Fashion: When To Spend and When To Save

March 3, 2010 11:00 am     Posted in Fashion, Style  Leah - Ryerson University g+ page

Neutral blazer: worth the splurge

It’s really easy to get swept away by trends and brand names when you’re shopping. The stuff is just so pretty! Not pretty, though, is a closet full of overpriced clothes that are torn, tattered or out of style six months later. Before you hit the mall and load up on all that Spring cuteness, take a moment to assess the difference between an investment and an indulgence.


By Leah

Which is which?

Let’s break it all down.

Worth it: Black pencil skirt
Not Worth it: Sequin mini-skirt
Why: While sequins are a hot trend this season, they are just that – a trend – and who knows if they will still be popular next season? On the other hand, a black pencil skirt is a classic; it works for multiple occasions, will last you for years, and will never go out of style.

Worth it: Good pair of comfortable pumps
Not Worth it: Flats
Why: No matter what flats cost, they are still very…flat. That means they wear out easily, so it doesn’t pay to fork over $100 for a pair; they’re still going to be beat up by the end of the year.

Worth it: A versatile purse
Not Worth it: A clutch that you take to the bar
Why: Fact – The more you drink, the higher your chances of losing things. If you splurge on a clutch and you lose it, it will be heartbreaking, not to mention a HUGE waste of money. On the other hand, a versatile purse that you can use as a school bag, for everyday use or for job interviews is well worth the investment.

Worth it: A bra in the right size
Not Worth it: Underwear
Why: Though not often considered, your bra is one of the most important things you put on everyday. A quality bra (that fits right!) not only keeps your girls in place, but it makes your clothing fit and look better. Underwear, on the other hand, is all the same. It doesn’t matter if you spend $10 for a thong at VS or $2 for a thong at Target, it all looks the same under those pants… and it’s all going to wear down quickly in those dorm dryers.

Worth it: Pair of well-fitting jeans
Not Worth it: Leggings
Why: Why anyone would spend more than $20 on a pair of leggings I’ll never understand. Especially when there are so many cheap options out there! They are leggings! They will wear out quickly no matter where you buy them. If you want to make a sound investment, save up some cash and buy a quality pair of jeans. They will last you forever (even if you wear them every day!) and, unlike leggings, there is a distinct difference between the look, feel and fit, of premium denim and the cheap stuff.

Worth it: An LBD or LGD (little grey dress!)
Not Worth it: A trendy mini dress
Why: A classic LBD or LGD is versatile – its appearance can be changed with different shoes or accessories. It also happens to be completely timeless. A trendy mini, however, is likely a one-look outfit that you’ll wear once or twice before retiring to the back of your closet with those other overpriced trendy pieces you wasted money on.

Worth it: A classic, neutral blazer
Not Worth it: A sequined blazer
Why: Same as the pencil skirt/sequin mini, you don’t want to spend the big bucks on something that is clearly a trend. Put that money towards a neutral blazer that works for everything: over jeans for the day, over a mini for the bar, or over a pencil skirt for an interview.

Worth it: A black cardigan
Not Worth it: A C&C California cotton cardigan
Why: If there is one thing I can say it’s this: stop spending money on low quality products just because they have a fancy brand name. $80 for a cotton cardigan that will be torn up and pilling in three months is not worth it. Even if they sell it at Bloomingdales.

Worth it: A warm winter coat
Not Worth it: A cute raincoat
Why: Clearly you need to stay warm in the winter.  A versatile, neutral colored winter coat won’t go out of style, and if you buy a good quality one, it also will last you for years.  A cute raincoat is something you’re likely to get sick of after a season or two, so if you save your money on it you don’t have to love it forever.

Worth it: Dress pants for interviews
Not Worth it: Sweats for lounging around
Why: This one is pretty obvious. Dress pants for interviews should drape well, and be hemmed to wear with your nice, interview appropriate shoes.  If you’re just wearing your sweats around the house (and you should just wear them around the house) it doesn’t really matter what they look like or what brand name is plastered across the butt.

19 Comments on "Fashion: When To Spend and When To Save"

  1. wonderwool says:
    Wed, 3rd Mar 20106:15 am 

    This is really helpful!

  2. Zoe says:
    Wed, 3rd Mar 201011:01 am 

    I loved this article!

