Ever see an outfit that you can’t resist? Like that silk top that you wore only once last summer and just found buried under the mound of clothes in your closet?
It is exasperating to spend money on items that may be forgotten later or donated to local thrift stores. On the other hand, a high-quality item can become a favorite and last for years.
But how can you decide when to save and when to splurge? The answer is simple—don’t overspend on something you are only going to use once.
Here is a quick list of items that are worth the investment and what you can buy cheaply:
On-trend fashion
Fashion trends are ever-changing, so spending a lot of money on these items is not advisable. You probably won’t be wearing the current trendy item after one season, and it will just sit in your closet collecting dust.
Trends come in seasonal colors, patterns, metallics, dress styles, and cuts. That blousy boho top may give you a trendy look this summer, but will it be in fashion next season? It is best to go with an economical product for such items, and if the trend sticks around then, you can decide if you want to splurge.
Jeans and denim
Jeans are another debatable splurge or save item. If you wear your jeans all the time, you should invest in high-quality, indestructible jeans. However, if you wear them on rare occasions or weekends, you should save on this wardrobe item.
Also, if you are going for micro-trends like wide trousers, fringed bell-bottoms, or jumpsuits, this is definitely an occasion to save. Only classic cut jeans fit you flawlessly and are an item to splurge.
T-Shirts
Whether you should save or splurge on t-shirts depends on how often you wear them. If you use them casually, you can save on tees; however, if you wear them under a blazer for a more sophisticated look, it is better to splurge on T-shirts.
If you invest in good-quality tees in basic white, gray, and black, they will last you for a long time, and you will be able to wear them to Christmas parties and over a comfortable pair of jeans.
Gym clothes
Due to the increasing popularity of the athleisure trend, it is very easy to find gym and weight training clothes at reasonable prices. You can find a wide range of sweat-wicking T-shirts, sports bras, and yoga pants from different companies that deliver the same quality of clothes as high-end brands but at a much affordable price.
Bras and undergarments
Undergarments provide a comfortable foundation for all your outfits. They can make you feel secure and confident; therefore, you should always invest in good-quality bras and underwear. Make sure to splurge on colors that allow you to get the most out of them, like white and nudes that can be worn under sheer or white clothing.
Jackets and blazers
Jackets and blazers are typically worn in professional office environments, which is why you want them to give you an elegant and chic look. Cheap blazers and jackets are very easy to spot as they usually have a thin lining. This means that they do not fit perfectly and become wrinkled easily. Jackets and blazers are definitely an item to splurge on. And when you do, make sure to invest in a basic black-colored blazer or jacket that goes with anything!
Save or splurge?
Of course, whether you should splurge on an item depends on how practical it is and how much you’ll use it. Just remember not to spend so much on the latest fashion, only for it to go out of style the next month!
This is a guest post. Alycia Coloma is a mother to four beautiful girls and loves to craft DIY projects in her spare time. She enjoys finding new ways to work with tight budgets and spreading her knowledge to parents everywhere. Alycia is a staunch advocate of continuing education and believes that insatiable hunger for knowledge is the key to better finances, a warm family, and fulfilling life as a whole. She’s also a kitchen connoisseur on the side and has been known to whip up some mean empanadas.