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This question just came in from a reader in Southern California:
Can you suggest sources of quality dresses to wear on job interviews? Most stores don�t seem to carry business dresses anymore. The key factor wanted is QUALITY with conservative designs. Would like to pay no more than $100 for an interview dress, if possible. Pantsuits are not the best choice for my field and age group, but skirted suits are ok. Any ideas? I am a mature job applicant who does not look appropriate in wild, trendy styles.
My immediate answer was thrift stores, which always have business clothes. I’ve seen current and classic name brand suits at my local thrift store for $19.99. These suits HAD to be over $200 new. Most thrift stores even have a sale day so you can get an even better price. If you are uncertain that you can get quality merchandise at a thrift store, watch this video on� Goodwill Bootcamp.
The best way to find thrift stores in your area is The Thrift Shopper National Thrift Store Directory. If� you are looking for designer labels, check out the stores in the more upscale towns.
Another good way to get business clothes is to find or run a business attire swap. There are lots more swaps happening.� Search the internet for “clothing swap” + “your town,” such as “Long beach clothing swaps.”
You are sure to come up with something. If you don’t find a swap, then run your own. It can be as simple as contacting girlfriends who wear the same size, having them clean out their closets, and come over to your house. Or you can create something much bigger like Bargain Babe’s Frugal Festival.
If you are not working and are looking for a job, that is definitely NOT the time to go retail shopping for a new outfit.� If none of the above options work for you, maybe your friends will open up their closets for you to borrow some perfect outfits. We all have clothes that we don’t wear that we would gladly share with our friends.
So, what do you think? How have you put together killer outfits on a meager budget? Any ideas I haven’t thought of?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Ross has some amazing deals on Calvin Klein suits often, Lohmanns can be good too (but a little more pricey). Also, shoot for the sample sales at the CMC in Downtown LA. Awesome deals!
In my community there is a consignment store that specializes in women’s business apparel. Perhaps there is something like that locally.
I know this sounds crazy but look out for saies at Macy’s. I bought my last pants suit (I know that isn’t what you are looking for) at a special suit sale at Macy’s. Between digging on the sales rack and their discounts I got a great suit for less than $90 including taxes which I wear all the time. All the deals come when you use the Macy’s credit card.
I haven’t bought suits for a while but I used to get all of mine from the KASPAR ASL outlet stores. They were a good fit for my body type (broad shoulders), had good style and colors and wore well.
Auto club members and various other groups can get special discounts at the outlet malls by visiting the mall office.
Also try Freecycle! Just search and join the Freecycle group for your area and then you just send out an e-mail describing exactly what you want. YOu’d be surprised at what you can find, and what people are willing to give away. At least in my area, there are lots of yard sales where things don’t sell and the owners just want to get rid of the stuff because it’s a lot of trouble to take things to Goodwill around here. The folks at Goodwill aren’t really friendly, and the thrift store never has anything worth buying. This time of year you may not see many yard sales so I think Freecycle would be a good bet.
I work at a job where I have to wear jackets/suits every day. I just have to share the most wonderful find ever! Was in Idaho for my nephews wedding..had a few minutes …popped into a thrift store..found a 2 piece Ralph Lauren suit..grey dress with a matching jacket…perfect fit for me..size 10! It was 7.99 for both pieces…the best part was the gal checking me out said..oh this is half price this week! Couldn’t believe it! 3.99 for both pieces! So, yes, I believe you can find great deals at thrift stores!
@Lori Thanks for sharing this fabulous thrift store find. Every trip into a resale store is an adventure. I’ve found some of my greatest deals in out of the way little towns. No matter were you are, you can always check out the Thrift Store Finder to find a local store.