https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:59:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2209509 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:41:29 +0000 Barbara Diane 2209509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Examples of clothing items mixed and matched, maybe with a handout that shows each item, and then shows all the possible combinations.<br /> Information about how to dress for the seasons-sleeveless tops become warm under layers, etc.<br /> How to figure out how much of any one item they need.<br /> To include cost of laundry bag to transport clothing to laundromat, laundry supplies, etc.<br /> Airing out clothing after wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208627 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:35:03 +0000 Jenni NZ 2208627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, the other week I watched 2 episodes of the British programme “10 years younger in 10 days”. It was pretty awful and cringey, but what interested me was the hope that the men and women seemed to get from the professional help, the haircuts especially? And beard trims or shaves for the guys. It was almost like they had totally forgotten how to do any self-care?<br /> I am disappointed they always seemed to dye their hair for them, but that’s my particular bias…<br /> I like the Target idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208516 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:30:28 +0000 rachylou 2208516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And one more, speaking of Targets - the bigger Walmart’s are good for hard wearing and good-looking realistically priced clothes. The work shoes are also real work shoes. But it does have to be a big one, otherwise everything is mint fleece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208514 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:16:58 +0000 Gaylene 2208514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly. &nbsp;The difference, even when our clients were wearing their own outfits, was startling. It was the confidence and polish provided by a flattering haircut and good grooming which elevated the clothes, not vice versa.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>That’s why I think Angie’s mantra about starting a style “refresh” by updating one’s haircut, glasses, undergarments, and shoes is genius.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208512 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:15:36 +0000 rachylou 2208512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A ‘spa day’ sounds very smart, Gaylene, a day when you actually put it together and you’re not left floundering on your own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208508 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:05:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2208508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, yes, I wonder if that sort of thing might be what CS’s client was trying to formulate with this request. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208507 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:02:54 +0000 Gaylene 2208507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your program sounds like a good one!</p> <p> <div>My experience was with a similar program run as a community outreach service by the university where I taught. Our clients were also trying to re-enter the regular workforce after several years because of variety of personal, psychological, and situational issues. They were also mainly looking for entry-level positions even though the age range was 30-45.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting to me was, when we were asked for wardrobe help, it wasn’t so much about buying items as it was about how to fit into a new situation where our recovering clients felt like strangers. A breakthrough moment for many of them was a “spa” day where a local hair salon offered free haircuts and &nbsp;manicures/pedicures, along with skin care and makeup advice. For some, the image they saw reflected back in the mirror marked the beginning of envisioning themselves in a new role. It struck me then that it’s not so much the actual clothes as it was the way the person wore them.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208503 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:35:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2208503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So tailor the info to what they need. Can they wear sandals? Capris? Will they get promoted if they wear fancy dresses? If they’re going to wear uniforms, then what advice are they seeking? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208502 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:31:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2208502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Realistically, most of these women will be getting entry level positions where they will be on their feet all day, and many will need to wear a uniform. Jobs like retail/customer service, wharehouse or assembly lines, hospitality/food service, etc.<br /> The only dress codes they are likely to be dealing with are casual or smart casual. I think that makes things easier, actually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget/page/2#post-2208498 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:56:01 +0000 Greenjeans 2208498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone mentioned Target yet?</p> <p>Great comments here from&nbsp;Rachylou and others about knowing the situation you're dressing for before spending money.</p> <p>In a past life, I worked a job where one of my responsibilities was purchasing wardrobe items for video shoots and Target was my go-to for budget-friendly, fresh looking, camera ready clothing that fit a range of body types and scenes (from office, to medical, to at-home, to hospitably, retail, media-host, etc.). Seriously great if you're seeking to dress the part. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208490 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:26:09 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2208490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Knowing that, and still trying to guess at what they meant, I’m going to suggest talking about dress codes—what do “formal”, “biz attire” “biz casual” “smart cas” and “casual” mean? When are open toes ok? Sandals? How high can heels be? What shape heels? What color shoes (assuming mortals who don’t have Bijou’s flair)? Same for patterns, sleeve length, necklines, how tight/slouchy, skirts, slits, pant length, what kind of jeans, etc. Also advice on figuring out if you can wear x when others at work are wearing a-g. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208483 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:54:30 +0000 rachylou 2208483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is pretty darn thorough. Scattered resources are a bear. Go here for this, go across town for that, then ‘why didn’t you show up for the appointment?!’ It can be very rude, if you know what I mean.</p> <p>(I used to live near the bakery and there are a lot of homeless around the bakery. It’s a neighbourhood being gentrified in the name of creating affordable housing. And the situation is extremely rude, extremely rude! I confess to fleeing the gentrification.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208469 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:56:35 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2208469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My clients are lucky that they end up in our program versus elsewhere- we are a tiny program where we are, but have tons of resources available to them.<br /> There is a second hand clothing shop on campus- they get a voucher for free items when they enter the program, and can buy more at a nominal fee. We have a Workforce Development Center where they can use computers for free- and there is a super kind, very patient attendant who is willing to help with locked accounts, internet searches, and basic instructions, etc. There are also daoly virtual meetings with recruiters and industry professionals, and a job readyness training course that will match them up with on-the-job training that pays with a stipend so it doesn't affect any benefits they may have. We also have meetings/groups/classes on campus every day- everything from AA to Yoga. Many are geared toward supporting the substance use and mental health issues prevalent in this population, and we have a whole series just for women (including my Life Skills group). The banking issue I haven't quite figured out- part general paranoia, part fear of technology I guess. Most of our clients are older, so didn't grow up with computers, and may have had problems in the past with banks and fees and don't understand how those work and what to look for in an account. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208437 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:32:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2208437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see RL’s point about people not knowing what they need/don’t know, but still wonder if you’ve asked them for more ideas about what they’re looking for here— and what they don’t need. </p> <p>Also, I assume you’re tying the classes together somewhat? A friend who volunteers at a library in Denver says she spends a lot of time helping homeless people navigate the web. I saw the same in Tampa. Maybe get them all set up with library IDs so they can have a “homework” assignment on the library’s computer each week, building on each other. Something like Log into library ID, Get email address, Set up job search site acct (enter resume one week, set up job search next), open digital bank account, buy an item of clothing online. But all that assumes basic literacy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208431 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:23:29 +0000 bj1111 2208431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lost long post</p> <p>TLDR—it costs money /time to go thrift store (or any shopping)</p> <p>Consider solutions like organizing a shopping trip to provide rides to a Ross for less or modstrom rack. Or see if some of these places would donate a shopping experience in exchange for publiacity. </p> <p>multi level solution shouldn’t add burden to an already under resourced group. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208377 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 01:04:43 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2208377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes- literacy and basic computer skills are a big issue for my clients too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208350 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 22:56:15 +0000 rachylou 2208350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those online debit card accounts were probably the best invention - altho I know people still go to check cashing places because you need at least a smart phone and be able to navigate it. As a baker I work with a lot of people who can’t work a mouse and can only sign their name - no reading, no writing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208339 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 22:24:45 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2208339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou- it's so true! Ihave learned not to make assumptions with my clients, and to start at the most basic steps of things and let them tell me if we need to skip forward. This morning, ac oworker and I were discussing one of the new clients and she said something about how the client is always in her pajamas around the house...and I had to ask- are you sure she has real clothes?<br /> You never know!<br /> Most of my clients don't have bank accounts, and it makes some things really difficult! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208335 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 21:45:38 +0000 rachylou 2208335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel compelled to tell you about baking school. My class was a motley crew - ex-cons, fledglings just out of high school, SAHMs going back to work. We had a few life skills lectures and most of them were entirely misplaced. There was opening a bank account and no mention of minimum deposits. And the interview dressing was a fashion show of how to tie a tie and silk dresses, when the job we were training for - well, BANS ties. And the thing about the high school students and ex-cons, they were particularly susceptible to this disinformation. I got a little job with one of the high school classmates at the same grocery and ok, she tried to operate the cash register with just her thumbs - because you know, cell phone. So I guess what I’m saying is a) people don’t know what they don’t know and b) the strangest details trip you up. I always think about that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208308 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:37:08 +0000 LaPed 2208308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only thing I’d add is to emphasize simple mending and laundering skills: how to remove common stains, sew a button back on, repair a seam, etc.