expensive Chanel suit? What should I really be looking for, and how much should I expect to spend? Gina Answer: Let’s clarify this first: Quality is extremely important. In my book, Casual Power, I speak extensively about quality and its benefits. Chapter 8 has an entire section devoted to recognizing high quality fabrics and garment construction. Wearing quality clothing always works to your advantage in business and social environments. Even people, who don’t understand the nuances of quality, respond with respect to someone dressed in high quality clothing. You can never overdo real quality whether you are dressed up or down. (That does not mean that you should drape yourself with status symbols.) The problem is this: quality is not always reflected in a high-dollar price tag, especially in today’s world of microfibers. (See story at end) Traditionally speaking, one hundred per cent wool is the best fabric for business suits. Now, I am not speaking of heavy weight wintry wool; there are tropical weight wool fabrics, highly refined, that are extremely comfortable even in the summer. Today women can also wear silk and silk blends for business, particularly in the Spring and Summer months. Linen is a marvelous fabric, but it wrinkles too easily to be worn for serious business. In my articles, I do not spend a lot of time naming designer fashion labels because many clothing lines are unpredictable, varying widely from one season to the next. While a particular line may consistently use good fabrics, the styles are not always suitable for business wear. The fit also differs widely according to the preferred fitting model for that line, which affects how their clothing fits varying body types. On that basis, it is difficult to make unmitigated recommendations. Yes, a Chanel suit is clearly a higher quality than a Liz Claiborne suit, which occupies a completely different category in fashion terminology. It’s unfair to compare the two as that’s comparing apples to oranges. For some general guidelines, here’s the overview of how the fashion industry (including retail stores) qualifies clothing in relationship to quality and price: Designer or Couture: These lines generally exemplify exceptional tailoring, fine fabrics, and quality construction. Expect to pay $900 and up for jackets and $400 and up for skirts and pants. Chanel falls into this category as does Armani, Escada, St. John, Max Mara, YSL, and Donna Karan to just name a few. Bridge: These lines are primarily less expensive versions of the designer collections described above. Expect to pay $400 and up for jackets and $200 and up for skirts and pants. On the whole, you will not find the same level of detailed tailoring and the crème-de-la-creme fabrics as in the Designer collections listed above. Nonetheless, the Bridge designers offer superb quality in fabrics and construction. Labels such as Adrienne Vittadini, Ellen Tracy, Dana Buchman, Anne Klien, Lafayette 148, Tahari, Ralph Lauren, etc. qualify for this category. Also note that in many department stores, these lines are found in the “Designer Sportswear” areas. Better: This category features traditional career and casual sportswear for a lower price point. It includes lines like Kasper, Peter Nygard, Jones of New York, Liz Claiborne, Chaus, Adriana Papell, Maggie of London, etc. Expect to pay $275 and up for jackets and $125 and up for pants and skirts. Contemporary: Hip, edgy fashions are found here. Prices vary too widely to even generalize dollar amounts. Lines such as DKNY, Laundry, Theory, Due per Due, etc. can be found in this category. These lines typically have a strong current runway flavor (sometimes outrageous); however, many of the tailored jackets and skirts (such as in the DKNY line) work well for the younger career woman if she can afford them. Moderate: This department is comprised of general sportswear with prices no higher than $100. You will see labels such as Rena Rowan for Saville, Sag Harbor, Jones Sports, Liz and Co., etc. Private Label: This includes a department store’s private label and stores such as Casual Corner, Petite Sophisticate, and August Max Woman that offer designs exclusive to their stores. Prices vary and are usually comparable to those of the “Better’” category on down to “Moderate.” The Casual Corner stores offer their own private-label “Collectibles” line that specializes in career wear for women on a budget. It features excellent quality and styling for the price-point. Expect to pay around $100 for jackets and $80 for pants and skirts. Tailored separates are available in black and navy on a year-round basis. My sister bought a $600 suit in the “Bridge” area of an upscale department store and later discovered that it was made of the same micro-fiber fabric that the Collectibles line utilizes. With all that said, I recommend that you always buy the highest quality that you can afford, as a quality-oriented, successful image will bring you more success. Continue to upgrade your wardrobe as your budget allows. Spend some time in the Couture and Bridge departments to educate yourself on what “quality” is really about (and read Casual Power!). Then you will be a better shopper, increasing your ability to recognize quality and those authentic bargains when they come along. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Wearing hose Makeup in the workplace Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'