KC Quoted in Real Simple
I was delighted when Real Simple writer, Alicia Geigel, asked me to contribute to her article about shopping for affordable work clothes. I mean, Real Simple is a staple at the grocery store check out lane and I’ve always loved magazines.
The word ‘affordable’ is a loaded gun, we all have pre-conceived notions on what is affordable, tied to our relationship with spending money. My quotes are reeeeeeeeeally far down the page 😂 probably because I represent the counterpoint to everything Amazon. But, heck, I’m just glad to be included. Check out the final product on real-simple.com and my responses below to the writer’s 10 question prompts.
What I didn’t say: what’s affordable means something a little different to everyone. Click the image for article.
How do you afford work clothes when on a budget?
To afford the work wardrobe that will serve you for years and years, while keeping on budget, start by building your ideal ‘uniform’ outfit, one piece at a time. Invest first in items you could wear twice a week: a beautiful trouser pant, a pair of jeans, good shoes, or a nice coat. Next, choose items that pair with those new foundations, and build from there.
What are some tips for finding affordable work clothes?
Shopping secondhand gives you the opportunity to find better quality brands and items for a more affordable price. Higher quality fabrics will look better and last longer, being more affordable in the long run. Search online sites (secondhand and not) using keywords like “silk buttondown” or “wool coat petite.”
How much should you spend on work clothes?
It is generally recommended to spend 3% of your annual income on clothing. However, if you’re at an important point in your career, especially in a new role, it may be a priority for you to look and feel on that next level by investing in new clothes. New clothes create new energy to be a new you.
What is the price range for affordable work clothes?
The price range for affordable work clothes is different for everyone. The important conversation is around cost-per-wear. Americans are buying tons more clothes and wearing them a lot less, sometimes not even wearing them at all. If the Zara blazer is worn 10x, it’s cost per wear is $15. The designer blazer may cost $500, but gets worn 100x, costing $5 per wear with the potential of being re-sold.
No matter how cheap the item is, the fewer times it is worn the less valuable the purchase was overall.
What clothing pieces should you look for when shopping for work clothes?
I would look for tops with buttons to communicate a business tone, versus flowy, unstructured silhouettes. Clothes with interesting details convery thoughtfulness, and can inspire conversation. Beware of the sloppy office sweater, embrace work-coded jackets and blazers purposefully to add visual interest to an outfit.
What styles of work clothes are available in a wide range of sizes?
The relaxed fit trousers and a button down look fits any work environment, and can be achieved across any retailer, at any size. It’s also the perfect outfit formula to easily thrift, making sure to search the men’s section, and utilize a tailor to create the fit you desire.
Are there large retailers that have an inclusive size range?
GAP and Old Navy have been my recent go-tos for classic clothes on a tight budget.
Why is it important for retailers to offer a wide range of sizes?
Aside from the historically reported ‘average’ U.S.woman wearing a size 14-16+, it’s important for retailers to offer a wide range of sizes because people are shopping more and more across the gender aisle. Brands like KOTN understand this, that the style paradigm has shifted into a more relaxed and oversized fit.
How can you find work clothes that fit well and flatter your body type?
Find your favorite silhouettes to wear and replicate them across your wardrobe. Choose necklines carefully, universally, a v-neck or jewel neckline are the most flattering. Take pictures of yourself in different silhouettes and compare the results side by side. Utilize dark and light colors as highlights and shading to balance your body shape.
What are the key considerations to look for when evaluating a retailer’s return policy?
Pay attention to the timeframe for accepting returns, I’ve seen as little as 14 days from the shipping date. I prefer to return in store so the return will begin processing immediately.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and if any of my tips helped you think differently about shopping for affordable work clothes?