https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 02:36:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion/page/2#post-559817 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:55:04 +0000 Kate 559817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In 2011 I spent about $1,800 on all shoes, clothes, accessories, jewelry, etc. In 2010 it was quite a bit more. So far this year I'm more on track for my $1,200 budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion/page/2#post-559804 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:28:21 +0000 DonnaF 559804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm wondering if that $800 figure was self-reported or if they had people adding up every single thing they purchased over the course of a year. If this is based on self-reported guesstimates, I think it is easy to forget those miscellaneous items that can add up like hosiery, layering Ts, camis and the like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559793 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:17:59 +0000 Lyn D. 559793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank-you for your thoughtful feedback.<br /> Lots of food for thought. It seems that although good clothing in Australia is expensive, we pay a lot less for Health Insurance (Coco)<br /> Anne, I'm also mainly a SAHM so I can't use needing a working wardrobe as an excuse! I have in the past though spent too much on dressier items that aren't worn often or at all, and I'm in the process of selling or thrifting things in this category.<br /> I agree with you Ironkurtin that fashion is a bit of a hobby for me too!<br /> Ruth, I can't resist the odd inexpensive Trend piece but try to stick to a 20/80% purchase rule and wear items regularly whilst they are 'in fashion'.<br /> Isabel-thank goodness for husbands who don't buy much, but there are things in his wardrobe that deserve to die!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559744 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:45:53 +0000 anne 559744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful, of course you are right! And I thought the figure of $800 was pretty low because so many of us do shop for all sorts of reasons and spend more. Even people who do not appear well dressed on a daily basis sometimes have spent quite a bit on clothes they save for special occasions.</p> <p>FWIW I am pretty sure I'll go over the $800 mark this year, though hopefully some of that will be from vouchers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559657 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:39:45 +0000 Fruitful 559657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Anne, yes, there have certainly been long stretches I got by on borrowed clothes or clothes I had for years! It was a bit different when Mr Rudd gave us that money but even then I had a baby and no opportunities to go clothes shopping so spent a lot on baby carriers and technology! I also wore a uniform to work for 5 years.</p> <p>I do like to buy things I don't strictly need though, and I think it's partly because I feel somehow validated and distracted by the stalking/fantasising/finding/acquiring/wearing. I think when I don't have a young child at home full time and can go back to study or have the chance to participate in something (like a dance class, exercise class, anything) child-free on a regular basis, my attention will shift away from shopping - as it has before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559644 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:24:39 +0000 anne 559644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been thinking about this all morning.<br /> Remember an average would include (among others)<br /> -women on old age and supporting parent pensions, the unemployed and students, who would probably like to spend more on clothes<br /> - women who wear uniforms to work<br /> woman who live in those parts of Australia where you can wear summer clothes all year<br /> - those who are pregnant and are existing on borrowed clothes and clothes bought in previous pregnancies<br /> - and if the data was gathered recently, those who spent up big on clothes pre GFC and can now cut back because they have such a back log of clothes!</p> <p>I believe these factors make it difficult to use an average to guide you or make you feel extravagant.</p> <p>That said, I think you can get by with, on average, less than $800 a year in Australia if<br /> - you plan carefully (ie no wardrobe orphans)<br /> - always shop at sales, op shops or cheap shops<br /> - don't change size much<br /> - don't have fussy feet ( this is where my budget falls down! - a great deal of expenditure on orthotic friendly shoes and reasonably good boots)<br /> -don't mind not being cutting edge or having huge variety<br /> - don't have to dress nicely for work<br /> - don't do exercise or hobbies that require special gear.</p> <p>You need to think about your own lifestyle, existing wardrobe and budget to work out what is the right level of expenditure for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559620 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:07:30 +0000 Laurinda 559620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it varies a lot. I typically spend ca. US $300-$350 over a year, only replacing worn T-shirts, socks or a pair or two of shoes new with most other items purchased second hand or at steep discounts. Then, once a decade or so, as with last year (I earned income for the first time in a few years) I splurged $1500 over the year in a wardrobe overhaul on everything from lingerie to evening wear to outdoor gear. For me, realizing I spent that much money still makes my stomach drop a bit, but by following YLF-wisdom for my purchases I will now be better attired at my typical minimal budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559454 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:45:13 +0000 Fruitful 559454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, I don't own a credit card so there's a lot of waiting, deliberating, even sometimes lay-by-ing in order for me to get stuff. I hate waiting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559449 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:40:37 +0000 Fruitful 559449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Been mulling this over.. I agree with what people say about fluctuations in spending throughout seasons (or even year to year). And I include things like glasses, bags, hair products and cosmetics in my figure. Even sometimes books and DVDs . It's basically the approximate amount of money I can reserve for "treats"; the difficulty is, clothing/appearance maintenance is both a treat and an essential, so there's grey area and overlap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559293 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:47:40 +0000 jayne 559293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>are there more than one sex position?