putting together a wardrobe

[VisionaryMom]

On Monday, I was offered a great, but entirely unexpected, work situation. It's part-time with the potential to work full-time organizing arts events for a new community of artists. The events would range (depending on what I want to do) from gallery-type exhibitions to street fairs.

That said (with much implied), I need to put together a wardrobe! I've been freelancing from home the past 5 years, and I spend my days in comfy clothes - tank tops and shorts this time of year. I have one suit and one pair of really nice black pants, and that's *it* for professional attire.

Suggestions? I don't want to spend loads of money, but I don't have to be super-frugal either. I'd like to put together some standards using "classic" pieces & accessorize. It's an arts job, so funky is okay as long as it's tasteful. And shoes...I have to have good shoes. I have plantar fasciitis and wear orthotics, so I need shoes with support. I'm open to all ideas. I'm not a clothing person, and I have no idea where to begin.

[pbjmama]

I would start by writing out a list of things you want to look for and about how much you have to spend. So you have a suit, decide if you need another. You need a few pairs of pants, maybe a few skirts or dresses, various tops maybe start with 10 total, and some shoes/accessories. I would start by asking around in your area. If you live in a metro area there is sure to be a great consignment/resale store that has professional stuff. I live in my danskos and they have a good selection of shoes that are professional.

[caiesmommy]

I would start by going through EVERYTHING you have. You'd be surprised whats hiding in the back of a closet even shirts to wear under dress shirts

List everything you have.
If you have a black pair of pants and are thinking of a suit jacket. Wear the pants when you go shopping, then you'll be able to match better. I would start with simple classic pants 1 pair black 1 pair gray. Then some simple shirts. Maybe a knee length skirt.

I wouldn't go to crazy since it is only part time. How many days will you be working? I would get the minimum and then shop sales/consignment shops.

I got a great pencil skirt(Jacob), a great sexy button up(h and m) and a pair of cute red(town shoes) shoes all for 8 bucks at a second hand store.

[Ola_]

It kind of depends on how dressy you need to be. I prefer the business casual style because it's easier to dress up or down depending on what you need to wear on a given day. A couple of ideas to get you thinking from my favourite fashion blog, youlookfab.com:
http://youlookfab.com/2008/01/30/the...ys-and-beyond/
http://youlookfab.com/2010/01/13/16-...ss-casual-pop/

I agree to stick with classic pieces (basic pants, skirts, in grey, black, or dark denim) and bring in the colour and flair in tops and accessories.

[eirual]

Deffinitely go through what you have, but also make calculated decisions. I'd say do your first shop without any money and just put the items you love on hold. Then you can work out which pieces will give you the most bang for your buck and which pieces are not as important to you and you can comfortably leave behind. You're better off to leave something behind at the store and know where to find it if you can't get your mind off it than to take something medeocre home with the intent of returning it if you so choose. Scarves are fun and can be done on the cheap if you keep your eyes open.

I started building a professional wardrobe (which is still very much in the making) a couple of years ago, and one thing I've learned is to not settle!! If you don't LOVE it, don't buy it! Don't let things just "do" if you don't love it, save your money!

[gothnurse3]

I would stick with the classics like everybody said. I would get some really cool "funky" artsy accessories. If you could get a apir of earrings or necklace from one of your artist. You would be looking great and supporting your group all at the same time. Good luck...what a cool job!!!

[Caneel]

Originally Posted by gothnurse3

I would stick with the classics like everybody said. I would get some really cool "funky" artsy accessories. If you could get a apir of earrings or necklace from one of your artist. You would be looking great and supporting your group all at the same time. Good luck...what a cool job!!!

I had to rebuild my work wardrobe while pregnant so I know what it is like to start from scratch. I absolutely agree with the above. Basic, simple stuff might be boring but it is easy and goes a long, long way. One can wear the same black skirt once or more per week but loud pattern or intensely colored bottom? Not so much.

Things that worked for me:

Everything had to match several pieces, no expections. It really wasn't that hard because I kept all bottom and dresses nuetral - black, navy, brown. Not only did color need to coordinate but also the fabrics. I don't know how to explain that but I just think certain fabrics don't go together well, like cotton chinos (that wrinkle) and a sleek silk top. I wouldn't wear that together.

Knits and blends, they hang nice and resist wrinkles. I found lots of stuff at Target that has held up very well, which shocks me but it has.

JJill has a good line called wearever. The colors coordinate and the stuff wears well. I have pants and crops that are several years old and still going strong. What I like about them is the line works for both work and weekends. I can wear the pants with a dressy top and shoes for work and then a tshirt and flip flops on the weekend. I can often find discountinued colors on the clearance site.

[honeybunmom]

If you have a TJ Maxx near you, I'd check that out. I just bought a Calvin Klein dress off of the clearance rack for $15.00. I'd had my "little black dress" for over 10 years (Ann Klein) and it was time to replace. Quality classics will take you very far for a loooonnnnggg time. Current basic designer dresses are in the $50.00 range. I know that dresses can be limiting, but, I always like to have a few in my closet.

[betsu63]

Wardrobe

Hi, check out Kohls and J.C.Penney. They have excellent sales. You can get ideas of what things to put together by looking at websites or catalogs. If you sign up with Kohls, to get emaiils, you get coupons or codes for good discounts. Watch for clothes at second hand stores. The most important thing is what people say about not being impulsive. Keep a list of what you already have with you. Have someone with you who will be honest about whether something looks good on you.

