Whether you’re gearing up for a new position, jumping ship into a new career entirely, or preparing for an upcoming interview, half of the battle is showing up, and showing up well. Which brings about how you dress and your professional wardrobe. You’ve heard the saying before: “Dress for the job you want”. Yet, in the midst of work obligations, business calls, and family to-do’s, focusing on your wardrobe can be a stretch.
I used to consider investing in my professional wardrobe as a non-priority item on my to-do list. Shopping for conservative suits and elegant blouses was not quite as fun as foraying into the latest fashion trends around. It also explains why revamping my professional wardrobe was always put on the back burner. Yet, as I switched careers, and also became an entrepreneur, I found myself in front of audiences as a speaker, which forced me to re-consider how I dressed, and what dressing for the job I want really means for me. With two kids in tow, a household to manage, and not enough time to get everything done, I was left with solving the dilemma of dressing for the jobs I wanted, on a budget and without too much unnecessary headache.
Related: 10 wardrobe tips you must consider when transitioning careers
Considering my shopping trips are now limited for fear of having the whole department store on lockdown because my son wants to play hide and seek, and the significant decrease in my patience genes post-babies, I’ve had to find a system. I no longer wanted to hide from my kids and spend hours at the mall fishing for something professional yet fun. Neither was I attracted by the prospect of
Here are some tips for any busy, time-starved, on a budget working woman and mom to put a fresh spin into your professional wardrobe:
- Rent!
Got a special work event and nothing to wear? Or maybe you’re just tired of your same old work outfits, and want a change without the commitment of buying? You can rent work styles at Rent-the-Runway, ranging from distinctive knit dresses to polished tops.
- Get it personalized!
Did you know that you can get your professional wardrobe personalized to your taste and office dress code? Companies like MM.LaFleurhelp you do just that! After you answer a few questions aroud your style and office dress code, MM.LaFleurbuilds your personalized Bento box, which consists in an assortment of work clothing put together for you. Once you receive your Bento box, you can decide what to keep and what to return.
- Clean up your current wardrobe
First things first, take a look at your current work wardrobe. Is it packed with clothing you haven’t worn in the past six months? One of my cardinal fashion rules nowadays is: “If I haven’t worn it in the past six months, it’s got to go.” It’s helped me clear out the clutter (hello Marie Kondo), while being able to have a clearer picture of what I actually own. I was surprised to find out that in the middle of my wardrobe mess, there actually were some beautiful pieces I couldn’t even see before.
- Invest in basics
You cannot underestimate the positive effect of quality undergarments such as Spanxshapewear on anything you wear, especially at work. My go-to’s, like this Spanx higher power shaping brief, are among my favorites.
Other basics include layering pieces such as this Zadig & Voltaire Carmen camisole, or this Ann Taylor tie-neck blouseperfect under suits. Some other professional wardrobe staples to have are:
- An elegant suit that can be dressed up or down, like this simple and chic Anne Klein classic number from Nordstrom;
- Polished dresses such as this Ann Taylor knotted sheath dress;
- Graceful and warm outerwear like this Topshop Lily knit back midi coat, or this North Face down parka.
Which option will you use to revamp your work wardrobe?
The Corporate Sister.
