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Under: Career
Frustrated With Work Attire Options? What is The Solution?
  • MsRoezi
    Hi Ladies. I'm new into my career - 26. I'm wondering if women on a budget are disappointed with the work attire options that are out there today just as I am. And if so what are your main frustrations. Any solutions or ways you think that brands could improve. And what are your go to brands that you are pleased with?
  • cc11782n
    I was always a huge fan of Express for my work pants particularly. I have pairs in basic black, lightweight grey and tan, and a darker heavier grey pair for winter. The initial outlay of money is rough, but I bought them over the course of my first year out of college (3 years ago), and through lots of wear and tear plus commuting they've held up 100% to how they were when I originally bought them - and I machine wash them. Express usually has sales and sometimes has BOGO 50% on bottoms.

    For cardigans, and shirts, I usually go the cheaper route, as those are the things I change out season to season and more frequently.

    Shoes are another thing that I usually take the middle ground on. I love Nine West, but I usually go to their outlet when I need new work shoes. Everything at the outlet is BOGO 50%, so I wait until I need 2 pairs, or find a friend who needs a pair and we split the cost down the middle.

    Just a suggestion too - I'm not sure if you have a Dress Barn where you live, but they actually have updated their look a lot to appeal to a younger crowd. I've gotten a few work tops there that have lasted awhile and are classics (ie- black shell top for under blazer, etc.)
  • KatieL
    If I had a penny for every time..... Best advice: know your style. I spent 10 years buying cheap clothes that didn't fit and I didn't wear. Now that I know my style, I have better clothes, even though my budget is about half what it used to be (kids, mortgage, etc).

    Target is great for basics, I also shop on Ebay. I know that there are probably a million articles on this already - but a nice suit (best you can afford) changed up with a shell in the color of the season really is the best way to keep up to date on a budget.

    Watch the cut of the suit jacket - something classic, no big shoulder pads, not too long, not too short.... Dress for Success may also be able to help you if you qualify for their criteria.

    Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
  • dlowery
    I love shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army for some great finds. There is an amazing selection of really nice brand name clothes (Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, etc), you'll have to do some digging but it can really be worth it. I also have tried out a site called Twice, https://www.liketwice.com/, you can turn in your quality clothes for cash (it's not a ton but you might be able to buy something new and different for your wardrobe) and they have a nice selection of work appropriate, gently used clothing to buy.
  • Brusselssprout
    Find out what your size is in the brands that are your "go to" brands. Search e-bay using the brand and your size as the search terms. For example, "Banana Republic shirt size 4." You will easily find the right clothes for you at the cheapest possible price.
  • FLady
    I look for work wear inspiration on a number of blogs like Corporette and Capital Hill Style and 9to5 Chic. they are always inspiring me to try new brands and often identify sales so I don't waste time searching myself.

    I agree with spending a bit more to get stuff that you like and will wear a bunch. So I also use gilt and saks fashionfix which are a bit more high end, but have killer deals sometimes.
  • Christel R
    TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Forever 21 have good finds for everyday business casual. However, these bargain shops sure can be a temptation for impulse shopping. Express and Zara have classic cute blazers that are much more affordable for business professional attire than Brooks Brothers and Armani. You can also dress up items from cheaper stores with a nice blazer/accessories/shoes. For shoes: DSW! The trick is to stretch your wardrobe by buying staple items instead of trendy clothes.

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