Guest post by Alice from Farewell Office
When buying my son’s school uniforms, I often lament, “Why can’t I have a uniform, too?” Working in a professional environment can strain the clothing budget, but you can be well-dressed without spending a lot of money. Here are some rules I follow:
1. Buy quality, and quality does not mean expensive.
Buying clothes at discount stores is rarely cheaper in the long term. After repeated washings, a pair of $15.00 slacks will rarely look presentable for more than one season. Instead it is more cost effective to put that $15.00 towards a pair of quality slacks that will last for many seasons.
By shopping sales (especially clearance) and using coupons, a pair of good quality slacks rarely costs much more. Also, do not disqualify garage sales and thrift stores. You would be astonished at the stylish, high-quality clothes people throw out.
2. Buy basic colors and timeless styles.
Stick to neutrals and simple styles. Stay away from skinny or wide leg cuts that will be out of style long before the item wears out.
3. Avoid seasonal fabrics, such as linen, wool and tweed.
Unless you live in a climate that is below freezing or scorching 11 months out of the year, you will get more wear out of season-less fabrics such as polyester/rayon/spandex blends. Also, I rarely buy long-sleeved shirts or sweaters.
One exception is cardigans. You will get more mileage from layering your pieces. For example, you can wear a short-sleeved shirt alone in the summer and then layer it under a cardigans in the winter.
4. Buy separates.
Buy a skirt and blouse instead of a dress. This will create more combination outfits, giving you the appearance of a larger wardrobe.
5. Accessorize with scarves, belts, and jewelry.
This allows you to cheaply change your look.
6. Buy trendy styles and colors at discount stores.
If you only wear it one season, you won’t have wasted much.
7. Get on the mailing list for high-quality retailers.
Many of them send out coupons and paired with sales, high quality items rarely cost more discount store items.
8. Ask stores if they offer additional discounts.
Some stores offer discounts on certain days of the week, and certain retailers offer discounts to certain professions. For example, several stores offer additional discounts to teachers.
9. Learn the mark-down days of your favorite retailers.
Be kind to your salespeople and they will gladly give you inside information like, “We make markdowns on Tuesday.” You then know that, if possible, you want to shop on Wednesday morning for the best selection.
10. Make your clothes last.
Change your clothes when you get home from work and always wash in a high quality detergent. Finally, hang dry your clothes as the dryer’s heat breaks down the fibers prematurely.
Dressing well and professionally on a budget is possible; you simply need to be a savvy and resourceful shopper.
Alice is a wife and mother, who also works full-time outside of the home. Her goal is to do all work “as unto the Lord.” Her blog Farewell, Office chronicles her journey to do all of this on a time-budget.
A couple questions…
1. What brands are higher quality? I don’t want to spend more on just a label.
2. Which laundry detergents are gentle yet effective? As part time teacher/ mom I deal with some doozy stains. 😉
Thanks!
I recently started loving Talbots. I only buy when they have huge sales like 60% off clearance tags, I can et plain t-shirts to wear to class (I am in nursing school) for around $7 or less a piece! For me the blend of the fabrics feel expensive and the colors were amazing!
When I was a kid and my mom took us to thrift stores, I thought it was the funnest thing. Then, I thought we went cause we were poor. Now, I realize it was smart! I’m very proud of the way my husband and I dress (27 years old, no kids), and it’s all thanks mostly to thrift stores, some yard sales, and occasional finds and Marshall or Kohls. No need to waste money payin full price anywhere…
My office dress code is business casual, with casual Fridays – although I wear dresses or skirts everyday. Most of my work clothes come from Goodwill! Or the clearance racks at Kohl’s. Not all the Goodwill stores in my area are good. But I’ve found 2 or 3 that consistently have brand name clothes, in great condition so I shop those few stores religiously. I always receive lots of compliments on my dresses.
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
I like dresses for the simplicity of choosing something to wear, because they are beautiful, and because they can be budget-friendly (one piece vs two…or more!).
Thrift stores, thrift stores, thirft stores!!! I work in a hospital administration position, so am required to dress professionally. I never buy off the rack, always thrift stores and save hundreds of dollars on clothes. It is also much better for the environment to re-use clothing, instead of buying it new and deeply discounted. BTW, it is also better for the environment to wear natural fibers, not polyester and rayon.
It has really helped me to pay attention to which brands fit me well & hold up well. I totally agree with #2- sticking to timeless pieces that look good on you is key.
I have found that clothing only becomes an issue in a professional setting when it’s inappropriate: low-cut, tight, or too casual (flip-flops or ripped jeans). Beyond that, most people don’t seem too concerned with what style others wear.
What about consignment stores, rummage sales, garage sales and thrift stores? I worked in state government for 8 years and was required to dress in “business casual”. At church rummage sales, I consistently found Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, GAP and Limited brands. Clothing would generally be $2 per item. Consignment stores are pricier of course but have better selection of current styles and are screened for holes, etc. I have also picked up name brand clothing at garage sales for as little as $.25.
