Suiting Up on an Entry-Level Salary
A quick guide to clothing the deal
Here’s how I feel walking into a job interview:
But here’s how I look walking into a job interview:
Arriving well-dressed can be the difference between a good interview and a great interview. You can prepare as much as you want, but if you show up in a t-shirt and shorts you’re likely to make a lackluster first impression. We get it, though — when you’re just starting out it’s hard to finance a new, trendy wardrobe that’s work-appropriate. And let’s not underestimate the power of feeling your best when you walk into a room.
So how can you rock an Olivia Pope vibe and still have cash left over for dinner?
Two words: thrift shopping.
Thrifting is great for more than just retro Levi’s and discounted Docs (as much as we love both of those things). It’s also an excellent way to find some quality, professional basics for a fraction of the cost. Consider these strategic points to thrive while thrifting:
Know What You Want
Look to stock your closet with just a few essential pieces that you can easily mix-and-match: maybe two pairs of pants, two skirts, three dresses, and several nice shirts or blouses. Don’t forget jackets and sweaters, too. It helps to make a list of exactly what and how much you’re looking for; this will make it easier to navigate a sea of unique items and know when to reign in it.
Map Out Your Route
You’re probably already familiar with the basic spots, like Goodwill and Salvation Army. These can be gold mines if you are willing to really put in the time, but their low-low prices could mean (though not necessarily!) a sacrifice in quality. The next step up may be your neighborhood thrift or consignment shops. Their more curated selections can make for a more straight-forward shopping experience, although this also means a wider price range. Other, perhaps less obvious, options are your local community or faith centers. Don’t underestimate these basement troves, or the ability of their oft-older clerks to distinguish silk from synthetic. In today’s digital world, you can even thrift shop online. Looking into sites like thredUp gives you access to a larger selection of curated items. Beware that online options may include shipping and have strict return policies.
Pro tip: If you live in large metropolitan areas, consider the residents of the neighborhoods you visit. When people donate their old clothes, they tend to drop them off at their most convenient location. Some of the best NYC thrifting can be found in Goodwill stores on typically high-income blocks.
Read the Fine Print
Be sure to check labels — you’ll be impressed by some of the names you find. Also take care to look for any wear, tears, or stains left behind by the previous owner, and look closely at the washing instructions. Buying a whole wardrobe of dry-clean-only items won’t save you money in the long run. You may be surprised by the number of pieces donated with the tags still on them. If you’re patient enough, you could walk away with a never-worn silk suit jacket for under thirty bucks.
Pro tip: Try things on! Sizes in vintage clothes can be vastly different from what you’re used to. As a rule of thumb, clothes from the 50s and 60s run 4–6 sizes smaller than today.
When it comes to thrift shopping, you have a lot of options. Start by writing down your budget, then add priorities — quality, quantity, versatility. If you stick to this game plan, you could look like a million bucks without paying more than a hundred.
(You still have to prepare for that interview, though.)
