The saying goes, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Well, how should you go about dressing professionally when you currently don't have a steady income? Here are some tips on how to look professional at a low cost from a girl who refuses to buy new leggings even though all of hers have holes in them.
1. Thrift stores
Just because it's secondhand doesn't mean it can't be fabulous. It might take a little extra time to sift through the racks for something worth wearing, but it's worth it if you can snag a cute knee-length dress or blazer. It may not be in this season, but at least you won't show up to a job interview wearing two-year-old khakis.
2. Clearance racks
Find the clearance rack in every store you visit. Just like in a thrift shop, you can often find some gems hanging in between the clothes that no one else wants. I often find great deals at stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Kohl's. Don't just go in and look at the expensive clothes that you can't afford, check out what they've got on sale because chances are you'll find something better than that dress you've had since high school.
3. Don't turn down second-hand clothing
The phrase, "I don't really wear these, so you can have them," is music to my ears. My brother's girlfriend recently donated two pairs of shoes and a dress to my cause. (Shout out to you, girl.) If you want to be able to look good on a budget, you're going to have to get rid of any preexisting notions you have about accepting hand-me-downs (especially if they're nice hand-me-downs).
4. Accessories are not a necessity
Hearing this may make you a little sad, but you really don't need that $12 turquoise ring. I hardly ever wear accessories, and while that's a personal preference, if you're trying to look good on a budget then you might want to save your money for those shoes you find on clearance at JC Penney.
5. Get tights
Even if you have to spend a decent amount of money on tights, it's worth it. A good pair of tights can make any outfit look classy and professional. If you wear leggings with all of your dresses like I used to, changing to tights will change your life.
6. Make your s/o buy you things
This one is a joke, but I mean...
7. Use your face
Makeup is expensive, but you can use drugstore brand foundation, concealer, and mascara and still get a great look out of it. I ask for the expensive stuff, like contouring kits, on holidays. If you have a couple of bold lips on hand, people will take one look at your gorgeous face and not even care about your outfit.
8. Borrow things
Have an important interview or work meeting coming up? Borrow a nice pantsuit or kitten heels from a good friend who somehow has money.
9. Belts
Belts are a good investment because they can transform any outfit. Have a dress with a waistband that got stretched out after two wears because you bought it on clearance? Just put a belt around it! Have a long t-shirt that you can't wear because it looks too baggy? Put a belt around it!
10. Ask for gift cards for special occasions
Cash is better, but at least if you ask for a gift card to a high-end clothing store you know you'll be benefiting your professional life with the purchase (instead of using cash intended for clothes to buy dinner at KFC five out of seven days in the week).
11. Wear the same outfit again
If you're on a budget, you're not going to be able to afford enough items of clothing to constitute a new professional outfit every day. There's no shame in wearing the same outfit in a week to your job, as long as you look good doing it.
Us broke people may not be fashionistas or keeping up with trends, but we're spending a lot less money to look good!
