From Sweats to Suits: Professional Dress on a College Student's Budget

College students know how to live on nickels and dimes. But preparing your wardrobe for the professional world can be challenging because business clothing can require a substantial investment. So what is a college student on a limited budget to do?

When working either full-time or as an intern, you will find that the majority of your day will be spent in professional clothing. So it’s important to start building your wardrobe to match your new lifestyle.

Unless you have completed several internships or have worked in a professional environment in the past, your wardrobe is most likely comprised of hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, jeans and sweaters. Most college student’s closets are 70% casual, and 30% dress. Entrance into the world of work is going to require a few adjustments…

1. Take inventory.
Before spending a cent or pulling out the plastic, take the time to sort through your wardrobe. Chances are some of your casual clothing can be transformed into professional clothing just by adding some staple pieces.

Men: 

• Search your closet for button-down, collared shirts that can be worn alone or under a sweater or jacket. However, shirts that are faded or torn cannot be worn to work.
• Examine your khakis and pants. Keep the pairs that are free of rips and tears, tailored, and without cargo pockets.
• Any belts that are plain, leather and in good condition can probably be worn to work.
• Polo shirts can be kept for business casual or casual Fridays, depending on your work environment.
• Look over your shoes. Your wardrobe should include at least one pair of leather dress shoes in a dark color. They should be polished and clean. If you find a pair in your closet that can be saved, try to polish and clean them. However, good shoes are important, so don’t try too hard to salvage a battered pair!
• Count the number of undershirts you own that are free of tears and stains. You should have at least one for every day of the work week.
• Sort through your tie selection (if you have one!). Any ties that are plain or with a small pattern can be worn to interviews.

• Look in your closet for tops that are not tight-fitting or low-cut.
• Conservative tank tops can be worn under sweaters or cardigans, especially if they are plain in color.
• Keep pieces that are neutral colors like black and brown, white or cream.
• Count the number of button-down, tailored shirts you own. Any that are plain in color and have a collar can probably be worn under a jacket.
• Check for at least one pair of black pants that is not tight-fitting or overly flared.
• Search your closet for any jackets that are tailored and fitted. You may be able to wear them in the office over a tank top or collared shirt.
• Look through your shoes for pairs that have less than are black or brown in color, free of scuff marks, and without ribbons, large buckles or straps. Try using shoe polish to rub out any marks that can be easily hidden.
• Search through your jewelry for conservative pieces like small gold or silver earrings, dress watches and plain necklaces and bracelets.
• Any simple purses that are black, brown, or navy can be used for interviews and other professional appointments.

• A tailored suit in gray or navy.
• Tailored pants in: tan, brown, black, gray and navy.
• A white or blue button-down, collared dress shirt.
• At least 7 solid or striped button-down, collared shirts.
• A conservative brown or black leather belt.
• At least one pair of clean, polished dress shoes (make sure they match the belt!).
• At least 3 ties in solid or conservative prints.
• Dark-colored dress socks or socks that match the color of your pants.
• At least one week’s worth of clean undershirts.

In every professional woman’s wardrobe:

• A good black or navy tailored suit.
• Tailored pants or modest skirts in tan, brown, black, grey and navy.
• At least 2 tailored dress shirts with collars.
• At least 7 conservative tops that can be worn with skirts or pants
• At least one pair of black or brown leather dress pumps or flats.
• One plain leather belt to match shoes.
• Flesh-colored hose.
• A simple black or brown handbag.
• At least one conservative set of jewelry.
• One cardigan in a neutral color.

• Check with your family members to see if they would be willing to purchase a suit or other items for you as a graduation or holiday gift.
• Begin shopping for professional wear about three weeks before you will need it. That way, you will not be rushed and will have time to shop around and consider options.
• Start at discount stores. If you are able to find an inexpensive suit, you can always spend a little extra to get it tailored to fit well.
• Invest in the most noticeable pieces first, like shoes, jackets and ties.
• Wait for department store sales. They typically are held every month or so.
• Select a neutral color that will act as the base for your professional wardrobe, and try as best as you can to stick to it. Not everything has to be that color, but you will maximize your wardrobe if you have many separate pieces that coordinate well with one another.
• Build your wardrobe around a color palette. Choose four colors that look best on you and buy pieces in those colors. That way, you can mix and match for more options (plus it saves time choosing what you will wear each morning- you can grab pieces and go!).
• Only purchase one suit. Spend the rest of your money on shirts and accessories that can change the look of the suit if you have to wear it for multiple interviews.
• If you find a pair of pants or shirt that fits well at a good price, don’t hesitate to purchase it in various colors. As long as they are neutral colors, no one will notice that the pieces are the same.
• Buy pieces that are solid colored and classic in style. Avoid the latest fashion trends unless you can afford to continuously restock your professional wardrobe!
• Buy shoe polish that matches your dress shoes and keep it in your car to clean up your shoes before interviews and meetings.
• Once you have a good foundation for your wardrobe, make it a point to purchase at least one new shirt, pair of pants or other piece each month to keep your look updated and your clothing from wearing out.

Check out the FAQs of Professional Dress for more tips and advice...