How can I plan for a budget work wardrobe?

[2Eskiedogs]

I will be starting a fulltime job next monday that will be through the end of the year, I was placed through a temp agency.

I signed my paperwork yesterday and was told that the dress code is business casual, she said what I had on was perfect. I had black dress slacks, black heels, purple blouse, necklase and a black purse.

I had recently purchased a pair of pants that are dark gray and I bought a pair of ballet flats that are a taupe, I also have a new pair of khaki colored dress slacks. So I'm trying to figure out how many more tops I need to purchase or is there a guide somewhere on how many outfit combos I could put together? I am so confused. I haven't had a job that I needed to dress up before.

I think I need garanimals for adults

 

[StephMK]

I will be starting a fulltime job next monday that will be through the end of the year, I was placed through a temp agency.

I signed my paperwork yesterday and was told that the dress code is business casual, she said what I had on was perfect. I had black dress slacks, black heels, purple blouse, necklase and a black purse.

I had recently purchased a pair of pants that are dark gray and I bought a pair of ballet flats that are a taupe, I also have a new pair of khaki colored dress slacks. So I'm trying to figure out how many more tops I need to purchase or is there a guide somewhere on how many outfit combos I could put together? I am so confused. I haven't had a job that I needed to dress up before.

I think I need garanimals for adults

LOL! I would start w/local thrift shops - we have great ones here & I have found some of my fav pieces there. I would get basic pants that mix & match w/different tops. Ebay has some sellers that put together really cute outfits - you could at least check out some pics in ads & online for inspiration. I would not buy too much until you actually start & get a feel for the office. Maybe they also have jeans days on Fridays which takes away one day of dressier stuff.

Good luck!!

 

[crisi]

Buy a few color coordinated pieces and a black and/or tan cardigan. I wear about six tops all Spring/Summer and a different six starting in the Fall/Winter, plus the occasional "wow, I forgot this was in the back of my closet." Really, most people aren't going to notice how many combinations you can put together.

A thrift store is a fine place to find these. And I agree, I recently switched jobs and had gone shopping on my off week - and made some decisions that were more dressy than I really needed to be.

Also, two things that are going to sound contradictory....in the office, people tend to know that "temps" aren't "well heeled." Most temps aren't great dressers. So don't fret too much. The contradiction....image makes an impression and temp jobs often become permanent jobs. So if you want to stick around - overdress slightly.

 

[disneymarie]

LOL! I would start w/local thrift shops - we have great ones here & I have found some of my fav pieces there. I would get basic pants that mix & match w/different tops. Ebay has some sellers that put together really cute outfits - you could at least check out some pics in ads & online for inspiration. I would not buy too much until you actually start & get a feel for the office. Maybe they also have jeans days on Fridays which takes away one day of dressier stuff.

Good luck!!

This happened to me also. I had the basic you have too. I added tops three ways, the thrift shop, it was difficult to find some really clean and instyle tops. I found a few light knit.

I had a few donated from a woman that gained weight and new I needed some work tops too. They were very nice!

Boscov's if none in your area try online. I had great, the nicest tops for work there. Also a few great slacks and capri's. In the summer I liked having capri pants. Get on the email list and sign in online. The sizes are tru to size.

Also, was Kohls sales and clearance rack. I found tops there, and mid calf casual skirts.

I do need to find a business suit, but think I can get away with a two piece set at Sears. I found one 7 years ago, short sleve button top, with matching slacks in a shade of blue. Served me well. ALways looked pressed.
Good luck in your new job.

 

[disneymarie]

LOL! I would start w/local thrift shops - we have great ones here & I have found some of my fav pieces there. I would get basic pants that mix & match w/different tops. Ebay has some sellers that put together really cute outfits - you could at least check out some pics in ads & online for inspiration. I would not buy too much until you actually start & get a feel for the office. Maybe they also have jeans days on Fridays which takes away one day of dressier stuff.

Good luck!!

This happened to me also. I had the basic you have too. I added tops three ways, the thrift shop, it was difficult to find some really clean and instyle tops. I found a few light knit.

I had a few donated from a woman that gained weight and new I needed some work tops too. They were very nice!

