Whether you are the CEO of a tech company or a barista at a hip coffee shop, the clothes you wear play a big role in creating your image. In order to project an image of a modern and attentive professional, you have to take your wardrobe seriously.
If much of the clothing you wear to work is worn, ill-fitting, unflattering or uncomfortable, it may be time to revamp your work wardrobe. With Black Friday fast approaching, now is an excellent time to start rethinking your wardrobe. As you get ready to shop, check out these tips for rebuilding your professional closet while taking advantage of the best Black Friday sales.
Assess your closet. The first step to revamping your wardrobe is to go through your closet and get rid of any clothing that you never wear, or stained, torn or worn items. Once you’ve cleared these items out, reassess your remaining clothes and toss any items that are no longer fitting or flattering.
Check out clothing exchanges. Earn some extra holiday cash by taking the items you no longer want or need to stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange or some other local alternative. These stores provide you with cash for slightly worn clothes, shoes or accessories. While these stores may not give you retail value or the price you were hoping for in cash, every little bit counts and making $5 off a shirt you will never wear is better than nothing. This is certainly a great way to get a little extra cash to spend on a new wardrobe without feeling like you are spending out of your normal budget comfort zone. If getting rid of your treasured items for pennies on the dollar seems crazy to you, then try donating your clothes to Goodwill or a homeless shelter. These are the organizations that are certainly in need this time of year.
Make a list. After assessing the current state of your wardrobe, create a list of items you need to buy. Suggested items for a professional’s wardrobe include:
— Basic bottoms. It’s a good idea to invest in basic bottoms, such as solid colored pants and skirts, which you can wear a few times a week without looking like you are repeating outfits.
— Suits. Look for suits with pieces you can wear separately on different days.
— Ties for men. Look for classic colors that can be paired with any shirt or pant combo.
— Cardigans for ladies. A quality cardigan can be both elegant and comfortable and work well with many of your existing clothing pieces. If you have shirts or dresses that show a little too much skin for the office, throwing on a cardigan can instantly transform it into a more professional outfit.
Map out your stores. Shopping on Black Friday can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan of action. Create a roadmap of your Black Friday shopping journey by coming up with a list of stores you plan to shop at. Do your research by consulting ad scans and Black Friday news so you know which retailers will have the best deals on the items you need. Check out sites like Offers.com to see Black Friday ad scans as soon as they are released and browse Black Friday deals by store, category and collections.
This year, the following retailers are predicted to have the best deals on women’s professional apparel: JCPenney. Macy’s, Kohl’s and Ann Taylor LOFT.
Start early. This year, Black Friday sales will start early, with many stores opening their doors on the evening of Thanksgiving Day. To take advantage of limited-time deals, you may want to start your shopping as soon as possible. But don’t worry, this year, Black Friday shopping has moved to the Internet according to a survey done by Offers.com, so you can get all of your shopping done online from the comfort of your home without leaving your family on Thanksgiving.
Shop for quality essentials. Black Friday’s massive sales make it an ideal time to invest in quality essentials that you can wear again and again for years to come. Steer clear of cheaper pieces that are likely to fall apart over time and go straight for items from trusted brands. To make your money go even further, look for coupons from sites like Offers.com, which features exclusive deals and discounts on apparel from respected retailers like Nordstrom, Macys and Express.
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A Guide to Revamping Your Work Wardrobe on Black Friday originally appeared on usnews.com
