The Classic Wardrobe on a Budget

With the economy the way it is, it's difficult to find part of your paycheck for your wardrobe. The thing is that most of us shop for our clothes a shirt or two at a time hoping that they will match with something we already have. Believe it or not, this is not the best and most efficient way to shop. If you are shopping on a budget (and who isn't nowadays?) you're going to have to start looking at the big picture with a few basic items that can be switched around with different pieces and accessories that make brand new outfits. If you are working you need to have reliable outfits to wear. Or if you are just on a tight budget, stick with me and I'll show you how to get the most Bang for your Buck!

To begin with there are 9 basic pieces that any fashion designer will tell you that you need as the skeleton of your wardrobe. They are:

A sleeveless or short sleeved simple black dress
pair of beige/khaki long pants
pair of dress black slacks
Long sleeved while shirt
sleeveless white blouse
nice pair of jeans - creased in the leg
pencil skirt in a neutral color
nice black shirt, long or ¾ length sleeves
neutral color jacket that makes a suit, either black or beige or brown
black or neutral colored leather jacket

Make sure that you have all of these essentials collected first. If you already have them go through and make sure that they are all "wearable". What I mean by that is to go through your closet and make sure that each piece fits and is in good condition. It won't do you any good if you can't fit into the black dress you have. Give away the items that don't fit anymore. If you want to replace or add a new version of the a piece, that's fine, but let's get the overview of the wardrobe first so you know what you are working with.

Now begin to mix and match your basic 9 pieces, seeing how you can make into wearable combinations, neutral outfits. Next get what accessories you already have, and mix them with your different basics. Try different scarves, belts, necklaces to make the outfit perk. Do you see all the foundational outfits that you can make, and how you can add different accessories to spice it up? Do you see how you can use the leather jacket as an indoor jacket or one to wear when it's chilly outside? It's another accent layer.

Now that you're set up here and familiar with the foundation, it's time to personalize your wardrobe. Now you can go shopping to see what's on sale to add in. You should be able to purchase all of your basics on sale if you shop around because they are popular items. And now the extra pieces should allow you the freedom to shop where you like and get what's on sale whenever you find things. These items will allow you to show your personality and while still maintaining the classy look you are going for. A striped shirt, a flowered scarf or maybe a complimentary colored vest to wear with either the pants, skirt or black dress.

Depending on what area you live in, look for some items of color or print to spice up on the weekends maybe the shear materials or silks or sweaters. Since you now have the classy foundation, look for classy pieces and accessories. The classic styles may be a bit more expensive they last longer and never go out of fashion. Choose your accessories in the same way and they will last too like chains, jewelry, etc. What you want to avoid is buying cheap made items that won't flatter or compliment your foundation. They will not add class to you.

These are the basics of any working woman's wardrobe. Stick with the basics and have fun with the rest and above all shop for sales. Dress in style for less. Never pay full price again!