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Step 1
Invest in quality wardrobe pieces. Buy high-quality fabrics. Wool, matte jersey and some polyester blends will add a bit of polish to your office wardrobe. If you purchase cheaply made garments, you will have to replace them frequently. Stretch your office wardrobe dollars by investing in quality over quantity.
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Step 2
Purchase suits, slacks, dresses and blouses in basic colors. A great office wardrobe is filled with neutral options that you can mix and match. Buy two suits: one with pants and the other with a skirt. Purchase 3 blouses: two white and one with solid colors or stripes. Also add 3 plain dresses as foundational pieces to your office wardrobe. Include 2 pair of black, gray or navy slacks and 2 skirts to complete your basic wardrobe. Add one trenchcoat in a vibrant color to your new office wardrobe.
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Step 3
Buy 3 pairs of shoes. Two pairs of pumps and one pair of flats can fill your office footwear requirements beautifully. Buy two pairs of pumps in black, navy or brown. Purchase your flat pair in a neutral color as well. To extend the life of your shoes, buy polish and water-repellent spray. Use these items for weekly shoe maintenance.
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Step 4
Visit a local tailor. Expert tailoring can turn a $30 dress into a masterpiece worth three times the original amount paid for the garment. A garment perfectly fitted to your frame looks more expensive than an ill-fitting one. Check your neighborhood dry cleaner for affordable tailoring options. If you are proficient with needle and thread and a sewing machine, you can save even more money by altering the garment yourself.
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Step 5
Use eBay. The original online shopping superstore can help you buy an office wardrobe cheaply. Scour the website for name-brand suits, jackets and dresses. Buy from a reputable seller to prevent buyer's remorse.
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Step 6
Shop thrift, consignment and secondhand stores. You'll find great deals at off-price retailers. Take advantage of overstocked items that are usually on average 50 percent below retail prices. Stock up on trendy accessories and statement pieces at discounted retailers. Visit websites like DesignerExposure.com for designer clothes at discounts. You also can order designer pieces at reasonable prices from Smart Bargains.com (see Resources below).