</p> <p>ah, oops, got distracted...eh, I spend 8% of my salary. I thought that was easiest way to answer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559014 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:51:18 +0000 krishnidoux 559014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The amount you suggest is low. Yeah, if one lives in a place where they could wear sandals and short sleeves all year around, but in a colder place, boots, coats, raincoats etc. do cost a lot of money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-559006 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:44:59 +0000 Sylvie 559006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I'm uncomfortable associating the amount of money I spend with my online handle, I would have no qualms about providing that number anonymously.</p> <p>Surveymonkey gives you upto 100 responses for a 10 question survey with a free account.</p> <p>It would also be possible to set up a google doc that allows anonymous editing but can only be found if you know the exact link. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558979 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:13:50 +0000 goldenpig 558979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with modgrl!</p> <p>Well, bj1111? We're all ears! This thread is a hoot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558977 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:12:58 +0000 DonnaF 558977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spent almost nothing for close to two decades; probably well under $400/year, but have made up for it and then some in the past six months, esp. as I have started to follow this forum. I have always paid attention to fit, but I am also trying to be more conscious of buying what I will actually wear in the life I actually lead vs. some type of fantasy life. I feel that this is ultimately cheaper than having lots of mistakes in my closet. In the same way, I don't mind my husband (the family cook) buying expensive foodstuffs as long as we eat it all vs. having it spoil or otherwise dumping it. I hate waste in all its forms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558960 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:55:26 +0000 modgrl 558960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More than I should but less than I want to!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558950 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:50:04 +0000 bj1111 558950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'd be more likely to tell you my fave sex positions than reveal how much i spend on anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558833 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:08:15 +0000 Isabel 558833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it varies. I tend to go through splurges and then buy nothing for 6 months. Already, 2 months into this year, I have spent about $2500 American dollars. I gained a lot of weight and needed practically everything. So I bought 4 winter coats in varying warmths, 1 trench coat, 3 pairs of jeans/jeggings, 2 black ponte pants, a couple of skirts, 4 or 5 blazers and a couple of ponte knit dresses. Two coats were expensive, for me. I will buy on sale if it fits into my plan...but I will also buy at full price if it is something that I really need and will work well for me. I would rather have fewer things. I was careful that many of my pieces can be altered and I can wear 3/4 of the year. Last year, I probably spent $500-$750.</p> <p>I am now on SYC and won't get anything until April or May - I have no idea what my size will be then. I will buy cheap for the Spring/Summer and very few things. I tend to wear looser clothes in the Summer so I know that many of my tops will still fit. I just don' t need allot to get me through the Summer.</p> <p>Disclosure : I also bought two pairs of boots and 2 pairs of shoes that I didn't not need...my feet have NOT gained weight. I was just on a "roll", unfortunately.</p> <p>I am very blessed and lucky that I can afford this..otherwise I would have bought allot less. Our entire family clothing budget for the year, for 4 people with two growing kids, is usually $3000, so I normally work around what my kids need. If my kids end up spending more one year, then I spend less on my stuff. My husband RARELY buys clothes.</p> <p>I should say that I am at SAHM and don't work or volunteer outside the home right now. So most of what I do is "domestic" stuff and school things for my kids. I think that my wardrobe is probably too big. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558824 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:53:39 +0000 ironkurtin 558824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spend A LOT. It's the one thing I spend money on, really. I used to buy comic books (they are spendy!) but that's tapered off now that I'm not in publishing and our library has a decent selection of graphic novels. I expect it to taper off now that my husband and I will be doing budgeting and setting savings goals. But I don't regret the fun I have AT ALL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558799 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:25:40 +0000 nicoleb 558799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never added mine up. I'm not sure i'd ever want to. @_@</p> <p>With that said, i am a very frugal shopper. I get a majority of my clothes at thrift stores, on sale or at budget-y places like H&amp;M and F21. </p> <p>But i also shop fairly often. &gt;.