Amazon Must-Haves: Work Dresses Under $50

Whether you have a big presentation (I was presenting here at AIM), have an owner’s meeting or just want to feel like a million bucks at your community, what you wear can make a big impact on how you feel.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m dressed well, I just have a little extra pep in my step. On my podcast, Marketing Home, Marketing You, I often talk about how marketing isn’t just about marketing your community. There is also the “marketing you” component that is equally important. Whether you love the job you currently are in or are looking to make a change in the future, your dress and grooming can be one of the building blocks of your personal brand. I firmly believe that when we take the time to dress professionally for our work, it tells others that not only do we care about our job, but we have a sense of pride in ourselves.

The outfit I pick for the day can really set the stage for my mood. If I’m in something that is uncomfortable or unflattering, all day long I’m regretting my decision. So taking a little time the night before to pick out what I’m going to wear saves me a lot of time (and tears of frustration) in the morning and almost always ensures that I’ll be ready for the day!

just because I love to dress nice for work, doesn’t mean I like to break the bank doing it.

Blame it on my frugal parents (thanks, mom and dad…really!), but dishing out hundreds of dollars on an outfit just isn’t in this girl’s DNA. If that’s your cup of tea, I don’t fault you. I spend way too much money on plants, but that’s for another day.

I often get DM’s on Instagram from property managers, leasing agents or marketing directors asking where I got a certain outfit. I’ve been promising for a while to put a few of my favorite frugal finds together in a blog post. So today I’m sharing a few of my favorite budget-friendly dresses. I love dresses because they’re a complete outfit- just add your favorite accessories and a great pair of shoes. I’ve included my favorite Amazon finds-affiliate links.*


The Coral Dress

I recently was privileged to speak at the AIM Conference on all things apartment branding. I wanted to feel confident and comfortable. This dress was a win-win AND I got a ton of compliments on it.

Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.
— Giorgio Armani
Professional Work Outfits Budget

The Bold Bowknot

You’ve heard of liquid courage? Well this dress is wearable courage. If you have a big meeting or a presentation you are going to give, slip this dress on for an added dose of confidence!

This dress works so well because of the combination of the high neckline paired with the 3/4 sleeve. The dress has stretch and pockets!

Insider Tip: Size up if you don’t want it to fit too snug! There is nice stretch in this dress.

Bonus: Gold jewelry or detail on your shoes will make this color POP!

The first thing others see is YOU—not your resume, background, or credentials. A picture is truly worth a thousand words and how you dress is the “picture” you provide for all the world to see.
— Susan C. Young,
 
Professional Work Outfits Property Managers

The Purple Ruched

Ladies, let’s give a round of applause for all things ruched. It is universally flattering and the neckline adds another level of interest.

This dress is fitted so go up a size or two depending on how you like your fit.

Insider tip: I show this dress in two colors. The darker color is more forgiving!

Property Manager Professional Outfits

The Polka Dot Classic

This dress is perfect for summer because the material is light and flowy. The buttons have nice little details when you see them up close.

Added bonus: It has pockets and who doesn’t LOVE a dress with pockets?

Insider Tip: This fits true to size. Buy the size you’d normally wear.

*See it in another color below.



Simplicity speaks with splendor.
— Lailah Gifty Akita
Professional Work Outfits Budget Friendly

The Pink Peplum

The peplum dress made its heyday in the 40s, but I feel like it’s a classic that never goes out of style. The baby pink with the white piping is simple yet stylish and doesn’t need too many accessories because of the added details. It has great stretch too!

Pro Tip: Wear a slip or Spanx with this one and thank me later!



Business Professional Women's Wear

Take Me To The 60’s

This cap sleeve, baby blue is swoone-worthy. There are so many sweet details in this simple dress. The neckline, the bow, and the belt make this a real classic that doesn’t need much more than your smile for an accessory.

I promise you…you will get compliments!

Insider Tip: The material is fitted so size accordingly.

Dressing well is not about fashion or vanity. It’s about self-expression, self-acceptance, self-love, and teaching others how to treat you.
— Michele Gustafson
Professional Work Outfits Amazon Links

The 50’s Sheeth

This mock neck sheeth is so understated yet makes this dress. It has stretch and a belt...what else can I say? I love it!

I ordered this dress in several colors, but ultimately this matched my favorite nails the best!

Insider Tip: The darker color is flatYerring and the material has a nice stretch.

Professional Work Outfits Apartment Managers

The Red Polka Dot

Can you tell I love this dress? I have it in multiple colors because it’s such an easy dress to throw on and feel great in without a lot of effort.

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.
— Coco Chanel