Where to Save vs. Splurge on Clothing and Accessories

Staying fashionable is a task within itself. As magazines, social media and celebrities tell us what's in style and all the fashion don'ts, keeping your closet up-to-date can be confusing and expensive. The real secret to being a great shopper and a fashion-forward woman is knowing when something is worth investing in and when it's better to save your money and go for the less expensive option.

As much as many of us would love a closet filled with luxury brands, some things just aren't worth the splurge. How can you tell the difference? Keep reading to learn what clothing and accessories are worth shelling out for and which items you should spend less on.

Wardrobe Items You Can Splurge on

Building a closet that fits your personality takes some investment. In a world full of fast fashion, it can be difficult to find the right clothes to add to your wardrobe and even more challenging to figure out if the clothes you want are worth the money. Fortunately, learning what items you should spend more on is relatively simple.

Here are all the wardrobe items you should consider spending more money on, based on their wear-time, perceived value and practicality.

1. Staples

Staples are essentially a collection of interchangeable pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a number of different outfits. Examples include quality well-fitting jeans, crisp button-downs, stylish trousers, blazers and a little black dress.

It pays to spend more on well-made staples because they'll stand the test of time as you wear them, and the whole point of staples is to get plenty of use out of them.

2. Outerwear

When the temperature drops, the last thing you want to worry about is freezing every time you step outside. Quality outerwear is always worth investing in, especially when you live in a colder climate.

For example, a timeless trench coat and classic peacoat can be worn again and again. These pieces go with most outfits and allow you to transition smoothly from one season to the next in style.

3. Items You Absolutely Love

If you're going to spend your hard-earned money, buy something you love that makes you feel good. When you come across a stunning dress that fits just right or a gorgeous pair of high heels, consider spending the money to add those items to your collection. After all, you're more likely to get the most use out of pieces you look forward to wearing.

4. Quality High Heels

A good pair of heels go with everything, from jeans to dresses to rompers. However, the universal truth is that most high heels are uncomfortable, especially after a long day at work. So, when you find a truly comfortable pair that matches your style, try not to think about the price tag twice — they'll be worth the investment in your comfort.

5. Bras

Every woman knows the struggle of finding a bra that fits correctly and looks good. Unfortunately, they don't come around as often as they should. When you do find a bra that meets your standards, it's always worth the splurge. The good thing about investing in quality bras is that once you have a few, you won't have to buy more for at least a few years.

Wardrobe Items You Can Save on

If you're on a tight budget, the splurge list may be your greatest lesson in fashion yet. However, many shoppers struggle with knowing when to put the credit card down. These are the wardrobe items you can save on.

1. Anything Trendy

There's no denying that fashion trends come and go faster than the seasons change. While everyone loves seeing their old retro favorites come back into fashion, you won't see them in store windows for very long.

It's better to put your shopping money into building a versatile and classic wardrobe than spend money on trends as they emerge. It's hard and expensive to keep up with them, and you'll soon have a closet filled with clothes that were chic for a moment but are out of vogue now.

If you're going to buy clothing based on current trends, save yourself the money and opt for less expensive alternatives when you can find them.

2. Poor-Quality Items

When faced with in-store decision-making, try to gauge the quality of the items you're interested in purchasing. Do the seams line up correctly? Are there any odd stitching issues? Does the material feel comfortable and durable? These questions can help you decide whether a shirt or a pair of pants is worth the price tag.

3. Formal Evening Wear

The only dress you should pay an arm and a leg for is your wedding dress. All other formal wear isn't worth the hassle or cost — the chances are that you'll only wear an evening or cocktail dress once or twice. Instead of buying a new dress for every occasion you're invited to, invest in one or two classic dresses that can be dressed up or down to accommodate each event you attend.

4. Basic Pieces

T-shirts and other basic items you wear every day can wear out quickly, so you should look to save on them when possible. There's no need to spend upwards of $50 on a plain white tee. Whenever you need to replace the basics in your wardrobe, look for deals and take good care of the items you buy to extend how long they last in your closet. This way, you won't spend hundreds on items you might need to replace in only a few months.

Perfectly Priscilla Can Help You Build the Perfect Wardrobe

When you combine quality clothing with affordable prices, you get the unparalleled stylings of Perfectly Priscilla. Our clothes are designed with you in mind, so you can embrace your shape knowing your clothing fits just right. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe or in the market for a few new additions, Perfectly Priscilla has everything you need for a fashion-forward wardrobe that doesn't break the bank.

Shop our store today!