Dress For Success On A Budget
- Build your wardrobe with timeless, key pieces that can be mixed and matched.
- Slacks – Black, navy and khaki
- Skirt – Black or navy
- Jacket – One that coordinates with your slacks and skirt
- Shirts/Blouses – Two white or one white and a coordinating stripe
- One or two shells or knit tops to mix with the above
- Budget a certain amount each month to add one item to your wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be a large amount … $20 - $25 each month. Stein Mart, Kohl’s, Marshall’s, Dress Barn are great resources for modestly priced clothing and you can usually find coupons on line for additional discounts. They also send out discount coupons in the mail. Overstock.com is an online outlet store with low prices. You can find discounts on shoes and jackets for 10% off through online coupon code of: 121728. Just investigate the return policy in case it doesn't fit or you don't like it. They also have a great section on handmade jewelry to make any outfit stand out.
- When building your wardrobe, keep in mind colors that will coordinate well as you begin to mix and match your outfits.
- As your budget allows, begin to add scarves and key pieces of jewelry to allow even more variety in your outfits. Sam Moon’s has incredibly affordable jewelry, scarves and purses.
- Invest in quality clothing that will last. The fabric must resist wrinkles and stains. You should look at the stitching to make sure that strong thread was used.
- Shop at resale stores. You can often find designer garments that someone has worn once or never. I have bought resale items that still have the price tags on them. Two of my favorites are Rethreads at Preston and I 635 and Clothes Horse Anonymous at Preston and Forest Lane. Sharron Wagoner loves Genesis Thrift Store located at 3419 Knight St. (Lemmon AV/Douglas area). Always check the rack that is one size larger than you wear. Consider buying a larger size and having it altered. You will still save money.
- Wait for end of the season deals. I know it’s hard to spend money on a wool coat in March or April, but you will save 75%. Next winter you’ll have a beautiful new coat that only cost you a fraction of the original price. This only works if you buy classic looks so that you can wear them year after year.
- Arrange your closet with like items grouped together by color. NEVER hang outfits together. When you separate the pieces of an outfit and hang with like items, you immediately see new possibilities for those items to be grouped in new combinations to form additional outfits.
Top 6 Career Looks on a Budget
These items are examples of ways that you can extend your wardrobe over time as your budget allows. When you pick classic, timeless styles, you can add items over a period of years and they will still look good together. I have blouses that are almost as old as some of our models and I still wear them!
1. Pantsuit
A pantsuit is an office classic because you can change it up by wearing a simple white blouse underneath, dress it up by adding a satin camisole for after-five events or add color, accessories or scarves to give the pantsuit a different look.
2. Wrap Dress
The wrap dress is a classic for a very good reason: it's flattering, easy to wear (just one piece) and looks polished.
3. Flippy Skirt
Try on a flippy skirt that hits below the knee for a very feminine, but professional office skirt. The slight flare of the skirt is much more flattering than traditional straight or pencil skirts.
4. Menswear Pants
Pinstripe pants or plaid pants lend themselves perfectly to the office. Try a belted sweater, a vest and shirt or pretty blouse and jacket over a pair.
5. Long-sleeve White Shirt
The long-sleeve shirt in classic colors like white, is a wardrobe necessity.
6. Wool Coat
Get a sleek, timeless topper for a pulled-together look. Choose a neutral color for maximum wardrobe mileage.
Grooming Tips
- Clean hands and well groomed nails
- Clean jewelry
- Dental hygiene
- Clean well groomed hair
- Shoes clean & neat
- Update out of style and dated eyewear
- Groomed feet with open toes shoes & sandals
- Appropriate foundation and undergarments
- Clean, pressed clothing
- Jewelry, makeup, perfume and cologne should be in good taste and subtle. They should be appropriate for your work environment and your outfit.
- Body piercing and tattoos should not be visible
- Undergarments should not be visible
- Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your chest or your stomach is not appropriate for a place of business
Important
Dress for the job you aspire to obtain and not the one you currently have. Use this information to focus on the success factor for promotion and advancement.
