If you’re fresh out of college, odds are your wardrobe is filled with mostly jeans, urban wear, t-shirts and polo shirts (unless of course you went to Covenant University). This might pose a problem when you want to get dressed on Monday for that new office job. Your leather jacket and ripped jeans will hardly send your boss the right message on your first day and it’s time to hit the store for some new wears. Going shopping for clothing items can often prove to be tedious when you don’t know what you want or need. Yet, it can become a fun activity when you have a clear plan of action in mind. Here’s a guide on how to create a work wardrobe in time for your new job.

Start off with the Basics
The key pieces in your work outfit should be neutral colors that you can blend effectively in a variety of ways. The most important thing is shopping for a new wardrobe is how many combinations you essentially obtain rather than signature outfits. Black, Navy blue, grey, tan, cream, white are great choices and because they don’t jump out at people, it easy to pass repeating certain pieces. Suits are also a great way to get multiple pieces – a blazer, trousers and sometimes vest – at a much cheaper prices than getting them separately. The bulk of your shopping funds should be centered on getting this base items; it’s better to have one shoes and five dress shirts than two shoes and two shirts. Here are some suggestions you can aim for:

Men: 3-4 jackets, 3-4 pair pants, 5 button-front shirts, 5 pair dress socks, 3-4 ties, 2 pair of shoes.
Women: 2-4 jackets, 3-4 skirts, 5 tops (button-front shirts or solid-color knit tops), 2 twin sets (matching tank and cardigan), 5 pairs dress socks and/or pantyhose, 2 pair of shoes (low heels, or flats if you can’t wear heels at all).

Strike a Balance
It’s crucial to not forgo quality in order to get a bargain. Remember that not only are you gonna use some of these items on a regularly basis, your outfit also speaks volume in your office. You want to appear smart, and well-dressed without being over the top or making your boss wonder if they pay you too much. Shoes and bags should be of the highest quality within your budget; sometimes that means they’ll be expensive and at other times you might be able to get great quality at knock-down prices. A quality pair of well-worn Italian shoes will serve you better than some knock-off from Yaba. Trendy items which are not likely to last in your wardrobe but can spice up your outfit can be gotten as cheap as possible. Don’t cheat on quality, yet find ways to strike a balance between your budget and the level of varying quality available to you.

Accentuate Your Outfits
Get accessories – like ties, socks, scarves, etc. – in much bolder colours since the base is neutral. You can play around a bit with patterns and designs while sticking to solid neutrals as your base. Adding too many neutral colors to your outfit will give it a dull washed look and you should always look to make your outfit pop. A touch of turquoise can often give life to a white shirt and black suit more than a grey accent would.

Don’t Throw It All Out
There are some stuff currently in your wardrobe that would easily fit in to a business casual look so don’t be so quick to send all of your old stuff to the back row. Incorporate as much of your already existing items of clothing into your work wardrobe within the guidelines of your office dress code. A grey or blue leather shoe can oft be died black and prove useful.

Be Clear about What You’re Going to Buy
You may need to write a list but it is important to be exact about what you want to buy so you don’t get sidestepped or distracted by other things when you’re at the market. No matter how good it looks, if you don’t need it or it isn’t on your list, don’t buy it. Don’t compromise on the quality items you picked out in order to get multiple pieces of a sub-standard similar item. It may be fun to shop but this one has far-reaching consequences if it goes wrong so stick to the plan.

Do Some Recon Work
Don’t just go to the market and buy the stuff the first you go. Take time to compare prices and check out the places that have quality at affordable prices. Ask friends and family about stores where you can get the best deals and don’t be worried about going to the less heralded or less posh places. It’s more important to buy good looking wear than it is to buy from a good looking store. You don’t have to scout your entire city but make sure you have multiple options and can compare price and quality.

Good-luck at your new job. Don’t be afraid to switch up your style as your income grows but always remember not to wear too expensive items or you might have the higher ups reconsidering your pay scheme.


SOURCE:http://www.naijasauce.com.ng/a-guide-to-creating-a-work-wardrobe/