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Fewer and better.What does it really mean?

LJP

Veteran

This is a common pledge - I'll buy fewer items and better ones at that. I say it often as it seems like something I "should" do. I also like the idea of using my money more effectively, and even more efficiently .

But how do you do this? Where do you start? If I consider my non-work wardrobe, I would be looking at jeans, sweats, cargos/casual pants, sweaters, sweatshirts and blouses . This is of course not everything I wear, but these are probably the biggest "collections" in my closet.

Right now I have maybe 10 pair of jeans, divided equally between blue and black. Now I recognize this is completely unnecessary, and inefficiency in shopping (I'm always in a hurry and hate trying things on) means I end up with a bunch of not-quite versions of what I want. I refuse to spend money on jeans - my max is $100 . So if I were a smarter, slower and better shopper, I could have maybe 4 pair of $250 jeans . Maybe jeans aren't the best example as I've never been convinced quality and price are linked. I don't know !

Sweatshirts - I might have 10 . Does quality matter here? I mean - beyond a certain price point, is the quality better? I could buy 3 high -end sweatshirt instead - but will they last any longer than my $60 ones? Variety is nice to have when you wear them everyday .

Blouses - I love a printed silky blouse. I have many - don't need all of them. So maybe having 2 really beautiful higher-end ones would be better than the 8 randoms I own ?

Shoes and footwear are hardest - which I why I didn't include them. I can't wrap my head around wearing the same pair of boots (indoor ones) all winter long - so I have quite a few. Shoes need to breathe and recover after a day of wear, right ? Will I be happier/more satisfied with 3 $400 pair instead of 6 at $200?

Sweaters? We all agree that more $ doesn't equal better quality . Pilling is a real thing. Do you mentally agree to bump up your price per piece and buy fewer hoping that you find the magic sweater that lasts years and years?

One thing I do know is that design gets more sophisticated and "better" when you move into bridge and "designer" brands.

I know I'm rambling. Curious what you all think.

Dressing

67 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

SarahD8

Veteran

SUCH a good question. And you are right that "fewer but better" is a really hard target to hit.

I think for me, "better" is not much at all about price or label (staying true to my personal brand here). To me durability, thoughtful design, and quality construction are part of it but I don't think those are reliably linked to price these days, as you note. I do take your point about bridge/designer though.

The main thing, I think, is that the item has to be better *for me.* My shade of burgundy, not something close to it. A good fit for my broad shoulders. The right length to hit at the most flattering place on my hip. Details that sing to me. Etc. All of that is very hard to find, at any price point, and so it's no wonder that we settle!

Nomad

Good question! Maybe "better" doesn't necessarily mean "more expensive"? Maybe it can mean something you love more (in a fabric you like, that fits impeccably, with a detail that speaks to you, etc.). Better quality and longevity in an item is great, but as you noted with sweaters, not always predictable. And a lot of longevity is in how we care for our clothes. I put almost no clothing in the dryer, and that seems to keep even cheap pieces looking good for a long time.

I've been trying to incorporate "less but better" primarily by trying to pay attention to how many items I really need (to cover my life requirements and let me do laundry every 1-2 weeks), not overly duplicating categories, and looking for something a little special even in the simple items. For example, I used to have quite a few black slacks for work, but realized I only really need one... maybe two if they're significantly different and cover different needs. My current black pants are too lightweight and short for cold weather, so they aren't seeing much use this winter, and I might be able to justify a colder weather pair... but I've also found that I like having a couple different colors of dress pants, so I haven't even been missing the black pants while they're out of season. Same with jeans... I used to have a bunch, now I just have one mid rise skinny blue, one high waisted dark wash wide boot/flare that looks dressier, and one black, and that's been more than enough (along with a couple other non-jean casual and smart-casual bottoms). That's fewer but better for me, and I've had all three for years despite the fact that they weren't expensive (all under $50 from Express, I think).

Anonymous

Agreeing with Sarah! The "better" may or may not cost more, but be better fit, better color, more useful to my life. Those things that are just right, instead of a bunch of "will do's."

I'm guilty of buying in a hurry too (amem lunch break boutique pop in's) but it's probably better to do dedicated shopping trips. Sorry :/ Plan what the category is to address, then try on a c-ton of things (sorry sales clerks) Without looking at the price tag, and buy the best one.

There's also the issue of buying too much in a year then getting tired of the style altogether. Would you feel worse in that case about spending x$ on a bunch of so so or the same on one higher end one?

Just random musings!