I often got compliments on my clothing and it was ALL secondhand. I only buy underclothes and shoes new.
I’m a professional musician so I have a uniform of concert black (for various kinds of weather and levels of formality). I’ve been using Woolite for Darks on my dress clothes, dark jeans, and other darks in our warddrobes and it works really well. It’s pricey, IMO, but I think it took me 9 months to go through one bottle.
Everyone has really great advice. I’d like to add that Coldwater Creek can be a great place to find professional clothes at a decent price. Their regular prices are crazy but often the clearance section (and outlet stores) have some great deals. I know it skews a little older but I have been able to find things there I wear often. They also have plus sizes.
The polyester thing has been really hit or miss for me. I have a pair of black pants from Kohl’s that still looks great after five years but a top I got last fall at Dress Barn is snagged and pilling. The fabric I would suggest avoiding is rayon. Unless you dry clean it really doesn’t hold up very well.
Beth – have you considered one of those sweater shavers for the pilling? For the first time I got a nice one last year. By the time I finished shaving the clothes I had that were pilling, it looked like I had a new wardrobe.
Now though I’ve lost weight so am down three sizes and none of them fit! I’ve been shopping at outlet malls for my new wardrobe but, thanks to this post, I’m heading to Goodwill. How pathetic is it that I go there to buy clothing for my grandbabies but not for myself.
Yes, I have a sweater shaver. I just forget to use it until I’m wearing the shirt and need to rush out the door. 🙂
Congrats on the weight loss. I struggle with how much more I want to lose (I lost 40lbs since my second son was born and I’m about 5 lbs heavier than when I got pregnant). Shamefully, what I often use as an excuse is for the first time in years I have a wardrobe I really like. Including 7 pairs of pants I had professionally hemmed because I have short legs. Ha ha. (Seriously, there are other reasons too. The clothing is just a part of it.)
I am currently looking for work after being home with my kids for 6 years. I don’t know what type of clothes I will need. All I know is, I will be needing new clothes and shoes.
I shop almost exclusively at New York and Company. I am a stay-at-home mom/professional photographer, and I find that they carry a lot of classic pieces that can be combined for home, work, church, and play without too much trouble. I get their e-mail coupons and frequently get $50 off $100 purchase offers. I recently used of of these combined with clearance (not Redline, but other deeply discounted clothing) and got 21 pieces for $50. Not too bad! I’m also very tall, and they carry a full line of tall pants, but also SHIRTS that don’t show off my belly (I’m very conservative). Highly recommend!
Another good source for inexpensive office clothes: online “thrift stores” like vintagevixen.com, or even EBay. Also, some of the medium-priced office-y chains (The Limited, Ann Taylor) have special coupons for cardholders (you don’t have to use the card). $15 off any purchase Qs come regularly.. a free item each month or so. Around Chicago, I find my best thrift store bargains in suburban charity resale shops.
No long sleeves? Brr! Even in summer, I’d be cold in the AC.
I’m from south Louisiana and we have been seen with shorts on in our Christmas pictures! 🙂 We don’t get very cold here at all; however, you are right. It is often colder inside (with AC) than it ever is outside. For this reason, I do buy cardigans. I have one in all the basic colors. I wear these to stay comfortable both outside and inside.
What do you consider a good quality detergent?
I’ve been using Tide Total Care for a few years and have been very pleased with it. I have also used Woolite (regular and for darks) and haven’t had any issues. As I am trying to move away from dyes and perfumes; however, I will be trying more natural cleaners soon. I think the absence of harsh chemicals may prevent the fibers from breaking down prematurely. I’d love the hear what cleaners others are using.
I’ve been at home the past few years, but when I was purchasing professional clothes, I found Ross, TJMaxx, Steinmart and Marshalls to carry nice name brand clothing and shoes like Calvin Klein and others in classic cuts for reasonable price. I agree with the idea of having basic neutral colors for the clothes and using accessories to keep things fresh, current and interesting.
Thrift Stores are the secret to my success for church or work clothes. I shop at the first of the week right after they markdown prices. I also shop in the expensive neighborhoods. It takes patience and realizing that I probably won’t get a complete outfit in one trip but giving it time I end up with lots of great pieces at great prices. My most recent blog post is the first in a series where I’ll be completely rebuilding my Fall/Winter Wardrobe on $40.
Thank you for the post. Good ideas. As a frugal yet fashionable girl, I try to follow many of these tips. I had a few other ideas to share.
In the Twin Cities, the Goodwill has several “upscale” stores that sell very nice clothing that was donated. I have great luck at the regular Goodwill and even better luck at the upscale store to find well-priced professional clothing. Our Jr. League and a few other charity shops also have nice upscale sales. Watch for those. Keep a list of what you’re looking for to complete the gaps in your wardrobe. That helps keep me on track.
