When applying for a job, there are two things that count as far as appearance is concerned. One is how the person you are seeing thinks you look. That's important, but it probably isn't what's most important. What I think is most important is how you think you look! That's one of the things that does the most good (or harm) to your confidence...and confidence is essential at interviews. Confidence comes a lot easier when you know you look good.

The problem is that when you are between jobs is often when your budget for looking good is at its worst...and the longer you've been unemployed, the worse that problem is likely to be.

But you already know this...

What you may not know is that it's very possible to look great for around $40 (even if all you have right now is T-shirts and jeans), total, almost anywhere you live...if you know where and how to shop.

So that's what this guide to dressing for success for $40 or less is all about. What you will find here is a plan and all the information you will need to look terrific--cheap--and the plan works pretty much no matter what sizes you wear or where you live--whether it's a big city or a small town.

How well does it work? So well that I haven't bothered to buy any of my clothes any other way for over 6 years--and I dress very well. I'm picky and my wardrobe is now huge...and I have everything from very up-to-date and dressy suits to casual shorts and t-shirts. And I never spend more than $200 a year for clothes, ever. (For those of you who care, here--off the top of my head--are some brands I currently have in my closet: London Fog, Burberry's, Hilfiger, Lauren/Polo, Florsheim, Halston, Selfridges...you gotta pay the big bucks to get the good stuff...heh heh.

What should I pay? Plan on spending at most (for stuff in like new condition...I'm very picky and you should be, too) around...

$10-$15 for an excellent quality suit

$5 for leather shoes with like-new heels and stitched leather soles

$3-$5 for dress or casual shirts (plain collar or button-down)

$5-$7 for dress or casual slacks

$2-$4 for pure silk ties (they crease less)

$5-$10 for a top-quality dress raincoat/trenchcoat

$5 for a good sports coat or casual jacket

$5 for a sweater (pretty much any sweater you'd want)

If you click on the links just above, you'll get to a page that details what to look for and what to avoid when buying these particular items used.

Don't have $40? Who said you need everything at once?

Interested? Want to know how to do this? Go to The Basics. You'll find out where to shop, how to pick great quality stuff, what to avoid--and most important, how to plan what you buy so that you get the most bang for your buck.

Who won't this work for?

Well, if you're applying for a job at AntHrAx & BOtULiSM's *Got No Future* Music & Anarchy Tattoo Emporium...just keep the spiked, shaved and purple hair and the eyebrow and nose rings and best of luck to you. You probably wouldn't want the jobs the style guidance on these pages will help you get. No insult intended, at all...you have a perfect right to look any way you want--and folks have a perfect right to hire you or not because of it, and the folks at AnTHraX and cO. will probably love you just the way you are :-). Oh...but you will likely be able find some perfect clothes in exactly the shape you want, too, if you shop where I suggest.

Do you have to wear a suit when applying for any job?

No. Of course not :-). Hint #1: all you have to do for the interview is dress one step up from what the folks where you want to work are wearing. That way you're ready to go to work now, but you're showing that you appreciate the opportunity. Read on...

back to top of page or the $40 or Less main page.

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Copyright where applicable -- August 24/1998 -- Datadigr