Boscov's if none in your area try online. I had great, the nicest tops for work there. Also a few great slacks and capri's. In the summer I liked having capri pants. Get on the email list and sign in online. The sizes are tru to size.

Also, was Kohls sales and clearance rack. I found tops there, and mid calf casual skirts.

I do need to find a business suit, but think I can get away with a two piece set at Sears. I found one 7 years ago, short sleve button top, with matching slacks in a shade of blue. Served me well. ALways looked pressed.
Good luck in your new job.

 

[prncess674]

U would stick with a black/gray/white color scheme if you don't have a basic wardrobe. Pieces in these colors can mix and match as you grow your professional wardrobe. I actually just bought two cute button down cardigans at Target last week for $19 a piece. They are soft and are perfect for layering. When trying to dress more professionally I follow the rule of three, wear three pieces to look more put together:
Pants, collared shirt, cardigan
Skirt, statement belt, knit sweater
Dark wash jeans, blazer, shirt

When Looking for work clothes think classics:
Flat front, boot cut are straight leg pants ( tapered and pleats just SCREAMS mom pants)
At the knee or JUST above the knee skirts in solid colors (black, navy, dark gray)
Cardigans in basics (I always like a pop of color such as red, which goes with most everything)
Black leather pumps (if you don't want to wear them out walking to work, leave them under your desk and change into flats for your commute)
A black blazer is great if you get called into an unexpected meeting. Once again, leave at work and wear as needed since most of your wardrobe fits into the black,grey, white color scheme
Another great basic is a black shift dress which can be worn plenty of ways: turtle neck underneath, with tights and boots or in the summer with above mentioned cardigan and flats.

 

[2Eskiedogs]

Thanks everyone! I will have to look in a few stores to see if I can find anything. I had been saving some photos of outfits that are put together in magazines like All You. I really have no clue otherwise what goes together, that's why I said I need garanimals for adults. I sure didn't get a shopping gene

 

[powellrj]

I have a base color of black and everything I buy will go with black. I usually only wear black pants to work for the main reason that they don't show dirt. I am one of those people who can walk by something dirty and it just jumps out on me!

I also only layer. I have a huge selection of what I call shells, they are dressy tops and then I have a big selection of sweaters and jackets to go with them.

I use goodwill/thrift type stores for the jackets and sweaters, but anymore I think their pants and shells tend to be high.

I have gotten lots of new things lately at CJ Banks (Christopher and Banks if you are a regular size gal) that were really nice and really cheap!

 

[mjbaby]

I use black as my base color, too, and find that many women do. Those that don't often go with navy or camel, but whatever you choose the same basic principles apply. Keep to one or two colors for the big things and add color with accessories. My major colors are black and gray, and my minor colors are pink/purple, red, and darker greens. Within these "families" I've got everything I need for work, school-related stuff, volunteering, "date" nights and so on.

I have two pairs of black slacks and one pair of gray, as well as a longer black skirt and a knee-length black skirt, as well as a couple cardigans in black and gray, as well as pullovers in black and gray. Sounds boring, right? Well, it kind of is, until you add in the purple pullover, camis in pink, red, purple and teal, the hot pink cardigan, the faux-python shoes and so forth.

One tip: If you have a Nordstrom near you, check it out! Their prices are much better than you might believe and the quality for many of the items is excellent. I had to replace three of my camis last fall and went there to check it out on the advice of a friend: $30/each! Machine washable and excellent quality. I ended up replacing a few items with better versions and for less money than the originals I had. Wish I'd done it years ago.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I think I need garanimals for adults

Me too!

 

[crisi]

I use black as my base color, too, and find that many women do. Those that don't often go with navy or camel, but whatever you choose the same basic principles apply. Keep to one or two colors for the big things and add color with accessories. My major colors are black and gray, and my minor colors are pink/purple, red, and darker greens. Within these "families" I've got everything I need for work, school-related stuff, volunteering, "date" nights and so on.

I have two pairs of black slacks and one pair of gray, as well as a longer black skirt and a knee-length black skirt, as well as a couple cardigans in black and gray, as well as pullovers in black and gray. Sounds boring, right? Well, it kind of is, until you add in the purple pullover, camis in pink, red, purple and teal, the hot pink cardigan, the faux-python shoes and so forth.

