Buying new work clothes in your early 20’s can put a strain on your finances. Alleviate that strain by – investing in work staples, leveraging your “going out” attire, and learn how to watch for sales.
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Invest In Work Staples
Buying new work clothes in your early 20’s can put a strain on your finances. The color black should be your go-to for the office. If you want to add vibrancy or flair, add colors via accessories. All of these items, in the color black, should be your wardrobe staples: blazer, pants, and pencil skirt. Other essentials, in the same shade, can be a camisole, cardigan, a pair of good-quality pumps, and a work bag.
Black blazer, pants & pencil skirt should be in your weekly rotation. For the all-important pop of color (nobody wants to look drab), add jewelry, scarves, or a well-tailored blouse in a lively hue or with a subtle pattern. 1. Limited Skirt Suit 2. Limited Blazer & Skinny pants suit 3. Express Black Blazer 4. Express Pencil Skirt
Camisole – Always wear a camisole under any of your blouses that are borderline appropriate for the office, to ensure you do not stand out in an unfavorable way. 5. Cami Shop
Black Work Bag – Best advice: while you shouldn’t use a backpack, you don’t have to carry a briefcase. A large black tote is perfect for the office to hold your laptop computer, notebook, sweater, and walking shoes. 6. Extra Large Black Totes starting under $50
Black Pumps – A pair of classic black pumps is an office must-have. Find a good shoe doctor to give them some sprucing-up every 6-12 months. 7. Black Classic Pumps 8. Black Peep Toe Pumps
Scroll the image to see Guideline #2
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Make "Going Out" Clothes Work Appropriate
If you’re on the verge of graduating from college or just recently graduated, the odds that you have more “going out” attire in your closet than “professional” attire is pretty high. You can convert your going out clothes to workplace appropriate or learn what to look for during your next shopping trip for apparel that can be leveraged for both.
“Cleavage Tops” or dresses – You should never even wear “cleavage” tops to work as is, but some can be converted to work-appropriate. Add a black or white camisole (or bralette) under the dress.
Tank Top – Add a blazer or a cardigan, and maybe a silky scarf – worn with your black pants. It’s instantly work-appropriate.
Summer dress – As long as it’s not a “miniskirt,” you can add tights and a cardigan (or a blazer), and a cute summer dress instantly becomes office-worthy.
Backless shirt or dress — Add a blazer or cardigan and you’re good-to-go.
Tip: When you’re buying your next “going-out top,” think: “Can I make this work at the office by adding a blazer or cardigan?”
1. Express 2. Limited 3. BB Dakota 4. Vince Camuto 5. Mango 6. Top Shop at Nordstrom 7. Target Blazers 8. Target Dresses 9. Peter Pilotto at Target
Scroll the image to see Guideline #3
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Discover The Versatility Of The “Cardigan”
Cardigans come in all colors, styles, prints, fabrics… and are easy to add to your favorite dress or favorite tank top to not only turn your weekend or night attire to office-worthy, but also allow you the versatility to wear your favorite dresses more often by just swapping out your cardigan. Cardigans typically range from $15-$35, so they’re a budget friendly addition to your wardrobe essentials.
1. A-Line Black Dresses 2. Black Cardigans 3. Striped Boyfriend Cardigans 4. Pink Cardigans 5. Bold Prints 6. White & Beige Cardigans 7. Teal & Blue Hues
Scroll the image to see Guideline #4
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Shop the Sales
Most retailers have 1-2 day online sales to boost sales during the week when traffic is slow. The sales are sometimes more aggressive than their average sales during the weekend – and run 40-50% off. Retailers also discount heavily at the end of seasons, which start about 6-8 weeks before the “Seasons” actually change. Watch out for these sales and learn how to be notified.
1. Limited Sales Events 2. Express Sales Events 3. Nordstrom Sales Events 4. Macy’s Sales Events 5. Gap Sales Events 6. 6pm Clearance
Take a look at more Careerealism Style Guides on our Partner Page
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