Where to Shop for Professional Attire

Professional attire is a must right from high school itself. From attending interviews, to shadowing with healthcare teams, following a workplace dress code, and meeting all your business casual/professional needs, having a set of clothes in your closet for when this need arises is always a great idea. In addition to keeping an eye out for great casual finds, I also now find myself looking for deals on professional wear every time I go shopping. While these pieces used to be the most expensive parts of my closet, knowing when and where to look can really help keep the cost low while finding styles at a steal. Below are some of my favorite stores to find quality pieces to add to your growing professional wardrobe.

1. Zara

Zara can be a bit pricey but they have great end-of-the season sales throughout the year on all their blouses and pants. Find cropped work pants from $20 to pair with colorful blouses and neutral sweaters for around the same price. I also love the range of styles they have for dresses starting at $9.99 and blazers you can find around $30 during these sales.

2. Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor has great pieces for all your suiting needs. They have so many great professional tank top styles perfect for work during the warm summer months. I also love their scarves which are great for dressing up solid color tops and dresses. Ann Taylor also has outlet stores for even better deals on their regular price and sale items.

3. Loft

At Loft, you can find items similar to Ann Taylor with a bit more casual flair at better prices. They also have outlet stores where you can find items like statement jewelry pieces, accessories, pants, tops, and more at really great prices.

4. Express

If only I could have their Portofino shirts in every color - my closet would be complete! Lots of chiffon blouses, jewelry, scarves, dresses, and pants that go on sale every now and then. Also, you can get a 15% discount here by showing your student ID on certain purchases.

5. Banana Republic

Lots of great suit styles, coats, and tops. Look out for their sales when you can sometimes find these pieces for around $20-$30.

6. H&M

One of my favorite places to shop for casual flats I don't have to feel bad about throwing out once I've used them for a while. If you didn't know already, H&M gives out scratch-off cards to the first 100 shoppers in line every Black Friday. Definitely worth the wait because a few years ago, we won a $100 gift card for the night and walked away with so many suiting essentials. You never know!

7. Forever 21

Forever 21's quality has changed over the years but I still occasionally find pretty good blouses and chiffon tanks to wear under a cardigan for work here.

8. TJ Maxx/Marshall's/Ross

So glad I have all three of these stores near me because I probably stop in here a few times every month for designer and casual pieces at unbeatable prices! From professional totes and handbags to dresses, pants, tops, shoes, and everything else, I highly recommend checking here first before considering the more high-end department stores for your needs. I even found the dress I wore to my White Coat Ceremony here for under half the price after the event, making this my first stop every time I'm looking for something specific. I'm also a HUGE fan of Calvin Klein dresses since they have such a figure-flattering fit. You can find them and other great quality dresses here for anywhere from $25 and up!

9. JCPenney

They have a whole section for work wear at great prices. I especially love the Worthington Collection pants that you can find at great prices during sales and Black Friday with lots of different cuts and styles.