There are some great tips here for anyone who needs to look presentable without having lots of money to spend (e.g. new librarians). :)

Here are some quick and simple upgrades from an undergraduate to a graduate work wardrobe:

1. Cleanliness is key:  No more “off the floor, out the door.”
2. If you sleep in it or wear it to the gym, it doesn’t go to work. No sweats, baggy tees, yoga pants, amorphous tank tops, hoodies, etc.
3. Pay attention to fit: Cheaper clothes can look great if you find the right fit. Even expensive clothes look ridiculous if they are too tight or baggy.
4. No visible bra straps/visible underwear/obvious cleavage/micro-miniskirts: This really should go without saying. Some would argue not baring your shoulders in a very conservative environment. Look at the culture around you for guidance. For skirts, two-three inches above the knee is as high as you need to go.
5. Get some good shoes: Flats, pumps, boots, etc, as long as they are in good condition and walkable. Try to leave the gym shoes in the gym bag.
6. Don’t be afraid of second hand when on a budget:  Graduate stipends can be notoriously tight, so try curated second hand stores such as the Buffalo Exchange which often have great clothes at high discounts.
7. Discount stores can be great: This is similar to the second hand advice. Stores such as Nordstrom Rack often have the same clothes as the primary store at a good discount. This is a  great way to get more high-quality items with good construction that will last and won’t break your budget.
8. The blazer is your friend: A good blazer thrown over a tee and jeans instantly upgrades a look. Try to find one that fits you well in a neutral color like black, navy or khaki; it will last forever.
9. Upgrade your bag: Don’t be afraid to ditch your old backpack in favor of a functional messenger bag or multifunctional laptop case. Bonus points for natural materials like canvas or leather.
10. Have a few “go-to” accessories: Having one or two good accessories such as a nice watch, earrings, or belt can tie together a very basic outfit that would be otherwise unremarkable

Of course, the norms for your situation may require more/less effort.