There’s so much power, authority, and confidence that comes with looking good, especially in a professional setting. Tight budget? Here are affordable office looks you can rock.
Photo credit: prostooleh
The workweek is filled with deadlines, meetings, dashing between calls, and project completion. In the middle of all the chaos, it's best to be wearing something that makes you feel powerful. As easy as it might seem, workwear shopping could be challenging. It's a typical issue for newcomers especially: you may need to acquire a whole work outfit with no money or a minimal budget.
Here’s the first tip - You don't "know your office looks" if you're just starting at a new office – that's the trick. You may believe you are familiar with your workplace. But you need to work there for a week or two to understand how the people there dress for work.
On my first day at my first tech job, I dressed up in a corporate black jumpsuit, my nicest purse, and the most expensive flat shoes my money could buy. I was one of the first to arrive at the workplace, and when everyone else arrived, I was taken aback. Most staff were dressed casually, in joggers, slides, and basic shirts, despite being the first working day of the year. I couldn't have been happier; the next day, I arrived prepared, wearing cozy leggings, a plain-tee, and flat slippers to match; lovely, simple, and comfortable - my go-to office looks.
So first thing first, know your environment before going on a shopping spree.
Don’t know where to start?
You don't need that many items to have a professional wardrobe, and if you're attempting to buy an entire work wardrobe on a shoestring budget, it's best to start with fewer things.
Buy enough clothing for 7 or 8 days of work in your initial shopping trip, and get pieces that you can mix and match for unique office looks
Here are some of the finest and most affordable office looks to take on your busiest days in effortless elegance, whether you're at the office or working from home.
1. Blazer, top, pants, and flats or heels - You can never go wrong with this outfit combo. This combo is cheeky, bossy, and never goes out of style; most importantly, it’s comfortable. It's a versatile look that works for both work and after-work drinks. Don't hesitate to opt for bold designs or colors to spice up your clothing. Suiting is an obvious choice for the office, and right now, the three-piece suit is all the trend. Depending on the weather, you may wear the blazer with or without it.
Source: Pinterest
Statement blouse, jeans/pants, and flats - Always a hit and never a miss. With the pandemic, remote work, and Zoom calls, we all welcomed clothing from the waist up while being casual on the bottom.There is a method to adapt this while returning to the workplace, wearing a bold blouse that helps you stand out from the crowd. This is one of the top-tier office looks.
Source: Pinterest
Corporate statement dress - You can never go wrong with dresses! A lovely simple dress can be paired with a blazer, coat, belts, brooches, and so much more. You can transform from a working-class woman by day to a “material gworl” by night - the possibilities are endless with a cute dress.
When outfit shopping, grab a few gowns, jackets and belts - all you have to do is mix and match.
Source: Pinterest
Corporate jumpsuit - The best thing about jumpsuits is that you can dress them up or dress them down. Like dresses, they can be paired with other clothing items such as blazers, belts, sneakers, heels, flats - the list is endless. Got an important presentation at the office? Elevate your basic jumpsuit by throwing in some jewelry pieces and a blazer. Date night after work? Put on some heels, let your hair down and take off the blazer. Everything works!
Source: Pinterest
Matching sets - This is a trend that is here to stay! Matching sets are fashionable and will never go out of style. These are some of the best workwear options because you don’t have to crack your head about pairing it perfectly; it’s a set, so it’s already perfect!
So if you are in a rush or just like playing it safe, then this one is for you - they are comfy and will leave you feeling confident.
Source: Zoodmall
Lots and lots of tees! -All of my techies would recognize the significance of having shirts in your outfit. This is one piece of comfortable wear that can be dressed up or down, whether it's plain, printed, V-neck, or round-neck. They go with everything: jeans, pants, skirts, shorts, heels, and sneakers.
Source: Stylecaster
One last thing! - Colors are also quite strong; don't be afraid to incorporate a splash of color into every ensemble. Try red, purple, blue, yellow, and orange - these are all highly striking colours.
Have you ever experimented with prints? This is also an excellent and inexpensive method to upgrade your look. Start with a bang.
Here’s how you can look great for your next job interview.
