Comments on: The Importance Of Your Wardrobe

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:41:44 +0000

When I graduated from college in the late 70′s I had $60 to my name and 4 years worth of worn out college clothes. I couldn’t afford to go clothes shopping as I had to get a job and get out on my own (I didn’t have a family that was willing to put up a college graduate until a good job came along). I knew as I went on job interviews that I was at a deficit. I ended up getting a job at Arby’s. I didn’t really have appropriate clothes for work until I became a nurse and had to wear uniforms. It is only now that I don’t work that I have been working on sewing myself an adequate wardrobe for all occasions and was very pleased a few weeks ago when I realized I finally had several outfits for all seasons for church, weddings, funerals, etc. As much as some kids don’t think it is important, those tatoos, piercings and ratty clothes aren’t going to do a thing to improve their career path. I wish so much that I had been able to have the money to get decent job interview clothes when I was younger. I even set up a fund for both my boys so that when they came of age they would have money for a new suit, apartment deposit, etc. They didn’t use it for that but it was a big help to them and they appreciated getting it.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:56:01 +0000

During the years that I went to college (too long ago to mention) there was a book out called “dress for success.” After graduating, I got into the real estate business and wore a suit every day. I don’t know that it helped because at the time I was perceived as being too young to be in the business.

On one appointment with some very laid back land owners, that wanted to sell their land, I felt very overdressed compared to them sitting across from me in their flannel shirts.

I don’t get all dressed up like that any more but I am in a profession that doesn’t require that.

When I do buy clothes, they have to be on sale. I simply will not pay full retail for clothes.

By: Cassie

Cassie — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:07:03 +0000

I agree! I work in a very conservative, 100 year old family owned small town bank. We dress up every day. I am a firm believer in looking professional!

My best secret is shopping second hand or consignment stores. I have picked up designer label clothes for next to nothing. Over the years I have been able to add many classic pieces to my wardrobe for very little money.

By: Nichole@40daysof

Nichole@40daysof — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:06:14 +0000

I completely agree. As my husband advanced in his career, he became aware that even though he dressed appropriately, the quality and cut of his clothing was a little lacking. There is a great book called “Dressing the Man” by Alan Flusser that is worth reading and also “The Suit” by Nicholas Antongiavanni. That last one is also funny. I think the reading is necessary to understand different cuts, etc… and to figure out what looks best on your body.

Good places for men to shop:
locally owned mens shops, Brooks Brothers, Neiman’s Outlet, Sierra Trading Post.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:09:39 +0000

I am going to forward this to my boyfriend….he still wears shirts from high school….and he’s 32. At some point, things just fade, and I’m all for being thrifty, but when it comes to looking professional, anything over 10 years old is probably out.

By: rob62521

rob62521 — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:28:25 +0000

I would have to agree. My husband had problems for years finding clothes that fit him — he was slender and if he found a waist to fit, the pants were often too short. Fortunately we have found different stores to shop or catalogs to order from and he has become quite the clothes horse!

I know as I get older I often look at how people are dressed when they wait on me. If it’s a store I think people shouldn’t be wearing jeans or shorts — I think pants are necessary. Especially with the people who have tattoos on their legs — I don’t really want to see them. Their body art is their choice, but it’s my shopping that is paying the bills so they can afford that body art!

Having gone through a time when I didn’t have a big wardrobe because I simply couldn’t afford it, to now, I think when I dress more professionally, it also helps my self esteem.