First and foremost, thank you for all the positive feedback on my last article! Many of you suggested that I include prices for the outfits, which will be done from this point forward.
You also shared what you wanted to see in future articles. Business casual was the most requested, so that will be the focus of this week’s article.
Whether you have an interview, internship or part time job, business casual clothing is something you will most likely be wearing at some point in your life. What someone considers business casual can vary depending on the workplace or person, but I find that it’s always better to overdressed than underdressed.
Business casual can also get very expensive, very fast, so I put together three different examples of business casual wear for under $100:
Outfit #1: Interview Savvy
Product Information: Blouse- Miss Selfridge, Skirt- Charlotte Russe, Headbands- Forever 21, Heels- Target, Earrings- Forever 21
Outfit Total: $92
The best way to stand out in an interview is with a bright pop of color, and this ruffled top is perfect for that. Pair the bright top with a knee-length pencil skirt and heels like the ones above, to make the look more conservative. Accessories should be a little fun, so I added some heart-shaped earrings and I couldn’t resist adding these basic headbands (only $1.50 for both!)
Outfit #2: Internship Maven
Product Information: Pants- New York & Company, Shirt- Old Navy, Cardigan- Target, Ring- Forever 21, Heels- Target, Belt- Forever 21
Outfit Total: $97
If you’re an intern, you want to dress professionally, but still show off your personal style. The gray dress pants and white button-up shirt are very basic, but adding a purple cardigan really brightens the whole outfit. The skinny belt can either be worn traditionally through the belt loops or around an open cardigan. Finish the outfit off with these cute heels and a bow ring that mimics the bow on the shoe.
Outfit #3: Job Guru
Product Information: Dress- YesStyle, Flats- Peacocks, Blazer- Forever 21, Tights- Urban Outfitters, Necklace- Forever 21
Outfit Total: $96
If you have a part time job in an office, business casual is usually the norm. Depending on where you work, you may want to keep the color palette neutral. This black and white printed dress is still fun despite the muted colors. Since the dress only reaches mid-thigh, wear tights. Throw on a professional-looking black blazer, these adorable patent flats, and accessorize with a versatile long-strand necklace.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothing, separates are your best friend. All of the clothing and accessories above can be mixed and matched into new outfits, which saves you money and expands your wardrobe.
What Do You Think?
Do you often find yourself shopping on a budget? Do you have a difficult time finding business casual clothing? Where is your favorite place to shop when you want to save money? Do you mix up your wardrobe to create more outfits? Leave a comment and tell me!
Remember, if you have a suggestion for a future edition of Outfits Under $100, leave a comment and let me know!
Great post!
I’ve just got a job in admin and these outfits have given me some inspiration for what to wear in the office. I particularly like the first and third outfits. I think I may have to invest in that shirt 🙂
good post but red is something your not supposed to wear, its a very aggressive color and communicates the wrong idea at times. also, try marshall’s and tj maxx for good business casual wear. i got 2 pair of very nice slacks for 13 a piece.
Great ideas, I really like Outfit #2
hey wats wring with open toes???
i have these black patent leather,4 inch peep toe heels….i like
is that appropriate fr formal stuff?
Outfit #1 is really cute, put-together, but young at the same time. But my fave is Outfit #3, very sophisticated and beautiful. I’m not very sure about the second ouftit though, but you did a very good job!
I don’t think the earrings in #1 are appropriate.
like the first one and the cardigan frm the 2nd
the first outfit looks lika a blair waldorf inspiration
It sounds silly, but when looking for a job a clothing store is a good thing to consider. Let me explain-I used to work at Banana Republic and employees get a MASSIVE discount on clothing at it and its franchises.
Besides that I tend to find good business casual at the above mentioned Express and Marshalls.
I also add conservative pieces from my own daily closet to my business wardrobe. For example Miley Cyrus with Max Azaria’s line for target had a button down top with a decorative neckline that could be modest when worn with a tank under and blazer on top.
This was a great article for the budget friendly! Thanks again for writing a nice piece 🙂
Outfit one would be better if the blouse was a soft blue. No headband and pearl earrings.
Outfit 2 Is classy and perfect!
Outfit 3’s jacket would go perfectly with outfit 1 or two.
My recommendations to start
Jacket – 1 basic black
Sweater (color)
Skirt – 1 black,
Slacks – 2 (black & gray)
Blouses – 5, (2 white, 1 gray, 1 light blue, 1 pink)
Belts – 1 narrow, 1 wide
Shoes – Black (mid heel, low heel)
Purse – Black
Jewelry – minimal is better for office (pearls, gold, silver)
One of the most professional women I know’s entire wardrobe is navy on the bottom and white blouses. Everything mixes and matches and makes traveling extremely easy.
Good luck.
I like Oufit No#1 and 2.
I wonder why thrift stores aren’t mentioned more often.
Black pants (Dockers)- $2.00 Goodwill