Okay, so you’ve got the job! Yay! But that’s only half the battle – now you need a workplace wardrobe. Blazers, pantsuits, and pencil skirts aren’t always the cheapest items to purchase, but if you know where to look you may be able to find some great deals. Unless, of course, money is no object in which case we’ve got you covered on where to shop as well.
Pinching Pennies
If you are trying to spend the least amount of money possible, then a thrift store is your best option. Yes, thrift stores are often hit or miss and it takes time and patience to scour the racks, but if you look hard enough sometimes you win big. Occasionally you can find big name brands for amazing prices.
Try:
Image via MikeMcCann
710 S 5th St.
Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Image via Sophisticated Seconds
2019 Sansom St.
Monday and Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Image via Yelp
1822 Spring Garden St.
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Appropriately Affordable
You’re not the most frugal of the bunch, but you certainly don’t want to be broke after buying just two items. The day-to-day stores collegiettes often shop in, like H&M and Forever 21, usually have more professional sections too. So as long as you stay on track and stop drifting away into the crop top section, you’ll find some stylish office attire.
Try:
Image via The Triangle
Forever 21 ($)
1708 Chestnut St.
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Image via Natalie Featuring H&M
H&M ($)
1530 Chestnut St.
Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Image via LoopNet
T.J. Maxx ($)
7616 City Line Ave.
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Image via Philly
Marshalls ($)
2000 Swanson St.
Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Image via Philly
1035 Market St.
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Money to Blow
Maybe you’ve got money saved from your last co-op salary or your parents are treating you to a shopping spree. But either way, you’ve got Benjamins in your wallet and you’re ready to spend ‘em. The great thing about higher end stores is that the quality is amazing and even though a pair of slacks may cost you $100, they’ll also last you years.
Try:
Image via L.A. Biz
BCBG Maxazria ($$$$)
1601 Walnut St.
Monday 12 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Image via Columbus Business First
Ann Taylor ($$$)
1713 Walnut St.
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 6 p.m.
Image via Philadelphia Magazine
Banana Republic ($$$)
1911 Chestnut St.
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No matter what kind of office environment and budget you’re working with, one of these places is sure to have what you’re looking for. So get to shopping, collegiettes!