As a fellow 25 year old office-goer, I have found a great number of affordable outfits at Target-Mossimo's dress pants fit me perfectly and you can't beat them for 22.99! They also have a nice selection of dresses, which are my favorite when the weather warms up- then you only have to pick out one item and shoes. Hit up the sale racks to get even better deals- they have a good amount of everything from button down shirts to more casual sweaters/tops depending on what your office dress code is. If money isn't a concern or if you want to invest in a wardrobe, JCrew suits if you find them on sale, which is at least 2x a year, I think are great. They're actually fitted for a woman's body and even though they're pretty basic and classic, they don't make you look twice your age. Keep your eyes peeled for their sales at JCrew if it's your style, they have great sweaters, dresses, pants and top! I got a black suit from there for $300, which included dress pants, a jacket, and a pencil skit, all of which I wear seperately as well as a set. Hope this helps!

Also check out the Look Book, a Fab feature. Many working professionals in there to play with some ideas.

Hello! I am so glad to come across ladies who contemplate fashion for the workplace! A look that I love is a high-waisted skirt with a button down shirt. I am fond of it because paired with some high heels and dark lipstick you can transition easily from office appropriate to a night out, which is important for us busy girls. I tend to draw inspiration from the (legitimate) working girl 40's and 50's glam look. I agree with rcc328 that during nice weather dresses are the way to go. In addition to Target, check out stores like Marshall's, Daffy's, Century 21 (if you're in NYC and feel like fighting people over clothes) and TJ Maxx. You really do have to hunt at discount stores like those but it is often worth it. Zara has some great pieces that are versatile and I've found a dress or two there that I can't live without. If you are willing to spend a bit more, I agree that JCrew is great. Also, check out Brooks Bros. for their non-iron button downs (they can be a bit stationary but a good staple nonetheless and they don't wrinkle!).

Hope this helps,

TS

I'm a 26-year old office goer too! I have the same concern and I usually resort to Zara and H&M for that matter. A few days ago, I wrote a blog post about professional clothes for our age group that are also suitable when going out after work, I hope you find some inspiration here: http://newfoundlust.blogspot.com/2008/05/work-and-play.html

Old Navy's work line is very versatile too and at such good prices you can replace your wardrobe easily without spending a fortune (I love to shop for clothes, but when it comes to office attire, I don't like to spend that much).

Hope this helps!
Steph.

A blog reader just asked a similar question about office attire so I decided to dedicate an entry on it, hope my answer is helpful

http://newfoundlust.blogspot.com/2008/06/dear-new-found-lust-i-got-new-j...

I just found this fabulous new blazer to spice up your workwear!