Starting a new career comes with challenges: how will you commute? Will your coworkers be helpful? How will your first presentation go? But there’s another challenge… What will you wear every day?
If your workplace is like ours here at Barton, you’ll be in the office five days a week and expected to dress professionally. Depending on how dedicated you are to doing laundry, you’ll need somewhere from five to ten office-appropriate outfits in your work wardrobe. We know that can be expensive—we’ve been there, after all! So here’s some helpful tips that helped us dress for success.
Swap With Friends
If you have friends your size, a great way to refresh your work wardrobe is to trade! At our Peabody office we have regular clothing swaps. Employees are encouraged to bring any gently used clothes they no longer need and trade with their colleagues. Afterwards, anything that isn’t claimed is donated to a local charity.
Stock Up On Staples
Most of us have some sort of safe, neutral-colored clothing that can clash with pretty much anything. Finding and having some of these staples can help give you versatility with what you want to wear for a less expensive price.
Clean Out Your Closet
While it may seem like a chore, it can be helpful to look through the clothes that are already in your closet. You may find a hidden gem you forgot you had, or recognize any key pieces you’re missing. If you’re a current or future Barton employee, you can cash in any spare clothes at our swap!
Work With The Seasons
Before buying a new piece of clothing, stop to think: could you wear it year-round? Now, this won’t be an issue for everyone (namely our Barton colleagues in the Vegas, Tempe, and Austin offices) but for those of us up north, it’s important to adapt to the weather. Short-sleeved shirts can be worn in winter if you add a cardigan on top, and dresses can work in December if you wear tights. Likewise, just subtract those items to stay cool during the summer months.
Be Thrifty
Used clothes may not sound appealing, but thrift shops are another way to find nice clothes on a budget. Not into the idea of thrifting, or struggling to find options in your size? Keep a thrifty mindset by shopping around major retail holidays, like Black Friday and Christmas. You’ll have a wider array of options available at a lower price!
Still looking for your next opportunity? Come check us out at Barton Associates! We have openings in all of our nationwide locations, so apply to one today online!
