https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 18:08:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535848 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:29:08 +0000 missvee 535848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I spend whatever I need to spend. That might sound kind of vague, but I try to figure out what I need each season and then buy accordingly. I always look for the sales, and avoid full price unless absolutely necessary. I don't like to waste a penny! I try to keep a fairly small wardrobe, and mix and match to get more mileage out of my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535775 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:16:14 +0000 Queen Mum 535775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>haha- there you go, for the rest of us, the money we are saving on a boob job goes to bras </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535773 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:14:17 +0000 lyn* 535773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>;) I just have to pay for enhancement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535770 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:10:44 +0000 Queen Mum 535770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ah- the advantage of not being generously endowed </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535766 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:04:49 +0000 lyn* 535766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends on your boobage size - I am not very ample in this area and I can find great deals on bras (I have an odd size) on the Winners clearance racks ($9 for a $60 bra; I bought four - lol). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535764 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:01:09 +0000 Makrame 535764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I totally agree - I almost never pay "sticker price". Some of the pretty good quality boots I bought for $40-100 on various sales; with premium jeans, I found them on sale for 1/3 of the price but unfortunately, they ended up being one size too big after a few wears, so I had to buy another size at 2/3 of the price (too steep for my taste but I knew I would wear them a lot).</p> <p>But still, $60-$70 for a bra or $100-200 for a pair of boots is not a tiny amount of money but I think these are examples of items that one can get a lot of "mileage" from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535758 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:54:12 +0000 Mo 535758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to add that if the budget is small, even the premium jeans, boots and bras can be found well below retail. I spent less than half of retail on my True Religion jeans and the most recent Frye boots were 40% off. They are my 2 biggest ticket items but they were great deals, comparatively. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535748 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:38:26 +0000 Makrame 535748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's an interesting question. I am not really changing my wardrobe rather than just working on the upkeep, and even so I felt like I spent a lot of money last year (part of the expense was adding a few pairs of boots that will hopefully be worn for a long time). When I figured it out as a percentage of income, it was about 3% of my income, which I guess is fairly reasonable. I am keeping a spreadsheet with cost per wear and this helps me to (1) see what items need to be worn more to get "my money's worth" and (2) see when I have enough items to create outfits to go for 2-3 weeks without repeating the entire combination - that's when I tell myself that I have more than enough clothes for the season.</p> <p>I pretty much agree with Queen Mum - good jeans, bras and shoes are worth spending money on. But you don't need to buy a large number of jeans, bras and shoes if you pick good quality. I bought one pair of expensive jeans recently and hope to limit my bootcut blue jeans collection to just this one item - they look good for a variety of occassions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535735 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:26:31 +0000 cinnamon fern 535735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep an eye on how much I'm spending on clothes as a percentage of 'discretionary funds' - what's left after 401k, taxes, savings, mortgage, bills, groceries, etc etc. (The money that would otherwise be spent on restaurants, vacations, books and other toys.) I think this is more useful than percentage of income or take-home pay, as a general guideline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535713 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:12:56 +0000 Queen Mum 535713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, if you want to look at cost per wear it might give you somewhere to start. I hear many here say that they aim for $1 per wear per garment. If I wear roughly 5 garments per day (jeans, top, jacket, shoes, purse) then that equates to $5 per day or $150 per month to dress myself. Obviously that doesn't take into account undergarments or accessories. So, if I were to give myself $200 per month for clothing, that should be reasonable GIVEN my lifestyle and our family income.<br /> Of course, you do need to consider lifestyle. A mom-on-the-go probably doesn't need to spend as much per month on clothing as a woman working a high profile job. Does that make sense?<br /> So, while everyone's situation is different, you asked for some numbers. Even as a middle class mom-on-the-go, I would feel extremely limited in trying to keep my clothing budget less than $100 per month. I'm sure I could do it if I had to, but it would take some real hunting and discipline. On the high end, I would feel extravagant regularly spending $400 per month on clothing. But remember... I don't work.</p> <p>oh, and I spend on shoes, jeans and bras. The rest I can usually find a bit of a deal on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535697 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:58:10 +0000 MsMary 535697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have a few guidelines:</p> <p>1. NEVER go into debt for clothes (or any other depreciating asset)!!!</p> <p>2. Don't spend more (or even as much) on clothes than I give to charity. That just seems wrong somehow.</p> <p>3. Make sure I don't spend money on clothes that would bring me greater joy or use value if spent on something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535671 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:58 +0000 jayne 535671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice from Anchie..I am still starting out too but have made the same mistakes,..so learn from your eh hem elders! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535640 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:15:40 +0000 anchie 535640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Budget, what a scary word The last two years I have spent on clothes more then I want to admit (even to myself). I have changed jobs and gained weight so I had to completely rebuild my wardrobe. I spent probably around 10% of my income on clothes. But now that my wardrobe is in much better shape and size I am trying to spend more like 5%. When I was rebuilding my wardrobe I used to buy 7-10 items per month ( September 2010 being the worst month ever with 21 items - I am nerd, I keep spreadsheet), and now I am trying to be more patient and picky and buy only 2-3 items per month that are much better quality. In the beginning when I needed almost everything - from underwear and pajamas to coats and suits, I made also lot of mistakes - I was in the hurry, I bought things mostly on sale, was getting items that were so so just to get me by. I already want to replace some of this stuff. So my advice to you is - be patient, don't settle. It will take more time, but you will be happier in the end. And probably spend much less. