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1. Enlist the help of a bodysuit blouse that'll keep your top perfectly tucked in all darn day. I'm pretty sure the Best Employee award goes to the most neatly dressed? Is that how it works?
2. Choose a stylish pair of comfortable ballerina flats to not only commute in, but stay in all day if you despise heels. Faux suede + cute elastic straps = zero stilettos.
3. Pick up some easy money-saving hacks when it comes to upgrading the very work wardrobe you already have. My favorite? Using a fabric defuzzer to make all your clothes look totally new and lint-free — super old sweater included.
4. Stay tuned for when your favorite stores have collaborations with higher-end labels, like H&M's current line with Richard Allen. That way you can add sophisticated, upscale-looking pieces to your work wardrobe for a whole lot less than if you were to shop from the designer.
5. Carry your laptop fashionably without ~shouldering~ the burden of a hefty credit card bill by choosing a faux leather tote. Repeat after me: backpacks do not follow me after graduation.
6. Throw on some red liquid lipstick as the quickest way to refine your usual blouse and trousers combo (or literally anything your wear). This may be the oldest trick in the book for looking more sophisticated, but you know what? It WORKS.
7. Get the most use out of a classic LBD by styling it different ways. Not only will you save moolah, but you can totally re-wear the same dress twice a week without anyone being the wiser.
8. Shake up your look, even if your office is pretty conservative with an interestingly-collared blouse. It'll add just the right amount of a playful touch without breaking any guidelines.
9. Avoid annoying panty lines (because commando feels like a disaster waiting to happen on presentation day) with seamless underwear. It's a super-cheap solution to wondering if it's "just the lighting" or that this really is happening. Great.
10. Shop for suits and other work essentials from affordable stores that consider that their specialty, because not only do they have style guides, but they also offer suit sets at incredible low prices. Eloquii and Express both offer inspo, tips, and inexpensive options galore for your 9-to-5 wardrobe.
11. Keep track of the constant ways you can discover deals online before shopping for new professional clothes. Chances are you really don't have to pay full price — especially when shopping from discount stores like J.Crew Factory or Nordstrom Rack.
12. Create a pattern of striking options that are still appropriate with a graphic dress. They're a lot more interesting than boring basics, but won't go against any rule books.
13. Maintain a *crisp* appearance without ironing or paying expensive dry cleaning bills by using some Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray. It's fast, easy, and will get you to work on time even if you "forgot" your blouse was in the bottom of your hamper.
14. Add some flair to your usual work pants with a chic peplum top. Stylish, cheap, AND worthy of Meghan Markle, Suits era? Take. My. Money.
15. Stick with high-waisted black jeans if your workplace is too casual for dress pants. Their sleek silhouette subtly helps you look put-together, even if a trip to Brooks Brothers isn't exactly on your itinerary.
16. Keep a style emergency kit on hand for any awkward wardrobe malfunctions that may arise. Fashion tape WILL become your best friend at some point in life when it helps you avoid flashing the whole office.
17. Discover the magic of a classic wrap dress. It makes just about everyone feel amazing, and basically transforms you into the epitome of sophistication, no matter how low the price tag is.
18. Keep some styling tricks up your *sleeve* with a faux leather watch that says "yes, I'm def a professional who is the fanciest in this office." No one has to know this baby is under $20.
19. Lay down a good base with an actually supportive bra that's both comfortable and form-fitting. Finding a bra that truly fits can make a world of difference for how the rest of your outfit looks. And what's more distracting than digging underwire?!
20. Dress for success (sorry) by going for a midi number that hits right below your knees. Even the least expensive pieces look Mad Men–worthy when at this length, thanks to its sophisticated appeal.
21. Mimic the feeling of loose sweats on your ~lazy days~ with a pair of flowy wide-leg pants. You'll still appear dressed up and ~office-apropos~, but now you're super comfy. Sadly, we can't watch Netflix at our desks.
22. Restore old boots, loafers, heels, you name it with some leather honey conditioner. It'll undo any possible damage on your leather or suede shoes, so your outfits can go back to looking totally put-together. Spending less than $20 on this > having to invest in more work shoes.
23. Identify pesky stains and remedy them with the proper antidote. Let's be realistic, the next time you get foundation on your blouse, you are not taking it to the dry cleaner anytime soon. Instead, alleviate the spot with a Shout spray stain-remover. A few spritzes = still perfect for the office.
24. Opt for sleek basics, like a black jumpsuit, if your office is more casual. You'll still blend with the low-key environment, but its minimal chic design will keep you looking polished.
25. Let the Stylebook app do all the outfit planning and styling for you so you can actually get to wok on time AND look fashionable. Just upload pics of your clothing and accessories, and voilà you'll have your own closet assistant to lay out your Monday-to-Friday game plan.
26. Twist your blouse so that it's tied in the front for a whole new approach to wearing the same exact tops you always throw on. It'll give your ensembles some *unexpected flair* without a single swipe of your credit card — no promotion necessary (though...wanted).
27. ~Employ~ the "third piece rule" by layering on an extra element like a colorblock cardigan or sleeveless trench coat to quickly update boring office basics without breaking the bank.
28. Rely on a classic black blazer as a cheap way to consistently upgrade all your outfits. It's timeless and versatile enough to re-wear often without anyone noticing.
29. Style the same basic crop top in as many ways as, well, you own bottoms. You can elevate it with a full midi skirt or just pair it with good ol' jeans on Casual Friday.
30. Divide and conquer your morning with labeled clothing dividers. Your cubicle may not be the most organized, but now you can actually find *that dress* a lot faster!
31. Throw on a pair of faux leather pumps so you can dress up every outfit you own (denim included) and keep all your favorite looks on heavy rotation. With these, they'll look newly très chic.
32. Mix and match patterns to bring pieces you've had for years to a whole new light (even if that light is fluorescent). Even pairing a boldly striped skirt with a juxtaposing top can make your office-wear feel fun.
33. Raise your arms as freely as you'd like a raise — so, often — when using some underarm sweat pads. No more, "I guess I'll just give this entire presentation looking like a toy soldier" situations.
34. Play with color, even if you're surrounded by conservative dressers by pairing your usual button down with a bold skirt. The rest of your outfit will *tone* it down, but you'll still benefit from its cheerful touch.
35. Battle the office A.C. without ruining your outfit (the WORST) with a loose cotton cardigan. It goes with everything and most importantly keeps you warm when Greg from accounting turns the thermostat to -20°.
36. Fool your boss into thinking you spent more time getting ready than you did by throwing your hair into a unique bun. It's an easy (and cheap!) way to set yourself apart without even worrying about your outfit.
37. Stock up on opaque black tights that you'll probably use, oh, 1,000 times this fall and winter. By buying them in packs, you save money and are never run short on your biggest staple.
Now go on being your amazing, professional selves!!!!
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