Start with basic pieces when putting together a professional wardrobe

Oct 03, 2023

QUESTION: I graduated from college in May and am now going to work at my new job next month. What kind of work wardrobe do I need? I cannot afford to buy all new clothes, but my college outfits are not very professional. Any ideas?

CALLIE’S ANSWER: Start with the basics, and add to it as you can. A nice pair of pants, blazer and shoes. A simple t-shirt under the blazer with accessories would be fine. There are lots of places that you can find affordable work wear. Congrats!

LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: This tough, especially when you need to buy clothes for your new job but you need the paycheck from your new job to pay for them. Also, quality professional clothes can be expensive. First, get a good understanding of the dress code for your new workplace. Count the outfit you interviewed in — the one that landed you a new job—– as a starting point. You have at least one outfit to wear, so that’s progress. Then, start with a pair or two of basic slacks or a skirt, and then shop for tops to add variety. Get through the first week and then start adding to your wardrobe and accessorizing little by little.

Look in consignment or nonprofit thrift stores on a budget. I also would want to encourage you to shop locally for better service and better clothing quality and to support local boutique businesses. However, to get started, you might have to check out online shops with good reputations that offer cheaper fast fashion choices initially. (The quality generally won’t be as good, so be wary. If you do shop online, be wary of scam sites or sites that can offer cheap clothing because of poor labor conditions; research before you buy.)

Local big box retailers like Walmart or Target or other chain stores also offer quality clothing at less expensive prices, even though the clothing is made in mass quantities. I have found great pieces in both of those places to add to existing items. Shop the sales, too. Over time, you’ll see your wardrobe grow with your budget, and you’ll have a better understanding of what your new workplace expects you to wear.

HELEN’S ANSWER: Women can start a professional wardrobe with a jacket, several pretty blouses or sweaters, a couple of pairs of slacks, and some jewelry or scarves to change the look. Basic colors of black, white, beige can be a starting point, adding other colors as you check out what other people at your office are wearing. Then add something new to your collection when you find the right piece of clothing. Dress according to your taste but with an eye towards current fashions. Ask your boss if you have questions about what might be appropriate in fashion. Men need a collection of jackets, ties, shirts and in some cases, suits. Again, the workplace can dictate what you choose. If the look is casual and you don’t need a tie, then figure out what kind of shirt looks best with slacks.

Always, check out sales in the retail stores and for online buying. Look your best when you show up for work.

GUEST’S ANSWER:Linda Miller, former fashion editor for The Oklahoman: Did you interview in person for this job? If so, did you notice how others were dressed? That might give you an idea of how casual or buttoned up it is. You can always check with the personnel department or perhaps the company website for clothing guidance then start adding to your wardrobe with pieces that do double-duty. Consider a jacket that can be worn with jeans or dress pants. A white shirt/blouse that will work with a suit or skirt or elevate a pair of dark pants. Accessories can make an outfit look completely different, too. Pop into a consignment or thrift store and check out the offerings. Those places can be easier on the budget, then add a new piece every few weeks after you get a better feel how others in the company are dressing.

Since 2009, Callie, Lillie-Beth and Helen have written this generational etiquette column. They also include guest responses from a wide range of ages each week. So many years later, Callie is 20-plus; Lillie-Beth is 40-plus and Helen is 60-plus. To ask an etiquette question, email [email protected].