Affordable Work Wardrobe Basics Under $150

Building up a work wardrobe can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re only just entering the professional workforce. I know at 22, I was still in the throes of figuring out my personal style, which can often feel a little at odds with dressing for the office. If you’ve got a slightly relaxed dress code, I think you can easily inject a bit of personality with colour and print (in small doses), otherwise in a conservative office, I’d suggest using specific tailoring and accessories to add a touch of your own personal style to your outfit.

Wearing Madewell shirt (also here), Sarah van Oosterom belt, Zara trousers (old but similar here), ATP Atelier sandals, Cuyana leather tote bag, Amber Sceats earrings (old but affordable option here), YCL jewels necklace

Today I wanted to talk a little about finding the right workwear staples that look the part but don’t break the bank. I’ve gone to seven of my favourite high street retailers, and picked out the cream of the crop when it comes to work wardrobe basics, and each of these pieces comes in at under $150. I hit the shops last week to have a browse and

ASOS

One of the first places I ever shopped online was ASOS, and it was more for their fun take on tailoring than their trend-led designs. Among the classic work wardrobe silhouettes, you’ll also find fun prints and interesting design details, plus most pieces will set you back less than $80.

H&M

I don’t tend to go to H&M that often, but every time I do, I usually stumble across something good. I love their take on workwear as it’s sophisticated and classic, but you can always count on there being a jazzy print to mix things up a little.

& Other Stories

We can’t actually shop from & Other Stories here in Australia, but it doesn’t stop me from browsing their “new in” section from time to time. I love the masculine aesthetic imbued in their tailored pieces, and their knitwear is always on another level (if not on the higher end of the price spectrum).

The Iconic

The Iconic has been a bit of a one-stop-shop for me, particularly if I’m trying to hunt down a particular item in a hurry. While I’m usually shopping with relaxed closet staples in mind, they’ve also got some incredible affordable work wardrobe basics too.

Uniqlo

One of my favourite high street finds is a pair of ankle-length trousers from Uniqlo. Not only were they affordable, but they looks much more expensive than they actually were, plus they’re easy to care for. I’ve found across the board, that I’ve been able to rely on Uniqlo for affordable work wardrobe staples that are both basic and unique. The best part is that most styles – particularly the classics – tend to come in an array of colours, so you’re pretty spoiled for choice.

COS

The final place I wanted to highlight for affordable workwear basics is COS. It’s where I like to go to for crisp tailoring and slightly avant garde silhouettes. Most items tend to be made in a semi-structured cotton poplin which is perfect for warmer climates, and I love the soft texture of their knitted pieces.