Work Clothes

**Ruby22** · 09-09-2010, 08:49 PM

Hi everyone!
I GOT HIRED! Wooo! After relocating to Chicago and being on the job hunt for a month, I found some part time work to help out during my grad school years. I do though, need to find some office appropriate clothes (keeping the changing weather in mind, sweaters, pants, leggings, etc. warm stuff!) and seem to not find as many sales online right now...

I am going to hit up some of the thrift stores in the area, but wanted to know if anyone knew if I should wait for more sales, or any advice for finding professional clothes on the cheap. I have found a few coupons online at CouponCactus.com (I get cash back which is awesome) and a few other places, but want your wise guidance!

Thanks a ton!

**pollypurebred39** · 09-09-2010, 09:42 PM

If you stick with black pants, leggings, skirts you can add any color (almost) shirts/sweaters to the mix. So you can stretch your wardrobe dollar by getting one pair of black pants, one black skirt, and one pair of black leggings. You buy 5 tops that could be worn with all of these bottoms and you'll have a total of 15 outfits.

Keep in mind that if you add scarfs, jewelry, a pair of black boots, a pair of black flats, a pair of black heels, and a classic black blazer the number of different outfits you could create are endless. Scarfs and jewelry can be had for just about nothing from thrift stores, or you could hit target and get some inexpensive trendy pieces.

A simple classic black handbag should be all you need. If you go trendy, you'll need to replace next season or you'll be outdated. A classic trench for rain and a classic black wool winter coat is most likely what you will need for the cooler wetter months. Of course you could buy a trench coat with a zip in winter lining and that would bring your coat price down even further. Also keep in mind that a classic black stick umbrella is more appealing then the pop ups when you are going for a classy look.

I hope this helps.

**frugalfranny** · 09-10-2010, 12:28 AM

You didn't say what the dress code was where you are going to work. Do you know what it is? If not..........check that FIRST!

Some places are so casual that the 'prof. look' almost no longer applies.

I agree........winter is coming......stick with black for now.......and shop the thrift shops FIRST before going on-line.

Congrats on the job!!

**mauimagic** · 09-10-2010, 12:54 AM

Congratulations on finding the job!! Great advice already given - let us know what you find please!!

**lisaflex** · 09-10-2010, 07:03 AM

congrats to you

after you find out the dress code, i would definitely hiat the thrift stores in search of all the neutrals....black, brown, gray and navy.....that way all is interchangeable! red is a nice contrast w/ the colors i listed.

**Josephhgoins** · 09-10-2010, 07:29 AM

Not sure if you have Belk stores in the area, but I always hit their end of season sales. (won't happen for a few more months for winter clothes though). They always run the greatest clearance. BF got a pair of shorts the other day for $10 that were normally $75.

Best bet I think would be some thrift stores..

Good luck on Congratulations on your new job!

**frugal is fun** · 09-10-2010, 12:18 PM

yup, thrift stores is the way to go. When I changed jobs years ago and had to upgrade my wardrobe I went to a consignment shop in a very nice neighborhood. I was able to get Anne Kline dresses for $14 and suits for about the same.

You might want to loose the leggings, those are totally against dresscode where I work and they don't look very professional.

Congratulations on getting a job!!

**Ruby22** · 09-10-2010, 12:34 PM

I'm going to find some thrift stores today, since what I was finding online was just ridiculous- either overpriced or really flimsy looking. I'm hoping to find a nice pleated skirt that's lined (for warmth) unlike the ones I've seen at Target that have the obvious elastic band and the pleats are so flimsy you know it's going to be a pain to iron after washing.

I appreciate the advice and am going to stick with universal, classic styles that can be gussied up with a scarf, necklace, etc to liven or change it up- great advice!

I guess it's so easy to get caught up in the 'fashion madness' when you feel that wind turn cool...and working on Michigan Ave. (think every high end shop you can imagine) isn't helping me stay focused. Thank you sooo much!

