A Professional Wardrobe On My Budget?

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

I’m sure all young professionals have heard this advice. And I know it’s great advice. Problem is we young professionals have salaries that can’t afford the CEO's wardrobe. Target, not Talbots, is more our bank account’s speed. So what’s a Future Guru to do?

Here are some tips to getting the boss' look on a FG budget...

1. Goodwill has professional clothes! Gasp!
I have friends that balk at my shopping for work clothes at Goodwill. However, Goodwill has a surprising amount of professional wear on their racks. Sure, the worn-out cotton blouses and stretched sweaters may not work in the office, but blazers and suit pants tend to hold their structure long past their original owner’s use. I’ve found pants, skirts, and jackets from The Limited, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, and Banana Republic all at my local Goodwill. And feeling like I’ve gone on a shopping spree and only spending $20?!? It doesn’t get much better than that.

2. Second-hand Shops aren’t just for your grandma anymore.
Or is it just my grandma that loves those places? Most consignment shops are very particular about the clothes they bring into their stores, ensuring a better selection for us FGs. Though not as inexpensive as Goodwill, many bargains are to be had here. I’ve scored two pairs of my favorite work pants for $16 each. Had I bought those at the retail store? $130.

3. Dual purpose is the name of the game.
You really want to buy a cute outfit for Friday night, but you know it’s best to invest in more professional garb. I’ve been there. So go for the best of both worlds! Buy that cute top that goes with jeans on Friday night and a blazer and slacks on Monday morning. Buying dual purpose clothes that work in and out of the office stretches your clothing budget.

4. Essentials are essential and worth a pretty penny.
There are times when a Target suit just won’t do. A nice navy suit for an interview, grey slacks that fit you to a T, great red pumps that add some personality to your basic blacks (and are all-day wearable)…these are essentials worth an investment. That suit may cost you $150, but it will last for years and offer multiple outfit varieties.

5. Befriend a tailor.
Yes, tailors add to your clothing budget. But if you found a great BCBG dress at Goodwill that’s just a tad too big, a tailor can save that shopping miracle. A pair of second-hand $10 pants plus a $10 hem is still a bargain. And what’s better than clothes that fit you perfectly?

I hope these tips help you present a professional image at your office. Dressing the part gives you even more confidence to act the part. It’s essential for Future Guru Status!