&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558760 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:24:45 +0000 anne 558760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have often wondered how much the average clothing expenditure of Australian women was, and I am actually surprised that it is that low. </p> <p>I am an Australian woman, who is a SAHM and fairly stable size. I have had some years where I have got to annual figues of less than $500, but they are interspersed with higher expenditure years - the first few years of YLF forum following I spent over $1000. This would be still while keeping a pretty tight rein on my budget.</p> <p>There would certainly be many women who spend what you do, particularly those who need to dress up for their working lives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558757 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:21:10 +0000 nancylee 558757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never dared keep track...until this year. After my first year on YLF (which resulted in a major spending spree in 2011), I decided to be a little more mindful of exactly how much I'm spending.</p> <p>I think the $800/year budget you cited is low. I've set a budget of about that amount for myself for spring/summer this year to include bags, shoes, and clothes. I will probably spend less in the fall since my fall/winter wardrobe has fewer holes.</p> <p>But keep in mind I'm 50 years old and not living on a student or young person's budget! I also go for higher quality items these days than when I was younger, so that also adds to the cost. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558751 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:49:13 +0000 Anonymous 558751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never totaled my spending, and I think it would be difficult to do, as I tend to spend a lot during certain months of the year and nothing at all during other months. This is primarily because I try to take advantage of sales whenever possible. That said, I can tell you that the amount spent on clothing is a small percentage of our household budget. Also, I buy clothing that I know I can wear for several years. I don't discard stuff after only a year or two. Hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558741 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:37:43 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 558741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't keep track of my total spending but I know I have spent more than that in a month or two at times. Not always though. I use a credit card to get points but pay it off every few weeks so I don't accrue interest and stop spending when I think I won't have enough to pay it off before the due date.</p> <p>I suppose I should be investing in my retirement account but that is not as much fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558663 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:26:53 +0000 Kirti 558663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try hard to be on a budget and shop at inexpensive stores, but even then it would have to be over €800/year! If I were still living in India (where I am from), this figure would be a lot lower, since clothes are much cheaper there compared to France, plus I get a lot of my Indian clothes custom stitched! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558660 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:02:25 +0000 fashionista 558660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't get enough of shopping. So maybe around what you mentioned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558651 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:33:04 +0000 Fruitful 558651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't keep track but the other day I was thinking it'd have to be over $2000AU.</p> <p>ETA I op shop and shop on Ebay a lot, and I am a SAHM, otherwise it would probably be more. (and hey, it may well be more - we usually underestimate these things, don't we?).</p> <p>I wouldn't mind pointing out (since we have a largely American audience) that Australian mark-ups usually force us to pay a lot more than the American prices, so your figure really shows a relatively modest number of purchases by YLF standards ^_^. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558649 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:28:41 +0000 CocoLion 558649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(I went back and edited the post.)</p> <p>Good question. I spend more than $800, but less than the annual cost of a health insurance premium which at my age would be $12,000/year. So that gives you a range.</p> <p>I pay cash or use a debit card so that keeps me from spending more than I have. That is my main tip. When I don't have the cash, I can't buy stuff, it's that simple. I don't have a lot of guilt that way.</p> <p>I pay full price for things I really want. Premium denim, a good blazer or coat. Good lingerie also. Many other things I shop around particularly at discounters like TJ Maxx. I only shop at stores with good return policies because I overbuy and bring back what didn't work.</p> <p>Does that help? Looking forward to seeing more of you here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558643 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:12:23 +0000 lyn* 558643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome ... let's just say; mine is definitely more than $800! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558618 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:34:02 +0000 Deborah 558618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome from a fellow Aussie! I am also a discerning shopper who often purchases items on sale and I also shop at outlets but I would definitely spend considerably more than the "average" you quoted. I don't keep a record so I couldn't really say how exactly how much I do spend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-dont-mind-me-asking--what-is-your-annual-spend-on-fashion#post-558575 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:42:36 +0000 taylor 558575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Mary!!<br /> I dare not add mine up:)<br /> Welcome frome me too! </p>