Sticker shock/price point - figuring out what to pay. - YouLookFab Forum

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Sticker shock/price point - figuring out what to pay.

Runcarla

Veteran

I’ve seen the cost of certain fashion items referred to as ‘eye watering’, spendy, high priced, expensive, a splurge or reasonable, affordable, or cheap, a deal, a steal. I recognize folks have different budgets and weigh lots of factors when apportioning $ to wardrobe. For example, some don’t bat an eyelash at laying down $200-$300 for premium denim, whilst other folks draw the line at jeans costing over $100.

From ‘wear counting’ experience, the durability of all but the most poorly made items is about the same. After a certain number of wears a garment, shoes, or bag will either fail or breakdown such that the appearance is unacceptable or it no longer serves its function (shoes loose cushioning and support, bras stretch, etc.) So, what justifies the difference between a $25. white v-neck t-shirt and a $100. white v-neck t-shirt? What makes a $900 pair of loafers better than a $350 pair, or a $150 pair (all 3 leather and comfortable)?

This can apply to all sources of shopping, because even second hand (consignment, thrift, etc.) has low and high prices.

Do you take a ‘pass’ on an item if the price is beyond a certain price point? What would motivate you to move your price point? What would inspire you to ‘splurge’ on something?

General

126 replies

Latest reply was from Jenn

Roxanna

Veteran

I'm finding that clothes that are cut well, seamed well, have lining, and are made from natural fabrics to be more and more expensive these days. A blazer that has princess seams for shaping, is lined, and had quality hardware and buttons can be eye wateringly expensive. That is why I am thrifting more and more - because it love quality, but don't want to blow my budget.

I also find bags made of calfskin leather, in Canada or European countries to be eye wateringly expensive. I have found a brand that works for me and that I can afford, and I stick with it.

Sal

Veteran

I agree Carla- price does not always correlate with quality.

I do pay more in the following situations:
- locally made
- local boutique
- design features
- sometimes, honestly, brand name/ snob value
- haste.

I don’t buy at the upper end (luxury/international designer) nor at the very cheapest end (here that might be Kmart or the warehouse). Second hand or anything else in between is possible.

This year my cheapest purchase was $5, and my most expensive $320. This is a locally made piece from a boutique 10 mins walk from my house.

Buying pieces at $300 is an immense privilege. I am very lucky to do that. But I don’t feel wasteful as my spending is managed and I am supporting local ethical beautiful products.

Tee shirts are an item I struggle to spend much on. I really only have one left! I wouldn’t pay more than $60 ( range here would be $15-$150). Jeans range from $30-$500 here and my three pairs were between $170 and $230. Often the US brands are very expensive due to the exchange rate.

When I say brand/ snob value an example might be buying Birkenstock’s for $160 when very similar slides could be found for less than $100. I didn’t shop around - I just went to one of the local stockists and bought them because that is what I wanted.

Irina

Veteran

I do have some loose price numbers for items I consider buying. I basically determined them on the amount of money I make. It is not a set budget, it’s more about being authentic in my real life. That means I can’t bring myself to spend $2000 on a bag I love. I have the means but I don’t have a lifestyle to justify an expensive bag like that. So far nothing motivated me enough to do it. It doesn’t mean that I don’t think about it.

I buy from brands that are in my price range, sometimes for the full price for something I really need but not very often.
I buy from brands that are above my “pay grade” only on sale when prices come down to my level. I have never paid a full price for a pair of designer jeans, for example.
I had to increase my price point for shoes due to more issues with my feet.
I buy good quality garments made of natural fabrics and I pay an amount I’m comfortable with. I don’t move easily from these two points.

Staysfit

Veteran

Runcarla, what a great question!
Fit seems most important among the many factors that determine what price I am willing to pay for a given item. I’m tall, but not tall enough for most tall sizes and too tall for most regular sizes….so when getting fit right matters I am willing to pay. This means I spend more on coats, blazers, shoes and probably jeans. Basic items like tees or loungewear are easier to fit than tailored items, so I do not pay as much for them.

