Shopping...ugh.

Try some second hand stores - you can usually pick up some pretty reasonable work clothes without spending a fortune.

Don't freak. Unless you are going to work in a super stuffy uber professional environment like investment banking or something where image is very important (marketing, real estate, etc) it's unlikely that you are going to have to drop big money on a work wardrobe.

You can "make it" on a couple pair of nice pants (one black, one other color), a skirt and/or dress or two, 2 pairs of flats or loafers or boots that are in good condition, and 5-10 decent work appropriate tops. Seriously. I used to work with a woman in her late 20s who had just finished college and bought a house, and was on a crazy tight budget. She wore the same 4-5 outfits every week. And she looked good, and professional. Yes...a few people in the office made comments "Gosh Erin's wearing that green top again?" But she rocked those 4-5 outfits and when seasons changed she had a different 4-5 outfits. Not a big deal. They were clean and appropriate!

I used to have about 20 times the work wardrobe I do right now (due to weight loss and having to constantly buy new things in a smaller size). BUT - I still feel like I have plenty of clothes. Think 'capsule wardrobe'. Even check out some fashion blogs or Polyvore for ideas on mixing and matching things you already have or can find cheap in thrift stores. A nice work appropriate look is NOT that difficult to cultivate, I promise.

Another thought: I have been working (on and off) in office jobs since 1998 and things have changed a LOT. Everyone seems to be more casual now. Even the older generation is not as likely to don suits and pantyhose. It's a different world, and it is generally pretty easy to scope out the people in your office and dress accordingly (or even nicer) even with thrift store and clearance rack duds.

Go for it. If you have an interview and realize the job wouldn't be a great fit, don't take the job if offered. But you don't sound happy with where you are, so as I see it you should really check out other options!

I "second" the second hand shops. You could walk out with three bags or more of NICE clothes for $40-$60.

Heck, I just bought a nice pair of Calvin Klein jeans for $5.99 (regular retail $70).

Congratulations on getting the job!

I started a new job just before Christmas, with a much smarter dress code than my previous job - and had to go shopping.....I bought a couple of dresses which were perfect/slightly tight (knowing I was dieting), but then Christmas hit! Do they fit me now? No chance! The jacket I bought just (just) does up but I'm slowly feeling it get looser, and for the time being I bought two cheap black skirts, which I'm alternating with an old dress and two or three smart tops. These are blouse style, so are supposed to look slightly loose (which should buy me some time if I continue to lose weight!)

After the frustration of all this, my advice is buy a skirt or some trousers that fit now, nobody is going to notice if you wear the same thing twice a week as long as it it's clean and smart....and slowly build up a wardrobe (hopefully getting smaller!)

I don't know where you're based, but in the UK Marks and Spencer's/next/primark all have surprisingly good cheap ranges that are all machine washable! I've been known to wear one skirt every day and just wash it (but not tumble dry it!) every other evening!

Good luck with your shopping and with your new job!

Second hand stores like GoodWill, are your best friends! the clothes are cheap and you can find a lot of nice things. When I was first losing weight I bought everything there, and I didn't get bummed that I had to spend so much money. Also, wear clothes that suit your body type. For me, I'm a pear and I love high waisted skirts and long sleeved tops. Or boot cut jeans. Just flatter your body (=