Where to Save vs Splurge in Your Wardrobe (and Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever stood in front of a closet full of clothes thinking “I have nothing to wear…”—you’re in good company.
Welcome to Part II of my Save vs Splurge series, where we’re taking a closer look at what’s actually worth investing in when it comes to your wardrobe—and where you can save without sacrificing style.
Because just like in your home…
it’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smart.
If you missed Part I, where we tackled where to save vs splurge in your home, you can catch up here—it’s a good one 😉
Before We Start: A Little Style Wisdom
One of the best lessons I ever learned about clothing didn’t come from a store—it came from my mom (our Gigi 💕).
She loved clothes and was always impeccably put together. But what stuck with me most wasn’t what she bought—it was how she shopped.
She taught my sister and me to:
- Feel the fabrics
- Look at the stitching
- Notice the way a piece drapes
And here’s the thing—she didn’t say everything had to be expensive or name-brand.
In fact, she was a master at mixing:
a few well-chosen splurges with fun, trendy, budget-friendly pieces.
To this day, I still find myself wandering through higher-end stores—not necessarily to buy, but to learn. The textures, the colors, the quality… it all helps you recognize what’s worth it (and what’s not).
The Core Principle
Splurge on timeless, high-rotation pieces. Save on trends.
Or, said another way:
Cost per wear is everything.
SPLURGE: The Staples That Do the Heavy Lifting
These are the pieces you’ll reach for again and again—the ones that quietly do all the work in your closet.
1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
Could anyone have predicted the impact of that iconic black dress moment in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Timeless, elegant, and endlessly versatile, the LBD is a true wardrobe MVP.
Dress it up. Dress it down. Wear it for years.
This is one piece that earns its keep.
2. A Great Pair of Black Slacks
Often overlooked—but just as essential.
A well-fitting pair of black pants can take you just about anywhere:
- Sweater + flats = polished casual
- Blouse + heels = instantly elevated
Personally, I love a wool crepe with a flattering full leg—but the key is finding what works for your body and lifestyle.
3. The Blazer
I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t wear mine enough.
But every time I do, I think: Why don’t I wear this more?
A blazer has a way of finishing an outfit like nothing else.
And here’s where fit really matters—especially for my fellow fun-size girls:
a little tailoring goes a long way.
A simple hem or slight tuck can take something from “off the rack” to feeling like it was made just for you.
4. Shoes
Full disclosure: I have a fun-sized foot situation that requires me to wear two different sizes (7 and 5), so sky-high heels are just not in my future.
But it has made me very aware of how important shoes are—not just for style, but for comfort and foot health (yes, it’s a thing 😉).
If there’s one place to invest, this is it.
Be good to your feet—your future self will thank you.
5. A Classic Coat
A beautiful coat is one of those pieces you’ll have for years.
Think:
- Black
- Navy
- Camel
Classic colors, timeless style.
A good wool coat? Worth every penny.
SAVE: The Fun, Flexible Pieces
These are the items that let you play with trends without committing your entire budget.
1. Trend Pieces
Color trends, metallics, cut-outs, statement knits…
They’re fun—but they don’t always stick around.
This is where you can absolutely save.
Great places to browse:
- Nordstrom Rack
- TJ Maxx
2. Occasion Wear
If your LBD won’t cut it and you need something specific for an event, this is not the time to overspend.
Department stores like Macy’s often have great options (and even better sales).
Or… consider renting.
Sites like Rent the Runway make it easy to wear something fabulous without the long-term commitment.
(And let me tell you—I rented a dress for a black-tie event six weeks after having my first child… and it was a lifesaver!)
3. Basic Tanks & Tees
These are your everyday essentials—and they’re easy to replace.
No need to spend a fortune on a basic white tee.
4. Accessories
This is one of the easiest places to save.
Costume jewelry has come a long way, and you can get a beautiful, pulled-together look without spending a lot.
Perfect for mixing with your staple pieces and keeping things fresh.
The Bottom Line: Style Smarter
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
- Splurge on what you wear often
- Save on what comes and goes
- Pay attention to fit and fabric
- Mix high and low for a look that feels like you
Because great style isn’t about how much you spend—
it’s about how you put it together.
Coming Up Next…
In Part III, we’re heading into beauty—
where we’ll break down what’s worth the splurge in skincare and what you can absolutely save on in your makeup bag.
If you’ve ever bought something you wore once… or something you’ve worn for years, I’d love to hear about it.
Because let’s be honest—we’ve all had both 😉
Wanna Stay in Touch…
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