How to Look Stylish as a Young Professional on a Budget
We’ve already established that looking trendy and stylish on a budget can be done pretty easily. But what about when it comes to your work wardrobe? How can you look your best if you’re just starting out in your career?
There is an abundance of variety when it comes to female work apparel and, in most cases, the pieces are quite expensive to buy if you don’t want to compromise on quality. So how to solve the dilemma of looking professional without wearing cheap clothes or breaking the bank?
Luckily, we have some hacks on how you can look both professional and stylish – all on a budget! Because you spend 40 hours a week at work, you want your clothes to fit well and be comfortable. However, you should still spend less on work clothes as compared to apparel for other occasions.
Making a good impression on your boss, colleagues, and clients is also important so you can’t show up in cheap clothing either. We will explore how to find the perfect blend of style and quality while remaining affordable.
The key to achieving this balance is to find a few items that can be mixed and matched together. You can spend a little more on important basic items that will be worn over and over while allowing for cheaper items that won’t look out of place when worn with something nicer.
We’ll also cover different cuts and styles which look expensive and lend a professional air to your look. Plus we’ll look at the secret to making you look put together by addressing what to wear underneath all your beautiful outfits.
Some of the things we’ll go over in this article include:
- Know Your Work Environment
- Shop Your Closet
- Buy the Essentials
- A Comfortable Blazer
- A Suit
- Pumps
- Elegant Watch
- Sleek Handbag
- A Midi Skirt
- Squared Necklines
- A Trench Coat
- The Work Dress
- Get the Right Underwear
You’ll learn how to combine elements to create a great look that will have you getting noticed for both your great work and your killer style. Put your best foot forward and dress to impress as you work your way up the ladder and progress in your career.
Depending on where you work, you will find ways to match everyday outfits to each type of work environment. This will ensure you are always dressed appropriately and never feel out of place.
Getting started now as a young professional will give you that edge which will take you far later on. In no time you’ll land that big promotion or next job which will allow you to spend more on a new wardrobe for that stage of your life.
For now, shop smartly and save your money for more important things without giving up great style at work. You’ll feel confident walking into the office and your work will be positively impacted because of how good you feel.
Everyone is sure to take notice how seriously you take your job and the effort you put into looking professional. Don’t be surprised if you get even more amazing opportunities to showcase your skills and advance at work.
We’ve established that looking trendy and stylish on a budget can be pretty easy, but what about when it comes to your work wardrobe? For looking professional, female work apparel offers a lot of variety, and in most cases, is expensive to buy if you can’t compromise on quality.
But who has all the money to buy a whole new wardrobe for work? Given that you spend 40 hours a week there, you should still spend less on work clothes as compared to apparel for other occasions.
Luckily, we have some hacks on how you can look professional and stylish – all on a budget! The key takeaway is that you should have a few items that can be mixed and matched together. We’ll show you which items these are.
Also, make sure that you kill it on your first day by checking out this article on how you should dress for your first day of work!
Know Your Work Environment
Before you hit the mall to spend your entire paycheck on a new wardrobe, you should always assess the work environment first. Look at what everyone else is wearing, whether they’re in the same department as you, from another department, or part of the management.
In fact, take some inspiration from your department heads, seniors, and even your manager. These leaders form an image for employees to follow, so if they wear it, it’s probably part of the dress code.
Observing the clothes people wear at your workplace can give you some clue as to whether the dress code is lenient, laid back, or more conservative.
Shop Your Closet
Start your shopping spree by shopping your closet first. This means assessing the pieces in your closet to see if they suit the corporate attire category. If yes, set them aside for your work wardrobe. This can include chiffon and georgette blouses that you can layer with a blazer.
It can also include neutral colors pants that can be paired with a variety of colors. Not to mention, you probably have some solid colored pumps in your wardrobe too. Whether they’re white, nude, or black, formal pumps that have smaller heels can look stylish in a corporate environment.
