Budget business casual clothes?

[disfan07]

In October at school, we have our quarterly career fair. I couldn't go last spring quarter because I was sick but I am planning on going in October. They say you should dress business casual. I need some ideas of what would constitute business casual for a career fair AND would also be fairly "budget"

So what kind of clothes would you buy and what stores would you go to for budget business casual?

 

[splash5]

Business casual usually refers to slacks and a blouse or a skirt and top (not suit). I would try checking out Kohl's, Macy's or the like. You can check them out online first to see if there is anything that fits your budget.

 

[Princesca]

Yep... Google image search it for examples. But you can get decent "business casual" clothes just about anywhere, even Wal-Mart, though you will probably have better luck at a Kohls.

Also don't forget to pay attention to jewelry and makeup/hair/grooming. When you walk away from a potential employer, you want them to remember you for you, not terrible earrings you might have been wearing.

 

[disfan07]

Thanks. Jewelry and makeup should not be an issue. I don't wear makeup because I have yet to find some that does not cause an skin reaction.
And jewelry, really the only thing I wear on a regular basis is my medical alert bracelet because again, a lot of things make me break out.

Thanks for the reminders though!

 

[Princesca]

I actually taught a class on this as part of the broader class I teach in community college. Nails are important too. Should be clean, painted in neutral/light colors or not painted at all... definitely not chipped, and trimmed. We even went into detail about the CUT of clothes. You can pick the right clothes, but if they don't fit you properly, they're not the right clothes ON YOU. Heh. Believe it or not, it does not go without saying.

Good luck!!!

 

[java]

What kind of job will you be looking for. Depending on your career path business casual means different things.
I would go with a pants suit, always better to be over vs. under dressed for "interview".
Good luck.
Have you tried Bare Essentuals makeup? It's mineral based. Works great on my daughter's sensitive skin.

 

[disfan07]

What kind of job will you be looking for. Depending on your career path business casual means different things.
I would go with a pants suit, always better to be over vs. under dressed for "interview".
Good luck.
Have you tried Bare Essentuals makeup? It's mineral based. Works great on my daughter's sensitive skin.

All of the potential jobs/internships that I am looking at right now are psychology, and public health/public policy related.

The business casual is the schools recommendation for dress. It's in the emails that we get with the information about these fairs.

Unfortunately, bare essentuals does not work. There is something in there (we are not sure what) that cause my face to break out ( I have severe chemical allergies and severe eczema)

 

[DisneyFairytale]

In October at school, we have our quarterly career fair. I couldn't go last spring quarter because I was sick but I am planning on going in October. They say you should dress business casual. I need some ideas of what would constitute business casual for a career fair AND would also be fairly "budget"

So what kind of clothes would you buy and what stores would you go to for budget business casual?

You know a good option is to get some dress pants and a more relax-plain shirt. I do that quite a bit at work. A polo shirt if you're a guy, or a regular plain V-neck tshirt can do for a women. Target, walmart will carry any of those items.

 

[disneymarie]

I was starting work and needed clothes. Not a uniform for once or back to college wear. So I stopped in Kohls. At that time I was into a long skirt look. I was working as social work area. The skirts, were no brainer comfort, with a top. I had three of them, two pairs of pull on slacks, and five tops. Minimal cost an great for work.

We have a Boscov's by us also with great deals. Half off, discounted and clearance items. $9.99 $19.99 buys of capri's, slacks really nice ones.

 

[fall08CP]

I'm not sure if I'll get flamed for this but I'm gonna throw out Goodwill.

I've found amazing deals on great brands- Banana Republic, Express, Ralph Lauren, J Crew- shirts around $3 that would normally be $50+. Dresses and skirts are hit or miss, but they tend to have a nice variety in pants as well. I have VERY little wiggle room in my budget but by shopping around, I can look professional. I also love the outlets- Orlando had fabulous ones!

 

[disfan07]

I'm not sure if I'll get flamed for this but I'm gonna throw out Goodwill.

I've found amazing deals on great brands- Banana Republic, Express, Ralph Lauren, J Crew- shirts around $3 that would normally be $50+. Dresses and skirts are hit or miss, but they tend to have a nice variety in pants as well. I have VERY little wiggle room in my budget but by shopping around, I can look professional. I also love the outlets- Orlando had fabulous ones!

I forgot about Goodwill! we actually have one right near my parents house. Unfortunately, finding inexpensive stuff where I am attending school is difficult. It's an expensive area.

 

[sookie]

All of the potential jobs/internships that I am looking at right now are psychology, and public health/public policy related.

