Not necessarily. A small budget does not automatically mean that you cannot dress well. By thinking ahead, by being creative and by shopping wisely, it can become fairly easy for you to dress well for that first interview.
Here are some cost-cautious tips that will enable you to be appropriately togged on the interview day, without really feeling the financial pinch.
- Check Out the Clothes In Your Cupboard
Without being aware of it, there could be clothes in your cupboard that are just right for the interview, upon which you could be spending money that can be used for buying other things. Normally, we all have a mindset, that what is in our closets is old stuff and not worth wearing to an interview.
But what you have not been wearing for years could be just the right things. With a few alterations, something as minor as increasing its waist size or a skirts hemline, could convert an old suit into a new one.
The advantage of traditional and conventional wear is that their designs don’t change overnight, nor are the changes drastic. Formal suits have remained the same over the decades. So even if the clothes in your clothes are old, they may not necessarily be outmoded or old-fashioned.
- Buy Accessories Well
Accessories don’t cost the earth and if you accessorize wisely it will help accentuate and emphasize your looks. Buy a good pair of shoes. They don’t have to be from big brands, but just a good pair of leather shoes, black or in a tone that goes with your outfit. Shoes are going to last well beyond the interview and are a sound investment, so don’t buy cheap stuff.
Women can invest in simple but pleasing to the eye earrings and necklaces. Most women will have good handbags, if you don’t have one buy one. Men can insure a smart looking tie and leather belt. Smart cuff links, at the end of your shirt sleeves give a smart look and appearance.
- Be Aware Of Sales And Discounts
Buy at the end of the season. Summer suits are sold at discounts in excess of 30 to 40 percent in July. Winter clothes are put on sale, almost immediately after Christmas. You can even go to designer stores that offer discount and still purchase first-rate clothes at a reasonable price.
Thrift stores and Salvation Army outlets are great places to buy good and unexpected bargains. A friend of mine purchased a cashmere coat for less than $100 dollars. You too could get lucky and buy a designer suit for a song.
Discount retailers and off-season sales are you’re your best bet. Suits designs don’t change much. Last season's perfectly fashionable castoffs can be yours for often one quarter of the price and yet be in consonance with current fashion trends.
- Rental Services
As a last resort, I would recommend that you seek the assistance of rental services that were earlier limited to urban cities but are now making their presence felt in smaller cities as well. For a small rental charge, you can choose from the best suits and accessories.
- Discount Coupons
Keep a regular check for money-saving coupons from department stores. They crop up regularly in your newspaper or mail
- Multipurpose Clothes
Don’t buy something that is outlandish and you cannot match with anything else. But suppose you buy a navy and a gray suit both can be matched with each other. You can wear the gray pant and grey jacket together, or the jacket with the navy pant and vice-versa. By changing the tie, you can present a new look for the whole week.
Ladies also can change their skirts and scarves and mix and match and with a minimal investment, look different each day of the week.
- Clothes Should Fit Well
The worth of a good tailor can never be stated enough. Ensure that the clothes that you are buying fit well. Loose fitting clothes, or clothes that are too tight are graceless and ungainly. A sleeve that is longer than your arm will not only hide your well-crafted cuff links but will appear oversize and drown you.
While going for alterations, a good tailor will know exactly what needs to be done. Get the buttons changes, pay attention to skirt and pants hems, they could be frayed. Alterations will give your wardrobe a new look. Not to speak of the money you save, in not having to buy new ones.
