Oct 21, 2024

Thrifting to Conquer Your Professional Work Attire

A female medical professional in scrubs discusses work with her male coworker who is dressed in business professional attire at a health clinic.

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of shopping for work clothes? You are not alone. No matter what your work environment is, dressing appropriately can create a good impression, keep you healthy and safe, and help you work effectively and productively.  

DI has you covered for your work wardrobe. From business professional attire and medical scrubs to construction clothing and safety gear, thrifting is one of the best ways to find work clothes that will be best for you.

Why Shop at DI for Work Wardrobe? 

When starting a new job, you may discover that your work attire needs to be updated or upgraded. Business professional attire can be expensive. Medical scrubs can get worn or stained. Construction clothing can get dirty and worn. Safety gear might no longer be safe after too much use. However, it is necessary to make the right impression in your workplace. 

When looking for affordable options, thrifting is the best solution. With so many choices and an ever-changing sales floor, DI can be the solution for you to tackle your work wardrobe.

What Types of Work Attire Can You Find? 

Business Attire 

Business attire depends on the dress code. Most business workplaces have a dress code that falls into one of these categories: 

  • Business casual: An outfit that is largely professional business attire but includes a casual item to the outfit, such as a pair of sneakers or a nice hoodie. 

  • Business professional: An outfit consisting of professional attire, such as skirts, heels, suits, and blazers. 

Men and women from business profession model formal business attire and business casual attire.

Although workplace dress codes might feel restricting at times, you can still have fun with business work settings. One great thing about DI is that you can find staple pieces like shirts, jackets, skirts, and shoes that are unique and different. 

Vocational, Technical, and Hands-on Work Attire 

When it comes to hands-on careers, finding the right work attire can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, or another technical field, having the right gear is essential. Luckily, DI can often be a one-stop shop for a wide variety of vocational and technical attire. While availability depends on donations, you might find items such as: 

  • Construction wear 

  • Work boots 

  • Safety glasses 

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) 

  • Non-slip shoes 

  • Scrubs 

  • Lab coats 

A bit of patience while exploring the racks can lead to great finds, and with a few trips, you’ll start identifying and purchasing the items you need for your field.

Shopping Tips and Considerations 

If you are starting a new job or realize that you need to upgrade or update your closet, DI is a great way to build your work wardrobe on a budget. It’s also a great way to support people in your community who are looking to grow their job skills in DI’s job training program. Consider the following tips: 

Tip #1: Build a capsule wardrobe 

A capsule wardrobe features a small collection of quality items that can easily be mixed and matched to make many outfits. The items in a capsule wardrobe tend to be made of neutral colors that can go well together. 

Tip #2: Don’t spend extra for quantity and quality 

For jobs that require you to have several shirts and pants—such as those where your daily outfit gets dirty—shopping at DI can be a life saver. Through DI, you can purchase quality items at a low cost, ensuring that you build an excellent wardrobe on a budget. 

Tip #3: Plan for what you need 

When preparing to shop for work clothes, plan for what you need. Decide what your priorities are. Then, when you go shopping, you will have a plan in place for the items that you need, and it will be easier to keep to the budget you have set. 

Conclusion 

No matter your field of work, remember that DI has the clothing you need to feel comfortable and confident at your job. Better yet, your purchases at DI support a job training program, meaning that you are not only making a difference in your own career—you are also helping others achieve their professional goals. Visit your local Deseret Industries to build or update your work wardrobe today.