I do not have a set price per type of item, but I do have an annual clothing budget….so if I spend too much on expensive jeans there will be less available for something else.

cat2

Veteran

I keep Do and Don’t Buy lists of brands. Don’t Buys either don’t fit, or have in the past provided poor quality pieces. I buy mostly bridge brands and a few house brands on sale, as they are well made, it is easy to find natural fibers and they last longer than most mall brand pieces. I do have exceptions where I have found surprisingly good quality natural fiber pieces at mall prices.

Sloper

Veteran

To address the question, "What justifies the difference?"
Sometimes absolutely nothing does, sometimes it really really does. A matter of personal experience for all of us. I don't think there is a definitive answer as we each have our own monetary limits.

I know you're not judging people for doing this, Runcarla. Yet I feel this topic can stray into that minefield territory.

Higher price isn't the criteria - it's the designer (maybe better word is brand - "designer" is too loaded).

A higher quality brand (at a higher price) sometimes it actually does mean an item is better. Quality of material, fabrication, design, color. I think we've all experienced that at various price points. Example: my Brooks Brothers cashmere sweater that has never pilled, and a J. Crew cashmere sweater that pilled the first day.

Also, living at the higher end of the standard size range, I've found that the quality brands that DO make these sizes (rare!!!!) also provide a more generous fit and a more thoughtful sizing up of proportion.

Of course we've all experienced the reverse - for example I've got Gap & Target tees that have lasted for 10 years while a pricier "designer" top disappoints.

Yes there are subjective things like name/brand cachet. And some people like to see (flaunt) that big fat logo. But paying more doesn't equal "snob."

I've paid up for a quality blazer that FITS (as opposed to fits-just-enough) and will last. But I'll wear a Gap tees - because I can't justify paying up for a plain design in cotton that's right next to my skin getting sweat and oil on it.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’ve been trying to decide what I want to pay for an item on my wishlist. It’s something I’ve thought about for a few years, and my thoughts are finally coalescing to the point I can start looking for an item. I want a long cardi or coatigan, made of natural fibers, with a subtle pattern in berry or mermaid colors. Because my boiled wool jacket is excellent quality, even though it’s too dressy for my life now, I went to its maker, Geiger, to look for the longer version. I was shocked to see that the short jackets are all over $300. I don’t know if I want to pay for a piece like that. I know I don’t want a cheap fashion item that will be flopsy in a couple years, might want something in-between.

I tend to be a bargain shopper, noticed recently that the Escada store is closing and its windows are full of things that are 70-90% off. Idk if there’s anything there I want.

Sal

Veteran

I think sometimes it is hard to be honest with yourself over the motivation for more expensive pieces. Often designer purchases are called investments which is not really the right term.

Even pieces I have thought I would love always may not be forever pieces - coats, boots etc.. I have got it right and wrong. And I think it is hard to not keep adding too- especially when style/fashion/clothing is an interest.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Sloper - I sure hope this thread doesn’t go off track! No ill intentions are meant.

I’d like to tap into the YLF hive mind in order to see if I’m missing something when it comes to my price points. I’ve made a few decisions along the lines of cat2 about ‘no buy’ based on sizing/fit issues or provenance of garments being problematic ethically. Recently I’ve added sustainability. Local makers and boutiques figure as well. Being a quilter, sewist, and knitter, I ‘get’ the idea of materials and labour and sometimes marvel (and feel guilt?) when an item seems priced too low - despite the quality. I like a little luxury too - natural fabrics, real leather, and workmanship in the details (lining, pockets (!) )

So, being a paper and pencil list gal, I’m hoping to create a list with a view to using it to ‘desk check’ future purchases, and justify possibly resetting my current budget fashionista price points.

Hopefully, this explanation will take the ‘heat’ out of the discussion.

bj1111

Veteran

i had typed out a long answer and realized that it sounded really over-privileged. suffice to say, i love the realreal where i can get more quality for each dollar--little things like a dress lined with silk with a fun print that only i can see but bring immense joy.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I have definite price points for all my items. And because I find shoes hard to fit, I will pay more for them, and often buy multiples.
My clothing size fluctuates, so I can not count on something fitting me for years, although when I gain weight I keep my favorites in the smaller sizes (within reason) and I am now wearing clothing I loved from many years ago. I don't know if my price points would expand if my weight were stable.
At my size, it takes a big price leap to get to another level, one that I haven't wrapped my head around.
Yesterday I tried a shirt and made the mistake of not looking at the price first. I was surprised at the price. If it's still in stock when it goes on sale I may purchase it. I just couldn't pay the full price for it, especially as items from that store often go on sale. And because while I liked it, I didn't love it.

