Clothes for Work

[Guest ValerieD]

Since I just lost my job at a company with no dress code, and finding another would be like finding a unicorn, I'm wondering what I'm supposed to wear whenever I find a new job. I don't own any (at least, not enough to go more than 1-2 days without washing everything) clothing more formal than "jeans and a t-shirt" (nor do I own any warmer clothing aside from a pink hoodie and a coat, for that matter), so I'd have nothing to wear to work, but I don't have the money to buy a new wardrobe (even Forever 21 would cause quite an expense, and I can't buy clothes there because most everything they have can't be machine washed/dried, and other places are even more expensive), much less anything fashionable (I already look significantly older than I am, and the fact that I don't own many cute clothes or any tops that really fit properly doesn't help). I also have problems finding things that fit. I can't find any pencil skirts that fit me, for example, and the only shoes that don't slip off my feet and cause blisters on my ankles are flip flops and boots (of which I probably don't own any that are work suitable). I'd love to wear flats but they just don't stay on my feet. What can I do?

[Guest DianeATL]

Have you tried thrift stores like Goodwill? I got as much as I could carry of really nice stuff for less than $50.

Hugs

Diane

[Guest Gerilynn]

I have to second the thirft shop option. I just got five skirts and three tops a bunch of other stuff for $35. The owner is very friendly. Shoes are always difficult. If you have a good shoe store in your area ask to have your foot measured. It is much more accurate than the add two sizes thing. Another option is black sneakers. not the best but they go with a lot of things including business casual.

Keep your head up. Remember to breathe.

Hugs

Jeralyn Dee

[Guest Deanna]

Building a new wardrobe is really expensive. I agree with above and also shop at thrift shops and Goodwill to get a lot of my wardrobe.

[Guest Jocelyn]

So far my entire wardrope is from Value village except for a couple of items from Arden. Lots of selection just takes a lot of searching.

Cheers

Jocelyn

[Guest]

Hi Valerie,

I went from a job where I wore anything I wanted to a job with a business casual dress code. And, because I had only 3 days notice, I went to outlet malls and put a lot of money on my credit card. I wouldn't recommend this if you have the time to shop carefully.

Make sure that you have 1 or two good outfits to wear for interviews - probably a bit overdressed even. But, if you can find it at Value Village, all the better. Take your time, shop around, and slowly accumulate what you need.

Best of luck to you!

Love, Megan

[VickySGV]

Without knowing what kind of job you are looking for I am at a bit of a loss to start you off.

Slacks could be fine for interviews, and yes even a white or pastel T shirts under a jacket, along with a scarf at the neck would do you just fine. Wal Mart womens section can outffit you very well that way for under $40. For shoes, go into a Payless Shoe Source in a neighborhood that is targeted toward the ethnic groups with women who have larger feet, (African American or Pacific Islander and some others) or go online and have a pair of shoes in two or three sizes sent to your neighborhood store where you can try them on and buy the one that fits. I wear two different sizes depending on the style and width of the shoe and sometimes none of the shoes in either size will fit me comfortably, so yeah it happens.

The others advice on thrift stores is also good, but one new all yours single owner garment can give you a bit of a psycho lift like nothing else. The over jacket should be the best piece of the outfit for business wear. Again, Wal Mart and K-mart do have stuff that looks OK. Put the stuff on and look in the mirror and ask yourself if you would hire the person in that mirror if you were the boss. If you answer "not really", go back and change something, maybe a differnt blouse or top, or maybe just put a smile on your face.

[Guest Motormouth18]

If you don't like the thrift store option, try an outlet store. Tj Maxx, Ross, Bealls outlet etc. They sell name brand clothes for half the cost. I know those three I listed carry the bigger womens sized clothing because my mom has bought stuff from all three. I'd also suggest Vanity Fair(VF) outlet stores. They're great for both men and women.

[JJ]

My mother and my sisters would have died before going into a thrift shop-though there was an exception my mother did browse through that specialized in exclusive designer clothing and fur coats but my sisters wouldn't even go in there. Myself -I love finding a hidden jewel in a thrift shop and can't bear the idea of paying full price for something I can get for a pittance. The local thrift store sells almost all their clothing for 50 cents and some of it is donated by the residents of the resort area who buy upscale and donate at the end of the season. I have gotten top of the line coats and tops and shirts and just this weekend got a high end black leather bomber jacket for $2. I looked it up on ebay and the same coat is going for between $100 and $170 used on ebay. All my clothes come from ebay or the thrift store except the occasional end of season clearance at TJMax.

Bargain hunting is a form of hunting for me. I felt like I scored a big buck the day I found a $60 Affliction tee at Ross for 49 cents because someone thought the intentionally distressed look was damage.

There are amazing bargains out there. Window shop the department stores and magazines to see what is current and then hit the thrift stores. According to the information about charity organizations Goodwill is now actually a for profit and more expensive in my opinion. Salvation Arny actually does use their money for helping but unfortunately they have a history of seeing suppressing LGBT rights as part of that helping mission. Each person has to decide how they feel about supporting them. I do sometimes buy in their store but do NOT donate to them in any form. The best bargains I have found are in thrift stores that support hospital auxiliaries and such. Many times they are staffed by wealthy volunteers who do charity work through them and donate clothing as well as getting donations from their friends. I have over the years found Ferragamo and Louis Vitton and other high end designer things at those small thrift stores for less than Payless and Wal-Mart prices.

I always thought it was better to buy classic quality used than new cheap. Quality shows and many people notice. I especially like it now because mens stuff doesn't change as quickly but quality still shows. And lasts. I've known very wealthy women who wore the same classic suits and sweaters etc for 20 years while updating accessories and being admired for their style while other women spend much more in the long run updating cheap clothes and never achieving that same elegance and style. So hit the thrift shops and go for classic quality if it suits your job. You can build a great wardrobe over time and then spend what you save in updating with accessories.

johnny