Buying clothes for work is expensive. As is updating your wardrobe after graduation (goodbye torn sweatpants and club t-shirts). If you’re still a student or a recent grad, chances are your wardrobe doesn’t consist of enough nice, appropriate pieces to get you through weeks of work.

There are dozens of ways to discount shop for work clothes, but the easiest way to save money is by not spending it in the first place. When shopping for business casual clothes, you want to look for pieces you can also wear for fun. This way, you’ll get the most out of your wardrobe and not have to spend so much up front.

So, here are some essential pieces you can use for whatever event comes your way:

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Paper Bag Waist Pants

Products: Blouse – Express, Crop Top – Forever 21, Pants – Target

This style has exploded recently. You can find cute, affordable paper bag waist pants at virtually any retailer, in any color. Plain slacks can feel boring and stuffy, so this fresh waistline adds a stylish twist to work appropriate pants.

Paper bag waist pants are modern and trendy, making for a workplace piece that doesn’t feel too mature or dated. Paired with a blouse, jacket, and some nice shoes, paper bag waist pants are a way to have fun with business casual.

But given their high-waisted silhouette, they also look great with crop tops and t-shirts. They’re the new “nice pair of jeans” that will take you from work to drinks with friends without feeling out of place.

Tip: Getting ready for work is difficult enough without having to put together an outfit that’s fun, stylish and appropriate. Whether you set aside your clothes the night before or not, organize your closet by color and style to quickly find something that works.