Working World

When it comes to work clothes, even people who don’t like to spend a lot of money on them know that what you wear on the job makes an important statement about a person’s professionalism and potential. In casual work environments, it’s not as critical. But in others, it’s an investment that must be made if we are to be taken seriously by our boss, colleagues and clients.

If you’ve had to cut back on your clothing budget, take advantage of some alternative shopping options. You can still look great without having to sell a kidney.

The Fashion District

I used to work with a woman who I knew did not make a lot of money, but she always showed up at the office looking like a fashion plate. One day she confessed that at least once a month she went shopping in the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. This district (also known as the Garment District) is a 90-square-block area north of the 10 Freeway and east of Main Street where thousands of clothing and accessory wholesalers, retailers and designers are concentrated. Many wholesalers there will sell to the public on Saturday, and that is generally the best day to go. If you happen to be a size 4 or 6, some of the designer showrooms hold “sample sales” one day a month where you can pick up little sizes at large discounts. Fuel up on a big breakfast at the Pantry and make a day of it.

If you plan to purchase quite a few items all at once — an entire seasonal wardrobe, a well-deserved post-promotion wardrobe upgrade, or a combination of career clothes back-to-school clothes for the kids — a short trip might be worthwhile. Camarillo, Cabazon and Carlsbad are home to three major outlet malls that have a collection of higher-end retailer and manufacturer outlet stores, giving you the convenience of one-stop shopping for bargains on really nice merchandise. All three of these are owned by Chelsea Premium Outlets and each features between 90 and 130 stores, chock-full of quality apparel and accessories at very nice discounts.

While there are a broad range of brands that include old mainstays such as Banana Republic and Petite Sophisticate, there are also designer options, including Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Hugo Boss, Jones New York, Gucci, Coach and dozens more, depending on the location. It’s worth the drive if you can save on volume. And as long as you’re there, pick up some deals on linens and housewares, too.

The media reports that one type of store is actually enjoying increased sales right now: resale shops. A different breed than thrift stores, resale shops stock gently used, pre-owned clothing and accessories, often the better brands and/or brand new manufacturer overstocks and designer samples. Even the pre-owned merchandise is usually in very good to excellent condition, with the brands generally running the gamut from mid-quality to high-end designer duds we worker bees couldn’t possibly afford at full price.

Suzanne Ridgway is a freelance writer and regular columnist/contributor Working World and Working Nurse magazines. Suzanne also writes grant proposals for nonprofit organizations.