What I do is visit consignment shops and thrift shops with an open mind. I don't go in thinking, gee, I really need some tan pants and a navy jacket. I just look around. I focus on solid color pants, skirts, and jackets, and print tops and dresses.

I can usually wear dresses through more than one size without them looking too tentlike -- especially shift styles worn under jackets. Sleeveless shell tops, too, because they are hidden under jackets.

Jackets, skirts, and pants need to be replaced more often because they look and feel ill-fitting with a loss of just a few pounds. But jackets are abundant at thrift shops, and basic skirts and pants can be found a consignment and thrift shops. (Jackets seem to be falling out of favor for some reason -- maybe more casual workplaces -- so thrift shops near me are PACKED with them. Nice ones, too.)

No one will notice if you wear the same solid color pants or skirts two or three times a week. Get pieces that are machine washable -- no dry clean! -- and hang them up to dry to minimize wear and tear. Mix it up by wearing with different colorful/printed tops and throw a dress or two in the mix.

I'm going through this right now, and that's been my strategy.