Wardrobe Investments - Should I Take The Plunge? - YouLookFab Forum

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Wardrobe Investments - Should I Take The Plunge?

MsLuna

Veteran

After discovering that my style has shifted, I started taking note of the qualities in my outfits that make me feel comfortable. These are:
- comfort (no pinching anywhere especially my waist/torso)
- fabric breathability (because it gets humid here)
- fabric texture/comfort (no scratchiness)
- hard-edged style
- a touch of femininity/romance
- high contrast black and white and bold colours

Since getting rid of all my polyester items (except my dresses, which are reserved for colder weather), I've been exploring various brands and I noticed the brands that I gravitate to are brands that I've always considered to be above my price range. These are:
- Eileen Fisher (I'm obsessed)
- Aritzia brands such as Wilfred and Babaton
- Theory
- Club Monaco
- Helmut Lang

I often bought clothes in larger quantities and heavily discounted - mainly in Winners or Marshall's where I would never pay over $40 for a single item, unless it's a dress which I'll pay $70 at best. Now I feel that it's time I shift my attitude/behaviour about shopping.

I really loved the pants I tried on here:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....pymatronly

... But I seriously balked at the $165 price tag. Even the blue top I wore in that photo, which I purchased that day was more than what I normally pay for ($100 - ON SALE!). It took me a week to think about purchasing that top, but I don't regret it as it works well with the rest of my wardrobe.

After all the excessive shopping (and massive yet necessary "mistakes") in the last two months and the more refined super tiny "workhorse only" wardrobe, I now wonder whether it's worthwhile to take the plunge into getting more higher end (sale) items. EF pants seem to fit me without giving me massive muffin tops (but this means I may have to spend over $100 sometimes). Some silk and linen tops feel great on my skin. I've had a mixable/matchable wardrobe for less but I'm ready to add even more workhorses and potentially loved items.

I know most of you will say it's worth taking this plunge but how does one (with a small wardrobe) ease into it? Any tips?

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

amiable

Veteran

No suggestions, but great topic! I've been thinking on these lines too - I want to buy less "cheap" clothes, and trade them for fewer, better, investment pieces. But I'm nervous - how do I make sure it's EXACTLY what I want!?

MsLuna

Veteran

Amy, you took the words right off my mouth... Errr... Finger since I'm tapping this response on my ipad I'm really nervous about the items not being exactly what I want either. I've been notoriously fickle and moody with my styles that I'm not even sure how long I will love that item! But, since I'm also a uniform dresser, there's that other side of me that's certain it will work.

I'd really love to hear what everyone thinks

Anonymous

A few years ago I had to replace my entire wardrobe and didn't feel that I could afford to spend much per item. Is that what you mean, or do you intend to keep your wardrobe small? I would scour consignment shops and sales at stores who sell the brands you want, especially the extra % off clearance sales. I know that the EF website also has a sale section and sometimes offers additional discounts. I am now at a point where I am willing to spend for one or two pieces that I really love each season and not buy much else. It takes time and patience. My better items have lasted so well that I don't hesitate to spend for something that I think will have staying power. I'm not as willing to spend a lot for items to update for a season or two. That leads to high-low items together in outfits, making the best of both ends. Designer jeans with a Target tee and Theory blazer. MsMary does an excellent job of mixing the designer with the thrifty in her looks.

Peri

Veteran

I feel more comfortable buying "investment" pieces for cooler weather. Summer things just wear out faster...the heat and sweating, the extra washing, the thinner material. And it isn't always the expensive things that stand up to that so it's hard to know what to spend on. Paying more for a more substantial winter item seems less risky.

But...I have been wondering lately how to not have to start over again next summer. I replaced most of my summer wardrobe this year and it was too much work! I want summer items that will last. And I'm with you, that I want to love, or at least like, my summer wardrobe even if it is more fragile. So I would say to buy something if you know you will love it. If you love and wear it, it will be worth it. And a perfect pair of pants is worth any price.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

My advice would be to invest in a few key pieces that you suspect may become workhorses, and validate your assumptions by easing into further purchases over several seasons vs jumping in with both feet. We're money no object, we'd probably all make a lot more mistakes. I don't think it's a bad thing to think on a piece for a few days or a week before buying. Just my 2 cents

Anonymous

ETA: My best advice about spending for what you really want..if you try something on and don't want to take it off, that's a clue. You need to love the way it looks on you, then you will get the wear out of it for a long time. Beware of sales and spending just because of the brand and price if you are meh about it or it seems like a good idea. Those are my biggest, most expensive mistakes. I'm still working toward a better quality wardrobe and should have started sooner.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I don't know if you track CPW or take daily outfit photos but IMO it is worthwhile doing either or both for a while before making any major investments. I thought I knew what I wore but I was so wrong. Keeping track of CPW & how I felt in my outfits really changed my buying habits.

