How Can a 1099 Mom Save on a Professional Wardrobe?

One of the perks of being a 1099 mom is that you wear what you like. People often joke about working from home in pajamas, but that's not usually the case, though sweat pants and jeans might be a daily wardrobe staple. However, you'll likely need professional clothes to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Here's how you can snag a few nice professional wardrobe pieces without breaking your budget:

1. Shop consignment stores. Consignment stores often have very nice suits and dresses, many with designer labels, at a significant discount. This isn't your cheapest option, but if you don't have much time to shop, you'll likely find what you need at a consignment store.

2. Shop garage sales and Craigslist. More and more women are working outside the home and need a professional wardrobe. If the woman having the sale is into fashion or loves buying clothes, you may find the pieces you need for just a few dollars. Scan the garage sale ads in your local newspaper and Craigslist every Friday looking for ads that specifically mention women's professional clothes as well as the size. You'll be able to target garage sales where you may be most successful.

I bought several dress pants, shirts, and skirts for less than $15 this past summer, and now I have everything I need for those occasions when I need to dress up.

3. Shop eBay. If you're looking for a wide range of selection, nothing beats eBay. The tricky part is that you can't try on the clothes first. The best bet is to go shopping at the mall and find the brand and fit that you like. Then, rather than buying at the store, look on eBay for that brand and size. You'll have a much better chance of finding an item that will fit you. However, remember to include the shipping cost in your final price; sometimes shipping can make a good deal become just an average buy.

You don't need to spend a fortune as a 1099 mom for pieces you'll only wear a few times a year. Try these strategies, and you'll save a significant amount of money while looking professional.

What are your favorite strategies for buying professional clothes on a budget?

Melissa, a mom to three little ones (ages 7, 3 and 1) blogs at Mom's Plans where she writes about living a fulfilling life on less and focuses on cutting expenses, budgeting, paying down debt, saving money and once a month cooking.