As far as the difference between brands, I have no experience with high end brands, only higher end than I usually wear. But I've noticed two things. One friend, every time I compliment the color of her top, it's Eileen Fisher. Even though EF is not common in her wardrobe. Another friend has just a few Cabi tops, whenever I compliment her on her top, they are Cabi. The drape is just better than anything she or I usually wear.

However, I am definitely drawn to some high end items. Whenever something at Nordsrom catches my eye, online or IRL, it is usually due to an amazing print, and the cost is many multiples of my limit (and, lets be real, not in my size). Same happens when looking at 30 items Angie has in a blog post.

I occasionally consider splurging on jewelry because it just fits, but I can't seem to go beyond my limits.

cat2

Veteran

Let me provide an example. I have purchased Madewell Ts; they fit well. However, none of them survive more than a year. In comparison, this week I wore a T from another brand that I bought in 2015! I would rather buy Ts from the second brand, that cost on sale 3X what the Madewell T cost, and not have to shop again for years.

Sal

Veteran

Brands that I trust and have had good quality experiences with over several purchases.

- Levis
- G Star
- Standard Issue *
- Lululemon
- under Armour
- adidas
- Merrell
- Witchery
-Tuesday Label*

*NZ local brands

I would consider Lululemon expensive here but the pieces last so well.

nemosmom

Veteran

This is a great question, Carla! Yes, budgets and brand loyalties will vary for sure… and like others have said, just because it carries a high price tag or fancy name certainly doesn’t indicate any assurance of quality.

For me (personally) it almost always comes down to fabrication and potential longevity. Also, I tend to stick with brands I’ve had luck with in the past.

I’m more likely to spend more for a classic, one-and-done piece that is well-made (great stitching, quality hardware in a classic finish, etc), like a solid workhorse shoe, or jacket. I will spend more when I know I will wear an item more (e.g., I’ll drop coin on a great piece of outerwear LONG before I buy a big ticket handbag).

I have spent $10 on 3 tees and had them last a couple of years (over 30 wears); I’ve had $40 tees pill after 2 wears. Things I KNOW I will wear and wash into the ground (like tees) I might look for organic cotton over say, modal or blends, because I tend to think the higher price I pay covers costs that go for environmental benefit. I am also more likely to dupe here, as splitting wears helps my favorites last longer.

missvee

Veteran

I look at quality first, then price, and from there I try to figure out whether an item is going to provide good value for money. A wardrobe essential that will get plenty of wear would justify a higher price point for sure. So would well-fitting shoes. But items like premium jeans are hard for me to justify, and I don’t buy them unless they’re on sale. As for tee shirts, my best have been Eddie Bauer 100% cotton. They last for years and years, unlike the pricier Vince ones which lost their shape in no time. Lesson learned there…

LaPed

Veteran

I have a pretty low price point for most things, along with a low tolerance for poor quality/fit. Suffice to say, I do quite a bit of secondhand shopping! I'm generally willing to spend more for smaller niche brands that retain their resale value; if the item doesn't work out as I'd hoped I can generally pass it along it at a minimal loss. On the flip side, I am rarely willing to pay full price for items from mainstream labels -- might as well wait for a discount.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I have various thoughts on this.
In the spirit of BJ1111, I know that I am very privileged. However, I seem to have other reasons other than “budget” (since I don’t actually have a budget) not to spend as much on clothing as I could afford. The main one being depression-era parents who were 40 and 38 when they had me? I can’t seem to get beyond that “wasting” money thing. I also don’t want to look overly privileged at work with my patients by wearing high-end brands. I think some already think I’m very privileged because of all the shoes? And my husband is incredibly thrifty as well, also an upbringing thing. He has taken to wearing gear shirts because he cycles to work every day and then puts a consulting jacket over top (veterinarian). They cost about $6-8 apiece,hardly anything.
I have to learn to spend more sometimes and now that my wardrobe is not quite as overstocked I have done so on the odd thing. Remember prices in NZ and Australia- smaller distant markets- for quality stuff can be much higher than in North America. Sometimes I am gobsmacked by a lowish price ( to me) that one of you Fabbers finds on say a fancy-looking jacket. It might be under $100 and for how high quality it looks then even on sale something similar would be well over $200 here- maybe several hundred? I will stop for now in case I lose this. May have more to say.

