Published: Dressing for Success on a Budget - Blush Magazine, February 2012

by Jessica Johnson

Dressing for Success on a Budget

For ladies working in a professional office setting, presenting yourself well - while staying true to your personality and style - can all be accomplished without compromising your budget.

So how much should you spend on your work wardrobe each year? Consider that the average household spends 3 to 4 percent of its household income on clothing. Therefore, a family with an annual income of $100,000 should expect to spend between $3,000 and $4,000 each year on clothing. Divide that total by the number of people in your home and then divide it again based on the frequency that you like to shop to determine what you should spend quarterly or monthly. For those of you with kids, this budget calculation doesn't leave much wiggle room.

To make the most of your family's clothing budget, consider these tips:

• Select quality staple pieces that can take you through several seasons.
• Take good care of the clothes you have.
• Look for ways to save money when you do shop.

Working women should focus their spending on nice suits in black, gray and brown, which allow for mixing and matching with tops and sweaters of any color. Doing this allows for variety all year round at a minimal expense. And investing in higher quality items will allow for extending clothing invescments over a few years. Paying a little extra to have suits properly tailored is also worth the investment. When clothes fit great, you'll have the conHdence to wear the pieces more often.

Extending the life of your clothes is also important. While dry cleaning can cost more than laundering your own clothes, you will be able to reduce the wear on your staple garments by opting for this TLC. You can also store your out-of-season clothes and shoes to prevent dust and other normal closet wear-and-tear that can occur while you are waiting to wear them again.

When you feel like spicing up your basic pieces by adding a trendy belt, bold jewelry or a great pair of pumps that match your personal style, look for ways to save on these "want" items. Ways to stretch your budget might include:

• Signing up for email alerts from your favorite stores to make sure you catch the best sales.
• Shopping consignment racks for gently worn clothing at a reduced cost.
• Taking advantage of tax-free weekends and back-to-school sales for yourself and the rest of your family.

Dressing for success on a budget isn't easy, but it can be done with minimal effort. The only thing better than looking and feeling great in your clothes is knowing that they didn't cost you a fortune.

Click here to read the complete article on Blush Magazine's website.

The contents and opinions contained in this article are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional accounting counsel. Always seek the advice of your accountant or other financial planner with any questions you may have regarding your financial goals.