Once you know what you REALLY wear & WHY you will make fewer mistakes too!

catgirl

Veteran

It's still going to be trial and error. I've probably spent more in the last two years than in the rest of my life on fashion, and no, not all of it has worked out. But I am getting SO MUCH BETTER at telling the difference now. Before anything expensive seemed awesome because I was a thrift store addict. Now I'm able to be much more picky. It's a learning curve at any level. But if you are aiming for fewer but better, it has to be travelled, and we are here to help!

rabbit

Veteran

For myself, I'm not letting myself replace more inexpensive pieces that are doing their job, are adequately comfortable, and look good in outfits (and work stylistically) until they really have a very low CPW or I have moved them onto another home.

I don't want to rush the process too much, I want to live in my clothes and finish the experimental process I begun at the beginning of the year until I have given myself time to really learn what works and what doesn't, and what preferences are going to stick around for some time. You might be at a different stage in your journey.

I found it very helpful to buy nothing for the month of June and it made me reluctant to add anything but a key wardrobe lynch-pin going forward, because really I have enough clothes that I like a lot. When they start wearing out I'll think about upgrading, but that might take some time. I echo Caro that photographing and tracking are very helpful.

Dana

(website)

Veteran

First off, congratulations for getting rid of things that were making you feel less than fab! You don't say how many polyester pieces you purged, but how are you feeling with less? You seem to be making thoughtful choices around your style shift, so I would say continue to do so. (Although you probably don't have to think about each more expensive piece a whole week--you could miss out on some great things if your size is gone.)

You say you are fickle with your style. Do you truly get bored quickly or do you perhaps change your mind, because you settled on something in the first place because it wasn't expensive? Simply thoughts to ponder:)

One last tip is when making a more expensive purchase you love, be certain you can make an outfit at home or buy a whole outfit while you're shopping. It's easy to forget about something if you think you'll find something to go at a another
time.

Gaylene

Veteran

My approach a few years ago was to think of my wardrobe as a yearly budget, not a monthly one. If I had been buying five $40 items a month on average, that meant I was actually spending $2400 a year on clothes. I also arbitrarily decided that I would only buy 10 items in the upcoming year which theoretically meant I could spend $240 on an item.

What worked, though, was the thought I could only buy 10 items. That limit made me think long and hard how valuable a piece would be in my wardrobe because I didn't want to "waste" one of 10 items by buying something that wouldn't be valuable. Since I knew it was unlikely that I'd actually spend the exact same amount on each item, I didn't really let price dissuade me from buying something I really thought was worthy of being one of my 10.

It was an interesting exercise because I could let myself contemplate buying a pair of $400 shoes without fretting about price as long as I was happy to let those shoes be one of my 10. Conversely, when I found the perfect gold men's watch at a flea market for $50, I bought it because it was worthy of being one of my 10, not because it was a "bargain". My $25 espadrilles and $1000 Burberry trench were equals because they both had to meet the same standard. The total cost of my wardrobe purchases was actually less that year, but my happiness factor was much higher.

Of course, the number of items and overall budget is entirely arbitrary, but it did make me think differently about what I was buying. Sales and discounts were nice, but they didn't really play a big part in my buying decision.

MsLuna

Veteran

Ladies, this has been very valuable so far! I'm sure Amy would appreciate this as well!

@Joy: I'm actually thinking that I couldn't afford to spend so much for the item. I've already decided to keep my wardrobe small (less than 40 items per season) and modular, which means that I can only have room for things I love AND are workhorses. I have to look up consignment stores, but I'm always on a lookout for clearance sales and I'm looking up EF stuff on eBay. For the most part, I'm considering on investing in pants and jeans since I'm out of inexpensive options for my body type. I also plan to invest on jackets/blazers and maybe pay a bit higher (less than $70 instead of less than $40) for sweaters/tops that I actually love. I'm a lot more selective, even when I'm paying a lot less. The main requirement is that the items have to fit my wardrobe system.

