As
fall begins and the weather transitions from hot and sticky to cool and
crisp, your work wardrobe will be going through a transition as well.
When new-season clothes hit stores, it's tempting to refresh your
wardrobe by chasing the latest trends. But if you're on a budget, can
you update your outfits without breaking the bank? Yes, as long as you
shop strategically.
Focus on staples first
Before spending money on anything else, make sure you have staple work pieces in your wardrobe. Simon Kneen, creative director at Banana Republic, says both men and women need to have a crisp, white shirt in their closet. "You can't go wrong with a well-tailored white shirt, because it is both eternally classic and incredibly versatile," Kneen says. "A well-made white shirt can be worn through the work week and on weekends when teamed with a pair of jeans, creating a casual, yet elegant look."
Before spending money on anything else, make sure you have staple work pieces in your wardrobe. Simon Kneen, creative director at Banana Republic, says both men and women need to have a crisp, white shirt in their closet. "You can't go wrong with a well-tailored white shirt, because it is both eternally classic and incredibly versatile," Kneen says. "A well-made white shirt can be worn through the work week and on weekends when teamed with a pair of jeans, creating a casual, yet elegant look."
Since
white shirts show dirt and wear more quickly than other colors,
consider investing in more than one, especially if you find a style that
fits your body well. To get the most wear out of your shirt, treat any
spots or sweat stains right away, and wash it by itself or with other
light colors.
Invest in timeless pieces
It's easy to get wrapped up in new clothing trends, but consider investing in classic work-wardrobe pieces instead to get the most bang for your buck. Trends come and go, and in a year you may regret purchasing that graphic print pant, fur coat and oversized hat. But there are certain key pieces that will never go out of style and are worth the investment.
It's easy to get wrapped up in new clothing trends, but consider investing in classic work-wardrobe pieces instead to get the most bang for your buck. Trends come and go, and in a year you may regret purchasing that graphic print pant, fur coat and oversized hat. But there are certain key pieces that will never go out of style and are worth the investment.
"Investing
in high-quality pieces like a suit, slim-fit button down and blazer is
worth it, since these are the building blocks of your professional
wardrobe that can be tastefully mixed and matched with accessories to
keep you trend-right every season," Kneen says. "It's especially worth
the extra time and money to get the right fit for your body. Accentuate
your assets with proper fit and lengths, especially during the warmer
months when you tend to show more skin. This is true in the colder
months as well, when tailored coats and pants are essential to avoid
looking bulky in heavy winter items."
Save with versatility
Buy versatile items that can take you from desk to dinner or work to weekend. Kneen says that workers can save on casual shirts that can be mixed and matched with suits, blazers and pants. Cotton button-downs, being shown in different colors or patterns, are less expensive and can go from day to night and work week to weekend. "[Pair them] with trousers or pencil skirts during the week and chinos or shorts on the weekend."
Buy versatile items that can take you from desk to dinner or work to weekend. Kneen says that workers can save on casual shirts that can be mixed and matched with suits, blazers and pants. Cotton button-downs, being shown in different colors or patterns, are less expensive and can go from day to night and work week to weekend. "[Pair them] with trousers or pencil skirts during the week and chinos or shorts on the weekend."
Accessories
are another easy way to incorporate new styles into an ensemble without
spending too much money. They're less expensive but can transform an
outfit from basic to style-forward. "Accessories are a fun way to
experiment with trends without breaking the bank or looking
inappropriate in a work environment," Kneen says.
Jewelry
is a great add on for women, and many budget-friendly stores are
mimicking styles found in higher-end shops. Chunky necklaces and
metallic cuff bracelets look expensive, but you can find trend-forward
options that cost $50 or less. Patterned or colored belts are another
easy way to incorporate a trend without spending all your cash.
For
men, ties are an accessory that can refresh a stale outfit on a budget.
If your office dress code is more casual, add a pocket square to your
blazer or shirt for a pop of color, or experiment with shape. "Adding a
pop of color whether it's with a bright button down, a pocket square, or
even just the lining of a jacket makes the classics feel fresh and
new," Kneen says. Another way he suggests to stay on trend is with the
shape of the items. "A modern cut on a blazer is slimming and nods to
the tailoring trend without a complicated approach effortless panache
at its best."
"The
key is not to overdo a trend, or you risk becoming a fashion victim,"
Kneen says. "A touch of current pattern and color goes a long way. You
can update your look by pairing print and color back to a neutral
always a very stylish bet."
Keep track of your expenses
Be smart about where your paycheck is going by keeping track of what you're spending on clothes. Create a personal budget worksheet, and populate it with your monthly expenditures. If you don't know where to start, find a template online that has a basic outline developed. Microsoft Excel versions are extra helpful, because they'll do the math for you. By organizing and tracking your expenses, you'll avoid spending more money than you're making.
Be smart about where your paycheck is going by keeping track of what you're spending on clothes. Create a personal budget worksheet, and populate it with your monthly expenditures. If you don't know where to start, find a template online that has a basic outline developed. Microsoft Excel versions are extra helpful, because they'll do the math for you. By organizing and tracking your expenses, you'll avoid spending more money than you're making.
It's
easy to get into a rut when dressing for work, but you don't need to
deplete your paycheck to create a new look. If you invest in core pieces
first and build the rest of your wardrobe out over time, you'll end up
with classic yet stylish work attire that'll make you feel confident and
professional.