Most of my work clothes can be washed gently. I used the dry cleaning in the dryer (Dryel or Woolite) for the rest.
The clearance racks at major department stores are wonderful, especially when you have an extra coupon off. If I find something great and the price is too high, I check Ebay and often get a great deal. I am petite and hard to fit so it is worth it when somethings fits well.
Consider paying a tailor to tweak sale finds. I make basic changes like hemming pants. A tailor can make a great shirt found on sale fit you perfectly with a few darts, for example.
Happy frugal shopping!:)
Thanks for this article. I have a very casual workplace (think jeans and flip flops), but I’m getting a little too old to dress like a undergrad who overslept for her first class of the day. I’ve been using Goodwill to add some nicer pieces to my wardrobe.
I do buy long sleeve tops because my office cranks the ac in our conference room from May to November. Also, linen is my friend during Washington, DC summers.
This was a great list. 😀
Everyone responding has such great advice. I definately agree with hanging out clothing to dry to make them last longer. However many of the higher end of clothing stores dont offer quality clothing larger than a size 14 or 16. If you ha\appen to be a fuller-figured pprofessional. Your search is much harder. In adiition, some of these stores geared toward fuller figuered women are just full of very very expensive “sacks”. There are not very good quality either. If I pay $60 for a pair of pants form a famous full-figured chain, it should be more sturdy than the regular polyester blend found in a lower end store. Yes, of course, if i would lose weight I would fit into clothing at Ann Taylor or The Loft (which I love to look at). In the meantime, I have worked very hard and deserve to have the same options as toher shaped women. Just venting a little. Thanks for listening.
I have taught 4K – 2nd (currently in 1st). Depending on the grade level/day, I can get marker, play dough, glue, paint, you get the idea, on my clothing. I also am exposed to a LOT of germs and a LOT of hugs with grimey hands daily. I learned early on to read care labels and NOT buy anything that is dry clean only, even if it is very cheap, even good will. I don’t have the time or money to deal with constant dry cleaning. I do have different work attire for different seasons. Since it is usually scorching here (SC lowcountry) in parts of May, all of August, and parts of Sept. and Oct., I wear skirts and dresses with bare legs and sandals. When it gets a slight bit color, I wear clothes toed ballet flat type shoes (I actually got black and brown very cute Crocs for $13 each from a deal on this sight–wear them daily spring and fall for work and even outside of work–very comfy and have gotten several compliments on them). When it gets a little cooler than that, the same skirts/dresses get paired with tall boots. When it gets cold (40s-low 60s), the pants and sweaters come out with the boots and or my dressier Merrils. I have found that a light weight black and khaki pair of pants and a heavier weight black and khaki pants go a long way (light weight for fall/spring, heavy for winter). You can even get away with wearing them more than once a week. I do have a dark, dark purple pair of cords I love in the winter ($10 GAP)–it’s good to add some eccentric pieces here and there.
I do wash my work clothes almost every time I wear them–cuts down on the spread of germs, but I do have some pieces that have lasted years! But it is possible to dress for less.
I have several dresses, pants and sweaters that are ‘dry clean only’, I washed them many many times on gentle cycle with All detergent and air dried them, they still look great.
Some great ideas! Though I disagree on the types of fabrics to avoid. Wool, especially a light weave, works well in 3 seasons (and even in summer, sometimes, as it is much more breathable than synthetics). Linen can be layered for fall and winter. I wear a black linen skirt year-round with tights and a sweater. I love the encouragement to be creative
I try to avoid linen because it usually looks like it never been ironed (at least the pieces I have).
I agree with you. Linen is extremely difficult to care for. Wrinkles to easy.
I usually shop at Ross for Calvin Klein suits if I need smth right now(they have senior 10% discount on certain days) . If I have time I shop at Ann Taylor Loft Outlets (Loft is cheaper), they also have sales there and coupons too.
Macy’s is great too with all the coupons available all year round. Recently I raided their clearance rack and I’ve found lots of blouses for next summer for $4-$7.
Thrift Stores are kind of expensive around here and I’ve never had luck finding anything there.
It must be a location thing. Our thrift stores are really pricey too and I’ve never had any luck finding good items. I also love end of season clearance too! I’ve had a lot of success lately at Ann Taylor. I notice when the good deals are on sites like these, I’ll find similar deals in the store where I can try on the items.
I disagree about the polyester/rayon/spandex purchase. These clothes rarely make it into my wardrobe because of the cheap look even in higher-end clothing. Cotton and silk can be seasonless and if you care for them correctly, will last a long time.
Agreed! Mostly.