The business casual is the schools recommendation for dress. It's in the emails that we get with the information about these fairs.

Unfortunately, bare essentuals does not work. There is something in there (we are not sure what) that cause my face to break out ( I have severe chemical allergies and severe eczema)

bare essentials is AWFUL. it has bismuth in it which can cause a burning, tight and awful sensation.


OP, try a medical grade mineral makeup. Its not budget at all, but the only thing I can wear without my skin having a complete freak out is jane iredale cosemetics. Its an investment but for someone like me who only wears makeup to work, it lasts for a while at least.

 

[java]

All of the potential jobs/internships that I am looking at right now are psychology, and public health/public policy related.

The business casual is the schools recommendation for dress. It's in the emails that we get with the information about these fairs.

Unfortunately, bare essentuals does not work. There is something in there (we are not sure what) that cause my face to break out ( I have severe chemical allergies and severe eczema)

Oh my dream job!!!
I would go pants and a button down shirt with maybe a cardigan? That was always my go to in college for those job fairs and I got a job!

I never wear foundation either as I have not found one that doesn't hurt my skin. I did have some luck with tinted moisturizers by Aveeno though. Scary to hear about the BE since that's what my 14 year old is using. I'll have to keep an eye on her skin.

 

[disfan07]

bare essentials is AWFUL. it has bismuth in it which can cause a burning, tight and awful sensation.


OP, try a medical grade mineral makeup. Its not budget at all, but the only thing I can wear without my skin having a complete freak out is jane iredale cosemetics. Its an investment but for someone like me who only wears makeup to work, it lasts for a while at least.

tried that as well. broke out again. We think it is the mica that is making me break out. We can't test for it right now, but that is the only explanation that my allergist can come up with.

 

[disfan07]

Oh my dream job!!!
I would go pants and a button down shirt with maybe a cardigan? That was always my go to in college for those job fairs and I got a job!

I never wear foundation either as I have not found one that doesn't hurt my skin. I did have some luck with tinted moisturizers by Aveeno though. Scary to hear about the BE since that's what my 14 year old is using. I'll have to keep an eye on her skin.

BE is usually okay for people who do not have allergies or sensitive skin.

I have ridiculously sensitive skin (both my derm and allergist have said that they have never seen sensitive skin like mine before)

I am severely allergic to parabens and lanolin and we think I am sensitive to Mica as well. I also have severe eczema that I take immunosuppresents to treat so I have some very interesting skin.

I would definitely keep an eye on her skin, but if she has "normal" skin and no other problems besides maybe some slightly sensitive skin, I would personally not be too concerned about it.

 

[tnd]

My law firm is business casual and I generally wear slacks and a sweater set or slacks and a blazer (not matching). I am plus-sized, so my pants generally some from Lane Bryant, which often has good sales. Most of my blazers come from Nordstrom, which is not budget, but are very nice.

I think Kohls is a good choice for budget stuff, you can also sometimes find nice tops at Target to go under jackets. Also scour the sales racks at stores like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, the Limited, Banana Republic, etc.

However, for a job fair, I would wear a suit, or at a minimum pants and a blazer. There is no harm in being overdressed and you will stand out. Also, make sure your shoes are nice and not scuffed and go for understated accessories.

 

[Zydebearsmom]

I like New York and Company, they can be expensive but you can always find a coupon which make the clothes reasonable. They also hold up very very well.

 

[Disney845]

I think you should always err on the side of "less" casual at potential job events. That said I think I would wear a pant suit, slacks and matching jacket in black with a modest top underneath, with a low heel.

I would look on the clearance racks at places like Sears or JC Penney (they tend to be less expensive than other major department stores). Other places you could look might be Ross, Marshalls, TJ Max.

IMO - A black pant suit will always be a valuable acquisition for any wardrobe (work events, social events, funerals, etc). And can be dressed up or made more casual by the accessories you pair it with. A button down shirt, a sparkly night-time top, a fun colored/printed shell, can all change the look and most people wouldn't even notice it was the same basic suit with each outfit (so long as the cut was appropriate for your body). Also sticking with a monochromatic or more severe look (say all black, or with just a white or other very neutral top), but doing a POP with a great shoe and handbag combo. A great black suit is a staple.

 

[Wishes Count]

Make sure you have the 4 B's of Business covered! Butt, Belly, ****s, and Backs!

That being said, skirts should be almost knee length, shorts or capris are too casual. Also shoes can either be a small peep toe or a slingback, but not both!