LJP

Veteran

The idea of better as related to things OTHER than price is interesting . I never think of it in that way . I can assess quality pretty easily and like to think I know what I’m doing when sorting out the wheat from the chaff , so to speak . But at the price points I usually shop at - it requires more work than moving up into designer lines , no? Maybe that’s a fallacy . I don’t think I’m less happy with a pair of $200 black boots that a $400 pair would solve . The more I think about this , the more confused I am . When I think about the clothes I’d love to buy - they are all quite a bit more expensive . Anine Bing or Nili Lotan pants , TIBI jeans , Toteme coats etc. Nili Lotan pants are at least $ 400 Cdn - I could swing it but it would mean cutting back on extra sweats , extra jeans , extra tops , an impulse purse . Maybe moving between categories is how it should be viewed - I.e. as part of the total budget ( I don’t have a budget ) .

Vildy

Veteran

"Better" strikes me as a good thing in terms of ongoing satisfaction.
But only you know how long you truly enjoy wearing the same thing, particularly since you like to look current. If better means linings and fabric quality, then generally more expensive, yes, unless thrifted.
But you may not be wanting such items.

"Fewer" is not something that interests me but having a good variety of
of items that never please you clearly doesn't work.

Are there any items you have that could be in GoTo brands for you?
Or do you need to branch out and go try on more expensive brands.
Yeah, I know, you don't want to try them on.

I think what you need is one of those legendary personal shoppers that exclusive stores used to have.

Vildy

Veteran

"

Anine Bing or Nili Lotan pants , TIBI jeans , Toteme coats etc. Nili Lotan pants"

Do you only like the way the products look or do you have any first hand information about how they look and feel on your own body?

Dee

Veteran

Yes, I like the idea of fewer but better thats for sure, and I think my way of achieving this has to start with not making so many comprises when I'm shopping.

Often I might see an item that's pretty much what I'm after, the quality and cut are there, but I'm not crazy about the price. Thats when I start trying to hunt down a cheaper version, and then the compromises begin. The quality/ material or fit isn't quite as good but I convince myself that it will be fine but in the end the item doesnt hold up, or it never really gets worn because its not really what I wanted in the first place.

I also might try to wait for it to go on sale and then often when it does, my size or colour is no longer available, so I miss out in the end.

I have wasted plenty of $$s doing stuff like this. So for me, I would prefer to have less clothes but which I actually love and wear over a whole bunch of compromises clogging up my closet.

Not sure if that makes sense or not haha.

Irina

Veteran

For me “better “ means more interesting (to me) design or improved quality. But it all has to balance with my comfort level with the price point. Example: this year COS had beautiful, substantial cashmere sweaters @ $350-400 Can. Better? Yes but I’m not going to pay that much, at the same time, I’m not going to buy a cheap cashmere sweater either. I have to wait to find some compromise, probably in a form of sale. Fortunately, I can wait, I already have lots of sweaters.

When we talk about variety we are not starting our wardrobes from scratch, we already have clothes to wear. For me, from this point I would like add a few, nice pieces. I know that Angie suggests not to leave a retail stone unturned but in this sea of stuff, I want to consider only a few brands.

Indigoprint

Veteran

Love thinking about " better" beyond price. Thank you for that "aha" moment.
So many influencers tote the "better" meaning price tag but I find that conflicting as they often get the item for free to review.
I am now thinking "better" to mean not settling for less than what you are shopping for rather than price.

LJP

Veteran

Vildy - no, I have never had the opportunity to try on Nili Lotan, Toteme etc because they aren’t available at retail in my city . It’s not the label , but the designs these labels produce that interests me . I have never seen a pair of pants even similar to NL loose fit cargos , or TIBI’s jeans . These brands are elevated in design and offer looks that most mass market brands don’t .Maybe they wouldn’t work for me anyways , but my point is more choice from better brands .

SarahD8

Veteran

Along the lines of Vildy's comments --Maybe a way into this is to think about: ok, what is the BEST for you pair of sweatpants that you currently own, or have ever owned? And why?

Maybe even the best you own falls short in some way. How so? And then you could look at those high end brands that you're drawn to and ask: does their version fix those shortcomings while also ticking the boxes that your current best version ticks?

Then you have a better sense of when and whether the high end stuff is worth it.

It sounds like a lot of work, I know. But maybe this is one of those "simple isn't easy" situations?

But then, if you get clear on those characteristics, it's not as much of a sacrifice to forgo buying another sweatshirt or whatever. Because you already have the best. That's the aspiration anyway... again, I know it's so hard in practice.