"Try something on and don't want to take it off..," that was the EF slouchy pants for me and that blue Babaton top I just purchased. I was smiling a lot in the change room and seriously wanted to LIVE in them!

@Peri: I wonder about the longevity of my summer choices too. My items are not "classics" but they are quite basic shapes that work with a long over lean or column-type silhouette. I would think those classics won't go out of style anytime soon, right? Like - how much longer will my VC skirts be on trend or not look outdated? What about these hi-Lo tops that I finally managed to figure out wearing? I ask these questions all the time...

@Dashielle: yup - I usually "let the thought sit" before I buy. If I think about it after a week, then I'm coming back for it, budget permitting! And the key pieces are a good idea - I normally would spend less on tops and more on something where fit us essential - such as pants and jackets.

suzyq

I too have purged all polys (so sticky) and comfort is king. I spend about 6 months a year in Panama and must have breathable clothing. I went through my experimental phases by thrifting and at TJ max as well. It seems I've come full circle in my style and color preferences.

I'm not tough or girly but you may want to look at James Pierce, nice fabrics with a few quasi E. Fisher looks and annual sales. Vince, available at Nordtroms and my personal fave J Jill. Don't laugh quality is great and they have fantastic sales and ship to my sis in Canada. You can always find a few neutral E. Fisheresqe pieces there.

I'm much happier with fewer but nicer things in my wardrobe. Ok maybe not fewer because I purge less often now. It's a process that we all go through.

unfrumped

Veteran

I really have trouble with the term "investment" since clothes don't appreciate and in fact since not that many items will be 10- year keepers. I prefer the idea of getting more of what you want in your wardrobe for your $$. So, not more items for your $$, but more of whatever you value in your clothing -- such as styles, fabrics, colors, longevity OR change.
If ones clothing budget is the dame as before then buying more high cost items means having fewer items. If budget increases it has to come from somewhere, and for some people that's do- able by cutting back somewhere else.
The plunge is sometimes about realizing one might be spending a fair amount on " bargains" when they're all added up. Or about not artificially pricing things out of habit. That's a common topic-- we might spend $150 one week at Marshall's and think its fine because we got 10 "things", and scoff when someone spends $150 on a single sweater. But only the user knows what was the ultimate value.

I think also there is a pendulum of spending more when you discover some great new brands-- but then at some point there is budget reality and you work back toward, not bargain basement but being more practical, mixing high- low, finding some brands that do a good job for less in certain items or fabrics in order to allow room for special items. Realizing that some designer items fail the quality test and some ordinary brands can produce a wardrobe workhorse. It's less likely that one can have the Burberry version of every wardrobe item. So there are choices and priorities at every budget level.
A good thing about trying higher - end things is one , maybe to find something fab, and two, to have a
benchmark of what's possible and then find an acceptable rendition at a lower price or reject items if they don't measure up.
I think the big plunge is in being more discerning overall, what looks & fits well and holds up- maybe if $$ were not limited( well, sort of!) , , and then aiming for that, while still being practical about budget and lifestyle.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think along Gaylene's lines. I tried to limit items last year in an attempt to let myself spend more per single item instead of nickel and diming it all away. It worked, to some extent.
I found that buying one 'investment' or high ticket piece per season worked best for me. Gradual. My Allsaints coat winter 2012 for $185. My DVF dress spring of 2013 for $135. Then THE leather Vince pants in winter 2014 for $310. All of these were still on sale, but as someone who's average expenditure per item was well below $100, they were $$$$ to me. So when the BCBG white tank came along at $100 this summer, I went for it. A year or two ago, I probably wouldn't have.
I still think there is room for TJ Maxx $20 tops, but there is a balance. I'll likely never have a designer only wardrobe, no matter how much disposable income I have. I like the mix. If every thing is special, then nothing is special, right?

MsLuna

Veteran

This has been really educational so far - thanks ladies!!!

