I woke up the other morning in a great mood. I was having a great hair day, my makeup looked fresh and bright instead of dull and washed out, and I’d lost a couple of pounds in recent weeks which made me feel on my A-game.
I wandered to my closet to pick out an outfit for work, trying to imagine which outfit might complete the look.
I spotted a shirt in my closet that I hadn’t worn in awhile, and slipped it on. I remembered why I hadn’t worn it in awhile. I bought it at H&M – it was shapeless and the fabric clung to all of the wrong places. I took it off and tried on another top, one that I had picked up on sale at Forever 21 when I was in NYC. It looked cheap and felt uncomfortable. I went through a large portion of my closet this way, trying things on only to decide that the fit was less than ideal.
I defaulted to an outfit that I had worn far too often in the past few months, but that I felt good in and that fit well and looked good.
I saw a pattern in all of this. The outfits that I was trying on, that didn’t sit right on me or look good on me, were purchased from stores that are not known for their high quality. Stores like H&M, Forever 21, and even the Gap.
They don’t fit well, they don’t last for very long, and they don’t make me feel good. So here’s my proposition:
Don’t buy cheap clothing!
I’m not saying that I’m going to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a t-shirt. I don’t think I’ll be frequenting Prada for my business attire, but there are plenty mid-priced, good quality companies out there that I can take advantage of.
I’m going to slowly start to add higher-quality items to my wardrobe. I’m not going to buy new items, because I have enough clothing. But when I need to replace things (for instance, my favourite pair of flats are on their last leg), I’ll do so with higher quality items.
My clothing budget will remain the same ($50-$100/month), so I’ll buy less, but higher quality.
If I can find a great deal on a pair of good quality pants that I absolutely love, but they don’t fit perfectly, I can get them tailored to fit my body. Will it cost more? YES! But it will pay off in the long run (in confidence, and in money saved).
Take for example a pair of flats that I bought. They are leather, and cost $119.50. I got them on sale for $60+ tax. I have been wearing them a few times per week for the past three years. They cost me, per week, less than $0.39. If I wear them three times per week, they are less than $0.13/wear.
I left the house last year in flip flops after having taken my dog out. I had to swing by Walmart (the only store open at that hour) and buy some flats as we weren’t able to wear flip-flops at work. I spent $12+tax, but they broke within three months; I wore them the same amount as I was wearing my leather ones. They therefore cost me $4/month, or $1/week, substantially more than the quality flats that I mentioned earlier.
Here’s an example of an H&M shirt that I bought in NYC in September 2012. I wore it twice, and noticed that threads were coming off and that it was losing it’s shape.
The $15 that I spent on this shirt is gone, and I have nothing to show for it.
My strategy to buy higher quality items only pays off if you will actually like and wear the item a year (or two, or three) later, so my “classics” will be of higher quality. If I’m purchasing something trendy, and the trend will only last for a few months, I can buy a lower quality item.
What I Have My Eye On
I’ve mentioned that my favorite pair of flats are falling apart which makes me sad.
I used to work at a shoe store that sold dozens of brands, high and low end. Despite their mid-range price tag, Nine West is pretty impressive as far as quality.
I’ve got my eye on these ones, when I do end up replacing my old ones:
They are Nine West’s Speakup flat. They’re black and boring, but they are leather and basic and will likely last forever.
My partner got me a Fossil bag for Christmas. It’s brown leather and is definitely a classic, so I don’t think I’ll have to replace my bag any time soon.
Believe it or not, I don’t own a pair of rainboots. I don’t plan on buying rainboots more than once in several years, so I’m looking to get some Hunter wellies.
Original tall is good for me. I don’t want them to be trendy and go out of style.
I also love this dress by J Crew. I have NO experience with J Crew clothing, so I have no idea whether or not it’s quality. I have a ton of summer cotton dresses that are great for the beach, and a couple of go-to nice quality day dresses that I wear on weekends, but I feel like this dress can be both dressed up for work and down for casual wear.
It’s $170 and very pretty.
Old habits die hard. I’m sure it’s going to be difficult for me to remember that quality prevails, and I’m going to get freaked out, no doubt, about the price tag for some of the items I like when I go shopping. But the proof is all there, and I need to start buying higher quality items.
Some other posts I’ve written about clothes are:
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A Calculation Of Just How Happy Clothes Can Make You (In Terms of Money!)
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Clothes can be powerful. You might as well embrace it!
100% on board. Somehow though H&M always does creep into my wardrobe. It’s tough to resist that price tag and the allure of new clothes.
This is a helpful strategy…but…the older I get I find that cheaper stores are improving the quality of their products all the time. I enjoy refreshing my wardrobe often so the cheaper end works for me!!! Don’t really believe in hanging on to things just because they’re of better quality.
