As you start your professional career, it is important to always leave a good first impression while networking with potential employers, and these first impressions always start with presenting yourself in a professional way with your outfit and look. It is essential to have a wide variety of business clothes to fit any event, but buying clothes for these events can be overwhelming and expensive. It can be a challenge to find business casual or business professional outfits that are good quality but also affordable to fit in a college budget. This article is intended to help you navigate your corporate wardrobe including explanations and examples of different styles, where to buy them, and staple pieces we think you need to start your business wardrobe collection.
Staple Pieces to Start Your Wardrobe
The best way to start your business collection is by buying a few staple pieces you can use in a variety of ways and with a variety of styles. Starting with tops, it is always good to start with a few neutral blouses that you can dress up or down and even a neutral button down. For bottoms, a dark wash non-rip pair of jeans, and a pair of neutral trousers (black, beige, brown) are also important. It is also good to buy a neutral blazer that you can wear for all three styles of business wear. For shoes, a good pair of comfortable neutral loafers are perfect for any outfit. Finally, if you want a bag, a neutral tote bag that fits your laptop, chargers, water, etc is also perfect for business events and goes well with the outfits.
What is the Difference Between Smart Casual, Business Casual, and Business Professional?
Smart Casual
Smart Casual is a mix of business casual and casual everyday clothes. When the dress code is smart casual, you are able to make your outfit a bit more unique and personalized, matching casual pieces with more formal pieces.
Business Casual
Semi-formal business attire. Business casual clothes should be more neutral and professional than smart casual including slacks, button downs, long pencil skirts, and loafers.
Business Professional
This is the most professional of the three. If you opt for a suit, the pants and jacket should match with a nice shirt underneath, and close toed shoes.
Brands:
Below are some affordable and popular brands to help build your business wardrobe!
- Old Navy
- What they carry: Jumpsuits, cardigans, trousers, blouses, button-downs, and leggings
- XS-4X
- $-$$
- H&M
- What they carry: Blazers, trousers, pants, button-downs, blouses, shoes
- XS-XXL
- $-$$
- Zara
- What they carry: wide variety of blazers, blouses and tops.
- XS-XXL
- $-$$$
- Madewell
- Offers a wide variety of business casual clothes
- XXS-6X
- $$-$$$
- Universal Standard
- What they carry: denim, pants, dresses, tops, skirts
- 4XS-4XL
- $$-$$$