How to Build a Work Wardrobe on a Budget

You should be building your work wardrobe on a budget. In most instances, people work to meet their needs, and provide themselves certain luxuries in life. Yes, I value my job and appearance, but I do not intend on breaking the bank to look good at work. Work appropriate clothes is a must no matter what type of work you do. However, it is not recommended that you spend all your hard-earned money on office looks. Currently, I work in a relaxed office environment and the attire is business casual. Therefore, my looks are a combination of professional and relaxed.

Before you start building your wardrobe you must first know the dress code for your office or place of work. If you are not familiar with the type of dress code, please do your research. Additionally, you should be evaluating your own personal style. Think about how you’ll incorporate your personal style into the office environment. For example, I love button down shirts in the office. Personally, I feel that it adds a clean and tailored look. In a business casual setting, I pair my button-down shirts/blouses with slacks and flats.

Keep reading to find out how to build your work wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Set a Budget

Building a work wardrobe on a budget requires a BUDGET! Set aside an amount of money specifically for work attire. For example, set aside $50 each month for professional attire. Your budget should work for you, and once you set a budget stick to it. Affordability is most important component of building a budget friendly wardrobe for work. Even though you have a budget doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Set a budget, DO NOT GO BROKE! You can and will look great in the office for less – I promise.

Shop Smart

THRIFT IT: When possible, thrift it. Secondhand clothing is a great affordable way to shop for work wardrobe without breaking the bank. Saving money on any wardrobe is possible at the thrift store. Go in with a plan and be open-minded. Goodwill is one of my favorite thrift stores to shop for professional attire, specifically slacks and blazers.

CONSIGNMENT PLEASE: Consignment shopping is another great option for buying secondhand and saving your coin. These items are typically a tad bit pricier than thrift stores so remember your budget.

DISCOUNT STORES: Champagne taste on a beer budget? No worries, shop designer discount stores instead off full price department stores. Find your local TJ Maxx, Burlington’s, Ross, Nordstrom Rack and/or Marshalls.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: No matter where you decide to shop to build your work wardrobe look for quality items. Discount stores, consignment stores and thrift stores all carry quality merchandise for less. It’s not about the number of items you leave with but the quality of the items you purchase. Oh, and just because its expensive does not mean that its quality!

Work Wardrobe Essentials to Start

When building a wardrobe on a budget prioritize the essentials first. The essentials should be the first items in your new wardrobe for the office. Look for versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create new outfits.

Work pants/ belt (neutrals)

Blazers/ Cardigans (Click here to see one of my favorite thrifted blazers)

Neutral Shoes

Sleeved Tops/ Blouses

Black Suit (This is technically two pieces that can be worn together or separately!)

Hard Earned Tips For Your Hard Earned Money

Tip #1 – Check your closet for classic versatile pieces that you can implement in your work wardrobe. If you do it right, casual clothing can become professional clothing easily!

Tip #2 – Take your time! You do not have to go and purchase your entire professional wardrobe at one time. Pace yourself, do not waste your money.

Tip#3 – If you want to splurge or treat yourself to a timeless wardrobe piece for the office do that but ONLY after you have all your essentials. Your wallet will thank me later!

Tip #4 – When shopping retail be on the look out for sales, and don’t forget to hit the clearance rack! Retail can be thrifty and affordable. H&M and Target have great fairly priced items to help you build your work wardrobe on a budget, of course!

By way of thrift stores, consignment stores, and discount stores I was able to build a budget friendly work wardrobe that allows me to save my coin while earning a coin. Look good in the office, but value your coin.

Where is your favorite place to shop for budget friendly professional attire? Comment below, I’d love how you stay beautifully thrifted in the workplace.