You've just been asked to interview for your dream job!

You've researched the company and have prepared excellent questions to ask during the interview. The only problem is you have a limited budget and NEED to find an outfit that will make a good impression!

Flaticon Icon

You can dress for success and land your dream job even when you're low on funds!

A dog wears a wig and twinkling boa has tongue slightly out while overlaid glitter text reads

First Decide What You Need

What type of clothing will you need to wear? Is the company formal or business casual?

Flaticon Icon

Formal

  • Suit with skirt or pants

  • Dress shoes

  • Tie

  • Dress shirt

    Flaticon Icon Business Casual

  • Khakis or dress pants

  • Blazer

  • Professional dress or skirt

  • Dress shirt

  • Closed-toe shoes

Borrow Clothing

  • Ask friends or family members if you can borrow something to wear! Maybe they have a professional outfit they wore for their last interview. 

  • Rent professional clothing. Some websites allow you to rent designer clothing for a fraction of the cost to buy! Illustrated female wearing a sweater and black suit with overlaid text that reads

Shop Discount Stores or Second Hand Shops

Check discount stores for last season’s fashions or for clothing with minor imperfections. Remember, suits and dress clothing are timeless and do not follow trends.

Flaticon Icon

Second-hand or consignment shops are a great option and often have a good selection of professional attire. Some people even donate clothing that has never been worn!

  • Check out shops in the fancy part of town

  • Online shops like eBay and Poshmark also have second-hand clothes!

Woman brushes hair out of face in front of clothing rack with overlaid text that reads

Sales are Your Friend

Flaticon Icon

Affordable suits, dresses, skirts, blazers, ties, dress shirts, and professional shoes can be purchased at a discount. 

  • Visit your favorite stores to check out what is on sale or clearance

  • See if there any discount codes or coupons before you buy!

Mannequins in a store window display with discount circles around them reading 30%, 50%, and 20%. Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Less is More

No need to buy fancy necklaces or watches! A clean and tidy appearance is the most important step to ensuring that your affordable attire makes a great impression.

As you finalize your outfit:

  • Keep accessories to a minimun

  • Clean or polish your shoes

  • Make sure your clothing is pressed

Man with glasses wearing a vest, tie, and dress shirt points at you with overlaid text that reads

Mel's Interview

Mel has an interview at a law office. She knows many of the employees are conservative in their fashion choices and wear suits or professional dresses. She wants to make a great impression but has a limited budget.

Flaticon Icon

Quiz

Which option makes the most sense for Mel?

Take Action

Now that you know how to dress for success for less, get ready to land your dream job!

Woman speaks to friend with overlaid text that reads

License:

Your feedback matters to us.

This Byte helped me better understand the topic.

Get support to take action on this Byte