Look The Part: Building a Professional Wardrobe

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As if paying your rent on time and knocking out student loan payments weren’t enough, you’ve got to up your game at work with a professional looking wardrobe that doesn’t look like you plucked it out of the bargain bin at JC Penny’s. Building a wardrobe can be a bit daunting when you consider the costs of most well-made garments, but buying inventory over time can leave you with a fabulous collection that will last for ages and never go out of style.

A professional wardrobe is aimed more at people working in formal office environments, and less for people working in casual, laid back environments such as start-ups, nonprofits and other smaller companies. However; regardless of industry, a nicely put together ensemble sends the underlying message that you are organized and on top of your game. As the chairman of a board once told me, “I don’t care if you’re an assistant, if you want to be in charge, dress like you’re in charge”. And she was right. If you’re dressed like a manager or an executive, it’s easier for people to visually associate you with those titles, therefore making it easier for you to transition into a position with more responsibilities. Dressing in a professional manner can act as a silent promoter, pushing you forward in your career by projecting a mature, professional demeanor. Here are a few tips to help you start building up your closet:

1. Purchase Key Items

Women should start with a simple black dress, a pencil skirt, two or three blouses, a blazer and two pairs of nice slacks. It’s infinitely easier for women to spend less money to look nice than for men. Men’s clothing is more expensive, but the plus side is that men shouldn’t have to own as many pieces as women do. Two pairs of dress pants and five or six cotton button down shirts are perfectly acceptable. Add in a sports jacket or two and a pair of black leather dress shoes (DSW has a great selection), and that should pretty much wrap it up. The key to making it work is to purchase items that are well made and fit right. Many men make the mistake of buying shirts and pants that are too large. Avoid this because you’ll just end up looking sloppy and disheveled.

2. Don’t skimp (too much) on price.

These garments are supposed to last you at least five years - hopefully ten if you take care of them. You’re investing in yourself and your future. Buy items that are made well and skip over trend pieces that won’t be in style two years from now. If you divide the price by the number of years you’ll be able to wear them, the price tag suddenly won’t seem so bad.

3. Purchase items that are easily rotated.

You don’t want to buy three pieces that only match one another. The goal is to buy five pieces that coordinate with one another and can be worn as six separate outfits. Stay away from bright colors when you’re buying your basic items. You can always add color and personality with accessories.

4. Don’t purchase everything at once.

You’ll put yourself in debt if you go on a mass spending spree buying quality items. A good rule of thumb for building a wardrobe is to buy one item of clothing with each paycheck. By doing this, you’re adding in two pieces a month, not racking up a huge bill and consistently bringing a new outfit into your wardrobe every other week.

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