Dressing for an office setting while still showing off your personal style can be a little complicated at times. You want to be professional (I mean, it took long enough to land the job!) but you also don’t want to lose your fashion sense in what can sometimes be a stuffy corporate world.
If you work in fashion (or any creative) space you might have some wiggle room, but for the most part, adapting to the office dress code and adding your personal flair can be a tricky balancing act.
Add sticking to a budget and we’re in a whole ‘nother world of fun!
That’s why I wanted to chat trendy work clothes on a budget, and where to shop for them! I don’t work a typical 9-5 but I take a lot of meetings (sometimes over Skype or Google Hangouts), and I go to lots of events where I need to look polished and professional. These are the times when I look to the following retailers for trendy work clothes on a budget, and they rarely disappoint!
SHOP THE LOOK
Skirt: Express, Different Colors Available Berry: HERE and White: HERE and Similar HERE|| Button-Up: J.Crew, Similar HERE and HERE || Heels: Steve Madden || Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs || Bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM
When it comes to work wear, I’d say my style falls somewhere between classic and feminine, without getting too girly – very similar to my every day style. The pieces I gravitate toward are a little more modest than I usually opt for but they always have the versatility to go from office to weekend-ready.
Express has really stepped up their game in the past year. I’ve been more inclined to shop there and I’ve found some great pieces. For work wear, their tops are my favorite! Even their shoe selection sometimes surprises me. I love their rewards program (it’s one of the best in my opinion) so sign up and don’t miss out on their mailed coupons! I always get items half off or if I’m feeling a big shopping spree coming, I wait for their $75 off $200!
My favorite locations are in NYC and I pretty much always find something I’m lusting after. Their customer service is not the best (I’ve had my fair share of experiences) but their selection and prices are hard to beat! Tops, pants, shoes, you name it, you can find something affordable and on-trend.
Asos is my go-to for special occasions BUT if I need great work wear pants I definitely search their selection! I’ve never had a bad experience with their customer service and their return policy is top notch. Not to mention they sometimes run 20% off days so make sure you sign up for their e-mails so you don’t miss out. The only drawback is you can’t try on the clothes but if I’m really torn I purchase the two sizes I’m between and return the one that didn’t fit. I do this because you have to act fast if you love a piece – items sell out quickly!
I love shopping at H&M for my basics. Their quality is great and I get a good year (sometimes more) of wear from my pieces so it’s a nice investment (a basic tee normally runs around $12). They also have great tops and gorgeous dresses that rarely run over $40.
You’ll probably find the most quirky work wear pieces at Modcloth. I love their selection of fun blazers because they definitely stand out from other retailers. Right now you get free domestic shipping (no minimum) so I’d recommend putting in an order now (plus you can get 20% if you sign up for their email). Side note: their home decor and wedding guest section are also my faves!
We all know J.Crew as a classic, all-American, err on modest retailer. I love it for timeless staples like black blazers and dress pants. Their accessories are amazing if you enjoy a little bling and chunkier pieces – which are a great way to add a trendy element to your work clothes. J.Crew is also my go-to for work shoes because their flats are the cutest! You will spend a little more here but in my opinion the quality backs up the price.
Going on the Chicwish website is like going on a whimsical virtual trip. The styles are so dreamy (can we have a moment for their midi skirts?) and I just love the vintage-inspired prints. If you want to add a touch of romance to your work wear but stick to a modest structure then Chicwish is your site.
BR is accessible, on-trend, affordable, and great for staples. I would have never shopped here if it wasn’t for my husband who introduced me to this store – it’s basically the only place he shops at. The quality is great and their rewards program, sales, and coupons are hard to rival. They also have a petites section which is where I shop for all my jeans!
*BONUS* I’ve mentioned this before but if you mostly shop online, you’ve got to sign up for EBATES! It’s definitely real and you do get cash back. Plus it’s free to sign up! Most all the stores I mentioned you can get a percentage back from your whole purchase so if you’re trying to stick to a budget, I highly recommend doing this! (You can sign up HERE).
What stores or online retailers do you love shopping at for your trendy work clothes when you’re on a budget? I always love hearing your recommendations!
And would you be interested in a part 2 post where I chat about the ideal work wear wardrobe aka the pieces you need for the best work wardrobe? Let me know in the comments section below!
Thanks for reading #BossBabes!