@caro: I've been tracking daily outfit photos for sure. I don't always post them on my WIW's but I do know I have a "pattern". This is how I discovered that I'm an absolute comfort fanatic. Also - this is how I discovered that while the Fabbers thought I looked fabulous in pants, I feel awful in them due to the comfort issue - I really have to broaden my jean search and be selective about pant fit!

I actually am not sure how to track cost per wear, but I noticed that my VC skirts (I bought them for $50 each, which is pricey for me) get so much wear and I wear them with so many looks.

I think I will continue posting WIW's in that case but because I have a much smaller wardrobe (thanks to all my polyester and squishy pants satisficing mistakes), and I feel that you guys might get terribly bored.

I need to learn the concept of how to properly calculate CPW.. I still get confused on that concept

@Una: so glad you got better at discerning what works for you! My gosh I've made so many style mistakes these last two months alone and I'm trying to calm down. I do feel those mistakes were necessary though, otherwise, how will we know what works?

But yes - because I acknowledged that I'm a "system dresser" and "uniform dresser" I found out that "less is more." In my first month of wardrobe minimalism, I did not repeat a single outfit at all for 30 days (with only 21 items). Now that I discovered how I can wear separates, I think I could sustain this kind of wardrobe as long as I'm selective.

@rabbit - oh I'm not replacing any of my inexpensive items! Most of the clothes I have now cost less than $25 they are absolute workhorses too and I don't think I'll ever stop looking out for inexpensive pieces that work well!

Sadly with me, I had to live with my impulse shopping purchases. Realizing that I hated most of my clothes led me to begin shopping and getting to know what I wanted (hence, documenting daily outfits). Which pretty much brings me to now - a clearer style and awareness of clothing/style habits.

@Dana: since my minimalism exercise in May, I've felt quite comfortable with less but would want more than my 20 items (maybe at least another 10? 20?). Sadly, I don't even wear the pants in that 20 so I'm really using only 17 items due to comfort issues.

Interesting thought on my "fickleness" - perhaps the fickleness could be the result of impulse buys... I find that my biggest wardrobe workhorses are pieces I've sat on for at least a week before purchasing. Maybe this is key?

Oh and the main criteria of my purchase these days (aside from comfort and personal style) is that it HAS TO work with my wardrobe system. If it doesn't, it's not coming home with me

@Gaylene: limiting yourself to items is such a great idea! But wow, this will be hard for me as I'm in the rebuilding process, so I'll likely purchase more than the limit (at least for now). However, this is something I could adapt on e my wardrobe is established! Thank you for this!

@suzyq: interesting how you went through that experimental phase. I think I was on that for a few years. I'm pretty much narrowing the style down now. Thank you for the brand recommendations!

@unfrumped - yup - definitely mixing the high and low is key. I mentioned (to rabbit) earlier that my current workhorses are under $25. And I don't doubt that lower priced items can be workhorses too. But yes - sadly I subscribed to the "10 items for under $150" idea, but realized that I didn't think harder as to whether the items will work on my wardrobe and lifestyle.

carter

Veteran

What if you buy one dream item and wear it as much as humanly possible for a month. If at the end of that month, you feel it was worth every penny, buy another one. Wear them both as much as possible for the next month...and so on.

You and I are very much in the same place, except I think my buying spree has been a bit longer than yours;-) A few months ago though, I started focusing on quality rather than price (except for Summer work blouses, which in my climate/work, are basically one season items.) I've bought only a couple items/month, plus some on vacation, that I LOVE. Some are sweaters (a couple are EF) that I can't even wear yet, but I go pet them every morning. The other things I am wearing non-stop. Because of this, my list is ridiculously short. I only want what I want, no substitutions. I'm happy to wait for what meets the new criteria.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Mo: I'm really liking this limited item purchase idea (it speaks to my wannabe minimalism sensibilities). And it makes sense for a minimalist wardrobe. It also allows me to spend for something I really really want! I don't think I'm a designer-wardrobe only type either (I think EF and Club Monaco are pricey, sheesh!) but yeah - it's great to mix things up and have some standout pieces!

@carter: hmmmm... Great idea on buying 1 dream item. If I see that item for less on eBay, I'm getting it (no way I'm paying full price!). But that is such a good way of assessing whether or not a particular item will last!

