So you have just landed on top of the employment heap, and you need a new wardrobe. Awesome!
But while letting confetti rain to celebrate this first step to carving your career niche, you realize that you do not actually have extra cash lying around for that fashion overhaul. You won’t have an advanced paycheck to handle just that. With approximately 15 or 20 days to handle, is it even possible to work around your closet’s content and to stick to your equally fledgling budget for much-needed office attire?
Yes, building an office wardrobe doesn’t come cheap. However, you can actually do something about it. To jumpstart your foray into the la-la-land of fashionable workwear, here are some tips on how to make your wardrobe look more glam without spending too much.
1. Invest on a good suit. Two blazers will suffice and a long dark pants or a skirt. Do not skimp on these items though. Go for good quality and, of course, good fit. Blazers add a touch of formality or professionalism to your whole look. Even when allowed to wear denims, a rolled blazer will make the whole ensemble look more professional. To save, simply go for sale items. Online shops are also teeming of discounted items, if you know where to look.
2. Another good investment: well-fitting trousers, the inexpensive kind. While black is the color of choice in long pants, you will do well with other dark bold colors like magenta and midnight blue. Simply slip into a lighter top for day use and darker, glittery ones when going romping around after-dark.
3. Rummage around your closet for at least 6 work-appropriate tops. Blouses, cardigans, crossovers, polo shirt, three-fourths, tunic, shell, and turtlenecks are great designs to mix and match with your pants, skirts and slacks. Simply add one every payday by picking a different color, style or pattern. Rome wasn’t built in a day—and so will be your professional and fab work wardrobe.
4. For work that requires seamless moves from office to night events, a touch of leader and glitter also comes handy. This helps create an artful mix of casual and dressy. Gliding from your day job into a night extravaganza will make leather and sequins your best friend. All you need to do is learn how to change your makeup and a touch of lip color to complete the look.
5. Add a touch of color wherever you go. Whether in or out the office color pieces always add glamour and sassiness to a workwear. Think wake-me-up yellow, blood red, screaming orange or acid green. Powder blue and pastel colors can also amp your look without looking like a wallpaper in a corner closet.
6. Must. Love. Shoes! Though often taken for granted, preparing for a work stint must always begin with having comfortable pair of shoe. In fact, you need one for the usual office days and a killer pair for more formal occasions like board meetings or client meet-up. Go for basic black pumps for daily office footwear and another fierce-looking one, like a stiletto. If you have extra budget, another pair in neutral hues of either grey, nude or brown will also be perfect.
7. Add a touch of sparkle to your wardrobe to complete the look. While diamonds maybe a woman’s best friend, accessorizing does not have to be that expensive. Go for faux pearls, statement bracelets, bib necklaces, scarves and belts. The will help complement your work outfit and complete the whole look.
Take these tips with you on your new career journey. When assembling a wardrobe to add glam to your work fashion statement, always remember one thing: go for what makes you comfortable. There’s just no sense wearing designer clothing looking fidgety all day. Go practical and cozy—and make your days in the office count!
