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I’m a 30 year old female who is in the sales field. I need to look professional, but not to the point of wearing suits. (I am not a huge fan of the dress or skirt either.) I have a limited budget (about $500 for the year) and I have NO fashion sense. Any advice would help! Thank you.
 You can build a great work wardrobe (within your budget) over time. Below are some tips for getting started:
1) First make a list of the “perfect work wardrobe.”
2) Then go through your closet and see what items you have on your list that fit and are in good condition.
3) Make a list of what you need the most.
4) Then add the pieces you need when you can afford them (staying within your budget). Look at sales and /or consignment shops to find things that are reasonably priced.
Spend the most of your budget on good fitting shoes, a leather handbag and jacket. Once you get your perfect wardrobe together add more of the same basics and go for better quality items that last. Stick with one basic color like black and then everything you purchase should go with that color.
Sample Work Clothing (Black as basic color)
3 or 4 pairs pants (2 black, 1 black stripe and 1 gray pants)
3 shirts that you can wear with the above.
For example:
1 basic white shirt, add another white shirt when your budget allows.
1 red & white stripe, check or print, and
1 black and white stripe.
3 cotton knit shirts (1 white, and two colored)
A black cardigan sweater.
1 jacket that looks good with your slacks (red, black & white, or black, etc.)
2 or 3 pairs of black leather shoes. (1 pair of flats, 1 pair of pumps) If you wear heels everyday get 2 pairs of pumps.
1 black leather handbag (simple - not with a lot of hardware).
1 trench coat with a zip out lining.
2 or 3 scarfs.
Pearl necklace and pearl stud earrings.
If you look at successful women like Sarah Palin, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton they always wear a jacket even with jeans. It gives you a more finished and put together look.
Wear scarfs around your neck with your basic white blouse.
Your first impression counts so make it a good one. You’ll be more successful at sales if you look your best.
Our company Xmas party is in January and I plan on wearing a black dress that is sleeveless with sequins around the neck. I bought it at Express and they had it on display with black tights so I bought the tights too. My question is what kind of shoes should I wear? I am about 5"8 and not sure about wearing heels or what color. Thank you VERY MUCH for your help!
 
Black shoes would be your best choice. Dressy black flats (patent leather, suede, etc.) or low heeled black (black peep toe or pump style) shoes would work with your black dress. A colored or metallic shoe will just call attention to your feet.
Since your dress has trim around the neck wear some statement earrings and call attention to your face area.
Can I wear jeans to an interview for a casual job position?
  A better choice would be a pair of pants or skirt made from a seasonal fabric with an open colored shirt and casual jacket or cardigan sweater for a casual job interview. If you think you are over dressed with a jacket you can always remove it. Jean style khakis or corduroy pants (not denims) would probably be alright with an open colored shirt and a casual jacket.
I am wearing a black skirt suit to a formal presentation later this week. I want to wear burgundy pumps with it. The suit is formal style, a fitted jacket with white collar and cuffs, and a below the knee skirt . What color hosiery should I wear?
 Hanes has a stocking called “Barely Black.” It is a sheer black/gray color that would look great. Take a look at the color and see if you can find a similar color in the brand you like best. Nude or skin color would be my next choice.
I have lots of older pencil style skirts in basic colors that I'd like to wear. (They finally fit again!) I expect to wear tights with them and would probably wear them most often in a classroom teaching setting. What would be the proper length in relation to my knee?
 The pencil skirt is the most flattering style skirt for women. Since you plan to wear them with tights in the classroom I would not go shorter than 2"- 3" above the knee. If you want to wear them with nude hosiery and/or tights go for mid knee length.
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