Best bets for a $500 wardrobe make-over

[Anonymous]

I need help! My wardrobe sucks! From 2004-2008 I was a PhD student in the mid-West, so between budget issues and the non-professional environment additions to my wardrobe were pretty minimal. From 2009- now I was pregnant or nursing. I want an update, but I don't want to spend a lot of money because we have so many other expenses. What are my best bets for a total of $500? I could care less about labels, so where should I try shopping? I work in a business casual environment. I'm 32 and 5' 5", 125 lbs and more or less my pre-preg size. I'm often mistaken for being considerable younger... in some reagards I think this is a compliment to my slender figure, but I also think it' reflective of my boring wardrobe (ie looking like a college kid who shops at Target!)

[Anonymous]

I have had a lot of luck at Ann Taylor Loft. You can get some good basics, and they have good sales and coupons. Also the BR outlet and AT outlet in Leesburg have some nice things. I'd get a few pair of nice jeans, some black pants, cardigans and cute shirts you can layer, some cute jewelry you can dress up stuff with.

[Anonymous]

It helps to stick to a theme--for me, it's black, grey, and white with splashes of red. First thing is to take inventory of what you own that is respectable. Give away the rest. Then build from the bottom up. Do you own good bras? One in a flesh-tone and one in black are good starting points: $50. Then, buy a good pair of black versatile shoes ($100) and a red work purse/bag ($50). You have $300 left. Buy a couple of pairs of black pants, white tops, grey cardigans. Red scarf and red chunky necklace. If you have any $$ left over, buy a pair of dark straight-leg or boot-cut jeans.

I would prioritize spending $$$ on stuff you wear every day (shoes, bag) and hunt for bargains for the rest. TJ Maxx, Filene's Basement, Loehmann's, AT Loft, etc. Try to look for washable fabrics (I assume that you don't want to spend $$ on dry cleaning bills) and that don't wrinkle easily. Don't get caught up in brand names, but also make sure that the quality is decent (check the stitching, seams, heft of fabric). Most important, don't settle on something because it's cheap or has a nice label--it should fit you and your lifestyle well.

[Anonymous]

9:12, you are very good at this. I wish I knew you in real life to help me! (Not OP, here).

Do you think White House/Black Market is a good store for this? They seem expensive but their clothes fit the scheme and some are pretty.

[Anonymous]

Be careful with the Loft - some of the stuff is fine and some is really cheap and only looks good for one season. I agree with making a list first, focusing on a few key colors that are good with your complexion. Definitely one nice-looking, great fitting pair of dark jeans, and a pair of black pants.

[Anonymous]

Wish I knew 9:12 also!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wish I knew 9:12 also!

Thanks, gals. I've been trying....

OP, believe it or not, I was also once a PhD student in the midwest, and I know what you're going through....

[Anonymous]

Business casual:

I would buy a good bag; 1 grey or dark brown skirt; 1 black; 1 black and one brown or grey boot leg pant that can be dressed up or down; 2 cardigans; I bet you have some fun tops to mix in with cardigans; 1 chunky bracelet; diamond stud earings (Norstroms has good fakes) 1 tall black or chocolate brown boot to wear with skirts and pants (with stacked heel); opaque tights/hose; a nice cashmere vneck in black or cream; one good button down white shirt (banana republic makes some good ones); look at clearance racks for interesting tops to go with all of the above. You can wear alone in spring/summer and with cardigan in fall/winter. If you are slim, interesting patterns or colors should work. For example, a lemon yellow little silky tank with a grey skirt and black cardigan and shoes works well. You get the idea. Play with color a bit. I have to say, I really don't care for the grey, white, black and red idea. Particularly the red chunky necklace.

[Anonymous]

Go through your closet and think about what can be worn differently. Could the classic white button down be jazzed up somehow? Could you belt your favorite long and cozy cardigan?

things to buy high quality (probably more expensive):
* good shoes and boots
* black (or other neutral) pants that fit really well in a straight or flare cut
* a jacket/blazer in a neutral color and classic cut. Instantly adds professional polish to an outfit, and can serve as outerwear this time of year.
* Jeans that fit you really well in a dark rinse. What cut depends on your body and what shoes you are apt to wear. Lots of folks on this site have had good luck with Old Navy and Gap, so you don't have to drop a ton of money on these.

Inexpensive items to jazz things up:
* scarves and jewelry: Target, Payless, Filene's, AT Loft, etc. If you frequent art fairs and flea markets, look there, too. These items can break up the monotony of jeans and plain tops.
* more trendy tops. Target, H&M, etc. They might not last, but can make classic items seem more current.
* one wide belt and one skinny belt. A lot of looks are belted these days, and you can't do it without a belt.

[Anonymous]

Such a great thread! Ladies, can you expand on what to wear on weekends or date nights? I'm taking this list shopping with me!!!

[Anonymous]

I just had an appt with a personal stylist at nordstrom. So fun and helpful. Went home with 3 work outfits. May be a little pricey but they can take into account your budget if you tell them. I also needed updating since my pre-pregnancy stuff was "student" quality and now I'm ready for real clothes.

[Anonymous]

OP here-- thanks for the hints! I suffer from buying clothes that seem like "a good deal" rather than focusing on what I really need. I think I need to make a list and then start shopping. You have provided me some great ideas for the list!

15:03-- what was the charge for the personal stylist? Do other, less expensive stores have this service (like Macy's)?

[Anonymous]

I did this pre-preg to help me get dressed:

Look through some magazines and pick out a few accessible looks that you like and think will fit your build. Then inventory your actual wardrobe and get rid of the worn down, ill-fitting stuff. Next try to build looks out of your clothes. If you have something you love but don't have much to go with it, figure out how you would like to wear it and make a list of things you need to complete your looks. Try to make as many outfits as you can (Write them down) with each article of clothing you own. I think if you work off the clothes you currently own you can save money. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity and writing things down to realize you have more outfits in your closet than you think.

[Anonymous]

My new goal is to have 3 weeks' worth of outfits, plus a few nice dresses for occasions. I realized after organizing DD's closet this is all you really need per season.

Besides jeans, have at least 2 tops to go with each pair of pants or skirt. MAX. Too many un-matched tops with pants just creates chaos. Hang your outfits in your closet together, rather than sorting by tops together, pants, etc.

Honestly, doing this makes you realize how much junk you hang on to "just in case" but never wear. That top that just doesn't go with anything has to find a mate or it is OUT.

Sorry, slightly off-topic, but starting with your own closet then making lists of what you need to fill in and maybe reflect a new trend might be a great way to get started.

[Anonymous]

Corporette is a great blog to check out -- I get tons of ideas and tips for not-so-expensive clothes. She is brilliant in my opinion!