Buying Clothes for Work

I work in an office and I really try to buy nice clothes.  I like pieces that I can mix and match or may even serve as clothes for work that can be used for casual times to meet with friends.  I am not into searching, searching and searching for clothes as I do tend to get bored after awhile.  Weird, I know!! I like to find and wear clothes that I can utilize for years to come.  I want to buy clothes that will last and can look just as good today and then look good three or five years from now.  Also, I am a bit larger and have to shop in the "Women's" section.  Sometimes clothes from this section is not what my thirty-something self wants to really wear - maybe twenty years from now though!! What do I do? Here are a few things I do utilize while buying clothes:

1. Sales:  Try to hit up sales as much as possible.  However, that does not mean you have to buy something just because it is on sale.  Make sure you will wear it, wear it often and will last.
2. Quality:  I do not buy clothes that often which means that the clothes I do have must last.  Nothing that looks cheap and wears out after a few months.  Also, nothing that by this time next year will be so out of style that I cannot wear it again.
3. Size:  I buy things in my correct size and fit.  This may mean that the size I am in one store may be slightly different in the next store.  I try not to buy clothes that are too big or too small for me.  I really try not to think that if I am trying to eat and get fit that buying a piece of clothing the next size down will help motivate me.  I just do not work that way.  It will end up going to the thrift store unworn and the tags still on it.
4. Return to Stores I Like:  If I happen to find things in stores that I like, I am more likely to return there for more pieces to wear.  Sounds like a no brainer but I am a creature of habit.  Their prices might be higher but I know I like their clothing and I know how their sizing works for me.

These are just a few ideas that I try to look at when purchasing clothes.  I have gotten some really nice clothes as gifts as well.  Sometimes if you let friends or family members know you like stores, they may keep an eye out for you for new items in the stores or for sales.  Even having someone to go with you to give you an honest opinion is good too.  I have bought clothes that I liked in the store and a few days later, wondered what in the world made me buy it.

So, this is just a start on my work clothes series but I wanted to get a start on some basic information to get started on how I think about buying work clothes.  Do you have any tips or hints for your work clothes? Do you have a favorite store? Let me know!!

Jenn