As any good thing worth having, nice clothes require something of us. In this case, money. Sure, you have "bargain" basements, but remind yourself of why certain stores are cheap: they pay their workers poorly and give you poor quality synthetic fabrics that end up in a landfill after they fall apart on you. If you're looking for quality clothes created with integrity, you'll need to spend more money. There's a way, no matter your income. Trust me, you are worth it!
So here are some tips for managing your clothing budget!
1. Managing Needs vs. Wants:
There's no need to treat yourself like a slave and only buy what you desperately need. Clothing is fun, so have fun with it! At the same time, though, you don't want to pour tons of money into things that have no purpose in your wardrobe. Create a strategy, and each piece will become part of your workable wardrobe you enjoy. That way, your needs and wants will converge!
2. Strategies:
Start by considering that your clothing outfits your life, so it will need to work with the things that you do on a regular basis. Ask yourself:
a. Where do I go, and what is appropriate for these settings?
You have your home life, your work life, your fun life, and your romantic life. Do you live with parents, a roommate, a spouse and kids? Do you work in an art studio or a formal office? How about your free time? Are you vacationing in Aruba or picnicking in the park? And what about date nights? Do you guys mostly prefer dining at ritzy restaurants, or would you rather go hiking?
b. How do I want to look and feel?
Consider how you want to look and feel in your clothes. When you are at work, do you want to be no-frills and comfy? Do you like pieces that are soft and cozy, light and airy, starched and structured? And when you're running errands, do you need fabrics that are baby-friendly (e.g. can handle spit-up), or are you more interested in displaying flashy creativity?
c. What are my environmental needs?
Think about your geographical location and your lifestyle. Do you live in a rural place where you drive to get wherever you're going? Are you in the city where you walk and, therefore, need shoes that won't hurt your feet? If you live where it's mostly cold, you'll want to invest in durable winter clothing you don't need to replace often, even if it costs more. If you're in a warmer climate like Miami, on the other hand, you'll want to spring for natural, breathable fabric that keeps your skin cool and healthy (especially undies).
3. The Clothing:
Once you have decided what you're trying to accomplish through your clothing, sit down and make a list. Divide the sections into types of clothes you want. For instance, Casual, Work, Loungewear, etc. Separating your clothes into categories is also good for making sure they aren't overworked. If you wear that soft cotton shell to work and to bed, it's going to wear out much quicker than if you reserve it only for the office.
Take each category and list the tops, bottoms, etc. you currently own for each. Then decide how many you'd like to own. You can do this each season, throwing out the stuff that's beginning to go threadbare.
Now you know what to look for when you go shopping! You'll be less susceptible to impulse buying or grabbing veritable replicas of items you already own.
4. Items in Which to Invest:
No matter your budget, there are things on which you mustn't go cheap. Your well-being trumps your budget, so even if you have to save over time, be sure to invest in:
- A Good Coat: You don't need 10, but you do need at least one if you're in a cold climate. You know your geography best, so decide if it needs to be waterproof/snow proof, etc. But do be sure it's toasty warm and built for the lowest temperatures your town normally experiences. Layering is ok, but sweatshirt upon sweatshirt won't insulate you like a wool or down coat will. Try e-bay and other discounted sites. Trust me, your mother will thank me. :)
- Good Shoes: As a dancer, this is close to my heart. :) Shoes have a huge impact on your skeletal system long term. Your knees, back, hips, and all of that will be thrown off if you're wearing bad shoes. Trends are sometimes nice to look at, but many of them don't have your well-being in mind. Be sure to invest in pieces that are wide enough for your foot, and stable enough to handle whatever walking you do, especially if you take stairs.
- Good Gloves: Like the coat, be sure to have warm gloves. Extremities can be vulnerable in harsh weather, so you'll want something that really works. Go for lined leather or suede, or whatever you find most comfy.
- Bras: No matter your size, you'll want to find bras that fit comfortably and supportively. This will help take extra weight off your back, and your tops will look neater. I've found that, especially in the winter, I sometimes prefer shelf-bra tank tops as they streamline things a bit better, If you're smaller up top, you may appreciate this option.
4. The Money:
Everyone has different amounts they're comfortable spending on clothing, but I would encourage you to set aside an amount monthly. The fact is that you will need to replace your clothes regularly, because they aren't made to last. Beyond mere vanity, there are also hygienic reasons to get rid of old clothing (especially socks and undies).
If your budget is a bit tight, setting aside occasional money and shopping a couple of times a year is good. Once you have invested in the big ticket items mentioned above, your seasonal shopping is mostly maintenance, which doesn't have to cost much at all. This frees your budget to buy fun pieces that breathe life into the wardrobe and keep it fresh!
Let me know if you have questions or comments! Happy shopping!
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