Echo

Veteran

It is fit and design that motivate me to spend more. For example, there are styles that are very hard to find that really suit my style, and I am willing to pay for items like that. Likewise, there are items that feel like they were tailored for me off the rack, and I will pay for perfect fit, as well.

And, as others have said, occasionally I will pay for a name - and for the history and quality that normally come along with that name. But this is rare, and I am not a fan of buying a name for the name's sake alone (logo-covered items, for example). There's nothing wrong with that if it's what a person wants, though; no judgement from me in that regard. So sometimes it means a designer name (especially on accessories) and sometimes it just means a decent brand. Just like people have a ketchup preference or a few grocery items they won't buy generic, I feel that way about, say, Ugg and Birkenstock.

There are also items I will NOT pay more for, either because they aren't important enough to me or because I know something will be a passing fad for me. I won't pay a lot for most summer wardrobe items, as I really don't love summer clothing. I won't pay a lot for t-shirts or tights; even higher priced ones have the same lifespan or durability issues. I won't pay for a Burberry trench because I just don't wear trenches enough to justify it. And in some cases - like with most winter coats - I'd actually rather have quantity over quality. I really enjoy having a variety of winter coats, and none of them are worn very often, so none of them wear out very quickly. It is a better use of resources for me to have a greater variety than to invest in one or two higher quality pieces.

Anonymous

I have a number beyond which I will not go but I will pay up to that amount in any category from coats to shoes to accessories.

So mostly moderate with some occasional extravagance

Anonymous

I definitely have price points I'm not comfortable going over. Part of that is my actual income (likely lowest or near lowest on the forum), but more than that are my priorities and life/body/ preference changes. My budget is likely to change soon, but my health, house, animals, and hobbies are more of a priority than my wardrobe.

I also have had and continue to have changes, and I've learned to not think of clothes as an investment. Paying more for quality for something I know I'll use a lot (like my Birks, absolutely. Paying more for a label per se, a very size dependent piece, or some magpie thing- no. I just end up regretting it later. Things only spark joy for so long. And things, no matter how nice at first, will get stained or otherwise damaged.

So- where might I splurge, if needed? Right now I'd say shoes, if needed, due to my fit issues. Maybe a good coat or gold jewelry.

Sloper

Veteran

Runcarla - absolutely no worries. As always I appreciate your well-thought-out-ness (is that a word or what?)

Everyone's giving great advice for a purchase check-list.

I'll add one item to the list - does the article have that little something extra.

Of course I'm not looking for that "oomph" from my tees and exercise gear, necessarily, but I do have a deep streak of impetuosity - I fall in love with things perhaps a bit too easily and I do make an extra effort to think rationally. But sometimes serendipity hits. Sorry can't articulate this perfectly. I find fashion fun and can't stick to rules all the time.

Anonymous

I am an open book with regards to what motivates me to spend money on clothes , and how I make those decisions . As a younger woman I was motivated by different things than I am now . Some were shameful ( as I now see it ) and others were realistic and practical . I usually spend according to my income , which fluctuated a lot over the years from very high to not too my but at all . I don’t operate with a budget . There are times when I read prices on YLF that really shock me - and always make me think there’s a reason so many US Americans can dress and live so well on average incomes . Prices here are a LOT higher for the same item , so buying pieces from EF ( for example ) is not a toss off like it seems elsewhere . I decide what I’ll spend more money on based on quality , sometimes the brand ( but that’s less of a factor every season now ) , and usually how that piece makes me feel . I often feel like an outlier here because I don’t understand the appeal of premium denim brands , for example , and now I have to stop writing because all I’m doing is deleting things I worry will sound snarky .

slim cat

Veteran

I’m willing to spend a bit more on shoes now but only up to the point ( was waiting for ECCO sneakers to drop the $ for almost 6 months). The only $$ purchase last year wear All Saints leather jacket . So I’m on lower end for sure now - Ross, Marshall’s, ON, Rack and such. Don’t see anything right now motivating me to splurge on something ( just my current situation).

