Dedicating today's #ootd post to a reader who emailed me yesterday saying she's been spending quite a sum in order to furnish her wardrobe with work clothes.
Corporate wear doesn't need to be expensive! Let Budget Babe show you how lololol.
Bangkok
Once every 2 years, I'll revamp my wardrobe with new work pieces that I stock up while in Bangkok. If you know how to search, they do have some good gems that are super versatile and of good quality that can be reworn over and over again.
I think I spent about $200 the last time (I'm due for a trip soon yay!) and got enough pieces to rotate for at least 12 different types of outfits.
Although prices have gone up recently I heard, they're still quite affordable if you have an eye for it!
Singapore
Let me just put it out there that while I love shopping in Bugis Street, the quality of their apparel leaves much to be desired. Neither are their clothes suitable for the office. Prices are also no longer as cheap as they were during my schooling days.
Taobao
Like many of you highlighted, Taobao is a great place to shop for corporate wear! Quality varies depending on the vendor you buy from, but generally still ok given the cheap prices you're paying.
One tip: buy one size bigger than your usual size. I'm a M, but my #taobao loots are usually L as M is too tight.
The cons:
😔 sizing may not always fit
😔 time consuming. You really need to do your homework before buying any piece
😔 you gotta wait for a long time for the goods to arrive
I got this pretty dress that works great for both office and my weekend tuitions too. For just $7++ from Taobao it was a steal! (sorry but I don't have the links anymore as this was from a year ago!)
TEMT
For the unfamiliar, TEMT is a physical retail store that I chanced upon last year. They've since expanded to quite a number of outlets, and the variety is astonishing.
Their prices are also VERY AFFORDABLE. I've been buying a number of outfits from them especially for work or smart casual situations.
Let me show you what I mean.
My loots from TEMT last week, for a grand total of $19.80!
Here's my choice pairing! This look will only set you back by $9.90 and it is so versatile that you could pair it with different tops and bottoms as well!
Here's the bargain rack of $4.95 work skirts! I have two of them in different colours already.
The longer skirts are going for $9.95.
Super loved this piece and snagged one home for myself! Feels very reminiscent of something I've seen in a Korean drama. What do you call this type of top? A turtleneck? Lol I'm obviously not fashion blogger material.
(update: mystery solved! It is called a boat neck! Thanks @untraceme !)
This comfy top is only $4.95?! But best to pair it with a cardigan or blazer in the office lest people think your outfit is indecent..
Say hello to my gorgeous Starbucks mermaid clutch!! The siren Starbucks card is seriously to die for with a beautiful gold finishing (can't really see from this photo).
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TEMT also has clothes for other occasions! Be it casual, a sweet look for your date night or even partying, here are some other value-for-money items I spotted:
This gorgeous flower top was only going for $9.95?!?
Beige skirt in a new design I haven't seen in TEMT until today. Also $4.95.
Gorgeous $4.95 white skirt perfect for the office.
Ahhh Dayre cropped this pretty top but anyway this isnt rely suitable for office but is perfect for the beach! For only $19.95 omg.
This $14.95 cropped top would be perfect if you pair it with a cardigan to take you from the office in the day to clubbing at night!
Zalora
Crowdsourced tip from @sheeprunaway lol
Camp for Zalora's promo codes to make your purchases more worth it, and buy enough each time so you get free shipping!
I chanced upon this amazing brand called Something Borrowed on Zalora previously, y'all can search for the review on my blog!
But the price point on Zalora is still highest compared to TEMT and Taobao.
While you're shopping on Zalora, you might wanna take a look at their house brands too as they're of pretty decent quality and affordable priced! (contributed by @shirleylhs)
TLDR :
I recall my days fresh out of uni when I was still a noob in my first job, with no idea what #adulting was. My boss recommended me do buy all sorts of stuff to make myself look more presentable and "work appropriate". Charles & Keith, Zara, MNG were some of the usual brands recommended.
But their prices were totally out of my budget for someone taking back less than $2000 every month with other responsibilities to pay for. So I found my own way around it.
It isn't true that work attire necessarily have to cost a lot. While I believe in investing in a few good pieces (my best buy till date is a $39.90 structured work dress that I've been wearing since 2011) which can last you for a long time, the reality is that our preferences in clothes will evolve over time.
So my trick is to always go for basics and versatile pieces that you can mix and match with to create different looks. With 4 tops and 4 bottoms, you can technically create 16 outfits!
Most importantly, keeping yourself well-groomed (this includes good skin, presentable makeup that doesn't make you look too washed out #dayrebeauty, being neat and tidy etc) together with a knack for sticking to clothes that flatter you will bring you far.
Don't forget your best accessory too! CONFIDENCE.
I hope this post is helpful to those of you who have been struggling to find corporate outfits but yet are worried about busting your budget! As you can see, work clothes don't necessarily have to be expensive.
You're only limited by your imagination 😉 have fun shopping!
