She Strengthens

Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget

As a law student preparing for interviews with private law firms, I knew I had to invest in a professional wardrobe. But, with a limited budget, I had to be strategic about my purchases.

The Essentials

After researching and asking friends in the industry, I compiled a list of must-haves: two suits (one black, one neutral), low-heeled shoes, shell tops, a perfect black sheath, a high-quality handbag, non-ripped pantyhose, and a well-tailored coat.

Priorities

I set a max budget of $1,000 and prioritized high-quality items from well-known brands that would last for years to come. I also focused on neutral colors that could be mixed and matched.

The Saves

I found affordable options for blouses, tights, and a black sheath. For blouses, I opted for Uniqlo’s wrinkle-proof and machine-washable rayon shirts in neutral colors, which cost around $15 each. I also scored a few button-downs from J. Crew and Ann Taylor sales for around $20 each. For tights, I stuck with affordable options from CVS. My perfect black sheath from Loft was a steal at $40, thanks to a 60%-off sale.

The Splurges

I invested in a pair of comfortable heels from Naturalizer for $80, which I knew would be essential for long days of interviewing. I also splurged on a high-quality handbag from Kate Spade for $210, which was still a good deal considering its original price.

Suiting Up

I found great deals on suits from Ann Taylor and ThredUp, an online consignment store. I scored four high-quality suits in black, black pinstripe, dark gray, and light gray for a total of $390.

Total

I spent a total of $850 on my professional wardrobe, which I’m thrilled with considering the quality and brands I was able to secure.

Tips and Takeaways

If you’re building a professional wardrobe on a budget, start shopping early to snag great deals. Focus on neutral colors and high-quality items that will last. Spend time in brick-and-mortar stores to get a sense of your sizes, but buy online to take advantage of better sales. And, don’t let pushy salesgirls convince you to buy things you don’t need!