Cross-posted with you

LJP

Veteran

Irina - I’m in total agreement . And already having clothes is a good point . It’s not like starting from scratch . I’m not going to spend $400 on a cashmere sweater either - and I don’t typically follow sales , which might be a solution to finding more interesting clothes at prices I can stomach . Maybe at this point in my life , it means anything added should be the best it can be , while the lesser stuff shows itself out the door organically .

MsMaven

Veteran

Hit me over the head with a sledge hammer. Well, not really! Yet while reading your post I had a sudden blast of understanding. I had a fewer but better collection of clothes when I went out and actually went to the stores. I could feel the fabric, try them on, and even just looking at something hanging on a rack I could estimate whether or not this size or style or color would suit me.

For me, online buying is my nemesis. I keep mediocre items too often, thinking they will work better "when I lose that 5 pounds." I also buy things for the life I used to lead. (Cue "Where is the life I once led, Where is it now? Totally dead!" from Kiss Me Kate,) I return some stuff, but keep others for another season, or whatever.

Yet when I have gone into the nice department stores, I see little merchandise to fit into my life as it is now.

I enjoy reading these year-end analyses. Keep them coming, please.

Runcarla

Veteran

Although better = $$$ in some cases, I equate better with time and effort put into shopping - and being willing to walk away empty handed if an item doesn’t meet the brief.

Better = money: I closed my eyes and handed over my plastic for a couple of great bras, and a vacation bikini that makes me feel like a million bucks (and cost a fortune!)

Better = time and effort: A winter coat, blazer jacket (with matching pants), chunky sweater, and fisherman sandals are items I’ve desired for a while. I could have/would have paid more if required, but found my perfect versions this year at moderate price points - but after lots, and lots of looking, trying on, ordering/returning, stalking, waiting, etc.

Thoughts on fewer. Sometimes a single piece of premium chocolate satisfies, another time it’s a giant box of popcorn! One good dressy coat is all I need (so the effort goes into finding the right one) but lots of variety in accessories changes up the look (so I can be more impulsive and collect at budget price points.)

I’m considering forking out for a pair of Aquatalia booties in 2023, if they fit and are comfortable. Since they are classics, as is my style, they will have longevity in my closet. Stay tuned!

Irina

Veteran

I agree with RunCarla re time & effort. If the goal is to find a serviable black pants, off one goes to a nearby mall and definitely will be able to find a pair in under 60 minutes. If the goal is to find an interesting cut, natural fibers at an acceptable price point, one might spend months and does multi online orders to get it. Or not. All is a part of the game. I’m still looking for mine meanwhile I wear black jeans or kind “OK but not the best” pair of black pants.

If I was more of a regular size, I would definitely try TheRealReal for designer garments.

Vildy

Veteran

ohh, Canada. $$$$
Did you know Nili Lotan did a collab with Target? Fabrics usually different from the expensive brand but have you checked Canadian
ebay? In general, a lot of ebay sellers offer returns and will give
you garment measurements. And if you checked American ebay and found what you like used, would that reduce the customs cost?

Jonesy

Veteran

I was just going to bring up TheRealReal :)! Since I have become a steady TRR shopper, I have become accustomed to interesting colors, luxurious fabrics, unique cuts, etc., at a reasonable price. So I do feel like I am buying better but less (in terms of quality, uniqueness, price).

Lisa, they ship to Canada and there are scads of Nili Lotan pants for very reasonable prices. And the garment measurements are listed, so that reduces the risk of the unknown a little bit. The price to ship for TRR is the same whether you buy one item or several, so could it be an option for you to order a few pairs of pants and see which fit, and then return what doesn't? Once you know that a particular style of NL pants fits you, you could then be pretty confident in ordering another pair.

Irina

Veteran

Jonesy, I considered TRR many times myself and had to walk away due to huge duty costs in Canada. Just looked again - plus delivery charges of $51 Can.

Jonesy

Veteran

Gulp, that's a lot! But it would still be a relative bargain if the NL pants are listed at $70 (roughly 95 CAD) on TRR, compared to their retail cost.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have lots of thoughts on this. I will leave aside fewer, because that is not my jam, and focus on better. From early on in my style journey I wanted better, and over the years I have gradually forsaken lower quality items for higher. Price point is not the key factor for me because the second hand market has its own dubious logic - but I will say I do find, after much experimentation and looking over and sorting thousands of garments while sorting and even working as a sorter, there is clearly better and worse. I look for a few kinds of quality: design quality, construction quality and material quality. I am over generalizing but will say that getting a great combination of the three is pretty rare at lower (retail) price points.
I have seen quite and wear a lot of designer clothes relative to what I spend on clothing and frankly that is one of the reasons I shop second hand. Ultimately I think it is in the design aspect that sets the most premium brands apart. Small and thoughtful tweaks that make the garment so much better. It is easier to get very good quality and construction at lower points but, again in general, the design will be without the magic.
Does this relate to your post? I hope so, but am not quite sure !

