How to Plan a Fall Wardrobe for a School Secretary

School secretaries should convey professionalism and accessibility.

Planning a fall wardrobe for a school secretary requires research skills and creativity. Take advantage of trying clothes on at the mall to determine cut, fit, fabrics and colors. Compare prices of clothing manufacturers you prefer online.



Making some of your fall wardrobe means garments will fit you perfectly.



Visiting consignment stores, shopping sales and using community resources will stretch your fall wardrobe budget.



A suit, two pairs of tailored slacks, two skirts, several sweaters and shirts and accessories to mix and match form your core fall wardrobe.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Fall wardrobe budget
• Printable wardrobe planning guide

Instructions

1. 

   Plan before you buy this year's fall wardrobe.

   Make a budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend will determine where to acquire or purchase this year's wardrobe.

   If you are a new school secretary and a recent graduate, check into community resources that help you put together a professional wardrobe at little or no cost to you. Programs like Ithaca, New York's Women's Opportunity Center provide their participants with professional clothing basics needed for a new job. Don't forget to make a donation to your community's program when you have saved some money.

   Modest budgets of a few hundred dollars stretch with the use of your research skills.

2. 

   Plan a clothing swap to add new garments to your wardrobe at no cost.

   Plan a clothing swap. Invite friends and other well-dressed acquaintances to swap clothing. Hosting the event at a professional association or club will increase the numbers of garments available. Trade your nice casual clothing for a high quality blazer you will wear for years to come. If you organize the event, charge a small entry fee to defray costs.

3. 

   Design your own outfits.

   Design some of your own clothes. By making or tailoring an existing pattern to fit your body perfectly, you have the luxury of choosing fabrics and design elements that may be challenging to buy off the rack.

   Sewing simple patterns you create saves money and yields quality at a low cost.

4. 

   Knit suits look fresh and neatly pressed.

   Plan a week's wardrobe using a printable wardrobe planning guide.

   Visit the mall and try on suits you like. Knit suits convey a fresh and professional image without looking fussy and can be accessorized. The skirt of a suit can be worn with another jacket or top. Make notes about what styles, manufacturers, colors and designs you prefer. Compare costs online.

   A new Castleberry suit may cost upwards of $200 at the mall and much less online, especially if you are willing to purchase gently worn garments. Save from 50 to 90 percent by comparison shopping.

5. 

   Splurge on designer items at consignment stores.

   Research consignment stores. Classic wardrobe basics are yours for less at these stores. Plan to visit several to evaluate cost savings.

   Plan to splurge occasionally for special items. Designer consignment stores offer tremendous savings on couture that will make your wardrobe the envy of everyone at your school.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan a wardrobe that works within your surroundings.

• Choose subtle, classic designs. Buy items you can afford without going into debt.

References

• Womens Opportunity: Women's Opportunity Center
• Clothing Swap: Plan a clothing swap
• Fashion Era: Sewing simple patterns you create
• Sierra Trading Post: Castleberry suit
• Turnabout Shoppe: Designer consignment

Resources

• Printable wardrobe planning guide
• How to Dress for a Fall Job Interview
• "Art in Everyday Life" (Wardrobe Planning); Harriet Goldstein; 2007
• "Robin McGraw's Complete Makeover Guide"; Robin McGraw; 2009
• "The Complete Single Mother"; Andrea Engber, Leah Klungness; 2006
• "A New Professional Image"; Susan Bixler, Nancy Nix-Rice; 2005