I spend a lot per-pair on shoes, but as I wear a specialty size they DON'T always fit. I actually hate shopping for shoes :/ Hence, if I find a pair that I like under $200, and it fits comfortably, I'll snap it up.

I'm not a "bag" lady either; still using a years-old Longchamp tote that has been repaired and redeveloped holes, which probably needs replacing at last.

My other high cost-per-wear category is special occasion dresses - I like to buy one new holiday dress every year, although at this point my fancy dress capsule is rather full. But dresses are easy to fit on my body type (small-busted rectangle) and I adore the feminine vibe. Now I just need to figure out how to warm up and dress down my semi-dressy dress capsule for cool California summers and an ultra-casual office dress code.

I will spend on jeans, too, and since that category sees a lot of wear-and-tear it probably constitutes a fair amount of my wardrobe spending.

Blazers - hands down. I wear a blazer/jacket everyday at work. Ok, I wear a blazer if I am out always. Suit separates - I bought the VB scuba jacket and leggings at full price. But I've worn that suit about 6 times and the jacket about a dozen more in the 6 months I've had it. Outerwear would be next. Good coats are very expensive and must last a long time. I have fussy feet and my shoes are costly but nothing to blazers/outerwear.

I am someone who leans towards statement items but I am trying to increase my essentials.

I do have pricey pieces and cheap pieces in all categories though:

- Footwear from $20 to $300
- Coats from $70 to $450
- dresses from about $30 to $500
- Sweaters from about $30 to $160
- Pants/jeans from about $90 to $230
- Blazers from about $45 to $200
- shorts from $20 to $100
- Shirts/tees/blouses from $25 to $150

I would add I do not have a lot at the top end of these price ranges (in most cases just one thing) and the dresses one includes occasion wear, a bridesmaid dress, my 40th dress etc. And in most cases the expensive item has lasted several years!!

I struggle to spend money on knitwear, shorts, shirts tees and blouses but I do not struggle with dresses and footwear.

I do find coats and blazers easier to get second hand or on sale, and footwear too. I rarely get jeans on sale sadly.

(Please note these are NZD which are less than USD)

Yes, jessikams. I begrudge buying basic stuff like merino tops (that is one of my “essentials”).
I’m getting better at it though. I think giving these boring things an important-sounding name like “essentials” makes the purchasing process easier

Sal, interesting idea to track the price ranges for different categories....

Shoes and coats for sure. Pretty much a bargain shopper for everything else.