https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:22:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098434 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 15:01:28 +0000 viva 1098434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's really so helpful to read everyone's posts. I am going to revise my approach for next year, not only in how I apportion the money but also in how I tackle it. </p> <p>Neel: I think you have given me my mantra: the discipline has to be in the wishlist, not in the budget. I think that's exactly it for me. I need to be much clearer about what I really want and stop being impulsive and eating up my money with purchases that are not really needed.&nbsp; </p> <p>Cheryl: I can SO relate to the passing-the-time-during-work-travel problem. I've been much better about that lately, but it requires real vigilance.</p> <p>I'm absolutely going to keep a list of what I purchase, starting Dec 1 (why wait for 2014?). I'm a list-keeper, and I think the list alone will make me more careful about making the buy. </p> <p>I love the idea of cash-only purchases, but it won't work for me as I rarely carry cash and also rarely shop in person, except for when I travel which I am trying not to do. I do a lot of shopping online, and one thing I have started to do is wait a day before buying something. Sometimes if I sleep on it, the urge subsides, and I know it was just an impulse. Or maybe just boredom or loneliness.&nbsp; (The perils of long days at home working alone!)</p> <p>Thanks again for all the tips!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098394 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:19:06 +0000 VernieJane 1098394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am basically super poor, I live on my own and pay all my bills on minimum wage... not easy! Since I can't afford to save money for clothes, I set a budget of "one thing per month" which is usually from H&amp;M or Zara and usually no more than 30€. This allows me to follow passing trends without investing too much in things that I don't need. I don't get something every month, but knowing that I COULD allow myself a small purchase prevents me from going nuts and overspending on some huge item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098387 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:09:17 +0000 dakotacheryl 1098387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread !!</p> <p>I was affected by a work lay off at the beginning of the month, and have been budgeting since then until I find another job.&nbsp;</p> <p>Eye opening was how much money I was spending on items just because I liked them...didn't need them. I traveled almost every week with my job, and it was just too easy to pass free time shopping. Thankfully I paid as I went...but still...just wasteful spending.</p> <p>Having a list of "needs" to fill holes, or replace worn out items makes so much more sense. My continuing hole is the perfect brown leather jacket.</p> <p>I have enough clothing and makeup to last for a long time... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098385 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:06:52 +0000 gryffin 1098385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a budget per se but I keep a list by month of purchases&nbsp;and at the bottom is a short list to remind me of things in the long term plan.&nbsp; I have a pretty clear idea of amounts I don't want to go over per month.&nbsp; This way if something comes up that I want to shop for I am good.&nbsp; If I find my long term purchase, I will also usually have put aside cash for part or all of the cost.&nbsp; But I try to stay flexible based on needs, wants, serendipity and of course the major score!!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It also allows me to look back and see if something did not work out.&nbsp; That has been really helpful for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098366 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:46:39 +0000 cinnamon fern 1098366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Gaylene, I don't budget but I&nbsp;keep track of how much I've spent on clothes. &nbsp;(Along with everything else, broken down into&nbsp;mortgage, bills, groceries, restaurants, house, travel, &amp; entertainment). &nbsp;We started keeping track of everything as a way of figuring out a reasonable budget, then realized that just keeping track was enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it/page/2#post-1098352 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:28:28 +0000 Neel 1098352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a monthly budget of about 200$. &nbsp;I have learnt to save up the money for things I really want, instead of buying whatever I fancied whenever I had the money. &nbsp;I think the discipline has to be in the wishlist and not the budget. &nbsp;If you know what you want, you will only spend on those items and in turn there will be no unnecessary purchases and you will always have money for what you need. &nbsp;That's my observation anyway in the past 6 months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098329 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:50:37 +0000 Anonymous 1098329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT question.</p> <p>I have to budget. &nbsp;I budget on a monthly basis. &nbsp;I may not achieve my monthly goals every single time, but I find my monthly&nbsp;goals average out well&nbsp;at years end. &nbsp;So my system&nbsp;works out for me. &nbsp;I think if I did not have a budget, I would be buying free fall. &nbsp;</p> <p>I try to buy quality items. &nbsp;That means I buy fewer items through the year, but they tend to be items I keep for years and have come to define my signature style. &nbsp;Big ticket items consist of purses, blazers, and shoes. &nbsp;I buy one new purse and one new blazer every single year. &nbsp;I may buy several pairs of shoes each year. &nbsp;</p> <p>My one regret is a Coach briefcase. &nbsp;I was shocked to discover how heavy this briefcase was to carry. &nbsp;Furthermore, the briefcase is just not well enough designed to meet my purposes. &nbsp;I still have it, but rarely use it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098304 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:02:12 +0000 flowergirl 1098304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I set a seasonal budget but I wait until the items I want go on sale. I try to make do with what I have.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098255 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:36:22 +0000 Deborah 1098255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry I don't understand the question....budget?? Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098235 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 05:49:05 +0000 Adelfa 1098235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started tracking my purchases this year. Maybe next year I'll use the info to make a budget.</p> <p>Big purchases that have been worth it: a Sam Edelman moto jacket, AGL ballet flats, Sigerson Morrison booties. All so, so worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098184 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:05:46 +0000 anne 1098184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use an annual amount, and at least until now, it has been an estimate which I usually slighly exceed. I always try to think ahead for the year and forecast approximately what I will need (leaving a little room for spontaneous purchases). I do most of my shopping at the beginning to middle of seasons and have quite long breaks with not much done at all (I have had some 6 month stretches) where I can accumulate the funds for the next season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098175 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 03:56:08 +0000 Anonymous 1098175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep track of expenditures over the year and try to have spending totals average out monthly to no more than the amount I have pre-determined is my clothing allowance. This is my second year of this method. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098076 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 02:07:53 +0000 Shirley 1098076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I do set a budget but do not adhere to it all the time.&nbsp; It's more a warning that I may be spending too much.&nbsp; No investment pieces for me because it's still hard for me to spend too much on one item.&nbsp; I like variety and still at this old age go for fast fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098062 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 02:02:21 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1098062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think along the same lines as Amy - I know when I am being reasonable in my spending. &nbsp; And I usually am.</p> <p>My problem is that lately, I've acquired a lot of great finds for a very little money. &nbsp; But there is only one me, and only&nbsp;7 days in the week to wear things! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098046 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 01:55:01 +0000 Karie 1098046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a set budget, but I keep track of what I spend. When the bill comes, the bill gets paid in full. Far and away the majority of my clothing purchases are for the fall/winter season, so I pay close attention to my spending at this time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098026 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 01:39:06 +0000 Gaylene 1098026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't set a specific amount for clothes for either myself or my husband in our budget, but I do keep track of what we spend on clothes throughout the year in my spreadsheet. I also limit my impulse buys to cash only; if I don't have the funds in my wallet, it stays in the store. My reasoning is that, if I saw something that I really wanted and didn't have the cash, I could have it put aside and return later. That rarely happens once the rush of excitement wears off.</p> <p>Oddly enough, this method has reduced the amount we spend annually on clothes, shoes, and outerwear, although we now spend more on individual items. Knowing how much I've already spent on clothes curbs my impulse to buy something new; I'll hesitate to add to the total if I know that we are planning a vacation or will want a few extra dollars for something else. On the other hand, if I see an inexpensive top that I really like, I know I can pay for it with the cash in my wallet without feeling guilty because I'll just forgo a couple of lattes for the rest of the week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1098003 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 01:15:26 +0000 Kristin L 1098003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a rough budget I keep in my head. For big things, like Black Friday and Christmas/birthday season (between my BF and myself we have 6 birthdays over the 6 weeks, plus Christmas), I usually put a little&nbsp;extra away all year that way this time of year isn't so painful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097938 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 00:11:02 +0000 lyn* 1097938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I put away money for savings, and the usual day-to-day things, and anything left over is mine. I use that for my clothes or presents or new tech or anything like that - I guess I have a budget, but it fluctuates from month to month. The one month I needed a new kettle, and a new rice cooker and a new patio door, I spent almost nothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097879 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:11:48 +0000 Alassë 1097879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do set a clothing budget. I do it monthly, but that hasn't worked too well for me (I need some of Mo's discipline!). </p> <p>Big ticket items, absolutely worth it: the shoes I wear almost every day in fall/winter/spring and the winter coat I wear any day in fall/winter/spring that I go outdoors. Also fleece-lined tights (I wear skirts a lot), a fleece layer for under the coat, summer/winter loungewear &amp; pajamas, bras, basic belts (I wear belts a lot), and toppers in core colors. (Okay, I didn't spend a lot on the pjs/loungewear/bras, but judging by the number of times I've worn them, you could spend a chunk&nbsp;and still get a ridiculously low CPW.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097863 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 22:55:36 +0000 Caro in Oz 1097863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a yearly budget which I break down into seasons. We have three -&nbsp;very hot, trans-seasonal &amp; a short, mild winter. I put most of my money into the trans-seasonal wardrobe as this overlaps with the other two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097813 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 22:07:42 +0000 Laurinda 1097813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been tracking my purchases on a monthly basis for the past few years. My budget includes everything I spend on myself including basics and haircuts -- but not shampoo, which comes from the grocery budget. When I started I had a small income and allocated $xx/month, but I found that I only spent half that much. I often went for 2 or 3 months with $0 in purchases, so there was a balance if I felt like splurging on something. I liked having an overall perspective, and knowing what percentage went for gear vs. 