Looking Good, Feeling Great - What do or would you pay for clothes

I have always been thrifty and have bought clothing that doesn't really last. Well I'm about to turn 30 and I want to wear some really nice clothes and stop shopping cheap. I just wanted to ask others what you pay for nice clothing. I usually look for tops that are 10 dollars or less and pants that are 20 dollars or less. Now I'm looking at adding 10 dollars or more to both so I can look more sophisticated when I reach my weight loss goal. I figure after years of being cheap it is time to treat myself. I am talking reasonable prices, but the good stuff. Nice intimates and nice clothes.

Although I'm cheap, I seldom give that up for quality. I'm a great bargain hunter and shop the clearance rails, oulet stores and sale sections in online stores. I'm in the UK so probably can't give the best advice about where to shop but for example last week I picked up two pure linen tops which had originally been around $50 each for $15. I've found $100+ designer pants for $25 in TK Maxx (I think this is TJ Maxx in the States). I hardly every buy things full price. Fortunately my style is more classic than high fashion.

Kitty

I think that some more expensive clothes are better made, so fit better. Since I am not rich, I wait for sales. I also have to try everything on and give it some thought before I buy it. If it fits well, it will look good. I also think that if you buy clothes that fit well and feel good, you get more use out of them and shop a little less. I like when macy's has sales, they bring their prices down to "regular" price elsewhere. I don't really have a clothing budget, I don't shop much, but saving a few dollars a week (or whatever you can afford) could result in a pretty good day of shopping! Good luck!

Jenny

I shop cheap for trendy clothes, and expensive for my "classic" stuff. If it's going to go out of style in the next couple of years I won't spend over $20 or $30 on a piece of clothing. My navy and black suits cost closer to $300 each - but they will NEVER go out of style, and still look brand new (they're 15 years old). I have two LBD's - one cost $110 about 15 years ago. The other only cost about $20 though - that was from a consignment shop. My boss, who only wore designer, had an identical dress that she spent a fortune on!

Consignment shops are good, but what's even better is if you can find the Good Will and Salvation Army stores that get the donations from the "better" neighborhoods. I revamped my entire wardrobe for a job change 7 years ago for $350 - got 13 suits, 5 or 6 dresses, lots of blouses and separates. It was awesome! And they were all really sharp - my co-workers were always wanting to know where I got my stuff.

I've spent too many years buying cheap $20 shirts and what do I have to show for it? A closet full of junk I'm too embarrased to wear and a whole lot of regrets. I'm slowly getting rid of this stuff, I can't stand the feel of it anymore. Life is too short for cheap fabric, and I'm worth more than that. I'd rather have 50 items of quality clothing in my closet than 300 pieces of scrappy clothing. Last year I bought a pair of boots for $150 which is way more than I thought I'd spend but here's the thing... I LOVE them, and I can't WAIT to wear them in the fall again!!! Just last week I bought a shirt for $90 but I LOVE IT and when I wore it with some leggings and a cute pair of shoes I felt like a million dollars. Nothing beats the confidence of knowing that you look good.

Plus I live in NYC, you can't get away with certain things here as I did when I lived in suburbia. People look amazing here, trendy, classic, and well put together. Gotta look the part.

Things I will not compromise quality ($$$$$$)
- handbags
- shoes
- pants
- jackets
- coats
- bras
- dresses
- undergarmets
- jeans
- shirts
- sunglasses


And this is the stuff I don't spend too much money on:
- leggings
- workout shirts/pants
- camisoles
- tank tops
- socks
- pantyhose
- t-shirts
- scarves
- wallets
- pj's
- shorts

Most of the time I try to spend less on pants but for my tops I usually splurge (as long as it's not just some T-shirt) I usually splurge at Torrid.com and Old Navy. It's about $30 for a top and $30 for pants as well. I also spend a bit more when it comes to Handbags, I love Juicy Couture !

I've always shopped at places like Walmart, Target, etc for clothes. I would always tell myself, it doesn't matter, they're just clothes. Tops I would go for less than $10 and pants less than $20. I don't own that many clothes actually and my wardrobe is rather drab.

I'm thinking once I start losing weight and needing new clothes, I might increase my budget to $25 per top and $35 to jeans, etc.

Well~I am a yard sale queen~and A thiftstore diva~LOL!

Those pants I have on in my avatar pic was 50 cents at a yard sale and are In Super Like new condition!!! I think they are L.E.I. But I also got several other pairs at the same yard sale for the same price...Such as Bongo,Levis,Tilt,Aeropostale,Arizona, ECT.
ALL ARE LIKE NEW.

