How to look good on a budget
by Ruby Lizon-Walker | 1/11/2024
Whether you're just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned professional, finding the perfect balance between stylish and affordable office wear can be a challenge. Not to mention, the rise of remote working has influenced corporate fashion trends, with many companies relaxing their dress codes to accommodate the hybrid office environment. Women now need to consider versatile pieces that are appropriate for both working from home and are fine for the office. The good news is, you don't have to break the bank to look chic and professional at work!
With a few smart strategies and savvy shopping tips, you can revamp your work wardrobe and create modern, fashionable outfits that make you feel confident and ready to take on the day!
In this blog, I’ll explore a variety of budget-friendly ideas to help you transform your office attire without overspending. From creating capsule wardrobes to smart shopping hacks, mixing and matching to making the most out of Savoo’s very many voucher codes - I’ll cover everything you need to know to look your best at work. Plus, I’ll share insights, fashion news and top tips from our industry experts, to make your workwear shopping experience even easier. Get ready to discover how you can look stylish and professional without compromising your budget!
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A 2019 Indeed Analysis found that 22% of companies encourage daily casual wear at work, with the number of companies with strict dress codes declining and instead moving more towards a relaxed vibe with their office attire. A second study says 56% of office employees actually prefer working in a company with a more relaxed or accommodating dress code. Although, a more recent study shows that 20% of people admit they don’t feel comfortable in what they wear to work.
Here at Savoo, we understand the pressure that many women face when it comes to finding the perfect workwear. The struggle of deciding what to wear in the mornings, coupled with the pressure to look both professional and stylish at the same time can be overwhelming! That’s why in this blog I’m providing practical solutions and sharing a variety of clothing staples to help you feel confident and comfortable without overspending. I know this can be tricky, but it's entirely possible with the right guidance!
As Savoo’s Fashion & Beauty Savings Expert, I have great advice to share when it comes to creating a chic and professional office wardrobe without breaking the bank. See below for my favourite tip for sourcing trendy work clothes on a budget.
"You absolutely don't have to spend a fortune to look stylish at work. With a few key pieces and smart shopping, you can totally transform your office wardrobe. First, keep your eye out for sales and discounts from your favourite go-to brands to get the best deals on office wear. Out of all my favourite brands, I find that ASOS tend to have a lot of variation in office outfits as well as the most frequent deals and savings opportunities. Keep in mind that if you opt for versatile pieces, like plain white tees, monochromatic work blouses or even a simple black dress, you can mix and match on items to create multiple outfits with just a few staple pieces!"
Transforming your workwear on a budget is easier than you think! Through our extensive range of voucher codes at our favourite fashion brands, budget-friendly tips, and curated selections from top retailers, we are committed to helping you build a versatile and stylish office wardrobe that meets your needs and respects your budget.
Whether your office culture is casual and relaxed, or smart and stylish - we’re here to make your workwear shopping experience easier, cheaper and more enjoyable.
Investing in versatile pieces such as a classic black blazer, a white blouse, and tailored trousers allows you to create multiple outfits with fewer items. This approach is both cost-effective and stylish. Brands like H&M and Marks & Spencer offer a wide range of such essentials, such as multipack cotton T-shirts and crew neck jumpers.
A capsule wardrobe focuses on a few timeless, high-quality pieces that you can wear year-round, no matter the weather! Items like some wide-leg black trousers, an essential white tee, a silk blouse and a well-fitted blazer are just a few core examples! These few pieces form the foundation of a stylish and practical office wardrobe, allowing you to layer, mix and match and alternate with already-existing items in your wardrobe, saving you both time and money. Seasonal staples like lightweight blouses for summer and single-breasted black coats for the cold winters - these are essential for a practical wardrobe that you can also wear to work.
Many retailers offer significant discounts on clothing during sales events. Websites like ASOS often have clearance and outlet sections where you can snag great deals, and knowing what time of year to expect great savings can help you find high-quality womenswear at a fraction of the cost!
