How to Fix Up Your Career Wardrobe

Bring a friend or two along and have fun with the experience of shopping for clothes.

Whether you're job hunting or just hoping to move up the corporate ladder, updating your wardrobe will help you to convey the responsibility and ambition that employers look for when mulling over job applicants or candidates for promotion. While women generally have more freedom in terms of workplace attire, you'll still need to stay within certain parameters as you make over your wardrobe. Depending on your existing wardrobe, changing up your look can range from purchasing a few professional items to replacing everything in your closet.

Instructions

Dress for the Job You Want

1. 

   The clearance rack can yield some amazing deals.

   Find a good outlet mall, even if you need to drive several miles to find it. Although you can find business attire at nearly any venue, you are more likely to find high-quality items in mid-range or high-end stores. While this doesn't mean you should avoid discount stores entirely, as many of these also sell high-quality items, outlet stores are generally better organized, which means you won't need to wade through racks of undesirable clothing before finding something you like. More importantly, outlet mall stores offer great clearance deals, meaning that the blazer that cost $400 in the spring could go down to $20 in the fall. Stores usually offer the best sales on items from previous seasons, so plan your shopping trips accordingly.

2. 

   Oversized clothes can make smaller women look like children playing dress-up.

   Look for basics first: blazers, slacks, cardigans and skirts. Stick with neutral colors for the most part, but don't be afraid to buy a colorful or printed item if you can pull it off. Buy at least one skirt suit and one pantsuit. Look for shapes that are classic rather than trendy, as you don't want to end up buying a whole new wardrobe again when a trend goes out of style. Never buy anything without trying it on, as sizes are not universal across clothing brands. Bring along a friend or two, and ask them how each item looks on you. Clothing should be fitted, but not tight, and offer coverage without appearing tent-like. This is particularly important if you are short and thin, because oversized clothing can make you look like a child playing dress-up. Find a good tailor to alter any clothing that doesn't fit perfectly.

3. 

   A red blouse can still be professional.

   Find blouses, dresses, camisoles and other clothing items that will help you complete your look. You may want to buy items in brighter colors, which is fine, within reason. Your camisoles, for example, should cover a range of neutral tones and shouldn't stand out too much. Make sure to purchase a complementary camisole for any blouse or dress that is low-cut. Depending on your industry, a sleeveless blouse may be acceptable, but only if the neckline is reasonably high. Again, alter any clothing that doesn't quite fit.

4. 

   Cute, yes, but not work-appropriate.

   Look for shoes and accessories that complement your look. Although it may be tempting to head straight for the cute stilettos when you enter a shoe store, remember that you'll be wearing these shoes all day. If you must go with a heel, try a kitten heel or a pump. Your work shoes should be neutral in color and conservative in style. As for the other accessories, keep jewelry to a minimum and avoid garishly colored scarves, purses or belts.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind your industry. Although the rules for office attire have relaxed across the board, some industries are still decidedly more strict than others. If nobody in your office wears open-toed shoes, for example, don't be the first. Likewise, if everyone dresses in neutral colors, don't show up in a shocking-pink blazer.

• Always remove visible body piercings and cover tattoos in the workplace, unless you see your boss sporting ink and stretched earlobes.

• When in doubt, observe what your employer or other higher-ups wear and use this as a guideline.

• Always keep your hair and nails well groomed and professional to complete your polished appearance.

• While it's a good idea to buy some "investment pieces" while looking for basics, keep your budget in mind. Spread your shopping over a period of several weeks so the process seems less overwhelming and to save a few paychecks along the way.

References

• Virginia Tech: Career Services: Job Seach Guide: Business Casual
• TCB Solutions: Proper Attire and Etiquette for Men and Women