Many majors require students to wear a more professional dress for various reasons. For example, the pharmacy school has dress-up days. I, for one, am starting student teaching where I was told to dress business casual. I came in my first day of working in a preschool wearing a nice dress from Topshop. I wanted to make a good first impression! I immediately regretted going for the look rather than function. I’m no stranger to working in a preschool, but for some reason I didn’t think about the amount of moving I would be doing. Needless to say, the next day I opted for pants. Besides school being a place where you may need to dress more professionally, the workplace requires the same, and usually more often.
Luckily for me, the school I work in isn’t too strict with dress code, and I can wear jeans. That doesn’t mean I don’t have more types of professional wear to put on for the day of work ahead! In general, it’s also good to know which stores can help you fill your closet for the workday.
I compiled a list of clothes from stores that vary in price but all have great options for professional clothing:
H&M
Though, for me personally, this store is hit or miss, you can usually find basics you might need at a really great price. They have pants, blazers and blouses that are in style but inexpensive compared to other stores. This store is always worth checking out. I always find really great blouses and sweaters for a really great price.
Zara I recently discovered this store, and although not all the clothes may work in a professional setting, many pieces can be worn in the work place. It is worth checking out if you are nearby! This store has great basics along with statement pieces for your work wardrobe.
Loft/Ann Taylor This is the store in which I’ve found most of my professional wardrobe this summer. I found everything I needed, and I got everything on sale! Personally, what I found here that I’ve had a hard time getting other places was pants. I’ve finally found pants that actually fit and look nice!
J Crew This store is on the pricey side of this list. They do have great quality clothes and many essential items that can stay in your closet for years. They also have a 10% student discount! I usually look at the sale section for button-up shirts, skirts and blazers.
Madewell This store is under the same company as J. Crew. They are very different style wise, so you can get something depending on preference. They offer student discounts and they will often have an extra sale on their sale items. Definitely shop the sale and not the full-price tag.
Anthropologie I only go in this store for the clearance rack to be honest. This place is hit or miss for me, but sometimes you find a hidden gem tucked away. It’s worth a look inside. Plus, it always smells amazing, so why not walk in? This store also has really great blouses; I found a really pretty peplum shirt on clearance that I love wearing.
Lord & Taylor This store has so many brands within, and there are usually amazing sales. It’s like going to a Nordstrom or Bloomingdales with better chances of finding a good deal. You can find so many things to fill your closet with professional clothing.
Forever 21 They have a section devoted to more professional clothes, also very reasonably priced. I love getting shirts here because you can get so many cute tops for such a great price. Also, this is a good place to get jewelry to spice up an outfit.
Gap Gap can be a bit expensive, but they have sales constantly. They have great basics and clothes that can transition to other seasons, too. Gap is also great for sweaters. I have sweaters from two years ago that are in great condition and look good, too.
Target Target has really stepped up their clothing game. They have some really great stuff at good prices.
Old Navy This is another place that I haven’t been to in a while, and when I rediscovered it, I was surprised! They have really great clothes and really great prices. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to dress nicely.
My go-to is to always shop when there’s a sale or try on something in the store and then see if it’s online (and possibly cheaper). Also, a perk of being a student is the number of discounts you can get when shopping. Many of these stores have discounts when you shop in store with your student ID. Money can be tight, and the discounts can help your wallet immensely! It’s also worth it to look up outlets for these stores to save even more while still looking great.
Obviously, everyone’s style is different, and every place of work is different when it comes to what is deemed appropriate dress. There are so many great places to find clothes to wear in the work place!