'fashion'. With no income at the moment I am limited to what I earn from consignment, but&nbsp;the helpful&nbsp;threads here&nbsp;on capsules and counting have shown me that I&nbsp;have way more than enough in my wardrobe.</p> <p>Part 2: I am really glad that I refreshed my long underwear bottoms last spring, and added 6 pairs of merino wool socks.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097792 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:39:56 +0000 Anonymous 1097792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's my DD's idea of investment spending, which I find funny. My DH is an economist and has spent a lot of time making sure our DDs know that a purchase isn't an investment unless it yields a $ return. My middle DD has argued with him about that, making her point by saying that socks are an investment because they keep her feet warm and keep her from getting sick, which then saves $ because she avoids a trip to the doctor and a possible Rx medication expense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097788 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:31:40 +0000 shedev 1097788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't technically have a budget but I am starting a plan like Mos, 2 items a month. I can usually find what I want for $150 or less. By default it gives me a budget of $300 a month. For November, I bought a black lightweight moto for 70 and a moto for 160, about 250 with tax. I'm debating whether or not to add in workout wear or treat it as sports gear. A couple times a year I may splurge on a higher ticket item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097762 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:11:13 +0000 Lyn D. 1097762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely have a budget but definitely have been over-spending.<br />At least I am aware of this by keeping track of all purchases.<br />Next year I will be trying Mo's idea of limiting numbers, and a way of doing this for me is trying to stick with good fabric and a limited colour palette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097751 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:49:50 +0000 jayne 1097751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I budget and my big win items have been a leather moto (i even paid full price) and a winter wool coat.&nbsp; Both are definitely worth the full price I paid since I got my size and wear them alot.&nbsp; I have worse luck with the trendy pieces I bought. A pair of slouchy leather trousers...felt wrong after about 8 wearings and a silky trouser/track pant.&nbsp; I did enjoy trying both trends, but wish I had done it at a lower price point. I am aiming just to get to my maximum CPW on those before they go.&nbsp; </p> <p>I have splurge months where I cannot see to stop and everything is just amazing, and other months (like now and dec) where nothing appeals.&nbsp; I still blow my budget on average and I have tried various approaches to deal with it.&nbsp; One was just the monthly budget, but it seemed never enough and unfair to take small purchases from that that ate it down to nothing.&nbsp; So now I have split it into two budget.&nbsp; A weekly one which allows for the smaller purchases and I keep tight control that it cannot be crossed.&nbsp; And the monthly, where I will allow one month to be bigger if the next is smaller.&nbsp; Just so I can make those big ticket purchases.&nbsp; In reality I could just keep them lumped of course, but mentally I focus more on the weekly budget and the month one seems to fade in the background but it is there when I suddenly find a big ticket item I have to have.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097739 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:33:03 +0000 Anonymous 1097739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a computer program called YNAB. If I don't spend it one month, it is carried over to the next. If I overspend in my clothing category then I have to transfer it out of another category (ie. vacation). We never have a credit card balance so the money must come from somewhere. </p> <p>I can't imagine life without a budget...it is so freeing!</p> <p>So far I know shoes are an investment purchase, but for me that means about $100-$150. The designer shoes rarely fit me and are not comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097733 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:27:26 +0000 Amy 1097733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a specific number, but I do generally know when I'm being reasonable and when I'm not. I never buy anything I can't afford to pay for in full. Having a concrete budget really helped me when I first finished college and was starting to work at a full-time job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097731 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:26:45 +0000 Anonymous 1097731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty much, but not on a monthly basis. This is because there are months when I can't find what I'm looking for and don't spend anything, and months when I splurge on certain items that I know will be wardrobe workhorses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097719 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:15:26 +0000 viva 1097719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the replies so far. It's very encouraging to hear that so many can stay within a budget, and I am hopeful for the future. (Ever the optimist.) I think part of my problem has been the monthly arrangement which is not ideal -- as unfrumped said: "hard to take the long view." <br />Thanks for sharing your numbers, Mo, which is helpful, and for that link, Suz. Really great.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-budgeting-do-you-do-it#post-1097710 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:08:40 +0000 Alexandra 1097710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I set aside $300/month but I only shop twice a year (for RTW and major fabric purchases). Usually, most of that money stays in the bank because I just don't need that much. Occasional small yarn and fabric purchases come out of this money as well. </p>