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How to Look Like a Million Bucks on a Meager Salary

By on July 12, 2024
shopping on a budget

By Vicky Oliver

These days, inflation has made everything pricey. Unfortunately, clothing is no exception. It can be hard when you’re starting out in your career to project the image that will encourage your bosses and colleagues to feel confident in you. You’re on a shoestring budget. How are you supposed to look the part?

Regardless of how little you earn, you can project an air of confidence without betraying your frugal finances. A few upgrades to your image will make a statement that you’re capable of choosing assignments and meeting with important clients. 

With some creativity, you can look like you’re an up-and-comer without maxing out your credit card. Start by considering every detail of your image, from the tote you carry to your phone case. The right clothes, accouterments, and — let’s face it — attitude project confidence and competence.

Employ these tips to look like a million bucks and make a winning impression in your new role:

1. Buy one or two signature pieces. Allow yourself just a few distinguishing “statement pieces” — a pair of fashionable eyeglasses, a handsome handbag, or a standout pair of shoes. Make sure you can mix and match them with the other items in your closet. Be sure to opt only for quality craftsmanship so that the pieces will hold up for a full season or more.

Pro tip: You can get fashion-forward eyeglasses online now for a great price. And sometimes you can find great accessories in vintage stores.

2. Nod to neutrals. One year, red is red hot. The next year, pastels were prevalent. But over time, a smart investment is to build your work wardrobe around a neutral palette. Mix some light solids, such as taupe, light gray, or white, with some dark solids, like black, brown, or navy. Neutrals offer ultimate versatility and will stay stylish for years to come. 

3. Share wardrobes and accessories. Do you have a friend whose taste you admire? Agree in advance to pick out two scarves you both adore, then trade them midseason. If you wear similar sizes, surf each other’s closets to double your choices. This will help you from overexposing your slim selection. Even better, let a third friend in on the arrangement. In this way, you only need to purchase one-third as many clothes items.

4. Find your best color. Is there a color that, whenever you wear it, always draws a compliment? This is your most flattering color. The richest color is the one that makes you stand out. Once you uncover the color that suits you best, selectively build your wardrobe around it. Wearing your confidence color gives you a sprightly spring in your step. Take note: others will notice.

5. Be aware of body language. When a person has a limp handshake or slumped posture, it can imply a lack of confidence and timidity. Be sure to look others in the eye when you speak to add punch to your point. Whatever you do, don’t look at the floor or over the person’s shoulder. You’ll lose all credibility. Take note that people associate height with power so eke out every millimeter of your height with an upright posture.

6. Become a groupie of group discounts. It’s always the season to shop with the flock — and be richly rewarded for your efforts. Be proactive. If you find an item online, before you hit “purchase” look to see if the store has any discount codes you can apply. Or, shop guilt-free by signing up for Gilt.com. Also, just to give a few examples, check out these websites: Boohoo, Temu, and Thredup. 

7. Fill out customer surveys. Today, survival in the inflationary economy means prices are going up. But companies must listen to their customers. If a favorite retailer asks for your opinion through a customer survey, take a moment to fill it out. You could be richly rewarded with generous discounts. Use the survey to nurture your relationship with the store, showering it with praise. Even if you believe some aspect of your shopping experience could have been more fulfilling, take care to phrase all suggestions cordially. Let them know your feedback is in the spirit of helping them improve. You’ll quickly wiggle onto that store’s A-list.

 A few well-thought-out refinements to your personal image will help you impress your boss and your colleagues — even when your finances are running on fumes.

*******

confidence on a budget

Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-bestselling author of five books, including Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One) (Skyhorse, 2015), and 301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions (Skyhorse, 2010). She is a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 901 appearances in broadcast, print and online outlets. Vicky Oliver is the Nonfiction Editor at LIT Magazine, the Journal of the New School Masters in Fine Arts Creative Writing, and teaches essay writing at the New York Writers Workshop. For more information, visit vickyoliver.com.

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