You may also have a few closet items that wouldn’t be suitable for the workplace, like a sleeveless cotton top. However, pairing it with a cardigan can make it a work-worthy outfit,
Buy the Essentials
There are always a few essentials for every work wardrobe. Here are the ones you need. Never buy everything at once – take your time to see if there are any sales at your favorite stores. Eventually, the right item for your closet will come along.
A Comfortable Blazer
A blazer can take a simple outfit from a 0 to a 100 with its smart look that radiates professionalism. A blazer can upgrade any piece of work clothing you have, whether it’s a skirt, blouse, or even a work dress.
Make sure to pick one that fits just right instead of something that’s too tight or too baggy. You can easily find affordable options at thrift stores or the clearance rack.
A Suit
A suit is great for super-corporate, law firm-type environments and interviews, where it’s important that you make an impression. Pick a suit or suit pieces, like pants and a blazer, in monochrome colors, or something truly neutral, like beige.
Suits are great to have on hand for days when you can’t put together an outfit, or when you want to get attention for events like a meeting or presentation. Perhaps even just something to wear when meeting a recruiter.
Pumps
A pair of heeled pumps are a must for any work wardrobe, even if you plan on wearing flat-heeled shoes for the whole year.
Make sure to opt for high-quality pumps instead of cheaper or flimsy ones – you’ll want to keep your feet comfortable while at work, so you can focus on getting the job done and not be distracted by aching feet.
Looking for more heels for work? Check out that article to find some more classy and stylish shoes to wear to the office.
Elegant Watch
A classy elegant watch is a staple for any work outfit because it makes you look prepared and ready for anything. It also brings an outfit together as a focal point by highlighting your wrist.
Check out these quick, simple and cheap accessories and jewelry for more accessories that will elevate your look.
Sleek Handbag
Different from casual purses, backpacks, and wallets, a sleek handbag is the ultimate carry-on for the workplace. Not only should it be big enough to fit essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet, but it should be structured for longevity.
A Midi Skirt
Looking for a way to amp up the feminine factor in a work outfit? It’s easy to do that with a midi-skirt. These versatile mid-length skirts cover (most of) your legs but keep a smooth silhouette that’s ideal for a corporate environment.
Usually, pencil skirts are the way to go, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a-line skirts, pleated skirts, and even ruffled versions in neutral colors as well.
Squared Necklines
An elegantly flowing, silky blouse can instantly make you look more refined and professional at the workplace. Of course, you don’t actually have to buy a silk blouse, because chiffon and other similar fabrics can also do the trick.
Pair a blouse with straight-fitting cotton pants or a midi-skirt, add a blazer, and you’re good to go.
A Trench Coat
If winters get extra chilly in your town, it’s best that you invest in a good coat that works for corporate environments. This includes trench coats and overcoats, but personally, we love trench coats because they make you look taller.
Opt for solid colors like lack, but neutral shades like beige or grey can work as well, as long as you know how to care for them.
If you need some more warm clothes for those chilly days, you’ll want to check out these winter style tips that are really hot!
The Work Dress
You’ve heard of the ‘little black dress’, but this isn’t just a saucy little number you can wear on dates. The same term is used for a rather conservative dress you can wear to work. Moreover, it doesn’t have to be black, either.
You can opt for neutral colors when it comes to the staple work dress, but make sure to save it for special meetings or one of those mornings when you can’t figure out what to wear.
Get the Right Underwear
Lastly, you should never go to work without the right underwear. Unsightly panty lines and other disasters can tarnish your image at the workplace. Therefore, invest in seamless underwear and shapewear that gives a smooth outline and eliminates lines under your clothes.
For blouses that are a little too see-through, get well-fitting slips and camisoles that make you look professional and put-together. Additionally, don’t forget to get stockings to wear under dresses and skirts.
(While looking your best at work is super important, coming home to a well decorated and relaxing home is also important! Check out these modern interior design tips to help!)