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535636 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:10:06 +0000 Elly 535636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to go 6 months or a year, even 2 years without any/many purchases (in 2 years I may pick up one wardrobe "hole" item, one replacement for something I wear out (like jeans, or several if it is something like socks or tank tops/camis), a pair of shoes (I wear out 1-2 a year), new bras, and one trendy item. </p> <p>Then I will feel dissatisfied with my wardrobe-- usually because of the age/wear from use, a life change (new job!-- move!), or weight redistribution changes. I will spend a considerable chunk of money all at one time over the course of a couple of months (because I desperately need new xxx)-- usually between 400 dollars and 1000. Then I won't shop again for a while. There are logical reasons I do this, but of course this is not often the best method-- it is just my tendency. </p> <p>I agree with others that you don't have to spend a lot to look great, but also know that in some cases it is difficult to get a lot for your money, especially if you demand your clothing perform as hard as I do (quality because I need it to last and survive a lot of washing)! I'm hard to fit, so business clothing can be expensive for me, even when I am not buying wool suits or name brands-- we can't all fit into the stuff sold at target, thrifting, jcpenney, juniors' stores, ect. I am tall and a decently big person--- and I have to alter almost everything that is tailored or fitted, which gets expensive. Turns out that I am a XL, 12/14 tall top with a 26" waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535633 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:06:48 +0000 Isis 535633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are all sorts of budgets on here, from mostly thrifters to mostly designers.</p> <p>What's crazy and what's reasonable depends so much on one's income, savings goals, (kids college? mortgage? student loans? credit card debt? travel plans?), that no one can really give you an answer....</p> <p>(Although I think everyone would agree that going into debt for clothes is never a good idea).</p> <p>I'm sure whatever your budget is, you'll fit right in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535598 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:38:42 +0000 Kirti 535598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm supposed to be on a really tiny budget, but I think I average around €100/month! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535585 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:27 +0000 Astrid 535585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on a student budget but I don't want to buy crap so my wardrobe replacement is going slowly. But I like that, it has left me more time to think about what I really like. I try to buy on sale whenever possible and buy fewer pieces that are a bit more expensive than what I've bought before. I would splurge on shoes, coats/jackets, a bag and maybe a really good pair of jeans. Everything else can be bought fairly cheap if you know what you like and are patient until you find what you're looking for. Oh and I don't have a decided budget, but I know what I really need and am a responsible person who knows what bank statements are... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535560 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:15:17 +0000 Tina 535560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But, MaryK You make life so interesting for the rest of us. You can consider it an investment for our entertainment and delight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535559 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:14:41 +0000 Nakidra 535559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck with your journey! I'm also a little bit older so I don't go into teeny bopper stores that much. I've actually NEVER been in Forever 21 if you can believe it! I'm not a a very strict budget because its one of my perks for going to work everyday. (I tell my husband, I HAVE to look nice and spend a bit of money because of my career!) I know what I won't spend on certain items ex. won't buy a pair of shoes over $200 unless they are very, very special. I won't buy a casual shirt for money than $75 etc .... You don't have to spend a lot of money to get some really nice pieces, imo. You just have to know how to style certain things and have an eye for what looks good on you.<br /> Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535556 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:13:18 +0000 lyn* 535556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so funny; Mary K! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535553 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:11:17 +0000 MsMary 535553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Q: How much money is in your clothing budget, MaryK?</p> <p>A: How much money is in my bank account?</p> <p>Srsly. I have been on a rampage for lo, these past 15 months or so.</p> <p>Must. Put. On. Brakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535549 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:07:43 +0000 Mo 535549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe some have cited guidelines of roughly 5% of your total household budget for clothing. But like you say, that can vary so much depending on so many things. How many seasons do you need to dress for, do you have a job that requires certain items, etc.<br /> I am over 40 and have accumulated plenty of clothing over the years, but last year decided on $250 every two months as my budget, for a total of $1500 for the year. I did not include birthday money, or gifts.<br /> This year is full of job uncertainty so I may spend up to $1000 but likely not. I am Shopping My Closet at least until I start work this spring.<br /> I can find knit tops and some cropped jackets in the more junior styles, but am trying to steer clear mostly since hitting 40. I had too many of these items and it gave my wardrobe an overall cheap vibe lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535537 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:01:13 +0000 lyn* 535537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My budget changes every month; I use a bonus source of income for my wardrobe that is separate from my base income. What is crazy and what is reasonable will depend on your income and expenses.</p> <p>Things I spend more on - footwear; watch; purses; blazers - things I want to look perfect.<br /> Things I spend less on - tights; tank tops; knit things; cardigans, etc.</p> <p>Look out for teen-bopper stores though; sometimes they have great sales (I get tights on sale at $2.99 marked down from $12.99); but the problem is that if you go in there regularly will be quite expensive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/budget#post-535531 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:57:33 +0000 Alicia 535531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! I'm just starting out on the fashion journey. I know this is very varied (lol-I crack myself up!). But what kind of monthly clothing budget are you ladies on? I'm not sure what to allot to build a wardrobe. What's crazy and what's reasonable? Also, which items to splurge on and which to hit teen ish stores for?</p> <p>Thanks! </p>