I worked on our budget and once everything was paid, including retirement and short term savings, I settled on an amount I was comfortable with. I was really building from almost scratch and set $125/ month. There were a few times I went over like when I needed a winter coat and boots.

Now that I've gotten a promotion I'll give myself a little more because I'll be making more and also need more suits and professional clothes.

There's a good budgeting technique called 50-30-20 where 30% of your income goes to
"wants". It sounds like a lot but includes all non-essentials such as cell phones and
cable too. So that might be a starting point. I've also read 4-8% of take home pay and that sounds pretty reasonable too.

Heehee, I approach this problem from the other side: I loathe shopping, and would prefer to go for months without buying anything. I have a closet almost entirely of neutrals, and even so I'm missing some basics to make my neutral wardrobe sing (eg, belts!).

I talked to a co-worker who had the same problem, and her solution was to set a budget minimum for herself. Her monthly minimum is a dollar amount (I can't remember what percentage of her income it is, but Sally @ Already Pretty has a good guideline) because she buys everything new. Personally, I try out new-to-me looks at thrift stores, however, so my minimum is based on the number of new-to-me pieces. It's still too tough, though ... I don't think I've bought anything since the silk skirt I posted about in November.