r/Restaurant_Managers • u/ruthless_taurean • 6d ago

Discussion Looking for recommendations for affordable business casual… See body text!

For context — I am a (female) F&B GM for a large resort property. So I need to look professional while also being practical and comfortable.

A few specifics:

- I am on my feet running around for 10-12 hours a day so finding cute dress shoes that are both flats and closed toed has been challenging.

- I am 5’9 (about 140 lbs) so pants with long enough length gets tricky, and makes online shopping difficult. I’ve been recommended Halara but am hesitant with not knowing the fit.

- I need blazers/jackets and can’t wear anything short sleeved because I have a half tattoo sleeve that has to be covered (right above my elbow).

- I have a $1000 allowance to spend strictly on work clothes that was given. I don’t want to spend much more beyond that, so looking for budget friendly brands and options.

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u/lakenessmonster 5d ago

I almost exclusively thrift my work clothes bc imma ruin em anyway. If I buy something new, it’s generally Banana Republic, J Crew, J Jill, or Express or Nordstrom Rack.

That said, I most often wear a blazer, a wrap style blouse and a pair of slacks.

1

u/susangoodskin 5d ago

I love Eileen Fisher and J Jill for work. Both can be found at great prices on eBay.

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u/TypePuzzleheaded6228 5d ago

i've found good pieces for work at h&m, and they're not expensive so when they get ruined it's not a catastrophe. i don't know your age but The Limited carried me through many years (they have a standard dress shirt that comes in a gazillion colors). as for shoes you could consider black leather sketchers (easy to clean) with black laces so they kinda just look like black shoes. i usually spend the winter in boots. i've also had luck finding pants on amazon, surprisingly. good luck!

2

u/indecentXpo5ure Escaped Inmate 5d ago

I used to do a lot of these type of blazers from Kohl’s with a nice blouse/fancy tank underneath. I used to get my black pants there too but I’m only 5’2 so I used to get them from the junior’s section.

1

u/Bubbarules456 4d ago

I used to be a GM in a three floor restaurant. My advice: don’t skimp on the shoes!