It’s just a catchy title, not a lifestyle recommendation.
Once upon a time, I was a mom who wore suits to work everyday. I have mentioned once before where I would be looking for suits now (Target), if I were shopping for new.
Now, I want to tell you that The New Women’s Dress for Success
“The jacket has become the hallmark of the American businesswoman…”
In addition to recommending a “jacket outfit” as an alternative to a suit, it contains fascinating chapters on different style types and the psychology of color.
How does this relate to Frugal Mom? Well, certainly a “jacket outfit” affords more flexibility for economy than strictly dressing in suits does. When thrifting or clearance-shopping, make the jacket section your first stop; the dollar amount to be saved here is most significant. I personally own a half-dozen or so jackets, none of which cost me more than $15. Beware of looking dated, however, when shopping thrift. Best to take along an honest friend whose taste runs to the contemporary.
One final thought: if you are a frugal working mom, you may be interested in the Mom Makes Calculator at Crown Financial Ministries. I quit when I got tired of eating beans and potatoes, while my day-care provider bought a new house and a new car.
Coming soon: authority hacks for hot weather.
I totally agree that you need to avoid looking dated, however-dressing in thrift purchases is a great way to pick up some unusal accent pieces very inexpensively. I have a lot of great things (a beige open work crochet sweater comes to mind) that are too “trendy” for me to have bought at full price, but well worth it as a wardrobe addition for $3.
Also, I tend to buy solids in basic colors when paying full price. If I had to fill out a work wardrobe I would be buying most of my fun and patterned tops thrift too.
Great comments, Jenn. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Recently I’ve had a hard time finding clothes at thrift shops. This last pregnancy (with bed-rest) was hard on my body, and my size is bigger now than it’s ever been. Either I just don’t know how to find tops that fit or there aren’t very many in “plus” size (which I realize I am now).
All this to say that hunting for jackets is a good idea. Jackets, skirts, and “accent” pieces, as Jenn was saying, sounds like a fun search.
bonnie
Bonnie, one thing I have noticed recently is that some of my favorite thrift stores are starting to offer a special section for larger sizes. That’s got to be helpful!
Here’s a possibly helpful suggestion: take a tape measure and measure across the front of a top that fits you well (measure like from armpit to armpit). Then get one of those little tape measures you can throw in your purse or diaper bag, usually you can find them for $1. When you’re out shopping, you can seriously know at the flick of the tape whether something is worth trying on or not.
I agree about the jackets, too. They are normally so expensive and I find alot of good stuff (even in larger sizes) at thrift stores. That said, your brown jacket was really a good deal!
You *know* I’m all about the blazers! 🙂
Yep! Why we agree on so much. 🙂