I did purchase the skirt that I was obsessed with at slightly higher price point than similar style last year ( just loved wearing it and feeling great in general ). I tried to get size right but in the end went to seamstress and paid extra to shorten it a bit and fix the waist band. In total I spend 1.5 times more than the original one but still less than the full price. That's probably the best example of paying extra this year for a specific item.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This is a very interesting question. One of the reasons I got back into thrifting was my late interest in fashion in style (around age 41 or so, also when I found YLF). I wanted higher quality things than I was willing to pay for retail. This preceded the wave of minimalist blogs whatever that might have convinced me to add one thing a year, and also preceded popular interest in second hand clothing so I had a field of treasure to explore. Through thrifting and related research I have learned to appreciate quality in clothing and will say I do find a certain level of quality and design does distinguish your typical $300 pair of shoes from your $100 pair. The $900 pair is probably buying status, wealth signaling etc., although there are no doubt exceptions. There are certain items of clothing I will look at just because of their brand, because I know that there are subtle differences that apt to make it better than first glance would indicate.
I will pay for real Birkenstocks (but even more happily buy them second hand if in nearly new condition) because I wear them hard and know through experience the cheaper imitations don't live up.
My clothing budget is determined through the money I raise reselling, so in theory could buy one very expensive for me thing every month or two but except in the case of certain long term HEWIs (fisherman sandals, that were very hard to find before this year), I usually prefer to pay less for more second hand. I will stop this novel now!

rachylou

Veteran

It’s interesting. I’ve tried to promise myself that I’ll go for it and spend $1000 on a blouse or pair of trousers and I just haven’t been able to make myself do it. Maybe if they were essentials, I would have. I don’t in general ever spend more than $20 for a pair of *b*lue jeans. Blue jeans aren’t my thing, are not one of my essentials. Plaid jeans, now I’ll go up to $150. Or very dark jeans with lots of spandex.

But by the same token I haven’t been able to do it with a sweater either. They’ve been essential to my formula. Maybe the failure with this one is because I have a dog and sweaters are a lot of work with a dog. I’m starting to give up on sweaters. I don’t know how high I’d go on a sweatshirt.

I have spent over a thousand on knee boots. Hand tooled leather I’ll wear often and will have until I die. I’ve gone pricey for my single ‘real’ handbag. And I’ve been spendy on dresses with something clever about them, which I’ll go ahead and wear to the bakery. I don’t know why I’ll wear an expensive dress to the bakery but want to baby trousers. Maybe I feel dresses look more natural somehow in the environment.

ps: Y’all will be interested to know that I intend to never spend more than $5000 on a gasoline car ever again. And I haven’t seen an electric one yet I’m willing to buy…

