SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How to Look Like a Professional Without Breaking the Bank

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

Do you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? Do you still hold on to the clothes you wore in college? Many of us have a tendency to keep clothes well after their expiration date. We think they will come back in style or fear we will blow our budget if we get rid of them.

Clean it out

The truth is the trendy jacket you bought 15 years ago probably won’t come back in style and you can rebuild your wardrobe without breaking the bank. To achieve a professional wardrobe, you need a plan. Your professional image is part of your personal brand. You want to make sure it tells the right story. It is possible to look like a serious professional even if you’re on a serious budget.

Follow these tips to help enhance your professional appearance without going overboard.

1. Clean out your closet. Figure out which clothes fit you well, are in good shape and still in style. Get rid of the rest. You will be amazed at the new outfits you can create and how quickly you’ll be able to get ready for work.

2. Create a list of what’s missing and store it in your iphone, droid or blackberry. Refer to this list when you shop to help prevent repeat and impulse purchases.

3. Invest in quality base pieces. For men, buy a quality suit or two, a sport coat, and a great fitting pair of jeans. For women, go for separates. Invest in a “wow” jacket, well fitting black pants, a terrific pair of jeans and statement handbag or tote.

4. Men: ties can make or break an outfit. Interesting shirt and tie combos are the quickest way to change the look or update a basic suit. The outlet stores carry a plethora of options!

5. Whatever you buy, make sure it fits well or have it tailored to fit you perfectly. Tailoring can make or break an outfit. An expensive suit or jacket will look cheap if not tailored properly.

6. Research store offers before shopping. Try www.fatwallet.com and www.retailme.com or set up a “junk” email so you can get your favorite store and online offers without clogging up your regular email.

7. Shop outlets stores like the ones in Wrentham, MA and Clinton, CT. All the major stores have outlets and you can land some great bargains with a little bit of effort. One of my male friends bought pair of Cole Haan dress shoes for $135. The original price was $400. (Try not to shop on the weekend, when it’s over-crowded).

8. Shop Kohl’s, Macy’s, Jos A Banks and Lord & Taylor when they have their big sales. These stores carry a wide selection of professional attire. Another friend bought three suits at Jos A Bank for $540. The offer was buy one get two free- now that is an amazing deal.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com. She is a Worcester native.