13 Tips for Improving Your Wardrobe on a Budget

Dressing sharp not only makes you feel good, but it also gives a great first impression when you are meeting with clients or just out networking. But, what do you do if you are on a budget and don’t have the money to drop on a huge shopping spree?

We asked several business owners and entrepreneurs to share their best tips for those that wanted to step up their wardrobe on a budget. Take their advice and you can grow your closet without putting a major dent in your wallet.

1. Quality over quantity.

“I like the idea of a modified capsule wardrobe. Get a few really great pieces that you can mix and match. Find a style the defines you and stick with it. And of course everyone needs on great suit. Just as James Bond.” – Shawn Freeman, Founder and CEO of TWT Group

2. Have one go-to outfit.

“Make sure you have at least one outfit that you are extremely comfortable in. Then with all others keep it simple and don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit. Use the one outfit when it’s most important for you.” – Marc Webb, Founder of Real PDL Help

3. Shop store closings.

“Match the spirit of your clients but not their budget. Shop sales and store closings to find good looking pieces without the premium price tag. Imitate the look of your clients, but never forget to have something that makes it represent you.“ – Sean Christman, Founder of Slamdot

4. Use a personal stylist.

“Invest in services where they have a professional stylist to select different types of wardrobe items for you. Many of these services allow you to keep what you like and send back what you don’t. This way you’ll have someone who is on the cutting edge of trends offering you their advice.” – Joseph W. Belluck of Belluck & Fox, LLP

5. Look for sales.

“Shop for sales. It’s sort of silly to pay full price for anything anymore if you are savvy enough to shop for bargains. Whether it be shopping for coupon codes before checking out or understanding when a e-com site runs specials – deals are available.” – Shawn Schulze of HomeArea.com

6. Maintain a few basic colorways.

“Opt for a few solid basic colors rather than loud and unique prints. Number one, they work for more situations, and second, you can wear them more often in the rotation. If you have some loud or unique clothes people will notice if you were them often opposed to wearing neutral colors.” – Tom Munroe, CEO of RugStudio

7. Stack gift cards.

“Ask for gift cards to your favorite retailers for your birthday and holidays. People are always asking what they can get, well don’t be shy and let them know where you buy your work clothes. This is a great way to continue to add new pieces to your wardrobe on a budget.” – Andrew Tran, Founder of Therapy

8. Check consignment shops.

“Find out when the sales are on the most recent releases and go that day. You can also find some pretty good stuff at consignment stores if you have the time to pick through everything. I stick with the sales and make sure I go on the day they start.” – Ben Walker, Founder of Transcription Outsourcing, LLC

9. Keep your eyes open for buy two get one free deals.

“Look for the buy two get one free suit specials. You will see that a lot of the big box stores will do this a couple times a year, and it’s a great way to really add to your work attire and not break the bank. Keep your eyes on local newspaper ads, as they tend to announce sales there.” – April Gillmore, CEO of ClickFirst Marketing

10. Shop during major holidays.

“Always look for sales during the major holidays. Dress clothes and suits are often heavily discounted around major holiday weekends. I have seen sales as high as 70% off, so if you take advantage of these you can really add to your wardrobe and not take a beating in the wallet.” – Christopher Dziak, CEO of Pure Nootropics

11. Know your needs.

“Determine your needs. Someone that wears a suit daily will want to find some affordable options so they have a nice selection for their rotation, but someone that just needs a suit for a few times a year can go for something that will make an impression because they just need one.” – Ari Evans of AAA Handbags

12. Check Marshalls

“Look at discount stores like Marshalls, as they often have name brand fashion at highly reduced prices. This is a great place to pick up dress shirts, ties and even suits for a fraction of their retail price. Most of these stores receive multiple shipments a week, so check in often.” – Jim Epton of Dom Huga Ltd

13. Ask a fashionable friend for help.

“Pick someone that you think has great style and that you are comfortable talking with. Unless you spend a ton of time looking in the mirror, they have probably spent more time looking at you and can offer assistance.” – Matthew Kolb of All High Schools