There is an old business expression, banks only give money to those who do not appear to need it. Put another way success attracts success.
As a recession deepens clothes wear out while funds are stretched to the breaking point.
A few thoughts on:
A Wardrobe That Works
Change shopping from a sport or therapy to a carefully planned business skill.
A bargain is not a bargain if you do not need it.
Make a list of what you need for this season; write it on a “credit card” sized piece of paper and put it in your wallet. When tempted take out the “credit card” and tell yourself that if you give in to a bargain something vital will have to be left out.
Remain Neutral
Purchase all large items in neutral tones as they are less memorable. Change the look with touches of the current fashion in the least expensive items. Boring you say? You are working on a business image not a public staement of your inner diva.
Shop at charity shops in expensive areas. You will be amazed at what you will find for little money. Search out “Redesign” stores where the still well off take their clothes after a few wearings.
Buy the best quality you can. Fine fabrics stand up to repeated wearings. A fine suit will speak on your behalf when you are tongue tied.
Keep your shoes in good repair.
As an alternative shop in teen and young adult stores (where your colleagues would never dream of shopping). You can find very well styled suits for much less. An old modelling trick is to buy an inexpensive outfit, remove the cheap buttons and replace them with beautiful buttons either newly bought or cut from an old suit.
With a Little Help From Your Friends
If you are interviewed for a choice position these days you may be facing a number of interviews with the same people. What to wear? Look for a friend, your size, with a good wardrobe. Try on outfits in advance and put your friend on standby.
Bargain Grooming
Makeup is sold in a wide range of prices. A high price tag does not necessarily mean you are getting the best. A lower price tag may give you a very good product. Shop beyond your habits.
A good hair cut is worth the money. It will last longer retaining its shape as it grows out. Consider a cut from a local haircutting school if price is the big factor at the moment.
Attitude
Your attitude as reflected in your posture and words pulls the image together. Positive but not arrogant. People’s tolerence for Bull Droppings goes way down in tough times. You are direct,empathetic and very reliable.
Please gentleman never say “I have a lot of irons in the fire”. That is known to mean nothing is happening. The only variation that I enjoyed was a new client who told me “I have a lot of balls in the air and 2 of them are mine”. Desperation with honesty and gusto!
30 Seconds
It is said that interviewers form an opinion of you in 30 seconds. All they know in that time is what they see.
Create a wardrobe that works for you.