When you’re first starting out, starting fresh, or just looking to change things up, it’s important to learn how to build a budget friendly work wardrobe. You spend 40+ hours a week at work, so creating a budget friendly work wardrobe that makes you feel good is extremely important. It will help you start off each day on a positive note. When you look good, you feel good! (Dressing well changes your demeanor and studies have shown that it influences the way we think.)
Determine what the dress code is where you’ll be working
It would be a shame to spend money on business formal attire if everyone in the office dresses business casual or casually, so determine what the office environment is like before going on a shopping spree.
Invest in four key pieces
For ladies, these pieces are:
- A well fitted blazer
- A nice white blouse that can be worn alone or under something else like a blazer
- A pair of slacks or pencil skirt (or both)
- Neutral pumps or flats depending on what you prefer (either black or nude colored)
For men, these pieces are:
- A well fitted suit which you can wear together or wear as separates (go for black, grey, or navy)
- A classic, white button down shirt
- A pair of nice shoes in brown or black
- A leather belt that is the same color as your shoes
You’ll want to invest in these pieces and make sure you purchase quality items because these pieces will be the basis of your work wardrobe. While it’s possible to buy inexpensive versions of these items, purchasing items, that are better quality but still not crazy expensive, (Try Banana Republic Factory Store and Nordstrom Rack) you’ll get more use out of them, and they will last longer. Even though you’ll be spending a little more now, you’ll spend less in the long run
Note** Here are five additional items of clothing that will help round out your wardrobe!
Shop for inexpensive items to change up your look
When you’re trying to build a budget friendly work wardrobe, the key is mixing and matching to create new outfits out of the same base pieces. I’ve talked about how accessories can easily change up your wardrobe on a budget, but when figuring out how to cultivate a work wardrobe on a budget, you’ll want to go for easy items like shirts that can easily be worn with different pieces to change up your look.
I also love a great jumpsuit to act as a blank canvas. This jumpsuit I’m wearing (pictured) is simple and can be worn with many different blazers, jackets, or shoes to change up the look.
If you’re in a more formal environment, think of purchases some inexpensive button down shirts or blouses from somewhere like H&M. Because you’re investing in a few basic pieces, you’ll want to purchase inexpensive items to change it up so you’re not wearing the same thing every day. H&M and Zara have great items for both men and women that serve as an inexpensive way to change up your look.
If you’re in a more casual environment, find some casual clothes that still look polished. Even if the dress code is casual, you still want to appear as clean and polished. If someone could mistake you for just having rolled out of bed, you shouldn’t be dressed like that for work. Opt for a plain t shirt, jeans, and a blazer to give you a casual yet professional vibe.
Find what you like, then hunt for the best price
Sometimes you’ll find something you love, only to find that it’s over your budget. If this happens, hunt for the best price. Search online because often different outlets will have different prices. There are also some great apps like Honey that tell you when an item has gone down in price. (Not sponsored, I just really like the app!) Also, don’t write off consignment stores or second hand purchases. Websites like ebay and poshmark have a lot of items that are “new with tags” or “like new” for sale, which drops the price a lot.
If you’re not super comfortable of the idea of wearing someone else’s clothing, just take the items immediately to the dry cleaner before wearing them. (You should do this regardless) Once you know what you like and what your size is, hunting for the best price is relatively easy. Just remember that it’s important not to write anything off. Cultivating a work wardrobe on a budget means that you have to explore different options to get the appearance and price you want!
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It may seem difficult and overwhelming to build a budget friendly work wardrobe, but hopefully these simple tips and tricks help you in your journey! Remember that developing a work wardrobe takes time. Start with a few key pieces that you love, and build from there! Happy hunting!