I got the top I have on in the pic at another yard sale for 75 cents.
I got a ton of them from a lady that had to dress nice for work And they was all 50 cents to 75 cents and would have cost me a fortune if bought new
( I ended up with 17 tops all together from that yard sale and they are fabulous and expensive if bought new!)

My black shoes was Eddie bauer...Still in the box~looked like new....For $1.00 at a thrift store.
They are so comfy and so fabulous! My favorite shoes.


My motto~Never spend more than you have too.

Oh and it never hurts to buy something you may hate later or never end up wearing at all if you only gave pennies for it!!!


GOOD LUCK

I am extremely cheap. I shop at Goodwill, Sallies and Platos Closet. I splurged at Platos the other day and got a pair of 7 for all mankind jeans, they are so comfortable, they were like $20 but worth it.

I generally will not pay more than $20 for a single piece of clothing. I basically shop sales/clearances/etc. Macys is one of my favorite places to shop because when they have a sale, it is good. Dillards (although we don't have any here) is also another great place for sales.

Oh and although it is harder to find really good sales, I've had some success with Nordstrom, J. Jill, Eddie Bauer, Coldwater Creek and some other various places online.

I was recently at a department store that had an 80% sale plus I had a 20% coupon. I went through hundreds of pieces to find a few pieces of clothes that I liked enough to try on and then from that there were only a few items I wanted to buy.

Sales and outlet stores all the way. I definitely shop for quality items now that I am at goal and in the same size I expect to be for the next 20 years ;)

The great thing about being this size is that so many small things are left on the sale racks until the prices are almost ridiculous!
Recent purchases:
Pendelton Outlet - lined linen/poly skirt and tweed jacket: $15.00 (for the whole suit)
Petite Sophisticate Outlet: pullover shells/tops - $2.25 each
VanHeusen Outlet: Dress pants - $17.00 each
Liz Claiborne Outlet: Dress pants - $15.00 each
Kohls: Vera Wang skirt and silk blouse - $5.00 each
Kohls: Elle dresses - $9.00 each

You CAN shop for quality and still get GREAT bargains. I live in a small town, so when I travel, I note what size I wear in each brand. I know what I can buy online, and what I need to try on before purchasing. Then I keep an eye on the sales, online coupon codes and even ebay ;)

im pretty cheap with clothes. i buy a lot on the victorias secret catalogue, at old navy or target. when it comes to *certain* items like a basic black blazer, or a classic LBD, ill spend more because those are staples and will never go out of style. if i felt like wearing the trendy purple dress everyone seems to love this season, i wouldnt spend more than $30 b/c i might never wear it after this year.

I am a complete tightwad and do the majority of my shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I bought an adorable Nine West dress at TJ Maxx the other day with department store tags that said $145 and I bought it on clearance for $30. NOTE: I have seen MANY items in TJ Maxx and Marshalls and then saw the EXACT SAME ITEM in major department stores a month later - so it's definitely not all styles from last year. I also used to live close to an outlet mall that had an Ann Taylor Factory Store - It's the same quality items as the regular store, just different styles. I love Ann Taylor clothes because they look sophisticated, classic (won't go out of style anytime soon), are very well made and fit me really well. I bought almost every pair of pants I own there - and even at the factory store, I have paid as much as $50 for a pair of nice black pants, but I usually buy on clearance for $20-$30 - tops at the factory store for $25 or less (as low as $10). And our regular Ann Taylor store had some REALLY GOOD clearance sales - I have 2 dresses from there that I constantly get comments on - and one was $20 the other was only $7, believe it or not - the cashier couldn't even believe that deal! You just have to be patient and look at the clearance racks in the nicer (read: quality merchandise) stores. Some days you may find nothing, other days you may find your whole new wardrobe.

I actually think TJ Maxx is a bit expensive although I've looked through them a few times. One time, I had gone to Lord & Taylor, found an item on sale there, went to TJ Maxx, exact same item was actually more at TJ Maxx. That is why I say shop sales at the department stores. Although TJ Maxx does have clearance items as well.

...I was recently at a department store that had an 80% sale plus I had a 20% coupon. I went through hundreds of pieces to find a few pieces of clothes that I liked enough to try on and then from that there were only a few items I wanted to buy.