gryffin

Veteran

Runcarla - it's a great question and so many excellent thoughtful answers. The things I value are fit, comfort, style, longevity, utility, and joy. Another question is can I get something less expensive that will work as well? Case in point. I used to buy gap cotton briefs. They were awesome. Comfortable, cute and cheap. $100 and the underwear drawer was stocked. Until......the material and cut was changed and (forgive me if someone still loves them) but they were awful to me. I went on a 2 yr panty hunt. I even bought pricy brands like Hanro but the bikini felt too low and they shifted. Cheap brands were not comfortable. Criteria was 100% cotton, comfortable and cute. Finally I hit upon the Calida Hi Leg lace briefs. The best panties ever. They hit me at a very flattering point, love the hi leg because it accentuates my long leg line and the lace makes them cute and a little sexy. They never shift, bunch or pull. I don't know I have them on and are 100% cotton and wash like a dream. But if you told me I'd spent $20 per panty I would have thought you were insane. But the amount I spent to be uncomfortable and self conscious was worse than buying a few pairs/month until the drawer was stocked. I pick up a couple periodically to have extra. An unbelievable amount of money that I feel is well spent because I can't get the comfort and aesthetic for less and they have longevity and joy. I typically will spend on things that will last, usually decades, that are both functional and beautiful. I have a range where I am comfortable spending. I love VB jackets because I cannot afford Balmain and they cut very similarly. Most jacket do not have the waist tailoring or detail. But I almost never pay full price. I stalk jackets until they go on sale at an acceptable price point. If I miss out, so be it. I did buy the black scuba jacket, pants and leggings at full price. I needed a suit and something that would travel unbelievable well. That I could sleep in and look pristine. It's the most I've ever spent but it's had hard wear and I feel elegant, powerful, comfortable and appropriate whenever I wear it. The scuba jacket that I paid $575 3 yrs ago has been worn 50 times and is down to $11.50/wear and still looks pristine. I expect my good pieces to last decades (assuming no change in size or accident, of course.) So the good stuff does get amortized over time and to me that's true value. OTOH the JCrew Jackie shell is one of my favorite pieces and on sale its a great bargain. Yet the Helmut Lang Smoking tux at almost $400 was an incredible splurge. But I had searched for the perfect tuxedo jacket for almost 10 yr. The one you can throw over anything and it looks perfect - the one in which I am not just elegant or cool, but the one in which I feel chic. To me those things have value and are worth the sticker shock because it's value and joy over time.

DALIA Women's Lycra Lace Hi Cut Brief Panties 21901

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Veronica Beard Scuba Jacket

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Veronica Beard Scuba Pants

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Veronica Beard Scuba Leggings

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Cotton Jackie shell

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Helmut Lang SMOKING TUXEDO BLAZER

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Jules

Veteran

I’ve spent the pandemic not shopping much at all and learning about some local and Canadian made brands and their price points. To be clear I haven’t bought much from them, just learned more about what’s available from brands that seem to be trying to ethically produce things we need at a ‘reasonable’ price & quality point (vs say creating a marketing driven brand with a high markup on average quality). This has changed my idea of what things ‘should’ cost and what I’m willing to spend. For example I would spend over $100 for the right 100% cotton zippered hoodie because I know one I’ve had my eye on costs that much.

Anonymous

This subject could go on forever - I thought about it all evening while pretending to watch tv . As Irina said , I *could* buy those $400 Nili Lotan slouchy chinos that I have lusted over for years , but something stops me . Like what do I need $400 pants for ? But then what’s the diff between those $400 chinos and other pants? Well no other label does slouchy pants anymore for one thing, and the colours are not typical Gap colours , but at some point I feel I’m not Jennifer Aniston and don’t have her net worth , so I need to face reality and not buy them ( she wears them so well ) I suppose if one’s disposable income was limitless it wouldn’t really matter . It’s all such a moving target really , and boils down to how that garment makes me feel . I bet if those Nili Lotan pants were actually available at retail here and I could try them on , and if they made me feel like a million bucks - I’d buy them . Contradictory , I know .

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Interesting to see how others think about this. I definitely have very low top price points for almost every category. I do remember many, many years ago that I wouldn’t pay more than $10 for anything except up to $30 for shoes and maybe $35 for a coat. Kind of like paying no more than $12 for a bottle of wine (current day limit.)

Naturally, the prices I’m willing to pay have risen, and during my last few working years, rose a little more quickly. But my top limits were $25 for work slacks, $18 for a top or blouse, $30 for a sweater, and maaayyybbbeee $45 for a jacket. One time I got a very unique and pretty sweater at a boutique while out of town at a conference, paid triple my usual limit. Unfortunately it snagged quickly and since it was so unusual, I didn’t wear it often. Not cost efficient.

Essentially, to me, the challenge of finding a wardrobe that is flattering, even cute, fitting for my lifestyle and comfortable, with money limits, the local shopping opportunities and lack thereof, has been mostly a fun adventure.

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