How to Dress for Success on a Budget

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By Kallicat
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Dress for Success

Many women are currently having financial difficulties and yet they need to dress professionally for their job. You can dress very professionally, even on a budget. Listed below are my tips for making a professional wardrobe on a budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Eye for quality
Time to browse the racks

Step 1

First you need to know to have a few basic, good quality pieces. A well made black knee length skirt and a pair of black dress pants are a must. You will also need a really good pair of black shoes. Some people look better in flats, others in heels. If you have to be on your feet for any length of time, get the flats first. Buy good quality, comfortable shoes since they really will make a difference. Stick to neutral colors at first so that you can easily interchange all the pieces in your wardrobe for different looks.
Step 2

Here are some places to get these pieces for a fraction of the cost. Visit consignment stores in your area. They often have amazing deals on women’s clothing. If you buy more than one item, see if you can’t talk them into giving you a discount. Even 5% adds up.
Step 3

Visit the Goodwill store or other thrift store in your area. You may have to search a bit but sometimes you really can find some good deals. Look for blazers or other outerwear pieces here as they can save you some serious money. You may have to make some small repairs but it will be worth it.
Step 4

Look for inexpensive accessories at the thrift and/or consignment shop. Don’t send a lot of money but you can find some pieces that you will use to add color or change to an outfit. You can also find some of these items at a Ross, Dress for Less store. Ross usually has name brand items at really inexpensive prices.
Step 5

Shop the sales events in your area’s department stores. My local Macy’s has awesome clearance deals where I have bought a $100 blazer for $20. Be willing to look through all the racks searching for that perfect piece and sale item for you. Be willing to wait for the piece to go on sale. I have a love for Alfani clothes but they are $$$ and I won’t pay retail for them. No one else knows I bought them on clearance.

Comments

rewrite810 said

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on 1/25/2009 Very practical tips, thanks! 5*

alienangel555 said

on 1/23/2009 All good tips. 5

haggadah said

on 1/23/2009 This helps a lot thank you!

PhiMcRee said

on 1/22/2009 Awesome advice! I periodically check my favorite dept store websites for their clearance items. My latest steal was 4 pairs of Victoria Secret for $15ea! Should have bought more hehe