Comments on: Building a professional wardrobe on a budget

By: margot

margot — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:07:03 +0000

I don’t get why you need to “build an entire wardrobe.” I adjunct teach one course at a university. Teaching one course involves very few appearances on campus and in front of students. You can wear just about the same thing for every class (or every second or third class) and no one will notice or care. It sounds like your “new wardrobe” could easily consist of one pair of black pants that you wear each time you teach with one of your tops that still fits. Done and cheap.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:15:31 +0000

OK, finally a topic I can weigh in on. I’m a bit of a shopaholic, but I definitely get my clothes on the cheap.
Some of my most complimented outfits are from Target’s clearance racks. I’ve found some Merona dresses for under $10…which leads me to my next tip: DRESSES. So much easier to put together than pants, shirt, sweater, etc. I have a ton of neutral dresses that look different depending on the tights/cardigan/belt I wear with it. Also, you may look into joining the email list of the Limited or a store like them. Almost every day they send out 40 percent off sale coupons and whatnot. Apply that to the sale section and you have some basics for a fraction of the retail price.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:40:04 +0000

Have you checked out eBay? There are plenty of sellers who sell things in “lots” — one price for a whole slew of clothes in a certain style (casual, sporty, professional) and usually all around the same size. I found success with that a time or two in the past when I needed work clothes stat and didnt have the time or money (or patience!) to deal with finding & buying everything new. Though inevitably there will be a couple pieces that won’t fit/you don’t like — but you can in return sell those in your own lot.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:28:06 +0000

Oh and what about a nice jacket to throw over something to dress it up? They have plenty in thrift stores, that’s fo sho.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:06:57 +0000

Because I clearly am a style icon, I have some ideas to share.

Accessories are great for stretching a limited wardrobe! Scarves! Belts! They really do have an impact.

You could do a “capsule” how everything goes with everything else, like you mentioned. Also keep colors to a certain limited selection can help stretch. Bottoms could be dark-colored and you could wear those a lot and no one will know.

You might check consignment shops since you are looking for a nicer quality. Still cheaper than retail, most likely.