Workwear
Shop Banana Republic’s Workwear Event
The Deal: Save up to 30% off select styles during the Modern Workwear Event at Banana Republic
The Lowdown: We talk a lot about sprucing up the basics you already have as way to stay up-to-date on a budget, but let’s face it—every now and again, those basics need replacing too. So with 30% off workwear at Banana Republic, now is the time to evaluate what you’re ready to update (and don’t forget to donate your old pieces to someplace like Goodwill).
The key—stick with needs and not wants. You might gravitate towards that cool mandarin-collar jacket (and it is pretty chic) but if what you really need is a basic black blazer, the more classic choice would be this black jacket for $138.50. Pair it with this lightweight wool A-line skirt for $55.30, add a great colored blouse that you already own, and you’re set for a couple seasons to come ...
Shop: Banana Republic
The Under $60 Work Outfit
Putting together a great work outfit is always a bit of a challenge, and doing it on a super-trim budget might seem almost impossible. Fortunately, sweater dresses are on trend at the moment, perfectly professional, and can be had for very little at stores like Target (the Merona dress featured here is one of a handful they’ve got in stock right now)—add some look-at-me shoes and cute easy bangles, and you’re good to go. See? Not impossible after all . . .
Merona Boat Neck Sweater Dress, $29.99, Target
Grosgrain Trimmed Pumps, $23.80, Forever21
Hammered Bangle Set, $4.80, Forever21
The Under $70 Work Outfit
Okay, we’re not going to rehash how terrible the economy is right now—you’ve been thinking about that enough already. Instead, we’re just going to try to be positive—positive, that is, that you can get a great for-work look without spending a small fortune. This outfit, for example, comes in at under $70 and will have everyone else in the office wondering how you do it . . .
Milano High Waist Pencil Skirt, $17.80, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Lace Bow Blouse, $24.99
Xhilaration Sandra Peep Toe Pumps, $22.99, Target
Thin and Thick Bangle Set, $3.80, Forever21
Total Outfit Cost (Before Tax): $69.58
The Under $75 Work Outfit
These days, even $75 can sound like a lot, and it’s possible, depending on where you work, to get a great workwear ensemble for even less than what we’ve shown here. However, today we’re focusing on a truly office-worthy outfit—meaning you’re still dressing for the job you want to have rather than the one you’ve got—while not spending this month’s 401K contribution . . .
Park Avenue Pinstripe Pant, $19.99, New York & Company
Lyndal Ruffled Top, $19.80, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Ariel Oxford Booties, clearance $24.49
Croc Skinny Belt, $6.80, Forever21
Total Cost (Before Tax): $71.08
Last Day of Kohl’s Big Sale
The Deal: Kohl’s is holding a big sale that ends today! Get 40% to 50% off woman's apparel that is, of course, already affordable.
The Lowdown: We love Kohl’s for its selection of cute and trendy clothing for women of all ages. We like the daywear—the cheery line from ELLE in particular. The office wear from AB Studio is stylish and complementary while still being appropriate.
Check out our picks:
The ELLE heart knit top, $14.99. We looked at the photograph closely, then read the name of the shirt. Hearts? Upon closer examination, we realized the swirling pattern is actually made up of small hearts. Cool!
The AB Studio striped halter top, $21.00. This halter top, with its sandy desert colors, has a neat bow in the corner. Wear with a blazer!
The ELLE yoke babydoll tank, $14.99. It’s elegant, with its sweet pleats. Comes in yellow or black.
Fashion Advice: Dressing in Dallas
Q: OK…so I just moved from L.A. to Dallas, I am at a loss for a) where to shop fashionable and affordable for suits for a conservative office job and b) How does one wear “hose” and not look like your grandmother! They are strangling and sweaty during the hot summer, and I keep slipping out of my Stephane Kelian slingbacks.
A: a) Shop at stores like Ann Taylor, TJ Maxx, Loehmanns, and even certain pieces from the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target for clothes for a conservative office environment. Also try Talbots online clearance section for surprising stylish pieces. If you have a moment to head to your nearest outlet mall—take a peak in the Neiman Marcus Outlet for discounted pieces from higher designers like Ellen Tracy and Tahari. Last but not least, don’t go so conservative that you loose your individuality—conservative doesn’t equal dowdy. Spice the basic suits up a bit with colorful (but simple) jewelry like a single strand coral necklace or silver chain link necklace.
And about your second question . . .
I never wear hose in the summer. Period. Just too hot. So you have some options—a) keep you legs shaved and use Jergens bronzing lotion (around $5 at your local drugstore), b) only wear hose when your actually in your air conditioned office, c) look for silk stockings, which are pricey but a little more comfortable than nylons, and d) try thigh-high stocking with either an elastic band or garter.
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