Fresh out of college, I had no wardrobe. For five years, I lived in sweatshirts, jeans, and other casual clothing that was more comfortable than fashionable. My few remaining dress shirts and polos were old, worn, and boxy. While they were okay for a pinch, I knew that I needed to update my wardrobe. As I started my first job, this became more evident. I had to dress professionally every day. My only problem was that I didn’t make much and had to pay my student loans still. Even though I struggled to make ends meet, I found a few ways to look professional while saving money. These are some of the ways you can trade your college clothes for professional attire without spending a fortune.
Shop Online for Deals
Once you have identified the staples you want to concentrate on, it is time to start looking for bargains. Avoid department stores as it is difficult to compare prices and get the best deal. Online shopping can help you save money because you can compare prices quickly. A tag on a shirt you like might say it’s 50% off when you go into a department shop. But is this a great deal? A price marked up three times is still significantly cheaper than a price at 50%.
Never settle for the lowest price without doing your research and comparing it to other stores. Start your search online if you are searching for a particular article of clothing. You can narrow down the style, color, and brand you are interested in. Compare prices across different suppliers to determine if one offers it at an affordable price. Look for coupons or sales that could lower the cost.
Start With the Staples
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to update your closet. Start with the essential pieces that you will be wearing every day in your professional attire. You’ll see the most significant improvement in your appearance if you start with the vital parts of clothing. You will need to know what your company’s dress code is to determine which pieces of clothing you should be focusing on. Some people require suits and dresses for business professionals. Casual business attire is more relaxed and requires slacks, a blouse, and a polo. You can identify the essential pieces of clothing you should be wearing based on your dress code. This can mean choosing a few basic blouses or bottoms mixed with other elements to create different outfits. For men, the same applies. You can make your work outfits a staple by investing in a few dress shirts and ties.
Look for Alternative Brands
Well-known fashion brands will always be more expensive. While they may be fashionable, you should avoid high-priced fashion brands if you’re trying to build your wardrobe on a tight budget. It may be possible to save more money by choosing a different brand and finding the best deals. There will be a slight difference in quality, but most people won’t notice. It is not a contest to design your work wardrobe.
Most jobs require you to be professional and complete your job. You don’t have to be unique for your fashion sense. You can choose lesser-known brands that are less expensive. They will look as good and cost less.