**lisaflex** · 09-10-2010, 07:40 PM

consignement shops are a great alternative to thrifting as long as they are in more upscale neighborhoods. and you dont have to sift thru as much "trashy" stuff as goodwill or SA (dont get me wrong, i go to both on a regular basis, but, it takes time to sift thru everything and label shop as i do) some consignment shops in upscale neighborhoods have the racks broken down by designer. so, that way, if you like a specific designer, you can find it straight away...which is nice! also, at a consignement shop, they only accept things 2 yrs old or less and they must be in good shape. good luck to you

look for some patterned opaque tights too. they are the hot thing this fall/winter! if you let me know what size hose/tights you wear, i have a drawer full of unworn and unopened tights and hose! i would be happy to pass them along to you!

**McD** · 09-10-2010, 09:16 PM

I am reading this while sitting in the Wyndham hotel on the Mag. Mile. We did a wee bit of shopping so I can tell you I know how hard it is to resist the fashion pull!

I will post more on how/what I do for work clothes.

**Ruby22** · 09-14-2010, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by lisaflex

look for some patterned opaque tights too. they are the hot thing this fall/winter! if you let me know what size hose/tights you wear, i have a drawer full of unworn and unopened tights and hose! i would be happy to pass them along to you!

Oh thank you! I am a size "C" if that makes sense..I'm about 5'7" and 140 lbs. if that works!

**Siebrie** · 09-14-2010, 02:25 PM

If you only find faded black clothes at the thrift store, but they do fit well, buy them anyway and dye them black. You need 2lb of salt and 1 small tin of dye for about 8 or 9 lbs of fabric (3 jeans).

The tin will say it can dye 1lb, but that is for white clothes you want to dye dark black.

Otherwise, I only have the same advice as the pp´s, stick with simple and classic first.

**shoiji** · 09-14-2010, 05:14 PM

Other than the thirft stores you can start looking at the regular stores for their clearance racks. Between now and October you will probably find pieces you can add for very little money. I would first look at what you have now. Pick out pieces you can wear to work and go from there to start expanding your wardrobe. I would probably stay with as many basic and classic pieces as possible. This way you can keep on wearing them year after year. If you have about 7 bottoms and 7 tops this should get you through the work week as long as you can mix and match. Button down sweaters are a great alternative to a blazier. Don't forget that in January and February there will be more great clearances to pick up more pieces.

Also think about buying pieces you can wear year round. Such as light weight sweaters, dressy short sleeved tops that can also be worn under a sweater or blazer.

Since you are in Chicago I would definately make sure you have a good winter coat and warm sturdy boots. Something that will get you through snow drifts when needed. I would bet many people have sturdy winter boots and not as many dressy winter boots.

I remember being in Buffalo, NY and pretty much everyone was just worried about being warm in the winter.

Congratulations on the new job.

**Monroe on a Budget** · 09-14-2010, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ruby22

Hi everyone!
I GOT HIRED! Wooo! After relocating to Chicago and being on the job hunt for a month, I found some part time work to help out during my grad school years. I do though, need to find some office appropriate clothes (keeping the changing weather in mind, sweaters, pants, leggings, etc. warm stuff!) and seem to not find as many sales online right now...

Don't get too fashion-minded yet.

Get black dress pants - however many pairs you need to get through the week. They'll be easy to find at thrift stores or retail. Then you get black dress shoes and black socks. Done.

If your office is more dressy, then pick out black skirts, black shoes, black hose. Done.

For the tops, I think you'll be switching a lot between sweaters and dress shirts until the weather turns to winter. But stick with solid colors here too -- get whatever colors you like, but stay away from patterns. If you do drift into more fashionable pants later then solid blouses will be easier to match up.

Dress this up with whatever necklaces, earrings, fashion scarfs etc. that you may already own.

**frugalwarrior2** · 09-14-2010, 10:34 PM

Recently I like Fashion Bug. It has gotten better esp for plus sized ladies. Clearance is super cheap and they have good sales. I have gotten good coupons thru e-mails. DD needed some stretch dress pants for working at a salon/school. They were $28.00 but buy 1 get 1 1/2 price. Then I got another $10. off $50. I live in Mi and layering is the way to go quite often.