I'm not a fan of shopping for long periods of time and this takes major dedication. My Mom used to shop thrifty like this, sorting through bins and bins and racks and racks of clothing. She tried to pass on the same mentality to me but it never worked. She now regrets that stage of her life and has thrown out everything that was bought from it. I love seeing her go to boutiques and buy specialty clothing and saying to herself "I have the money, and I deserve this" rather than seeing her in some makeshift getup made out of jersey.

I'm not a fan of shopping for long periods of time and this takes major dedication. My Mom used to shop thrifty like this, sorting through bins and bins and racks and racks of clothing. She tried to pass on the same mentality to me but it never worked. She now regrets that stage of her life and has thrown out everything that was bought from it. I love seeing her go to boutiques and buy specialty clothing and saying to herself "I have the money, and I deserve this" rather than seeing her in some makeshift getup made out of jersey.

It actually didn't take a long time. I think the longest I ever took was at a Dillards where they practically had half the store 75%-90% off. I waded through tons of racks and lots of designer names to find some things I really liked. I ended up with something like 20 pieces of clothing marked originally up to $200/piece for $20 and under.

Of course there are some things I'll splurge for like I ordered a winter coat that is $300 and it was a major splurge for me. I decided I wanted it, decided that I'd get it tailored when (hopefully) I lose more weight, etc. The coat was also originally $700 so I figured why not?

I really don't see a point to spending a lot of money on regular clothes when if you wait, everything eventually goes on sale. I rather spend my money on traveling or buying other expensive toys.

Of course there are some things I'll splurge for like I ordered a winter coat that is $300 and it was a major splurge for me. I decided I wanted it, decided that I'd get it tailored when (hopefully) I lose more weight, etc. The coat was also originally $700 so I figured why not?

I really don't see a point to spending a lot of money on regular clothes when if you wait, everything eventually goes on sale. I rather spend my money on traveling or buying other expensive toys.

Way to go with finding that deal on a coat! Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale too. My point is just what you're saying - treat yourself to the things that you like because you're worth it! I do shop for discounts at TJMaxx etc., but don't mind paying a lot for clothes if it's something that I really like and would wear with pleasure. Being thrifty nowadays isn't only for those struggling financially, it's everyone's responsibility to save money for our uncertain future. Designer clothes although beautiful are not necessary - I wouldn't spend $1,700 on a designer handbag even if I had that money because it's simply not worth it to me and I don't want to support an industry that tells me I have to spend thousands of dollars to be "somebody". But on the same token I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on something that is well made, with quality fabrics, and that will last.

Target for lounge clothes.
TJ Maxx for trendy stuff.
WalMart, Kohl's or Target for workout clothes.
Banana Republic for classic work pieces that I intend to keep.

OK, and here's my dirty shopping confession: I bought $115 jeans last month and am going to buy a pair of Lululemon pants -- both because they make my *** look so great! ;)

I've spent too many years buying cheap $20 shirts and what do I have to show for it? A closet full of junk I'm too embarrased to wear and a whole lot of regrets. I'm slowly getting rid of this stuff, I can't stand the feel of it anymore. Life is too short for cheap fabric, and I'm worth more than that. I'd rather have 50 items of quality clothing in my closet than 300 pieces of scrappy clothing. Last year I bought a pair of boots for $150 which is way more than I thought I'd spend but here's the thing... I LOVE them, and I can't WAIT to wear them in the fall again!!! Just last week I bought a shirt for $90 but I LOVE IT and when I wore it with some leggings and a cute pair of shoes I felt like a million dollars. Nothing beats the confidence of knowing that you look good.

Plus I live in NYC, you can't get away with certain things here as I did when I lived in suburbia. People look amazing here, trendy, classic, and well put together. Gotta look the part.

Things I will not compromise quality ($$$$$$)
- handbags
- shoes
- pants
- jackets
- coats
- bras
- dresses
- undergarmets
- jeans
- shirts
- sunglasses


And this is the stuff I don't spend too much money on:
- leggings
- workout shirts/pants
- camisoles
- tank tops
- socks
- pantyhose
- t-shirts
- scarves
- wallets
- pj's
- shorts

