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Career Clothes
Dress for Success Without Breaking the Bank
By Debra Weaver
With a little prior research, quality pieces do not have to be expensive. At most major department stores such as Sears or JC Penney, you can buy a nice quality suit for $100 or less, especially with various sales during the year. And Ross, Marshall's and TJ Maxx offer designer separates at a discounted price. Outlet malls also offer nice choices at reduced prices. Even the neighborhood thrift store may have some bargains – it's worth checking out. Add fun accessories as you can afford them.
Ellen Weiss, director of marketing at Leonetti and Associates, Inc., a company that provides financial advice based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., adds these suggestions:
- Buy the best quality you can afford.
- Buy two matching skirts or slacks when you buy a suit.
- Go trendy with accessories to keep the look current.
Have younger children? "In the morning I shower, put on my hose and shirt, then a denim jumper to protect from house cleaning and kid smears and jammy hugs..." says Weiss. "When it is time to leave the house all I have to do is slip off the jumper and put on my skirt and jacket. Then I look neat and ready to go out the door."
Now for the guys – they want to look their best too! It's basically the same technique as the women's. Buy the nicest suit you can afford, a couple of shirts and matching ties, good quality black shoes, black socks and a black belt. Add a couple pairs of pants that go well with the suit jacket, some more shirts and ties as your budget allows. Bargains can also be found for men's clothing with just a little legwork.
"When I first opened my practice right out of college in 1995 my basic wardrobe consisted of a couple of suits, three dress shirts and a couple of ties," says Brett Turner, an attorney in Gainesville, Ga. "As my salary increased I added more pieces to my wardrobe. Back then I bought a lot at Marshall's, TJ Maxx and outlet stores."