I need to get something off my chest. You DO NOT need to spend a ton of money to look fabulous. I travel and speak to different groups all the time, and people are constantly worried they need to buy the latest high-end brands of clothes to look good and get the job. I do not believe this is true.
“Image is the first thing people notice, says Alison Doyle of the About.com guide to job searching. “What they see is what you’re wearing.” That’s why it’s crucial to project the right image if you want to get a job and get ahead. True, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, but don’t think you have to break the bank for that first impression. Especially in these trying economic times, you simply don’t have to spend a lot of money to look great. Here are some tips I try to live by.
1. Take advantage of discount stores.
Thanks to outlet malls, Overstock.com, consignment shops and designer lines at discount stores such as Ross, Marshalls and J.C.Penney, there are plenty of ways to find affordable and fashionable work clothes. The key is to buy the right pieces of clothing so you can look like a polished and professional employee. Look for “underneath” shirts and cute tops that can go under your jackets and sweaters at these places. They often have cute tops that are extremely cheap. Also, keep an eye out for suits and dresses. Expensive, quality brands like Tahari often send their suits to Marshalls and Ross, usually only a season old, and sell them for half price. Keep an eye out for these brands. You can often buy very nice business attire for almost 50 percent off the original price.
2. Take on “Projects.”
One of my favorite things to do is walk into a store and head straight for the clearance rack. The picture on this page is of me in a white Ann Taylor dress. I found it in Ann Taylor’s Fifth Avenue store in New York City. It was on the clearance rack for 80 percent off! Originally over $100, it had a stain on the bottom and a broken zipper. I bought it for about $20, took it home, got it dry-cleaned and had a new zipper put on it. About $20 bucks later, vavoom! A good-as-new dress! I have worn this dress countless times on Inside Edition and CNN. Never underestimate the sales rack. Plenty of goodies are waiting just for you!
3. When you do make a big purchase, buy for longevity.
Purchase a classic black dress that you can dress up or down. It’s important to buy a few expensive pieces you can build a wardrobe around. You can buy many inexpensive jackets to go with your expensive black dress. However, I still say comb the sales rack. If you are willing to wait even a month, that black dress that was previously in the window at full price will be on the sale rack for half off. Patience is key.
4. Throw a party!
Get together with your friends and bring all the business clothes you want to get rid of. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone over to one of my friend’s houses and seen a pile of her “throw away clothes” and found something I loved. You know the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Trade your business clothes and help each other out.
5. When you tire of your business clothes, don’t throw them away; Pass them on.
Consider donating your business suits to a great organization called “Dress for Success.” Go to www.dressforsucces.com and find the location nearest to you. Donate suits and help other women dress professionally for a job interview and get back on their feet.
6. Realize you are not the only one.
My job takes me all over the country on a regular basis. I love meeting people and seeing the different styles that are popular in different places. But one thing stays constant: women are resourceful! I cannot tell you how many times I have complimented a lady on a plane about what a nice shirt she was wearing and gotten, “Oh thank you! Got it at Target,” as a response. I laugh, point to my boots and say, “Me too! Love that store!” And we both are surprised at each other’s items because we think they look expensive. I recently interviewed a pretty famous celebrity and complimented her on her shirt; she smiled and said she got it at Forever 21. I love it!
Moral of the story: You can look fabulous for less. You do not need to spend a ton of money to dress like a professional powerhouse! Be resourceful and be patient, and you will look amazing. And remember, the next time you see me on TV I will probably be wearing something from Ross! : )
Some great books on the subject: “Dress Like a Million (On Considerably Less)” by Leah Feldon; “How to be a Budget Fashionista” by Kathryn Finney; and “Style on a Shoestring: Develop Your Cents of Style and Look Like a Million Without Spending a Fortune” by Andy Paige.