</p> <p>Maybe compile a list of local resources for free/affordable clothing — thrift stores, Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups, Dress for Success or similar, churches, annual town rummage sales or swap meets, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208286 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 17:57:22 +0000 Minaminu 2208286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of useful suggestions! In addition to having a budget, I'd suggest to learn to calculate the cost per wear of each item, this is helpful when looking for key pieces like a good coat or an interview outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208220 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:47:32 +0000 Ginger 2208220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like kkards' words. Keep the work clothes set aside, grooming and shoes are very important, and thrifting is absolutely time-consuming. And frustrating, especially if one is a harder shape to fit or rarer to find at thrift stores. (The odds of me finding pants at a thrift store are laughable.) Lower-end department stores seem easier to find the right basics (choose a sale weekend), especially when building a wardrobe. One exception, if they exist for other stores, are department store clearance centers; there's a Dillards' clearance close to me and I've found some extremely high-quality clothing and shoes for a fraction of their original prices (they have extra sales on holiday weekends). The selection is extensive and the clothing is still new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208216 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:03:55 +0000 kkards 2208216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmmm…as I’ve never been homeless and never faced many of the issues that your clients have, I’m not sure that my advice is helpful, but, this is what worked for me, especially at the start of my career when money was tight.<br />~work clothes are work clothes…change when you get home and don’t be tempted to wear work clothes for play. This kept my work clothes in nicer condition longer. On the flip side this did mean that my “play” clothes were fewer and more limited, but i was putting my money into making money, if that makes sense<br />~buy the best shoes you can afford, but have a couple of pairs. Your feet support the rest of you, keep them happy.&nbsp;<br />~looking like you made an effort and putting thought into being well groomed and pulled together is more impactful than spending a lot on clothing. As Gaylene mentioned, good undergarment and good grooming go a long way, and be sure to budget for them.&nbsp;<br />~thrifting takes time, and time is a luxury not all of us have. Even shopping in stores like Marshall’s/TJmax takes time, don’t feel guilty for not doing it. Know what you need and how much you can spend, and stick to that budget.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208215 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:53:47 +0000 Bijou 2208215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Plan your wardrobe so that the items that you have mix and match, with a focus on getting the basics right. Sticking to a cohesive colour palette really helps. Never buy clothes on credit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208214 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:52:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2208214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never tried period panties, but given the portion of income some people spend on tampons, etc, I think a handful of those would save money in the long run. Maybe start with one a month until you have enough to get through your entire period. From what I’ve seen, these are not bulky and can be worn as regular underpants the rest of the month.</p> <p>If it makes you smile and is appropriate for your needs (&amp; is wash n wear), it is much more practical than something that makes you feel “ugh” when you put it on. Being poor doesn’t have to mean khaki chinos and a boxy neutral T-shirt (unless you like those). </p> <p>Get things you won’t need to accessorize, whether that means they are patterned, have trim or interesting necklines, or whatever. A scarf or necklace easily costs as much as a shirt, and just one of those accessories doesn’t add variety to your outfits. Several shirts or one topper makes a lot more sense than several scarves/necklaces. </p> <p>Buy to hold—emphasize quality and get the gentler version of any trends (ie baby boot cuts rather than flares, slim fit rather than skinnies).</p> <p>I agree with Cat2 &amp; Nuancedream that new things are available affordably, especially during sales. Get to know your local Kohls, Rack, Saks off Fifth or whatever, or order online if the shelter offers a computer time and a mailing address. In my experience, these were much better stocked than TJMax and Marshall’s, where inventory was so scattershot it was hard to put anything together, because the next size up/down probably wasn’t there. Also, know what’s a bargain &amp; what isn’t. “My” Rack store in Tampa had a lot of stuff up front that was not low-priced for what it was. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208203 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 07:41:25 +0000 Gaylene 2208203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything Rachylou said.&nbsp;<div>Plus follow Angie’s advice: Get a good haircut, buy well-fitting undergarments and decent shoes, and polish your grooming. And always shop with a plan and your budget in mind. A few well-chosen and well-fitting outfits will take you further than an armload of random pieces.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208192 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:38:43 +0000 nuancedream 2208192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have a budget and stick to it.<br />Buy out of season, clearance racks (but don't buy just because it's on sale)<br />Buy inexpensive basics like t-shirts from discount stores.&nbsp;<br />If you have sewing skills, mend your clothes to extend the wear.<br />Swap with friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208191 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:17:56 +0000 rachylou 2208191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also: wash on cold and hang dry. You’ll save quarters and your clothing… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208189 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 03:47:59 +0000 cat2 2208189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have contrarian advice if you are in a business attire or business casual environment that expects suiting or professional separates. Buy new pieces at Macy’s or Dress Barn. It’s too hard to find suiting that has not been altered, and everyone wears out things like basic white shirts. Pick a single base color to start with so everything goes together and you can wear the same two pairs of shoes in rotation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/stretching-your-clothing-budget#post-2208179 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 02:45:49 +0000 rachylou 2208179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say first, consider the job you are going after. I am, for example, a baker. I would not spend my limited dollars on a suit of any kind, no pumps, no blouses. If I were going to be a waitress, I’d get black bottoms and a white shirt for the interview and then see what the uniform calls for before spending any more… I had a neighbor who got a job at Walgreens and it required her to wear I think it was khakis and a blue top. She’d already spent all this money on work clothes - office-y type clothes - and it was a real stretch to spend more before her first paycheck, you know? </p>