Real World Fashion on a Real World Budget

University students no doubt spend countless dollars on frivolous things. A majority of students like to party every now and then, and with the idea of partying comes the notion of “going out clothes.” There are certain unspoken standards that both boys and girls are expected to adhere to when going out; girls are held to especially rigid standards and are routinely compelled to wear slinky tank tops and the shortest of miniskirts out on the town. A lot of students (especially girls) fail to realize that the amount of money they spend on scanty clothes could be put towards something more worthwhile.

Building a professional wardrobe is an investment in itself, because classic work pieces tend to be more expensive than casual clothes. So why the rush into starting to invest in professional clothing? Having gone through numerous job interviews over the past couple of years, I have learned that you can never look too put-together when it comes to making a good first impression. Plus, it is always better to show up overdressed than underdressed in any professional situation.

I absolutely love to shop and am the worst when it comes to trying on items just “for fun.” I struggle to justify to myself that something is not worth buying. In order to dress well while saving money, I follow these four steps:

1. CUT BACK ON EXTRANEOUS AND IMPULSIVE EXPENSES. This rule does not apply directly to investing in professional clothes, but instead helps me save money on a daily basis. Expensive items may set you back a large sum of money immediately, but it is the little things that sneakily add up, too. Packing a lunch for school or brewing coffee at home instead of buying it when out are good ways of avoiding needless daily expenditures. In the midst of a shopping trip, stop and think before buying trendy clothing items. In the wise words of Marie Kondo, hold the piece in your hands and ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy?” If the answer is no, it is pretty obvious that the item is not worth the investment. Instead, start borrowing items from friends, or even resort to DIY clothing projects such as silk screening, ironing on cute patches, and embedding studs onto old shirts to revamp them. Not only do you save money yourself, but you also help your friends save, too!

Photography by Will Cross-Bermingham

2. STICK TO THE BASICS. Always start off investing in basic everyday items: blouses, slacks, skirts, blazers, practical shoes, and cardigans can all be easily mixed and matched with each other. Several items I would prioritize for purchase are a crisp white button-down, black pants, and most importantly a blazer; no professional wardrobe is complete without one. Blazers can easily be paired with cropped straight-leg pants, your favourite pencil skirt, and even a simple shift dress.

3. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. When it comes to work clothes, quality should always come before quantity. You are always better off purchasing a pair of well-made and well-fitted pants as opposed to buying low-quality pants that are made of flimsy materials. However, keep in mind that many items have a high ticket price, but are not necessarily high quality. Make a habit of checking for strongly-sewn stitches, flat-felled seams, and the materials of which a clothing piece is made of; natural fibres will always last longer than synthetic materials. I am a personal fan of Club Monaco, Aritzia, and J.Crew. These brands all have versatile and form-fitting clothes that can be easily dressed up for work and dressed down for everyday street wear.

4. MAKE A STATEMENT! Yes. Work attire can be boring, but that does not mean that you should stop yourself from standing out. Bold statement necklaces, patterned neck scarves, and timeless watches are all perfect accessories that will definitely bring some excitement to your outfits. Even a brightly coloured jacket or a glamorous pair of sunglasses can help you stand out in a crowd. Last but not least, find yourself the perfect bag that is both practical and stylish at the same time. you stand out in a crowd! Last but not least, find yourself the perfect bag that is both practical and stylish at the same time.

Collecting quality items as part of a professional wardrobe is no doubt a timely process; waking up with a killer wardrobe overnight is an impossible feat, especially with limited student funds. It is important to keep track of what you buy and keep in mind what additional items you need to invest in. It is also a good idea to limit yourself to a specific number of purchases per month. By following the tips and tricks I have outlined here, building a professional wardrobe will be a lot easier, and you will be able to make a strong impression on recruiters and employers.

By Megan Tse