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

[A]nything added should be the best it can be , while the lesser stuff shows itself out the door organically
pretty much describes my life-long approach. My approach to “best” is comfortable natural fibers with good quality/longevity, so in the end I don’t have ”fewer” at all. But of course if you intend to follow trends, that won’t work.

jussie

Veteran

For me, better, really means…. Better fit! It does not matter so much the price point, I have some fantastic jeans at low cost; I have tried on a lot more expensive pairs and not found a fit I am happy with. Same with tee shirts; I have some cheap and mid price tees that I deliberately buy because they are the perfect fit tee for me. The mid price ones are $60 AUD. I only need a couple and they last and last, are so comfortable and flattering. More expensive tees are not necessarily any better I don’t think??

However, there’s one very BIG exception to all this, in my mind….. shoes. I do feel that quality is more dependent on price here. I’m not saying they need to be designer shoes, but very cheap tends to wear out fairly quickly and/or be less comfortable. They’ll do, but they’re definitely not as good in construction or functionality. However the appearance can still be quite decent in some cases.

I think the main ingredient for “better” in wardrobe building is time, care, and effort, moreso than $. Or at least that’s what I tell myself, on my teachers budget hehehe !

As for less…. I totally think having better items that you are happy to wear reduces or eliminates the need for wardrobe churn and “emergency” shopping.

rachylou

Veteran

I agree ‘fewer and better’ is a tough question. There was a time when I felt I had quality brands/shops in my back pocket. For example, once upon a time there was *the Scottish store* for cashmere sweaters and *the Italian store* for excellent flats (I walked Europe in a pair of these shoes; they were formal but up to that kind of punishment). These are both gone and I don’t feel I could walk out the door and know that I could find quality like that, the kind you know will last decades. To me that is quality, something that will last a long time and really hold up well enough to go to the opera house in. Also, my favorite jeans are from Ross...

Vildy

Veteran

I *think* this blogger is Canadian and that there's Canadian Poshmark.
Her style is not like yours but she does want and buy designer things.

http://bluecollarredlipstick.com/page/7/ Poshmark Ninja
http://bluecollarredlipstick.c.....trategies/

Vildy

Veteran

I think she's from Edmonton.

judy

Veteran

Nicer things in the context of clothing to me means better quality fabrics, more beautiful cut and style. We know the feel of a good fabric or leather. At times I have paid a lot to satisfy this need, but I have also paid a little, say in thrift or consignment shops, on sale, or ebay, both with clothes and leather accessories.

About pricing and refusing to pay this or that, just for fun add up what was spent, roughly, for the clothes purged when you do a clean out. THIS was my wake up call about 10 or so years ago, when that big pile on my bed that I didn't wear or need any longer actually added up to quite a lot of money I had laid out. I could no longer say "I wouldn't pay that", because I HAD paid that! Just for many, many things...in that big pile. So I saw that in fact, I could actually afford some...not all... of the better quality though pricier items that I was drawn to in the store that I had told myself I couldn't have, IF...and it was a big IF... I was willing to buy fewer things. Shop less. Buy less. Own fewer things while spending the same amount, really. At that point I loved the buying, the hunting, more than say, the HAVING of better quality things. I learned as I went. It's a process, one I'm still learning to balance, but hey, it's a fun one. I also had to feel that I deserved better...that might be a different thread though.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Better for me includes being produced in a more sustainable and ethical way.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is a bit tangential, but for those like Irina and me, the problem is often that the designer stuff really isn't designed to fit a shorter person...I have tried Dries van Noten and others and adore adore adore the design details etc. but the fit is so off for me...So ordering from TRR is so tempting but also so scary -- incurring costs for....what?

I'm even amazed that Irina manages to get good stuff at COS because their stuff also tends not to work on me -- to the point where the next time I'm in Toronto I desperately want to meet up with Irina and go shopping with her to see how and why it works out for her there -- because I love a lot of their designs!

Anyway. Will be back to comment more fully on the less and better idea later on! It's a real conundrum.

Irina

Veteran

Suz, I’d be delighted to visit Cos together anytime!

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