One tip: If you have a Nordstrom near you, check it out! Their prices are much better than you might believe and the quality for many of the items is excellent. I had to replace three of my camis last fall and went there to check it out on the advice of a friend: $30/each! Machine washable and excellent quality. I ended up replacing a few items with better versions and for less money than the originals I had. Wish I'd done it years ago.

Black or charcoal grey in the winter. Khaki or camel, plus the black in the summer for me.

Don't underestimate garage sale finds for jewelry, scarves, etc. Or for that matter the shells.

I shop extensively at Nordstrom now (well, I have a personal shopper who does my shopping for me twice a year - WONDERFUL, but not budget), but although the prices don't have to be horrible, I can get camis at the previously mentioned Christopher and Banks for $10 each. And the quality is often not great on the cheaper end of the Nordstrom line (but they stand behind it).

 

[java]

I would keep it simple. It sounds like you have a good base.

I would try to do simple top like a white shell with a cardigan. I would think 3 cardigans would be a good starting point. Because with 3 shells or shirts- and 3 cardigans you could have at least 27 outifts not counting if you wear just the base shirt.

I would stick with 2 basic cardigans- black, navy, grey or white would be my picks and then a tweedy kind of one with several colors in it.

If you get a colorful one I would pick my under "sweater or jacket" items based on going with that. If you wear just white black and red for example it's hard for others to remember if you wore that before or not? But if you are throwing in say Purple that's a memory one! *for me anyway.

I agree don't overbuy. Start small and see what it's like once you get there.

Congratulations! Oh don't forget about TJMaxx.

 

[girli565]

Seems like you have enough pants, maybe add in a pencil skirt in black or grey. For tops I agree with a previous poster that said to get some basic layering tees (I like these and these) and a few cardigans to layer over them.

I'd also get another pair of dress flats/ballet flats in black and you'd be set.

Find out if they have casual Fridays, then you can probably wear a nice pair of dark denim on those days.

 

[englishteacha]

Mixing and matching is the way to go. Even when I'm not pregnant, my basic work wardrobe consists of khakis and black/gray/brown dressy pants, and either button down tops or plain knit tops and the occasional sweater. I've found that no one notices your pants, so wearing the same pair (clean of course!) twice a week with different tops is fine, at least in my part of the world! Most of my work wardrobe comes from Walmart/Kmart/Target or thrift stores, or from mall stores on clearance. I've found that if I wash on gentle and hang clothes to dry, they look good for years, even if they were cheap.

 

[bjscheel]

Check consignment shops if you have them nearby- they may be a little more expensive than thrift, but tend to have better quality items because they pick and choose.

Christopher & Banks = Garanimals for adults
C&B clearance can be pretty good.

I have corduroys for half the year in black, navy, tan, olive, and dark brown. I have a boatload of sweaters to wear with them, almost all from thrifts. Then Dockers in navy, black, and tan for warmer weather, and an assortment of capris. I can also do dark, dressy looking jeans. I have bought clearance at JCP. Most of my favorite knit tops from the thrift are Sonoma, which would be Kohl's.

 

[MrsPete]

This doesn't help you with "I'm just starting work and have nothing", but it's good advice for a person who's in the work force and wants to maintain a professional wardrobe:

Every year I buy 1-2 new fall outfits and 1-2 new spring outfits -- whether it's one or two outfits depends upon what I find that I like. This means that I always have something new, something fresh and still brand-new crisp. It means that I don't get to the point that I have NOTHING to wear, or everything is old, worn or faded.

You probably know this one: Spend the bulk of your money on classic items that will not go out of style. That is, basic pants that'll match any number of tops or sweaters. Buy trendy items that'll be in style about 15 minutes or outrageous colors that match only that one thing only when either they're really marked down or when you're in love-love-love with the item AND are flush with cash.

I'm going to go against the grain on the basic colors for your wardrobe concept. You can have to much of a good thing, and for many women it's the color black. It's easy, it matches everything . . . but it gets dull. Having said that, whenever I have the option NOT to buy black, I do. Often enough the item I want is only available in black or a B&W print, so even trying to avoid the most basic of colors, I still have a healthy amount of it in my closet.

