Dressing “Biz” Attire on a Budget

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by

Erica Hilton
in

Business attire is NOT cheap! Purchasing suits, slacks and blouses can really hurt your pockets, especially if you’re still a student, interning or just starting out in your career. Don’t even get me started on all the accessories you need like bags and shoes.

But the truth is, you feel as good as you look. If you want to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company one day, the time to start dressing like one is NOW! And me personally? I prefer my business wear to have a bit of a flash about it (that’s why I call it Biz Attire). No one likes a stiff suit; you look as uncomfortable to people as you feel. 

If you’re looking to add more “biz” attire to your wardrobe on a tight budget, here are my top three places where I rack up:

  1. Thrift Stores and Consignment Boutiques: A lot of people turn up their noses at thrift stores. If you’re one of them… either take my advice or leave it. Me? I love them! My biggest tip when thrifting is to find a store in a ritzy and wealthy area. These stores have awesome, vintage and a lot of brand new items because many people donating them are really wealthy. Thrifting has become a hobby for me; I love the thrill of the bargain!
  2. Outlets: Outlets are stores that sell their merchandise directly to the public at significantly lower prices. Many stores actually have outlet versions, including Banana Republic Outlet, Talbots Outlet, Ann Taylor Outlet and BCBG Maxazria Outlet. If you know Talbots then you know they’re pretty expensive. However, one Talbots Outlet I went to had a sale where nothing was more than $19.99. Yeah, I’m still in disbelief!
  3. QVC Stores/Clothing and Such: QVC Stores sell everything that television shopping networks (QVC and HSN) can’t sell online, BUT since it couldn’t be sold online, it’s sold at an extremely discounted price. Clothing and Such (in North Carolina) is similar, just not ran by QVC. I’ve gone to three Clothing and Such where all shoes, REGARDLESS of brand, are a flat rate of $15.00. You can’t beat that.

For proof, check below for some of my favorite finds! (click photos to see larger images)

Susan Graver Blouse – $7.00 – QVC StoreTalbots Slacks – $13.70 – Talbots (Outlet)Blazer (My Splurge) – $38.00 – Express
Susan Graver Blouse – $7.00 – QVC Store
Talbots Slacks – $13.70 – Talbots (Outlet)
Blazer (My Splurge) – $38.00 – Express
Casual Corner Suit – $10.98 – Goodwill
Brooks Brothers Blouse – $5.00 – Consignment Boutique (Brand New!)
Banana Republic Pumps – $5.98 – Goodwill
Bonwit Teller Suit – $10.98 – Goodwill
Brooks Brothers Blouse – $5.00 – Consignment Boutique (Brand New!)
Rachel Zoe Coat – $20.00 – QVC Store
Michael Kors Sweater/Blazer – $18.00 – Consignment Boutique (Brand New!)
Vintage Briefcase – $19.98 – Goodwill
Talbots Business Dress – $19.99 – Talbots (Outlet)
Naturalizer Shoes – $14.98 – Goodwill (Brand New!)
Lord & Taylor Purse
Lord & Taylor Purse – $6.98 – Goodwill (Brand New!)

Comments

22 responses to “Dressing “Biz” Attire on a Budget”

  1. chiclycute Avatar
    chiclycute

    I love all the cobalt blue you are utilizing! Its one of those colors that you can wear to work but still not look crazy! Love your outfits ideas and their prices even more 🙂
    http://www.chiclycute.com

    Reply
    1. Erica Hilton Avatar
      Erica Hilton

      Thanks!! It’s such a fun color, but still professional at the same time!

      Reply
  2. msnovember365 Avatar
    msnovember365

    Love this. Love this MUCH. ❤ Keep it up! 🙂

    @chiclycute – cobalt is SO my color too! Love it!

    Reply
    1. Erica Hilton Avatar
      Erica Hilton

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  3. Andre Avatar
    Andre

    Haha, I love it! I’m totally sending this to Hannah.

    Reply
    1. Erica Hilton Avatar
      Erica Hilton

      Lol thanks Andre!

      Reply
  4. Noelle Jackson Avatar
    Noelle Jackson

    Love it Erica.

    Reply
    1. Erica Hilton Avatar
      Erica Hilton

      Thank you, Noelle!

      Reply
  5. mricks913 Avatar
    mricks913

    Hey Lady,

    Mind if we reblog you over at http://www.toothriftychicks.com?

    Reply
    1. Erica Hilton Avatar
      Erica Hilton

      Not at all. Reblog away!

      Reply
      1. mricks913 Avatar
        mricks913

        Thanks ma’am. We’ll do it next Wednesday which is our style day.

        Best,

        Markeshia

  6. mricks913 Avatar
    mricks913

    Reblogged this on Too Thrifty Chicks and commented:
    The Thrifty Chicks are off exploring The Big Apple for a few days. Check out how our friend Erica Hilton gets in her business attire on a budget!

    — R&R

    Reply
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