  3. RIKO says:
    Wed, 3rd Mar 201012:12 pm 

    How about jeans? I think it pays to invest in classic slim cut or boot cut jeans rather than whatever trendy jean style is the rave at the time

  4. Candie says:
    Wed, 3rd Mar 20101:36 pm 

    Thank you for writing this. I think every college girl needs a good grounding about what NOT to buy. And now I wont feel guilty about buying that Miraculous bra from VS!

  5. sarah says:
    Wed, 3rd Mar 20104:20 pm 

    I would agree with most of this stuff, but the flats i definitely don't agree with. My freshman year of college (3 years ago) I spent extra money I had from a scholarship on a really good pair on Miu Miu flats. I have practically lived in them for the past 3 years. Any other pair of flats would have absolutely no sole by now, but my flats are still like new (hard to believe I know). Now I'm not saying everyone should run out and buy some Miu Miu's and I probably won't again just because I dont know when I'll have the money again but they were definitely worth it. They are by far the best purchase I've ever made in terms of the use I got for the price I paid.

  6. Elizabeth says:
    Thu, 4th Mar 20109:57 am 

    This kind of seems like common sense to me…

    I also disagree with the flats thing. I splurged on amazing flats and live in them. So amazing! They also happen to be dressy enough to get away with easily for grad school interviews. I'd rather splurge on great, work-appropriate flats that I actually love wearing than pumps that just aren't even me, and I wouldn't want to wear that often.

  7. Lyd says:
    Thu, 4th Mar 201011:18 pm 

    I'd have to agree with Elizabeth and Sarah with the Flats thing. I disagree having NOT to splurge on flats. I have a couple of amazing 'leather' style flats (one which i had for almost 3 years in nearly good condition). A couple of 'Supersoft by Dianna Ferrari' flats are the way to go.

    Find the best flats that can be worn from day to night, interviews to college and so on…..

  8. Lyd says:
    Thu, 4th Mar 201011:20 pm 

    sometimes you need to look for the perfect style of pumps, and i am in the process of looking for one…. one that is not too high, can be worn from day to night.

  9. Marina says:
    Sat, 6th Mar 201012:25 pm 

    I definitely disagree about the leggings. I have three pairs of American Apparel leggings, all over $30, that I've been wearing to death for two years. A cheap pair from Target tore down the inseam after two months. Of course, price doesn't reflect quality (Urban Outfitters leggings aren't much better than Target ones), but there are noticeable differences in the quality of different leggings, and cheap leggings don't cut it for me.

  10. Alex says:
    Sun, 7th Mar 20104:37 pm 

    I love this…I know all of this stuff instinctively, but having you break it down like this will make it a lot easier to remember the next time I go shopping!

  11. Maria grafs says:
    Sat, 13th Mar 20103:13 am 

    Thank you a good article. Hey a good eye opening article for one who does not know much fashion

  12. Kaitlyn says:
    Tue, 16th Mar 20106:50 pm 

    The best fashion splurge i've ever made are my two pairs (one tan and one black) of La Duca 3 inch heels. Originally they are made for dancers so that is what I mainly use them for: auditions, dance classes, etc. But they're so comfortable and classy that I find I can also wear them for interviews, out to a nice club, to class for presentations, etc. They are so versatile and I absolutely love them. And they've lasted me for about 3 years now and are still going strong.

  13. nikki says:
    Sun, 21st Mar 20108:06 am 

    You are SO right. I specially appreciate the fact that you wrote about Bra vs Undies.

    I so know what you mean. m/

  14. Karin Walker says:
    Fri, 26th Mar 20108:09 am 

    Loved this article! Great advice/info. I just opened a new accessories online store- flirtbop.com. Trendy accessories that are VERY affordable for us college students!

  15. Beaut Vintage says:
    Mon, 13th Sep 20102:47 pm 

    Great little fashiona article.

    I love how you presented it to us

    (What to get and not to get)

    Thanks

    Beaut xxx

    Vintage Clothing
    http://www.beautvintage.com

  16. tobeinstyle says:
    Tue, 26th Jul 20117:01 pm 

    Thanks for your information! Definitely helped me a lot! I guess there are times when we have to save and buy other things over something we really want! But I also care about the quality of the merchandise to and how the texture is!

Tell us what you're thinking...