Looking good on a budget as a female software developer

Looking good on a budget as a female software developer

You don't need to be wealthy to look good and presentable. Try these tips to command attention with your appearance without breaking the bank.

Developing reasonable expectations

Shopping on a budget is about the long haul. you have to be willing to hold out for the quality and good pieces that are worthwhile additions to your wardrobe. That can be tough when you're tired of your current options and looking to upgrade your style. But you need to understand what you can and can't have on a budget if you're going to stay within costs.

Don't buy clothing you're never going to wear

Don't let the sale lure you into purchasing something just because it's at a deep discount. It may not be expensive as full price but it's a waste of money nonetheless. Buying pieces that you're not going to wear is just not a wise decision. If you apply this trick, you will save money by finding places in your budget that can cut costs so that you can purchase the quality items that your wardrobe needs. You should also buy pieces that are interchangeable. Begin with a nice dress, a bag and a pair of classic shoes. These classic pieces can be the foundation of your wardrobe and other pieces can be built around them.

If your workplace requires business casual, then obviously you would want to have more of them in your wardrobe like a cute dress and heels to match.

Stop paying full price of clothes

Shopping for a sale takes time; so, have some patience. Sign up for the email distribution list by visiting the website of stores and brands and submitting your email in their subscribe section. Also, sign up for reward programmes because many stores have programmes that give discounts to members of the programme. Another great idea is having a relationship with the sales persons or stylists. When you go for shopping, tell the sales person what you are looking for and exchange information. That way, they can hold pieces that you're looking for and contact you when it's available in your price range.

Purchase the basic wardrobe requirements

You will save yourself the stress of wondering what to where when you have the right clothes I your wardrobe. You could start your outfit off with a clean slate a cool piece you can wear all year long,

  • A black dress with no explanation needed
  • A dark wash skinny jeans that can be your bread and butter for every season and every shape
  • A classic pair of black pumps to wear for your happy hour, or weekend date night with jeans
  • A button-up shirt to look casual and polished, a very good match to wear with jeans.
  • Simple flats that gives you the right look for anything from board meeting to a grocery run.
  • A wrap dress you can pair with pumps for a dressy occasion or to dress down with fashion sneakers
  • A jean jacket to be worn season after season, for example: a classic medium wash is the most versatile option.
  • A knit sweater works with everything - from a pair of broke-in boyfriends jeans for the weekend to a pleated, feminine skirt for a night out. If you find one you like getting one in every color is a good option.

As you add to your wardrobe over the years, don't be afraid to dabble in new trends that you fall in love with! Wardrobe staples like these will play the supporting role to those star-studded pieces that you sprinkle in each season.

Online shopping

Shopping online is usually praised for it's convenience, and it can also save you some money if you are smart about it. Most websites these days have online only deals and prices, usually as short, limited-time offers designed to get you to spend money now as opposed to later.