 

[Taja]

Colors and fabric depend on where you live. Some areas still observe summer/winter colors, others not so much.

Using black/grey or navy/grey palette, I would go with:

Jacket/blazer in one solid color or mini tweed blend
Slacks: 1 pair in each color (2 total)
Skirts: 1 in one base color (add a third pair of slacks if you don't wear skirts)
Blouses, sleeveless or short sleeve: 1 white (or off white), 1 grey or black to match skirt (changes look to a dress), 1 print, 1 fun color you love
Blouses, long sleeves: 1 white
Shoes: 1 pair mid or low heels in black (dark color), 1 pair low heels/flats in second color

Accessories: belts, scarves, jewelry (select one metal tone initially). Add them as budget permits.

You might want to switch one sleeveless/short-sleeve shirt for one long-sleeve shirt, depending on your climate. Sleeveless/short sleeves usually are more comfortable under jackets.

This assumes that everything--except possibly the jacket--is washable.

This will get you through the work week without having to do laundry--unless you are as klutzy as I can be and spill something on yourself!

Things you will need to add as budget permits:

Coat/jacket: Recommend water-repellent coat (3/4 length--works with slacks and skirts) in one of the basic colors.

Jacket/blazer: Add another coordinating jacket that will work with your primary slacks/skirt. Jacquard, tapestry, etc. Eventually, you'll want to build a wardrobe of interesting jackets! *LOL*

Shoes: Add one or two pairs of good shoes as budget permits. Take the time to find comfortable shoes that look good!

Add additional solid/tweed/print pieces as budget permits.

It's best to dress in layers in an office. You rarely control the thermostat. It's almost always too warm or too cold where your work area is located!

 

[Kate and Pete]

I totally agree with everything you said! It was like you were in my closet...

I dress mainly in black. I add bright colored scarves, or a statement necklace, or statement shoes (not all three at once!). I teach high school (where, trust me, my outfits are under the microscope all day), and everyone comments about how many clothes I must have!! I have a few black skirts and tops, that's it! Plus, I find that I can buy a few quality skirts/tops that last for YEARS - and then buy the trendier jewelry, purses, scarves that change out after a year or two!

Good luck!

U would stick with a black/gray/white color scheme if you don't have a basic wardrobe. Pieces in these colors can mix and match as you grow your professional wardrobe. I actually just bought two cute button down cardigans at Target last week for $19 a piece. They are soft and are perfect for layering. When trying to dress more professionally I follow the rule of three, wear three pieces to look more put together:
Pants, collared shirt, cardigan
Skirt, statement belt, knit sweater
Dark wash jeans, blazer, shirt

When Looking for work clothes think classics:
Flat front, boot cut are straight leg pants ( tapered and pleats just SCREAMS mom pants)
At the knee or JUST above the knee skirts in solid colors (black, navy, dark gray)
Cardigans in basics (I always like a pop of color such as red, which goes with most everything)
Black leather pumps (if you don't want to wear them out walking to work, leave them under your desk and change into flats for your commute)
A black blazer is great if you get called into an unexpected meeting. Once again, leave at work and wear as needed since most of your wardrobe fits into the black,grey, white color scheme
Another great basic is a black shift dress which can be worn plenty of ways: turtle neck underneath, with tights and boots or in the summer with above mentioned cardigan and flats.

 

[2Eskiedogs]

Thanks everyone! Wow I'm copying and pasting all this info into a Word doc.

I do know that they have casual/jean day on fridays a lot in this department. And I was also told that they've hired a lot of temps, so I do want to make a good impression.

I'm going to look tonight at a couple stores and otherwise I will be going to Madison on Friday for a college tour for my son, so I'm hoping I can stop at a few stores when we are done.

Again, thanks everyone, you are a wealth of information!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Also, two things that are going to sound contradictory....in the office, people tend to know that "temps" aren't "well heeled." Most temps aren't great dressers. So don't fret too much. The contradiction....image makes an impression and temp jobs often become permanent jobs. So if you want to stick around - overdress slightly.

I often have to giggle as it seems the more either my wife or I make, the cheaper the clothing, and the less we make the nicer we have to dress. My wife is currently clerking at the school & is expected to look "nice". She used to make triple the money wearing scrubs & tennis shoes