Tricks for saving big bucks on your work wardrobe

by Brittany Anas · March 28, 2014

(Update your work wardrobe with some accessories. This spring-ready Merona tote with an accent scarf is $29.99).

By Brittany Anas

Maybe you’ll be graduating from college in a couple months and need to make an investment in some work clothes (because those sweats you wore to 8 a.m. psych lectures won’t cut it in the office). Or, perhaps you’re looking to build a more coherent work wardrobe. Or, you’re dressing for a promotion? Congrats. Whatever your reason, you don’t want to spend an entire paycheck on your professional attire, right?

Here are some executive tips for saving big money on building a professional wardrobe that you’ll feel good — and look good — in.

Find steals at Target. We’re amazed by the quality and price points of the work wear at Target. The in-house Merona line has a steady rotation of in-season blazers that are under $35! Dress lengths are appropriately conservative enough for a professional environment, but still have modern touches — like scalloped hem lines, or faux leather piping, or black and cobalt blue combos. (Savings tip: Target is having a huge Spring fashion stock-up sale right now. Buy one, get one 50 percent off on all of their clothing items. Plus, you’ll save even more by earning up to 4 percent Cash Back at Target from ShopAtHome.com.). Some of our picks for spring: A twill blazer in navy blue or a black-and-white striped ponte blazer.
Go with gold or silver. Choose one! Trust us. A well-put together work outfit has consistency. If you’re partial to gold, for example, buy blazers, belts, necklaces, purses and shoe straps that have gold accents. It’s a simple rule that will go a long way to make your look seem custom and put together.
Pick a color palette. For easy, instant work outfits, buy suits, dresses, and skirts in a similar and neutral color palette — like black, gray or navy. Infuse color with accessories — an eggplant-colored purse will give a pop of color to a taupe suit or pastel shell blouses will pair beautifully underneath gray suits.
Take good care of your classics. Keep leather care polish handy for your shoes. Put a protectant on your leather purses. Take your suits in for drycleaning. Taking good care of your investment pieces will give them a longer shelf life.
Rely on accessories. Maintaining a well-edited closet makes it easier to get ready in the morning. Mix and match your pieces by stick with a similar color palette and by adding in less expensive accessories, like scarves or purses. One trend we always love for spring: Tying a silky scarf onto a purse handle. We found this pretty mint Merona Tote (pictured) that comes with an accented scarf (29.99).