Career

Dress like a million without spending a fortune

Building a wardrobe takes work and yes, it can be expensive. It doesn't necessarily have to be, though. Consider shopping at a consignment store and build your wardrobe with versatility in mind. Go for classic styles rather than fads. A gray or black pin-stripe and a navy pant suit is likely to be fashionable long after fuchsia and orange floral prints and palazzo pants go out of style. Build your wardrobe around the notion of mixing and matching pieces. Believe it or not, you can build a complete wardrobe on just ten pieces! Here's how.

Start with three basic pieces: an attractive jacket or blazer, a pair of slacks, and a skirt in black, khaki, or navy. These colors can be worn throughout the year and generally go well with most other colors. If possible, try to purchase these pieces as part of an ensemble, ensuring the same fabric and color.

Add an attractive top. A full-sleeved blouse in either white or ivory, depending on your skin tone, will coordinate well with the three pieces above. Regardless of the season or how you may feel on any given day, you will look stylish and well dressed in this outfit.

You need more than just one blouse! Now that you have the basics, consider adding a dickey, a knit sweater or tee, or a turtleneck to your pieces. Again, these can be a solid color, a neutral (camel looks wonderful with navy and khaki while rust, mustard and gray go well with black), or something with a stripe or print that picks up the navy, black, khaki or brown of your basic pieces. Consider again combining textures and patterns—don't be afraid to find a fancier top, something with a little sparkle or sheen. If you like, try velvet or a lace top with a camisole.

Add texture and/or pattern. Expand this wardrobe by adding a blazer or a pair of slacks with a pin stripe. If you're brave, consider a leather skirt. Consider a denim or a bolero jacket or a very long vest or overcoat. Just be sure the pieces you choose complement each other. The combination of textures and patterns will add visual interest.

As you can see, you can build several looks with only a few pieces. A smart career wardrobe doesn't have to cost a fortune!