I feel like you right about now. All my life I've bought cheap clothes and had to continuously buy new clothes. When I was younger I used to shop mostly in junior clothing and clothing stores/or the stores for the younger crowd. Well I am a mature woman now and proud to be. It's time to treat myself like a mature and classy woman. So with that said I plan to start buying higher quality stuff. Since I used to look for and pay for shirts 10$ or under and jeans/pants 20$ and under I feel that I could add 10 -20 to the shirt max and 20 -30 on the jeans depending on how well they fit. I tried on some clothes in the store yesterday because I've loss about 15 lbs and wanted to see what I could fit into now. Well I tried on clothes at 2 different stores and I now understand a big difference in junior and women's clothing. I am in love with Vera Wang jeans. I tried on a pair yesterday and I loved them!!! They fit so well and looked so nice. They were 4 sizes smaller than what I wore a month ago and a size smaller than a pair of pants I tried on at the other store. I went to Kohls and DOTS. Kohls had the Vera Wang. The jeans were 50 dollars, not too bad at all. I could so see myslef in them with a nice shirt and some heels and a beautiful purse and jewelry. I have forewarned my husband that I am going to start dressing classy when I reach my weight goal. I have a new job too that I want to look good for. I'm so tired of feeling frumpy in my clothes. It's time for me to start taking care of myself for me and my family. When I buy cheap I get rid of clothes several times a year because they get ruined over time so easily.

I will definitely look for sales though in my new journey to be classy. I will, however, purchase a reasonably priced item if I see it, love it, got to have it and have the money to spare. Like the Vera Wang jeans :). In this case though I have about 20 more lbs to lose so I want to wait a bit.

Way to go with finding that deal on a coat! Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale too. My point is just what you're saying - treat yourself to the things that you like because you're worth it! I do shop for discounts at TJMaxx etc., but don't mind paying a lot for clothes if it's something that I really like and would wear with pleasure. Being thrifty nowadays isn't only for those struggling financially, it's everyone's responsibility to save money for our uncertain future. Designer clothes although beautiful are not necessary - I wouldn't spend $1,700 on a designer handbag even if I had that money because it's simply not worth it to me and I don't want to support an industry that tells me I have to spend thousands of dollars to be "somebody". But on the same token I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on something that is well made, with quality fabrics, and that will last.

Oh I agree. I would never pay 1700 for any article of clothing or accessory. I don't care how much money I have, it's still clothing and accessories. Not even a wedding dress(fortunately I'm already married...lol). Now I don't fault anyone else paying this much, it's a matter of what's important to you. I want to look classy, but I'm pretty sure in my mind I can for a lot less. I just got my first coach purse because my husband bought it for me. It was rather sweet. I kept saying I wanted one and I was going to buy one, I just couldn't convince myself to pay over 100 dollars for a purse. Well I started convincing myself because I've bought at least 3/4 purses this year alone so far because they would start to fall apart. Well he got a good deal on one on base and I love it. I told him it's on now...lol, now fancy clothes, nails, hair etc. High maintenance, he said it's okay. I think it's since I'm okay with him golfing all the time and he just got some new clubs.:^: Not to mention the fact that I finally dedicated myself to losing weight and I think he is very proud of me for not quitting.

I live in a rural area and we don't have a lot of thrift stores. Goodwill in my town is full of dated, unfashionable junk. There are probably a few treasures in amongst the embroidered jeans and pastel windbreakers, but I get quickly impatient with digging through.

Most of my work clothing comes from Macy's or Penney's. I try to get stuff on sale when I can. I don't buy many clothes at Target; again, our store here doesn't seem to have much choice. I actually loved Lane Bryant; if not for LB, I'd have had to go to work nekkid for several years.

I spend more on my clothes now, because they look better and fit better and last longer. Classic clothes don't go out of style season to season. I buy a few inexpensive things that are "the style" every season and mix them with the things I already have. You can spend a little more and buy less if you get good things.

for example, i am going to buy a grandfather sweater this year to go with my classical white shirt and jeans. I'll wear it buttoned half way and belt it.

I can echo what you and most others say. I always bought cheap until I started to shift towards quality at around age 30. At age 20 I did not have the spending power, and then, I thought I did not have the figure - I refused to spend on clothes in a size I did not intend to maintain. I then came to accept that I would not lose the weight and started to invest in things which cost more but fitted better, looked nicer and therefore made me feel better about myself.

I just bought 4 cheap-ish pairs of trousers (because I urgently needed them) but anything I will buy from now on will be what I like and not what`s cheap. After all, I intend to maintain my now weight (and lose more) so I expect to get plenty wear form it! :-)

Stella

I just discovered Platos Closet last week. Well, I'd been there before for my teenager but it occured to me last weekend when we stopped by that they had some pretty nice shirts that would not be too young looking for me. I also hit Goodwill and am fortunate enough to live in close proximity to a few outlet malls.