I’m a huge advocate for investment dressing. Buying quality over quantity is not only going to contribute to a better wardrobe, but it also saves you money. How? Well despite the fact that you may have to outlay a little more at the beginning, pieces that are well made, will usually pass the longevity test. I usually prefer to save up for pricier pieces, particularly when they’re staples like a great blazer, or a bag I’m going to use almost daily, as it means that they’re much more likely to withstand the wear and tear of constant use. So, in case you needed anymore convincing, here’s my case for why buying investment pieces will usually result in spending much less in the long run.
Your clothes last longer
This is without a doubt the biggest drawcard of buying well made, quality items. I have investment pieces that have been in my closet for years, YEARS!, and they’re still going strong. The thing with buying quality is that the craftsmanship is usually better, and the same goes for the choice of fabrication and finishes used. If you do the maths, it’s usually a case that spending a bit more upfront will result in less spent further down the line.
You don’t have to buy clothes as often
Quality goes hand in hand with less frequency in having to replace certain garments. I usually prefer to just spend more at the beginning if it means that I’m not having to replace a jacket or pants the following season because it’s looking tired or it’s falling apart. Being able to go into each new season not having to replace key items means that I’m spending less in the long run.
You can easily rework pieces over and over again
The one thing about investment pieces is that because they’re pricier, I naturally gravitate towards classic styles. When it comes to trend items, I’d rather not spend a fortune as I know they’ll only be around for a season. Also if you opt for classic, it naturally lends itself to being much more versatile. They can be worked back with multiple garments and can be restyled in various ways making them great value in the cost per wear department.
Your purchases are more considered
When you’re paying a significant amount of money for something, I think it naturally makes you pause and think about the purchase because you’re not doing it as often. You’ll look at the garment in a much more careful way, you’ll ask yourself just how many times you’ll be able to wear it and what it works with. This is a great thing and how we should really be approaching every single purchase. Ultimately by thinking fashion buys through a lot more, you’ll find yourself with a closet comprising of pieces that you love, and not items that were purchased on a whim. And really, it’s the impulse buys that can really add up.
You’ll respect your fashion budget a lot more
Most of us have some idea about what we are able to spend on clothes. Some of us may be good at sticking to it, others not so much. When you’re buying cheaper pieces, like a $20 shirt here or a $40 pair of pants there, it feels like you can actually spend a lot more, because a cheap top is much less noticeable finance-wise. Spending a lot more money on something can often inspire you to be more mindful of your budget, simply because there’s a bigger financial outlay to deal with that doesn’t seem so inconsequential. For example, if you’re investing in a four-figure designer bag, it requires a little more consideration and thought than a $10 bag. And guess which option you’re likely to have years from now?
What are your thoughts on investment dressing—is it something that you do?
