Outfits appropriate for the office are a necessity for many working women and business students in Silicon Valley. Unfortunately, these ensembles can often be quite pricey. Quality fabrics and designer labels drive the price of business suits, dress shoes, and accessories well above the prices of casual attire. However, there is hope for shoppers who want to look professional and stylish without spending a fortune.
For young professionals just starting out, or those just looking to add a few things to their business wardrobe, it's a good idea to invest in a few high quality, versatile pieces. Even if these staple pieces are expensive, you can get so much use out of them that the price-per-wear can be comparable to the rest of your wardrobe. Some high quality items to splurge on include:
A couple of conservative suits in neutral colors like black and grey. If you choose these suits wisely, you can mix and match the jackets to create several different looks. These jackets can also dress up more casual business outfits. Try to find a pant suit and a skirt for variety. You can choose either two or three piece suits, and often mix and match the tops as well. Simple designer suits are high quality and will not go out of style any time soon, so you can get years of use out of them. Macy's, Nordstrom, and Express are great places to look for the perfect suit.
A crisp white button down shirt. White is one of the most wearable colors for the office. It complements just about any skin tone and will match with countless pairs of dress pants or skirts. A button down can also be paired with jeans for a causal look to get even more use out of your money.
Black patent leather pumps. These shoes are conservative enough to wear for an interview, but also fun to wear on a night out with a cocktail party dress. Black is always a great color for footwear because it is popular year after year and complements most color schemes. Closed-toed pumps complement any business style, from casual Friday looks to skirts to pant suits.
Once you have these staple pieces and your wallet is feeling the effects, you can flesh out you business wardrobe with mix and match pieces from discount stores. Castro Valley Ross, and most other Ross locations in the bay area, carry an impressive selection of designer and name brand sportswear separates appropriate for any office job. Using the conservative suits mentioned above as a base, it is easy to find beautiful pieces to expand your look without breaking the bank.
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