Yup - focusing on quality vs price will be a shift for me. I'll continue to watch out for sales and check eBay, but I'll likely transition myself into paying a bit more for quality and love.

Gaylene

Veteran

Mo has hit on it, exactly. (as usual). It's not about the number the of items you decide to buy, but about basing your decision on criteria other than just price and impulse. Sometimes a $20 shirt is exactly the right option, but not because it is $20. To be a good buy, that shirt ought to first and foremost fit a wardrobe need and give you a great deal of pleasure every time you put it on.

Maybe think of what you would be willing to forego in order to buy the EF pants. Will the happiness factor be high enough to make those pants worth giving up three new tops and a pair of new shoes?

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read all the responses, but what Dashielle says seems wise to me. I know that in the past I have bought things that I absolutely loved at the time, but my style would shift a few months down the road and I would no longer want to wear the item as much. Dashielle's advice lets you still buy a few items that would be likely workhorses, so that you can keep dipping your toes in before spending too much money that you might regret later.

MsLuna

Veteran

Both are very sound advice, thanks!

@Gaylene: interesting way of thinking about purchases. I've thought about this recently and I find that it's really all about making items fit in my wardrobe/lifestyle. I find that I haven't been tempted to buy lately (and lately I've been shopping a lot). I've been mindful over whether or not the item works in my wardrobe. Good to know that I'm on the right track then there are a few specific items I'm looking for, such as replacements for my jeans (blue and white skinnies), that slouchy black EF jersey pant (the only slouchy pant I'll get), and a sleeveless black cowl neck top. I still need a few more tops but anything goes for those (they can wait). I'll be purchasing the items I listed as priority.

Thanks so much for this!

@Gigi: very true! I do have very specific silhouettes already so I think that's a start. I'll always need skinny jeans, for instance since that's an integral part of my style. It would be good to invest in a good pair.

Thistle

Veteran

You already have so much fabulous advice. I am reading it and trying to absorb it all myself.

I do think it wise, as AG said, to ease into this change. You really have to know your style and yourself. And you have to be careful not to be seduced by labels and sales.

One thing that has helped me is I put items on my wish list at the beginning of the season. If I still want them when they go on sale, I will give them a try on. If not, I delete them from the wish list. I try very hard not to just shop sales unguided. I am not always good at avoiding sales goggles.

Anonymous

I've kind of been easing into paying more when I think it'll make a difference, too. Am definitely still a little clueless about telling when something more expensive will really be better. The other hard part for me is even being aware of what's out there in the pricier, better quality world that would be right for me, since I'm not as familiar with those lines as with the Gap/BR/Loft stuff I've been buying for ages. But it sounds like you've got a pretty good idea of what brands/styles might work for you there.

I definitely second Dashielle's advice to start with things you think might be workhorses. For example, I've started paying more for everyday bags and for boots over the past few years because I know those will get tons of use and the difference in quality and design are pretty clear. Last winter (with YLF help), I got a few cardigans that were in the over $100 range because I was getting sick of buying only mid-priced ones that all looked the same and would start looking ratty pretty quickly. I've really felt like all of these have upgraded my wardrobe.

Eliza

Veteran

Great question and useful discussion. I love hearing the different parameters people consider. Although the pragmatic aspect of budgeting impacts these decisions, everyone must go through a parallel process: what are my lifestyle and priorities - how do I use my wardrobe to express them? All the resources in the world won't give us direction or a high happiness factor. The more you know about yourself and the subtle details of what makes an outfit beloved, the easier this becomes. Your list of priorities and brands will serve you well in deciding how to allocate funds. For me, having the right number of daily outfit choices, coupled with a few sure bets for nights out is a big help. Building a great wardrobe is a work in progress. While I am apt to shop sales, I now am just as discerning about a cheaper purchase as a splurge. I am a careful shopper who pays full retail on occasion, as well as enjoys many high quality items procured at a steep discount.

It has helped me to be prepared for mis-steps, and accept how informative (and ultimately $/space savings) they can be. I think of that cost as tuition. Try on things, wear purchases around the house with tags on, look here and everywhere for what calls to you, all while integrating the who am I and what do I really need to be happily dressed variables. In some ways, there are no short cuts, but acquiring the language of fashion and using it to define a path helps. I go through an almost unconscious checklist now when I consider a purchase. It took time to get there, but a lot less comes home. I better understand what I have a candy eye for, but won't really wear to walk out of the house.

