How to Dress for the Career you Want on a Budget
How to Dress for the Career you Want on a Budget
Q. I’ve been told to dress for the career I want, not the career I have. I’d like to, but I can’t afford to dress for the career I want right now. How can I come across as a driven professional without breaking the bank?A.
Attire absolutely makes a statement about who someone is and where they want to go, regardless of gender. Putting your best self forward in all life situations is important, and can be most important in the workplace. Clothes are often the first detail noticed in job interviews, client meetings and social events. Not only is it important to make a good impression on others, but wearing a quality, put together ensemble can be empowering. When you feel good about yourself, it is reflected in your presence, demeanor and most often in the quality of your work. Dressing for success may not seem attainable if you are short on cash, but there are ways to build a professional wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Quality over Quantity
While an entirely new wardrobe may seem daunting, start with the basics; one suit (even if your company is business casual) and build up to two blazers, slacks and skirts. Unless you are in retail, marketing or another industry demanding of high fashion, stay fairly traditional in the beginning. Buying solid color pieces is ideal as they are more versatile and can be worn two or three times throughout the week. Blue and black are still the preferred business colors for suits. Gray and brown come in next. Stick to fabrics that can be worn all year long such as lightweight wool, or wool blends. These will be pricier, but will last longer, wont ruin as you have them dry cleaned, and your price-per wear will beat any other item.
Quality shirts in white and light blue or smaller patterns for men; women have more latitude on color for tops. One area to invest in is shoes. Buy the best quality, comfortable, professional shoes you can afford. Black and brown is preferred, and maintain them often; they do you no good if they are not maintained. Look at the heels and invest in a shine regularly.
Accessorize
Showcase your personality with great accessories. Take your basic pieces and customize an outfit with a bright tie, scarf or necklace. Changing up accessories day-to-day can make a wardrobe seem larger than it actually is. Update old clothing with new touches.
What do you carry? Do you have a briefcase or a backpack? A computer bag? A portfolio? Select high-quality materials, and minimize how many separate bags you tote around. What are the people around you using? Did they give up backpacks and gym bags to upgrade? Follow suit.
Shop Smart
Purchasing clothes at the right time and place is key to building a professional wardrobe on a budget. Shop high end stores during sales and the off season. Right now is the perfect time to purchase a professional winter coat, stores are promoting spring lines and eager to sell all winter items. Ask a respected colleague whose look you admire where he or she got something. Outlets can be a great option for buying high-quality pieces for a fraction of the price. Sites such as Beyondtherack.com, gilt.com and ruelala.com offer great deals on designer clothing, shoes and accessories.
You don’t need to max out your credit cards to dress for the career you want. Focus on purchasing quality pieces first then get creative on the accessories. A great wardrobe won’t guarantee a pay raise, but it will set you on the right path to where you want to go.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com