Several times in my life I’ve gotten frantic texts from friends who are switching jobs or careers and need a professional wardrobe update on a budget. Pre-thrifting days I’d help them find the best deals that I could from box stores. But now that my Goodwill game is on point, I can help them (and myself), find some excellent professional looks for less than it would cost to buy a single item at most stores!
I’ve put together two looks, one for colder weather and one for warmer weather using two of the same thrifted pieces and two different thrifted outerwear pieces.
Outfit 1: All Black with a Pop of Color
If you’ve been following any of my blogs here, then you know that I love to find things that I can make work through different seasons so I can really stretch my budget. One absolute wardrobe staple for me is a simple, black sleeveless top. This sheer, black sleeveless top was a Goodwill Derby find and a steal at $3.99. What I like about a sleeveless top is that I can wear it under a sweater or blazer in colder weather and then can wear it on its own or under other light layering pieces as it gets warmer.
Another multi-seasonal piece is this great black pencil skirt with a white boxed pattern. This skirt looked like it was brand new when I pulled it off the Goodwill Andover rack and was only $4.99! A pencil skirt is another classic piece that can really be maximized in your professional wardrobe. The fabric is thick, helping the skirt keep its structure, but isn’t so thick that it would be too warm in the summer.
Finishing out this outfit is one of my favorite Goodwill Maize finds, a bright pink, Ponte knit blazer that I snagged for $4.99 a few years ago. I love the vibrant pink hue, the softness of the Ponte knit, and the gold accents in the buttons and closure hooks. This blazer is the perfect outfit topper for those colder months! I finished this look off with a pair of black platform loafers from my existing wardrobe.
Outfit 2: All Black Everything
Using the same two base pieces I mentioned earlier (a sheer black sleeveless and black printed pencil skirt), this wear-to-work look is also perfect for spring and summer with this ultra-chic, black, longline sleeveless blazer/vest. Warm weather doesn’t mean you have to skip layering, the trick is to find layers that are breathable or better suited for higher temps. This $4.99 Goodwill Andover find is the perfect staple for my summer work wardrobe; it pulls together my look without being too heavy. I finished the summer version of my work look with a pair of cute mules from my existing collection.
If you’re looking to up your wear-to-work wardrobe on a limited budget, look no further than your local Goodwill! Happy Hunting!
Tamara is a guest contributor with a love of great, thrifted fashion finds. Formerly a contributor to xoVain.com and xoJane.com, she has a passion for beautiful things, and loves to hunt for affordable lifestyle and décor items as well. If you’re into random content (fashion, food, art, cats, the list goes on), you can follow her on Instagram: @tamarajoyks.
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