Unusual Form: $50 Professional Wardrobe

If you read last week's You Search, I Answer, you know the drill for this week, the only difference is that this week's post is entirely thrifted!

If you are trying to build a professional wardrobe on $200, you really have two options. The first is to shop mass-market retail, the second is to buy your wardrobe second-hand. This week I present to you the second hand version.

For me second-hand shopping extends beyond just the thrift store. It's any type of venue were you can purchase pre-worn items. I encourage you to explore all your options. Look for second hand clothing at:

Thrift Stores
Resale Shops
Consignment Stores
Flea Markets
Vintage Stores
Yard Sales
Estate Sales
Clothing Swaps

When you're shopping second hand, you should be looking for the same types of items:

Blazers
Cardigans
Blouses
Button-Ups
Trousers
Pencil Skirts
Flats
Boots
Accessories

One thing you should look for in second-hand clothing is quality. Chances are that for less money you can buy something of higher quality than you would find in the typical mass-market retail store. When I'm in a thrift store or resale shop, I generally look for "nice" brands, ones I can't afford to buy often at full price. I also find that vintage items tend to be of a higher quality than newer items.

Once again, I have taken six pieces of clothing, two pairs of shoes, and two belts (all from second-hand sources this time around), and made ten outfits, two weeks worth of work outfits. I tried to use items similar to last week's post, just to prove that you can dress well and thriftily.

Last week's total for the professional wardrobe purchased retail was $191.59. This week similar items purchased second-hand ring up at a sweet $51.50. That's a $140.09 difference!