Spend_Or_Save
Spend_Or_Save
Spend or Save? A Guide to Buying Wardrobe Essentials
Written on the 1st of June 2009 by Rachel Quilty
With end of financial year sales upon us, now is the time to be creating a shopping list of wardrobe essentials. Discover what’s worth stretching your budget for, and what can you get away with buying on the cheap?
T-Shirt
Save or Spend? Save.
Save on tees because “you wear them close to your skin, so you wash them more, and they don’t have that long of a shelf life. Go for a good fit first and then for a medium weight fabric.
Jeans
Save or Spend? Spend.
Splurge on one or two good pairs. Premium denim has an attractive dark wash and the right amount of stretch and should fit better than a cheaper pair. Consider hemming one pair for flat shoes and another for heels, so the length always looks just right. Make sure you purchase a style that suits your body shape. Also look at keeping two pairs, one for good occasions and the other for everyday casual.
Hosiery
Save or Spend? Save.
You’re usually better off buying multiple pairs of cheaper tights than one or two pairs of expensive ones. If you can afford it, expensive hosiery does fit great, feel great, and usually holds up well. But if you’re looking for a place to save, skip the deluxe version and buy a few cheap pairs for the same price.
Bra
Save or Spend? Spend.
Bras are a good investment item because they can affect your overall look.. Focus on the fit. A great bra can make a 3-5kg difference in your appearance. The bigger your bust, the more important the fit is. Buy a new bra at least annually.
Support Underwear
Save or Spend? Spend.
Invest in good quality, comfortable undergarments which will last for years. Good fit is extremely important. Always try on with the dress or item you are likely to wear with the support wear.
Gym Clothes
Save or Spend? Spend.
The pieces will most likely last for years to come. Invest in something functional and comfortable. Be sure that the outfit feels flattering. When you look good in your workout clothes, you’re more inclined to work out. But don’t overdo it: A great pair of pants and a couple of tops will do the trick.
Trendy Items
Save or Spend? Save.
With all the discount retailers out there, you can avoid overspending on fashions that will be gone after one season. But remember: Some trends, like nautical-inspired clothing and tunics, will come around again and again, so go ahead and splurge on an item you feel has staying power.
Black Pants
Save or Spend? Spend.
A high-quality pair of black pants can last for years. Investing in a good pair is smart, as the wear and tear on them is typically greater than on most wardrobe items. Spend more on at least one pair of well-tailored tropical-wool black pants. Better fit and craftsmanship and higher-quality materials cost a bit more, but you’ll save in the long run.
Jacket
Save or Spend? Spend.
A very good jacket can do a lot for your overall look. You could wear just a T-shirt and jeans, but an expensive, fabulous jacket upgrades your outfit. Look for a jacket to fit the widest part of your body.
Dress
Save or Spend? Spend.
A go-to dress works as a default outfit for any occasion, so you want one or two top-quality ones that will last for years. A dark dress, in black or some deep shade of brown or a jewel tone, is something to spend a bit more on. Choose a knee-length style that won’t risk looking outdated next year. An exception to the splurge rule? Casual sundresses, which rarely last more than a few seasons.
Black Suit
Save or Spend? Spend.
A black or charcoal suit, should be a staple of any woman’s wardrobe. You can reach for it for interviews, cocktail parties, dinners, and important meetings. A high-quality suit will last through many seasons and won’t be ruined by multiple wears or trips to the dry cleaner. Look for a superior fabric and cut. A classic style, in tropical wool with both a skirt and a matching pair of pants, will prove most versatile.
Work Shoes
Save or Spend? Spend.
Buy one pair of really good shoes per season. Work shoes suffer wear and tear, and a good-quality pair will withstand daily use. Again, with shoes, higher prices mean higher-quality elements, like soft leathers that breathe, extra cushioning, and top craftsmanship. Choose comfortable heel heights and classic styles. And protect your investment from the start by taking the shoes to a repair shop to have them weatherproofed and the soles reinforced with rubber.
Evening Shoes
Save or Spend? Save.
Only worn occasionally and likely to be damaged the first time you wear them, buy a pair that you don’t mind wearing only a few times. And if a splash of wine ruins your satin-covered pumps, it won’t break your heart to throw them out.
Evening Dress
Save or Spend? Save.
Head for the sales rack! Don’t pay full price. How much wear will you really get out of it? Evening events last a few hours and don’t occur very often. Attractive options abound at national chain stores, where prices won’t leave you wondering how you’ll pay for shoes to match.
Evening Bag
Save or Spend? Save.
Like an evening dress, this bag won’t be used very often. So even if it’s a cheaper version, choose classic black or a metallic color, which will work with different outfits. Or if you spend a little more, keep it classic. Go to a thrift store and buy a vintage bag for the evening or look for one at a discount retailer.
Winter Coat
Save or Spend? Spend.
A good coat is an essential topper for all your wardrobe choices. It must fit well, and the fabric must be of a caliber that will withstand heavy wear and won’t wrinkle. A coat that fits well if you are able to cross your arms in front of you and reach up comfortably.
Sales are a perfect time to splurge on good quality and more expensive essentials you might not ordinarily buy. It?s a great time to buy items you?d love to have and everyday items. If you wear stockings why would you buy them on sale.
Copyright 2008 Jump the Q. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without the prior written permission of Jump the Q.
