Buying Your First Business Clothes

Last week at my retail job, I found myself standing silently among another coworker, a young girl, and her hapless father. The girl was in college and needed her first “business casual” ensemble; her father was the poor soul tasked with chaperoning this shopping challenge; my coworker and I were trying our best to make something supremely boring sound appealing.

I don’t remember ever hearing any young person get excited about buying their first work clothes. They are conservative (dull), expensive, and generally at least a little uncomfortable. So how to approach this daunting task?

Start by identifying your needs. Especially since this trip will take you to stores you don’t normally shop, it will help to go in with a plan. Are you buying a suit, or business-casual-separates?  What color will look best on you and be most versatile (match most things, be wearable in all seasons, work for most occasions)? Which styles look best on you (e.g., skirt versus pants, Oxford shirt versus sweater)? And finally, how much are you willing to spend? This will most likely cost you more than you’d like, but it’s worth it to invest in good-quality items that will last you long.

Once you have a better idea what you’re looking for, you’ll need to know where to look.  Suddenly you’ll be walking into stores you didn’t even know existed, so follow these suggestions. For men, try or Joseph A. Bank for suiting.  For women, check out (or LOFT), The Limited, and White House | Black Market for stylish suits and crisp separates.  Both can find good staples at , J. Crew, and Express.

If these collective price tags leave you reeling, consider adding more affordable pieces from stores like H&M or . I have an ivory blazer from XXI Forever that has served me well.  Just a word of advice in these stores: turn a keen eye to tailoring, fabric, and quality; you still want to look put-together on a budget.   

Also consider where to save and where to splurge. A suit, pair of pants, or jacket should be where you spend your money, because it will show.  As for shirts, shoes, and accessories, you can afford to scrimp a little more. (I got a perfect pair of simple black at Payless for under $20!) These are also the areas in which to show your personality. Unless you have specific, strictly conservative guidelines, feel free to spice up your look with ties, jewelry, or a colorful shirt if you’re in a more creative field. 

Shopping for “business casual” or (shudder) a suit for the first time is a challenge on par with whatever occasion you have to wear it to. Just remember to know what you’re looking for, where to look, and how to make it an ensemble worthy of the unique snowflake that you are. Alright, it still might wind up boring you, but I promise it’ll take you far!