[Om Girl]

Congrats Mama!!!! What a cool job

For the wardrobe...I'd figure out what type of clothing you like to wear first.
Do you like to wear suits, pants/tops, skirts/tops or dresses mostly?

From there I'd go through your closet and see what items you LOVE to wear and that flatter you...read the labels, see what materials its made from and where you got it.

Then I'd weed through the other items that you could wear *if only you had...* to go with it and write down a list of items that you need.
Carry that list with you whenever you leave the house and when you see something you absolutely LOVE or that's on the list then buy it. When you really love something you'll find a reason/way to wear it.

Shoes! Since you have "picky feet" (as do I) I'd invest in a couple of pairs of really good shoes. Since you'll be organizing and attending events, you'll probably be on your feet a LOT. Spending a little more on good shoes bought at a reputable shoe store will go a long way towards comfort!
Some brands that offer LOTS of support and are stylish for business events are: NAOT, Finn Comfort, Dansko/Sanita and Mephisto.

When I was re-entering the workplace (who am I kidding, I still am!) I found that window shopping and browsing magazines was my friend...I would note colors/styles and brands that caught my eye and then go out and try them on.

Good luck!

[Malva]

I had to get an entire new work wardrobe this winter when I returned to work. I decided on a color scheme (black and grey with some white/cream and pink) and went shopping. I got a few pieces new but really hit the jackpot when I checked out Value Village.

Basically, I wear black or dark grey pants and layer a couple grey tops. I add an interesting pink scarf, some earrings or a bracelet and I'm done. Like a uniform, it takes all the guesswork out and everything matches everything else.

All the pants are hemmed to be worn with some nice funky grey heels I wear at the office. You'll obviously want flats with your inserts, Ecco and Clarks have cute high quality shoes that aren't matronly.

Having colors in mind really sped up shopping. I scan the store for the right colors, not wasting time wondering if I have something that will work with an item.

[Neuromancer]

I'd begin by checking out your coworkers! You may or may not find a style icon among your coworkers, but at the least you'll get an idea about what's considered appropriate there -- which can vary so much! For example, in my arty workplace, jeans are always appropriate. I have several pairs of dark wash denim jeans that I love, and I don't even have to wear the black pants I got sick of in my last, more corporate job, ever again (unless I want to). I also have straight leg pants that are more casual than slacks, but perfectly appropriate for my environment. My coworkers also wear a lot of fun dresses and skirts, and sleeveless tops/dresses are fair game.

Also, I do like throwing in prints -- a dress here, a top there, a skirt. People don't track what you're wearing so much that you can't wear the same printed item every week. And I love to add pieces with unexpected color -- I have bright raspberry colored pants I wear almost every week! This may not be your style, of course.

And I agree that there are great, supportive flats. I wear flats around the office (if not sneakers) because I'm tall, because they're comfortable, and because we have wood floors that amplify the sound of heels. I've found some great pairs of flat shoes over the years, but looking takes patience.

Having a color family in mind is a great suggestion. What colors do you like to wear? What do you like yourself in? I find I gravitate away from black and white, and more toward navy, plum, olive, and turquoise! I try to challenge myself to mix in colors I "never wear." This year I'm trying a little yellow.

Do look at style blogs like the one mentioned. There are a lot of deals out there. And buy slowly -- make sure you LOVE everything you purchase. I have a rule that says, if it's not my "new favorite thing" that I practically want to wear every day, I shouldn't buy it (unless it serves a specialized purpose).

[LuckyMommaToo]

I agree with a lot of the advice. Check out Boden. I love their quality, and I feel like their clothing would work well for an "arty" workplace.
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Clothing.html#nav
-e

[merryns.mom]

congrats op on your new job-sounds so exciting!


thanks so much for all of the suggestions! i'm in finance and have been trying to build a wardrobe that will still work for me when i quit my job one day. i'm in an office with only 5 other people, and i'm the youngest by decades, so it has been a challenge. a few of my male coworkers always notice everything about what i wear (uncomfortable), so i want to look nice and young and classic.

[Caneel]

Originally Posted by LuckyMommaToo

I agree with a lot of the advice. Check out Boden. I love their quality, and I feel like their clothing would work well for an "arty" workplace.
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Clothing.html#nav
-e

I really like Boden. The stuff I bought for DS has all held up so well.

I have a couple of tops and fancy t-shirts (if there is such a thing) and a few dresses.

[honeybunmom]

Originally Posted by Neuromancer

Also, I do like throwing in prints -- a dress here, a top there, a skirt. People don't track what you're wearing so much that you can't wear the same printed item every week. And I love to add pieces with unexpected color -- I have bright raspberry colored pants I wear almost every week! This may not be your style, of course.

This is so true if you wear your clothes and your clothes don't wear you. This means that your clothes and style fit you really.well.

Check out myshape.com. One of my co-workers started using it and, while I notice the fabulous clothes she's been wearing, I'm more noticing how great she looks in them! You input all of your measurements (a program walks you through it) and then you get to see what works on your figure. Have fun!

[KellyAnnW]

You said it doesn't have to be super frugal but I admire this lady's sense of style (as well as the price of her wardrobe!)
http://beautyandbedlam.com/category/frugal-fashionista/

[VisionaryMom]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I forgot to come back & check the thread!

I have been piecing together a few things here & there. One article I read said to decide on a "style" and stick to it mercilessly...still working on that.

I did buy a black dress & a black/cream suit this weekend. I also picked up some accessories. I've been going through my closet. I have probably 2 other outfits that could work, but that's it.

I love the idea of wearing pieces our artists have made. We have a couple of jewelers in the village.