She Strengthens

Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget

As I prepare for interviews with private law firms, I’ve come to realize that my casual attire won’t cut it anymore. As a broke law student, I need to invest in professional clothing without breaking the bank. After extensive research, I’ve identified the essential items to get me started.

The Essentials

• At least two suits: one black, one neutral color
• Low, walkable heels to match my suits
• A few shell-esque tops to wear under suits
• A perfect black sheath dress for work and socializing
• A neutral, expensive-looking handbag
• Non-ripped pantyhose
• A well-tailored coat

My Prerequisites

I knew that in the corporate world, people can tell when clothes are cheap, so I wanted high-quality items from well-known brands. I set a max budget of $1,000 and aimed to buy items that would last for at least a few years.

The Saves

I started with blouses, opting for collared rayon shirts from Uniqlo in neutral colors. These were easy to find and affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 each. I also picked up a few subtly-patterned button-downs from J. Crew and Ann Taylor during sales.

For tights and pantyhose, I stuck to affordable options, buying a few pairs of $3 L’eggs at my local CVS. While I know some people swear by expensive tights, I’m a clumsy person who tends to snag them easily, so I’ll stick with cheaper options for now.

The Perfect Black Sheath

I was thrilled to find the perfect black sheath dress at Loft, which retailed for $90 but was on sale for $40. It’s well-cut, made of thick material, and even has pockets! To my untrained eye, it looks like something you’d find at Ann Taylor or similar pricier brands.

The Splurges

I knew I needed to invest in a good pair of heels, so I opted for a pair from Naturalizer. While they were more expensive than I’d like, at $80, they’re comfortable and will last for a while.

I also splurged on an expensive-looking handbag from Kate Spade. At $210, it was a stretch, but I knew a good work bag needs to be large and durable. Plus, it’s from a reputable brand, which makes a difference in the corporate world.

Suits

I finally wound up with four nice suits: black, black pinstripe, dark gray, and light gray. I bought a black pantsuit from Ann Taylor during a sale, and then discovered ThredUp, an online consignment store. I spent hours browsing and eventually found three almost-new suits from Theory and Tahari for $280, which normally retail for $600-900 new.

Total

I spent a total of $850, which is still under my budget. While there are a few things I hope to add to my wardrobe, I’m happy with how things turned out.

Tips and Tricks

If you think a professional wardrobe is in your future, start shopping early. You can get amazing deals on branded items if you’re patient. Buy neutral colors when you’re first starting out, as they’ll go with everything. Spend time in brick-and-mortar stores, but buy online to take advantage of better sales. And don’t let pushy salesgirls talk you into buying things you don’t need!

What are your tips for buying professional clothes on a budget? Share your advice in the comments!