Throughout history, there have been fashion items designed to withstand the test of time, and there have been articles of clothing expected to fall apart after a few uses.
The reason there are so few examples of ancient underclothing like brassieres and socks is not that people did not wear them before the 18th century but rather that they were produced quickly and cheaply, so people could wear them and discard them without worrying about cost.
To some extent, the same philosophy of fashion should be used today.
Not every item in your wardrobe needs to break the bank; some of your most functional pieces can be inexpensive, while some fashion items are well-worth a splurge. If you struggle to budget for different components of your wardrobe, this guide should help you afford the designer clothing of your dreams with plenty left over for your fashion essentials.
Splurge: Shoes
Shoes are some of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe — but they are also the pieces that tend to have the most direct impact on your health and wellbeing.
Shoes that do not fit properly will cause immense discomfort in your feet and legs, and they could even impact the function and feeling of your hips, back and neck, perhaps for years to come. It is far better to have a fewer number of high-quality shoes that offer perfect comfort and long durability than to have a closet full of footwear that will bring you lasting pain.
Save: Underwear
Aside from a few fun pieces you might wear on special occasions, most of your underwear will never be seen by anyone but you. What’s more, underwear needs to be hard-wearing, capable of withstanding friction, heat, moisture and many wash cycles without falling to bits.
Delicate fabrics and construction offered from designer brands are not ideal for your everyday wear, so you should fill your underwear drawer with cheap stuff that gets the job done.
Splurge: Jewelry
Because accessories like jewelry can make or break an outfit, many fashion experts advocate accruing as much jewelry as possible, even if it is cheap and low-quality. However, inexpensive jewelry is usually made from materials that will degrade rapidly when in contact with skin.
Not only will your bargain jewelry stain your skin odd colors — and perhaps may trigger an allergic reaction — but it will also begin to look unsightly after just a few wears. Instead, you should choose a few high-quality pieces from designer jewelers made with safe and gorgeous metals, like gold, sterling silver, or stainless steel.
Save: T-shirts
There is a reason that designer T-shirts are often the target of widespread ridicule: It is essentially impossible to improve upon the classic T-shirt in ways that justify such a high price tag. Because T-shirts should only be worn at the most casual events, you can get away with buying inexpensive T-shirts from your local department store and wearing them until they disintegrate.
Splurge: Dresses
When you wear party clothes like dresses, you want to look the best you possibly can. Because you will likely only wear party clothes to a few occasions per year, you can continue using the same pieces again and again, modifying the look with different accessories.
Thus, it pays to buy designer dresses in timeless cuts with high-quality materials and construction, which will continue to look chic year after year.
Save: Trendy Clothing
Trends come and go — which is why you shouldn’t waste your money on them. The fashion industry runs on convincing you to throw out your entire wardrobe every season and invest in entirely new pieces that better suit emerging trends. This is an expensive practice that you can and should avoid.
Instead, you might purchase one or two inexpensive trend pieces every season to stay hip and fill the rest of your closet with timeless basics.
Splurge: Work Attire
If you work in a space where colleagues and clients can see you and your outfits, you should dress to impress. As frustrating as it might be to have your knowledge and skill reduced to your appearance, you can use others’ judgment to your advantage by filling your closet with clothing that showcases your professionalism.
Suits and blouses that are fashionable yet professional will draw positive attention your way, perhaps putting you first in line for enviable career opportunities.
Not all of your clothing needs to last a lifetime — but you can save some time, money and heartache by investing wisely in high-quality fashion pieces. With practice, you will learn when to save and when to splurge, so you can cultivate the perfect wardrobe for you.