For example, in Early October COS have their Autumn Sale where you can find up to 30% off curated autumnal styles. Similarly, M&S runs their Easter Sale throughout April, providing discounts of up to 25% on spring apparel. Purchasing your wardrobe essentials during off-season sales can save you money while ensuring you’re prepared for any weather.
Our fashion industry experts believe that neutrals such as black, white, grey, and navy can be mixed and matched effortlessly. This way you never have to worry about colour clashing, or saving the pinks for spring and the yellows for summer! Actually, neutral colours make it easier to create multiple outfits from a limited number of pieces - and to add your own personal touch to the mix - you can always accessorise with your go-to favourites: a statement necklace, a printed scarf, a must-have handbag to add a burst of colour to your new office fit.
High-quality work clothes tend to last longer and look better over time. While they may be more expensive initially, they provide better value for money in the long run, ensuring you don’t have to replace items nearly as often. Brands like John Lewis and Ted Baker offer durable, stylish options that will last you for years to come.
At Savoo, we know that curating a chic office look in no way has to be costly! So now that you know our top tips on how to achieve a chic office look on a budget, the next stage is knowing where to shop, and what to buy! To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of six stylish fashion brands where you can use our wide range of discount codes available to unlock great savings on the items featured below.
ASOS offers a wide variety of stylish and affordable office wear. Their extensive range includes everything from tailored blazers and trousers, to chic blouses, making it easy to find pieces that fit your style and budget. Plus, with frequent promotional codes and offers found on our ASOS discount page, you can modernise your work wardrobe whilst keeping the cost down.
H&M is known for its trendy and affordable fashion, and their office wear collection is no exception. With a focus on versatile basics, like gorgeous fitted blazer and satin skirts, they make it easy to mix and match pieces to create multiple professional looks. Their conscious collection also offers sustainable options for the environmentally conscious shopper.
Marks & Spencer combines quality with affordability, offering a range of stylish and durable office wear. From modern dresses to trendy tapered trousers, their collection is perfect for building a timeless work wardrobe. M&S deals and discounts are released frequently here at Savoo, making it easier for you to stay within budget.
Next provides a great selection of professional attire and accessories that are both stylish and affordable. Off on a corporate getaway? Stay organised and on-trend with a Posh Totty passport holder, proving the perfect accessory to your business attire. Unlock great savings on Posh Totty deals for those must-have accessories, and update your work wardrobe easily by scouting our range of Next discount codes.
River Island has a mix of classic and contemporary office wear, with a whole section of their website dedicated to women’s workwear! Check out a range of trophy jackets and straight-legged trousers, for a stylish office look, no matter the season. Pick up one of our many River Island discount codes to upgrade your look without overspending.
Very is another one of our fashion favourites that has a dedicated section on their website for women's workwear. With a diverse selection, from plus size office wear to petite work clothes, you’ll be sure to find pieces that fit your personal style and are budget-friendly. With a variety of crepe trousers or the essential everyday white tee which you can pair with jeans, trousers and skirts - adding staple pieces to your wardrobe has never been easier!
Now that you've discovered our top tips on how to achieve a chic office look on a budget and explored the best budget-friendly brands to refresh your work wardrobe, I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to shop smart! To wrap things up and ensure you're fully equipped to save as much as possible, I’ve gathered some additional top three tips to save money on office wear. These final nuggets of wisdom are designed to help you make the most out of every purchase and keep your office style on point whilst saving those extra pounds.
As explored throughout this blog, some retailers often offer great discounts on seasonal items during off-season periods.
Purchasing winter coats in the summer or summer dresses in the winter can save you a considerable amount of money.
Stocking up on essentials like blouses, trousers, and skirts when these offers are available can help you save money in the long run, and help you to build up your capsule wardrobe quickly, easily and affordably too.
Signing up for newsletters from your favourite retailers can keep you informed about exclusive sales, discounts, and promotions, whilst unlocking between 10-20% off on your first order. This way, you can plan your purchases and take advantage of the best deals!
Updating your office wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategies and savvy shopping, you can create stylish, professional outfits that won't break the bank. Fashion is all about expressing yourself, so have fun with it and mix and match to find what works best for you. Happy shopping, and here's to looking fabulous at work without blowing your budget!.