A Broke Girl's Guide to (Generally) Affordable Workwear

If you ask my friends for a few words to describe me, without a doubt one would be "frugal." I love a coupon, a discount, a sale. Because for as much as I enjoy fashion and shopping, I don't usually love spending money.

My post-pandemic closet definitely has less office-appropriate attire than it did a few years ago. My recent style challenge proved that I really only had a few work-friendly outfits to rotate, which was fine for a once-a-week office visit but made a week-long work trip more challenging. So when I started attending more conferences and client meetings in person, I knew a refresh was in order. Here are some of my go-to spots when I need affordable workwear fast:

Online Shopping

Bare Rags

This Chicago-based boutique is so cute and ships for free (at least as of this writing). You might even get a discount if you use my ~affiliate~ links.

• I have this blazer and wear it in casual + fancier settings!

• I also have this turtleneck sweater

• They have a lot of more revealing stuff for going out or more casual wear, but there are plenty of pants and things that could be fun for the office!

  
  

Old Navy / Gap / Banana Republic

These three are part of the same parent company and fall into three respective price ranges. All are great for basics, and their jeans can be hit or miss depending on the fit, but don’t sleep on the rest of their affordable shit!

• Old Navy has a whole Wear to Work section on their site.

• One if not all will always have a sale.

• There’s also Banana Republic Factory that takes backstock + sells items at a discount.

Quince + Everlane

I haven’t actually purchased anything from here, but two of my besties have, and they've shared nothing but great things!

In-Person Shopping

Madewell

I LOVE Madewell, especially for jeans, but it can definitely an investment in my eyes. Case and point: this incredible overcoat from the recent collaboration with Alexa Chung. Do I love it? Yes. Will I spend $900? Absolutely not.

• To skirt around the high prices, I pretty much only shop here when there’s a sale or search for Madewell at Nordstrom Rack.

• Donate old jeans from any brand for a $20 coupon off a new Madewell pair.

• Sign up for their rewards program for free shipping on all online orders and $25 on your birthday!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Never in my life did I think I’d be recommending Abercrombie for workwear, but here we are! This place can definitely can still be expensive (even as an adult making adult money), so make sure to wait for a sale.

• Leather pants that you can dress up or down — they’re fleece lined and I live in mine.

• Bodysuits are comfortable + good for layering under blazers in the colder months.

• I haven’t bought any myself, but I’ve heard their jeans are also great.

• The famous trousers are pricey but great. I have them in a tan and brown.

H&M + Zara

These spots can be super hit or miss, so I always try things on in person if and when I shop here. Yes, these are both fast fashion, so I don't make a habit out of shopping here. But the economy is rough, and there are usually a handful of affordable yet decent quality finds if you take the time to look, so do with this information what you will.

Thrift Stores/Second-hand Shopping

I truly am my grandmother's granddaughter and can spend hours perusing racks and racks of thrift store finds. Not only is buying second-hand better for the planet, it's better for my wallet too. Exhibit A: My new favorite skirt was $3. Chicago favorites include, but are not limited to:

• Village Discount

• Crossroads Trading

• 2nd Street Vintage

• Brown Elephant