I think this might be different for guys than girls as I have no problems buying cheap clothes, but I know my wife has a similar sentiment to yourself.
Agree 100%. This is basically where I was when I left college. As for JCrew – I find a lot of the stuff to be of high quality, but not all. You should be able to tell when you see it in person.
I have a little bit of JCrew (t-shirts and sweaters) from a 7 year ago shopping trip, and they’re still going strong.
I definitely believe in just having high quality clothing that fits in your closet.
Some of the best-dressed people I know get high quality clothing at second-hand and thrift stores. Me, I stick to a few specific stores, usually at the outlet mall, and only shop during major sales (right after Christmas, and whenever the big summer sale is). A four dollar clearance cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft beats a $15 anything from H&M. Looks classier too. (Most of the stuff I bought on my last trip was $10-$15, but there were a few true gems under $5 because they really wanted to clear out the store for the next season.)
http://nicoleandmaggie.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/i-dont-get-regular-clothes-shopping/
I made this deal with myself a few years ago and never looked back. I no longer made cheaply made clothes, but I still get good clothes for cheap. Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Stein Mart are my new favorite places to shop. I am able to snag some very high quality clothes for less. Some of my favorite pieces that I wear frequently came from Stein Mart. I am still wearing them 5 years later. They lasted much longer than the dress shirts and pants I bought at New York and Co.
I’m working on buying better quality items as well. The cheap clothes just never last!
I’ve got some shirts in my closet that I feel the same way about. Though I am a dude, I’ve never regretted a j crew purchase. They make more quality stuff.
J. Crew used to be great quality and very consistent. Now it’s really hit or miss. I wouldn’t recommend buying anything sight-unseen unless you’ve seen positive reviews online. (There are several fashion blogs all dedicated to J. Crew!)
I totally disagree with Glen. Buying quality over quantity is important for anyone regardless of gender. I would much rather spend more on clothes that will fit me the right way, and hold up over time. Often times you can tell, especially on a guy that the clothes are crappy quality and it reflects poorly on them, particularly in instances where outward appearances are important (business settings or important family functions for example). Plus I think people need to take pride in their appearance regardless of the situation.
About J. Crew — my sweaters from there became unwearable very, very fast. They got holes in them after 1-2 months. So yeah, do your research and make sure you can take care of them!
I had one of their Vintage t-shirts do that to me after the 2nd wash 🙁
Ugh, I totally agree about not buying cheap clothes! I would rather buy nicer items second hand. They last much longer.
I could not agree more. I’d much rather spend a little more to get a piece of clothing that’s quality and is going to last me a good while. If it wears out too soon then I just feel like I threw the money away.
I like the idea of buying better quality stuff after you need to replace something. That’s my motto with shopping right now too. Or maybe hit the Aritzia sales they have twice a year 😉
P.S. I NEED, not want, a pair of Hunter’s too 🙂
Good for you for making the decision to buy better quality clothes! Cheap things are often…cheap! I have been teased for years for buying more expensive clothes but then when I have these pieces and they always look nice and I take care of them, my friends see where I’m coming from.
I usually only buy tank tops from Forever 21.
I buy most of my clothes from Dillard’s. They have awesome styles for petite people. my favorite brands are Gianni Bini and Antonio Melani.
I also buy second hand items.
I bought a winter coat from JCrew and it’s still going strong.
I’m a big J Crew fan! I can’t afford it very often, but I absolutely love their style and I always check them out when I’m at the outlet mall. Since I stopped working downtown and seeing storefronts every day, my spending on crappy clothes has diminished significantly. No temptation!
Also love Nine West. Always quality and not too expensive.
Buying quality clothing definitely makes a difference! I focus on finding good brands at places like Marshall’s and am also a big fan of The Limited for workwear. However, I make the same mistake with sale racks. Instead of buying one item that I really love at full-price (or not as big of a discount), I’m more inclined to buy several items that I might not like as much because it seems like a better value. Not so! I’ll wear the sale items once and realize the style or fit really isn’t for me. Since you’ve already identified pieces you want at J.Crew and Nine West, you might consider purchasing them with a discount gift card. GiftCardGranny.com sells used gift cards for less than face value, so you can shave a little bit off the top of the order by paying with those cards. Just a thought!
I buy pants, sweaters, tops, etc from a cheap clothing store, but the quality is quite good actually! I have several clothes that looks really good today as they did last year. But! when it comes to shoes, I never buy cheap ones. I only buy quality shoes made with good materials, that I know will be good to walk in.
I need to jump on board this band wagon too! You’re one smart cookie.
It not only applies to clothes. If you buy cheap furniture, you;ll probably find yourself re buying it in a few years. Same with appliances. Spend a little more up front and get quality!
