While some people love a wardrobe filled with inexpensive, trendy pieces; others maintain that investing in a few high-quality, timeless items is the best approach. We all know that fast fashion isn’t planet-friendly and, if you want to regularly update your wardrobe the ideal option is to shop secondhand.
But what about those pieces that are wardrobe staples? Key pieces like supportive underwear, durable boots, well-fitting jeans and a classic coat are all items that you can afford to spend a little more on because they’ll last you for years to come. Here’s why:
Longevity and Durability
The right lingerie can do more than just look good – it can boost your confidence and provide lasting comfort. Imagine buying an amazing push up bra. You paid a bit more for it than you would for a cheap, off-the-rack option, but it fits like a dream and makes you feel confident and comfortable. After countless wears and washes, it maintains its shape and support, whereas a cheaper model would usually start to lose form or even tear. This is precisely where investing in high-quality pieces pays off.
Premium-quality clothing is designed to look and feel better and also last longer. High-end items are made with better materials and more careful craftsmanship, so they are made to withstand the test of time. They are less likely to fade or lose their shape, which means you won’t need to replace them as frequently. Instead of buying a new £10 bra every few months, you can wear your £40 high-quality bra for years, ultimately saving money.
Classic Over Trendy
High-quality fashion pieces are usually designed with timelessness in mind. Designers of luxurious items aim to create pieces that will still be stylish and relevant years after the purchase, unlike fast fashion pieces that play into fleeting trends. For example, I was once given a high-quality coat by my friend and I’ve worn it every winter since – we’re talking years now, and it’s still going strong.
Investing in classic pieces like a good pair of jeans, a little black dress, or a well-tailored blazer will keep your wardrobe fresh and modern without needing constant updates. You’ll spare your wallet the cost of continually purchasing trendy pieces that will lose their appeal after a season or two.
Cost per Use
One critical concept in calculating the actual value of a fashion item is its ‘cost per use.’ This is calculated by dividing the price of the item by the number of times it’s worn. A £200 pair of leather boots might seem pricey initially, but if you take care of them and wear them 400 times over the years, that’s only 50p per use.
Alternatively, a £50 pair of boots worn ten times before they wear out or go out of style (or are so uncomfortable that you can’t bear to wear them!) has a cost per use of £5. By this measure, a more expensive high-quality item can be a lot more cost-effective in the long run than cheaper, low-quality items. Plus, a material like leather is easier to take care of compared to synthetic materials that will crack and peel easily.
The ‘cost per use’ factor was the reason I spent so long shopping for ‘the perfect’ pair of knee-high leather boots. I wanted to get my purchase right because I knew I would be wearing them for years. In fact, it’s been decades now, and they are still in great condition and are super comfortable. I can’t imagine ever needing to replace my boots, so I’m pleased I spent just a little more money initially and have benefitted from long-term savings of not needing to buy any more.
Enhanced Confidence
There’s something to be said about the impact high-quality clothing can have on your confidence and performance. Knowing you’re wearing a quality, well-fitted piece can elevate your self-esteem and make you feel more capable and confident.
There’s nothing worse than the opposite: wearing something itchy or in a synthetic fabric that makes you sweaty, or that you have to keep pulling down or adjusting because it doesn’t fit properly. Fidgeting around or having your attention distracted by how uncomfortable you feel in your clothing doesn’t create a great impression.
So, whether you’re walking into a business meeting or going on a first date, the feeling of looking and feeling your best is priceless and can yield fantastic results. I’m not suggesting buying something new specifically for occasions like these but they are the perfect time to pull on your trusty tailored blazer, knowing it will make you look great and feel confident.
Sustainability
Finally, investing in high-quality pieces contributes to a more sustainable model of fashion consumption. Fast fashion is a significant contributor to environmental waste and pollution, with tonnes and tonnes of clothing being binned and ragged every year.
By choosing durable, high-quality pieces that you can wear for years you’re not contributing to this kind of waste. Plus, your decision not to shop for fast fashion reduces the overall demand for it to be produced and directly contributes to more sustainable consumption habits, which eventually saves you and the planet resources.
Another factor to consider is that you don’t have to even buy your high-quality pieces new; you can save money on expensive pieces by shopping secondhand. You’ll get a better price on something that might otherwise have been out of your budget and you’re helping to keep more clothing in circulation. Think shopping vintage, charity shops or pre-loved online platforms.
In the world of fashion, it’s all too easy to be lured by the allure of cheap, trendy pieces. However, investing in high-quality, timeless items is a strategy that pays off in the long run, both for your wallet and your wardrobe. So the next time you’re considering whether to splurge on a timeless, high-quality fashion piece or settle for a lower-priced, lower-quality item, remember that sometimes, you truly do get what you pay for.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve chosen something a little more pricy but that you’ve worn so many times now that the cost-per-wear is down to pennies! I’d love to hear about your fashion successes. 🙂
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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content 🙂