What I disagree with is #3. Linen isn’t a good choice for most people, but good quality wool is timeless, classic and long-lasting. I have wool slacks that have lasted me a couple of decades. Pants that last decades are worth spending $300 on – my amortized cost is down to $15/year and there’s a lot of life left in them. The nice thing is, with patience and work one can buy similarly good pants for a lot less by haunting outlets, sales, discount shops, consignment stores, etc.
My mother has silk shirts that have lasted her even longer than that. Cotton or cotton blend usually doesn’t last more than a decade because it degrades faster and the color fades more than with wool and silk, but it’s still a good choice.
An important factor to long-lasting clothes is appropriate cleaning. You need to do it often enough that dirt doesn’t degrade the fabric, but not so often that the cleaning doesn’t degrade it either.
My best trick is to use a clothes brush to remove surface dirt – this has saved me many a trip to the dry cleaners or laundromat. I use a lint brush (or roller – for a while dry cleaners were handing minis out left and right) for lint and such, and a stiff clothing or suede brush for surface dirt.
Finally, buy good-quality shoes from a trained fitter. Unlike clothes, good shoes cannot be had cheaply (unless one stumbles on some at a resale store), and there’s no hiding cheap shoes. Good shoes make everything else look better. As with clothes, good care makes them last longer. Wear a given pair no more than every other day; the off day allows them to dry out and air out, which prolong shoe life. Use wood inserts to help them dry out (the wood absorbs moisure) and hold their shape. Finally, keep them clean and use a salt-absorbing surface cleaner to remove salt if you live in a snowy winter clime – salt is as bad for your shoes as it is for your car.
That was my thought too.
I have found far and away that natural fabrics – cotton and wool in particular – are the way to go. They don’t stretch or pill like the synthetics and can be washed at home (yes, wool can be washed at home in your machine – just don’t stick it in the dryer!) which saves a TON of dry cleaning costs. I live in Minnesota and ligher weight wool can be worn year round (skirts and slacks in particular). I have two wool skirts that I’ve had for over 15 years that I continually get complements on. I’m a little disappointed that they’re starting to show their age, but I figure wearing them 2-3 times/week 6months of the year for 15 years is well worth the money!
I now buy almost all my work clothes (I’m university faculty) at consignment stores but have found great sales and gotten some items from garage sales or thrift stores too.
Lea
#10 is good advice for anyone. Take care of the clothing you have by only washing when it is truly dirty, following the instructions on the label and minimizing time in the dryer.
I absolutely agree. I wash all my good clothes inside out, on cold using mild detergent and I air dry it. Usually my clothes last me for many years.
Depending on the dress code (business casual vs business professional), young women can often get away with shopping for uniform dress pants. I prefer JCPenny, but Kolh’s and Sears have had some as well. They gear them to kids, so they are very durable. Sometimes I work with metal components, that wreck havoc on my wardrobe. These are comparable to Men’s dockers in color and fit.
Unfortunately, as I’ve grown up from my interning days, I’ve had to good will clothes that I grew out of. I totally recommend thrift stores and end of season shopping (a polo or a button down don’t go out of style, they just bring out a shade variant next year)
Never thought of that…thanks!
I second the thrift shop vote. I’ve found some of the nicest items there. And don’t be afraid to try vintage styles — I’ve got a ladies suit from the 1940s that I wear for court appearances all the time, and I get lots of compliments on it. I do disagree with the advice to avoid long sleeve shirts or sweaters — except for the hottest days of summer (when it’s way to warm to even think of wearing long sleeves outdoors), my office has the a/c on so low that I need long sleeves.
So true! When I began my job, a friend introduced me to thrift store shopping. I bought several pairs of pants there from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic along with some other classic higher-end items. I saved hundreds of dollars and have quality, stylish clothes that will last for years.
We were so excited when we learned we can get 15% off at Banana Republic just by flashing my husband’s university ID…then we learned it isn’t on top of other sales. But then they said it *did* apply to clearance clothes and I had to keep myself from doing a little happy dance! 😀
Is this just for teachers, or does it work with student ID cards as well?
I think it’s students, too; my husband is a grad student who is also employed full-time by the university as part of his schooling, so I’m never sure what he’s considered. I would ask to double check the next time you’re in BR…or any other store you like, really, because you never know.
Thanks for posting this! I start my first job as a substitute teacher pretty soon and with the tiny budget I have right now, this will definitely help!!
As a stay at home mom I often wished for a uniform just for simplicity and to limit decision making (and to make sure I got dressed!!) For quite awhile I had several pairs of nice white pants (Ann Taylor, yard sale, $1/pair) and paired them with solid color, nice t’s. It made me feel SO good each day and bleach got out any stains.
I lost a bunch of weight this year, and have a limit on buying only 12 personal items for my wardrobe this year, so I don’t fit in my “uniform” clothes any more, but I keep toying with the idea of doing it again!