5 Ways to Snag Budget-Friendly Business Clothes

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Because law school is the academic equivalent to Thunderdome, my fiance recently interviewed for summer internships.

Summer 2012 internships.

Those interviews spurred a foraging expedition through our closet for the perfect interview outfit. She found what she needed, but we agreed that it was probably time to beef up our business collections. The rub is a familiar one — buying business clothes can get expensive in a flash.

The challenges can multiply for under-employed or unemployed folks hoping to jump into the job market. Dress wear suitable for the office is often expensive, with a new suit or a couple of blazers costing a few hundred dollars. However, you don't have to rack up a bunch of debt to look the part. Here's a look at ways to track down budget-friendly business clothes.

The Internet

Dozens of online stores and clearinghouses offer inexpensive business clothes. Overstock and even Amazon offer affordable suits, business shirts, dresses, and skirts for generally 30% off. Dress shoes are often an expensive purchase, ranging in price from $40 to $100, but when you shop online for shoes on sites such as Amazon and Zappos, you can find stylish dress shoes at much more affordable prices. Shoes in particular are often worth the investment. (See also: The Case for Expensive Shoes)

Consignment and Thrift Shops

Consignment and thrift stores often have a great selection of quality items for only a couple of dollars. Thrift stores will almost always be cheaper than consignment stores, and you can expect to find great name-brand sports coats, dresses, and even suits.  Most of these items are only worn once or twice before being donated, so you don't have to worry about additional wear and tear. Clothing at a consignment store is usually a little more expensive than what you would find at thrift store, but the quality is generally higher. You can always buy a little big and find a tailor you trust.

Hand-Me-Downs

Look for opportunities to pick up older, unused, or unwanted clothing from friends and relatives. Most people only wear their fine suits or sports coats a couple of times, and if your friends and family are willing to give their older pieces to you, save a few bucks by taking them. Just make sure that the clothes you are given aren't badly worn and actually fit well. 

Store Closings

Due to the tough economy, many stores are closing around the country. If you notice that a local mall is going under or a department store is trumpeting its final days, be sure to swing by these places. You can often find name brand clothing for up to 60 to 75% off and even name-brand accessories to top off your outfits such as purses, shoes, belts, watches, and jewelry. 

Discount Department Stores

You don't have to go to high-end department stores to purchase quality business attire. There are several stores — including JCPenney, Kohl's, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls — that offer name brand clothing at discounted prices. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls almost always offer low prices, and JCPenney and Kohl's frequently have sales where business clothing can be purchased for 50 to 60% off. 

Don't ruin the joy of your first paycheck by having to hand it to your credit card company. Shop smart for your business clothes by avoiding high-end department stores. Look for quality clothing that will last, and also for pieces that don't need to be frequently dry cleaned.