Dear CheapChica…

Your blog is fabulous!!!  I recently graduated college and now have to make my way into the working world.  However, I don’t want my style to be limited by appropriate work attire clothes and their cost.  Do you know of any good places or options to make work outfits look good without costing my entire paycheck?  Thank you so much

Sara

Great question Sara! You are definitely not alone, we have gotten similar questions from a lot of other readers. Looking fabulous while saving cash is our main motivation at CheapChicas and one of the best ways to save is making sure you have a versatile wardrobe that goes easily from work to play!

Going forward you should start with spending some cash on great work basics to build a wardrobe. But make sure you shop smart, get pieces that you can imagine wearing out of work as well. Make sure you pick up a white button up, a great pencil skirt, a classic blazer and an array of colorful cardigans.

Another way to take your work clothes from day to night and a great way to add style to your outfit is to layer, layer, layer. LOFT is doing a great job right now on showing great looks for working women.  And be sure to check out your local outlet stores.  Ann Taylor is typically out of my price range, but they’re outlet prices can’t be  beat and they’re great for feminine work clothes that are classic and chic!

J.Crew (on sale), Loft, H&M, Banana Republic(on sale) and Macy’s (Rachel Roy is one of my faves!) are always showing great pieces for young professionals that are really versatile. Also, don’t count out stores like NY&Company, Gap, and the Limited for basics.

You can also save yourself some money by keeping your current closet in mind when you’re shopping.  Only buy new pieces that will dress up casual pieces like classic cardigans and slacks that you already own.

Lastly, invest in accessories! Accessories are what will make your pieces look different everyday. Go for one single piece for day, long and soft necklaces or something a little chunkier (as pictured on the right).

For night try layering–whether it’s tons of bracelets, multiple rings or several necklaces!  This is my favorite way to transition any outfit to evening.

The number one rule for me when it comes to office attire, don’t buy things for work that aren’t you!  You don’t have to dress drab just because you’re stuck in an office. Play with colors and textures and don’t be afraid to mix and match–break up a clasic suit instead of wearing it together for a look that’s uniquely you!

This way, I promise everything in your closet will be able to work in and out of the office depending on how you utilize everything you got!