Preaching to the choir … seriously, I am going through a quarter-life crisis about how I have always always always bought cheap and/or clearance items for my wardrobe. I have worn holes through several shirts this year, and I just want to cry.
I’ve got a two-fold strategy with my wardrobe going forward: 1) I’m going to take better care of my clothing, and 2) I’m never going to Old Navy again!
Quality does make a difference. Stuff that has lasted through the years fit about 3 major pieces:
1. Not made in China
2. Not bought at H&M or other fast fashion places
3. Fits like a dream
I’m fussy about my clothes, how they feel, how they fit and how I look in them. In fact no one buys me clothes any longer as they would always end up getting returned. I’ve always stood by quality clothing,not Hollywood prices but in the middle. I do shop at second-hand and consignment shops and have found some super deals some with tags on them never used. I also buy gardening clothes or items I don’t want to spend money on because I know I will trash the clothes at a secondhand shop, sorta the opposite of this post lol. No sense spending money on quality when it will end in the bin full of dirt etc. A few good pieces that I can mix around, some good jeans and t’s and I’m a happy guy! Cheers
I still buy cheap clothes, but I don’t buy clothes on sale just because they are the last stock. This is also the very reason why I am not fond of buying clothes online.
I’m trying to buy better quality clothing as well. My job has me floating between an office and construction sites, so I need nice, durable clothes that still look professional, fit well, and are comfortable.
It hurts at first to spend the money, but I’m noticing that my Columbia and Northface items are lasting much longer than the cheap stuff I keep getting from Target and Old Navy.
Well, this isn’t really my department, but you’re right about higher priced things lasting long most of the time. Which does make them worth it in the end. We get my daughters a lot of clothes at Walmart and they don’t last long, but then again, our daughters grow so fricken fast that it doesnt’ matter. Walmart is the way to go for peopel who will outgrow their stuff!
The past couple years I’ve been focused more on quality or quantity for clothes and shoes. It’s hard because sometimes I’m so cheap, but I started getting tired of having to rebuy things after only a few years because they just got wrecked or fell a part. No more! Now I’ll spend the money for something to last.
I loved your article. I too have been seeing this dilemma in my own closet. And as I get older the more I want to dress in fashion, but with the flare being in the accessories and sticking to the classic style. It seems to never go out. I have these great bags that a friend of mine sells, and they help a lot to give some flare to the outfit with the change of the handbag. Email me if you want more information on them. They are great and not a ton of money, and you never have to take your things out of your purse.
Thanks again for refocusing on the quality not the quantity of the outfits.
My rule is that if I want to indulge in a trend, I shop cheap but if I want to buy something I’ll wear again & again, I invest.
Be careful with J. Crew–I’ve had horrible luck with their outlet as well as some sweaters in the actual store. That being said, their suits and dresses usually hold up quite well!
Quality just might be a better investment over the long-term. I’ve had things that were quite expensive which simply held up very well over years. Whereas less expensive things started to come apart within a year. Sometimes we really do get what we pay for.
Absolutely! I have 5 pairs of work pants bought from The Limited 6! years ago, and they still look brand new except for the bottom hem since they drag the ground with some shoes. I’ve finally decided to replace them and the first place I went to was The Limited. I’ve had other cheaper banded pants before and nothing compares. I just need to follow that philosophy with all my other clothing!
I’ve been slowly but surely working on this for a little while now, and it’s been so worth it! Aside from t-shirts and the occasional A-line cotton summer skirt, my cheap clothes go largely unworn because they’re so unflattering after you wash them a couple times. There are some clothing items that I’ve shelled out a pretty penny for (jeans, leather jacket, boots), more than a lot of people would say is necessary, but I haven’t regretted it for a moment. A friend and myself went shopping in University, and did nothing but try on jeans for the afternoon. It took hours to find the right pair, but I eventually found a pair that fit perfectly, with solid construction. They were around $250, and they lasted me 5 years of FREQUENT use. When you consider I wore them a couple times a week, every week, they ended up being way less than $1/wear. It only works if you pay attention to the fabric and construction though. I would much rather hold out for the perfect pair than buy $25 jeans every 6 months and feel “meh” – because the cost is the exact same!
Be careful with some of the J.Crew stuff. I bought a couple t-shirts when the store opened here, and one of the shirts started getting holes in the seams after a couple washes. Pay attention to the construction.
I’m a fan of Nine West shoes, so I’m happy to hear your comment on quality seeing as you’ve worked in a shoe store and have seen the difference. I’ve needed a pair of replacement black heels for a while now, and I was 90% sure Nine West was the way I wanted to go for them. Now I’m sold – next month 😉