Your question itself may well contain your way forward. Seems like you have the pleasure of feeling great in your new looks (and look amazing as well). That's the goal. You can achieve it over time, within your budget.

Thanks for the thread.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I know for me, I started to realize that if I took the dollar amount I spent on a few "meh" pieces that ended up being short lived in my wardrobe, I could have purchased the fab more expensive piece in the first place. This has been a valuable realization, although frustrating when I think about the money I've wasted. But I guess that's what we have to go through to get to the end point, you know?

Joy makes an excellent point - even on sale, the BCBG blush draped blouse was pricey ($115) but when I tried it on in the dressing room, I grinned from ear to ear and wanted to wear it home. I quickly went through in my head what it could be paired with and knew it had to come home with me. I didn't want to take it off. And I'm having to restrain myself from wanting to wear it every other day!

jackiec

Veteran

Such great advice here. I am taking it all in as well.

Yes - I do think you should take the plunge with those EF pants - they are fabulous on you. The important thing is, and you are doing this now, that you are carefully considering this investment purchase. It is much harder to make an expensive purchase an impulse purchase, isn't it? I think we consider these pricier purchases a bit longer and harder, which makes for a better decision in the end, I think.

I am also trying to go this route. I am way, way, way too good at impulse buys that end up being wrong in some way. But, OH, it was ON SALE!! or What a DEAL!!

Looking forward to seeing a WIW with those pants...

ironkurtin

Veteran

When your wardrobe is smaller, better quality is key. At least in my experience.

merwoman

Veteran

Great post Katie!
I've been thinking along the buying quality not quantity line as well.
I would advise buying the expensive item locally, where you can easily return if you discover that it doesn't work with your wardrobe. I am notorious for hemming and hawing in the change room. And I find the lighting and mirrors (or lack of) can make it hard to make a decision. For an investment piece, I need to take it home and put it through it's paces. Sometimes it can take a few weeks for me to make the final decision - and the possibility of returning it reduces the pressure.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Thistle: I was so proud of myself today. So many things were on sale at The Bay earlier. So. Many. But I walked out of the store with nothing because everything I tried on was just marginal - except of course the EF items I keep trying on and dreaming about. But it's so easy to be tempted by the price and thinking that you had a great deal, when later on you won't be wearing much of it anyway.

I love the Wishlist idea. I think I will adopt this!

@Aubergine: I started paying more for boots and handbags as well! My main handbag was purchased for $225 about 3 years ago and it's still going strong. I have some boots here that lasted too.

I think, in the end the best thing to do is be aware of what we like and what our lifestyle is like. Doesn't matter what price it would be as long as we love the item and use it frequently!

@Eliza: Congrats on figuring out what works for you when it comes to shopping! Having read what you wrote, you seem quite methodical in your approach - which is amazing! I need to remember to "wear the item around the house" when purchased next time to see how I feel about it the week after. I do tend to keep purchases in my closet for a week. If I haven't felt like I was "in the mood" to wear the new purchase, it's going back! (And if it doesn't work with the rest of my wardrobe!)

@Shannon: yup.... Trial and error is part of the process, and as I learned within the last two months, mistakes are absolutely necessary in the learning process.

And you look FAB in the BCBG blouse! so glad you got it! *sigh* I went to the Bay again today just to "try on" the slouchy EF pants and the boxy sweater. I should just go get them rather than dreaming about them for 3 weeks now. Luckily, I can get the sweater elsewhere on a discount.

@jackie: yes! Expensive purchases ARE harder! My goodness if this is the THIRD time I've come back just to "try on" those pants, it means something... And like you, I'm way too good at impulse buys too though I was so happy not to walk out with anything today... Haha! Weird huh?

@ironkurtin: yes! And when I decided to go "minimal" that's Aldo when I became selective! You have to love all your clothes when you only have a few pieces!

@merwoman: great idea! But ohhhh EF pieces are sooo pricey locally! But like you, I'm notorious for hemming, hawing and even coming back for pieces and not buying because of the price tag! But I do believe wearing the garment around the house is good advice and will give you a feel as to whether or not you'll love the piece!

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