budgeting

How To Build A Budget Friendly Work-Wardrobe

The following is a guest post.

Professional clothes are often considered boring, and who would want to buy boring clothes when you could get an outfit, that is much more attractive, for even less. Obviously, as much as you want to look good at those late night parties, you have to look better at work. We all know how far good looks and self-presentation can take one’s career.

Work wear does not always come cheap though. In fact, it can be costlier than those shiny, gorgeous dresses that we see at parties. However, following some of these simple tips, when building your work-wardrobe can save you a lot of money, without compromising on the quality or looks.

1. Quality not quantity

   Everybody hears this phrase every now and then, but not everyone follows it. While it feels great to carry home ten shopping bags full of brand new clothes; what use is it when you won’t wear half of them, simply because they’re not good enough for where you work?
   A better approach would be to buy a few quality clothes every once in a while and gradually build up your wardrobe. Also, quality clothes, taken good care of will definitely last more than cheap ones, while enabling you to flaunt your style.

2. Keep it simple
   

   Simple is beautiful. Nobody can deny that. All you have to do is know how to carry yourself with confidence while wearing simple clothes. And by simple, I do not mean cheap, or boring. Simple clothes are ones that can complement your entire outfit without making you look like a clown. For example, nude-colored flats; they’d match almost everything in your wardrobe, are relatively less costly, and make walking easier.
   The same goes for accessories. Get necklaces, and other accessories that you think will go with a majority of your outfits. This way, you don’t have to buy a different set of accessories for each outfit.

3. Stay Away From Full-priced Sections
   

   Buying items on sale is a joy like none other. Especially when on a tight budget. New arrivals obviously have their own perks, but sale items can get you the value for money that you need on a limited budget. Stores like TJ Maxx and Ross are some of the best places you can shop at with a budget constraint. Not only can you find some of the biggest brands there, they are relatively cheaper and definitely good quality.

4. Shop Online
   

   While most people like to shop at the traditional brick and mortar stores, just because they can try on clothes before they buy them, online stores have a lot more to offer now than they did initially; making it a very lucrative option.
   Most online shopping websites offer discounts all year round. Online stores have classy and elegant outfits available at the most affordable rates. With free shipping and returns, you are likely to find your desired items without any hassle.

It’s easy to get distracted by all the glamorous designer apparel displayed at high end outlets; it is however, important to keep in mind that all that glitters is not gold, and you don’t always need expensive, branded stuff to help you look good. Keep to the basics, buy the essentials, build your wardrobe, and gradually but eventually, you will have enough to last you a month without wearing the same outfit twice.

Author Bio

Mehmood Ali is a passionate fashion blogger who loves to write on prevailing trends. He is featured author at various blogs around and a staff writer at AnythingChenille.com, your premier source for all your custom chenille and letterman jacket patches.

James Hendrickson

James is an internet entrepreneur, blogging junky, hunter and personal finance geek.  When he’s not lurking in coffee shops in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find him in the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. James has a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelors degree on Sociology from Earlham College.  He loves individual stocks, bonds and precious metals.