Clothes Shopping. Whether you love it or hate it, you have to do it. Whether you see salespeople as friends or enemies, you have to do it. Whether you spend too much, not enough, or you stand in the store for hours deliberating Price vs. Usefulness vs. Desire, you have to do it.
The good news is, shopping for clothes doesn’t have to be painful: not to your wallet, not to your schedule, and (most importantly) not to your poor, aching brain. Taking the simple step of deciding beforehand which sorts of items are worth the splurge and which ones you won’t pay anything above rock-bottom for, can take the aches and pains out of the most dreaded shopping trips. Check out the basic guidelines below and you’ll be ready to attack that list.
T-Shirt
Save or Spend? Save.
Experts say save on tees because you wear them close to your skin, so you wash them more, and they don't have that long of a shelf life. Plus, white ones usually lose the fight with underarm-perspiration marks. Go for a good fit first and for fabric that doesn't look flimsy. Both of these criteria can be accomplished at good prices.
Jeans
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts say jeans might have been created for miners and manual laborers, but today you can wear them everywhere - in the backyard when you rake leaves, to work, and to dinner with friends. Splurge on one or two good pairs. Premium denim has an attractive dark wash and the right amount of stretch and should fit better than a cheaper pair. You can consider hemming one pair for flat shoes and another for heels so the length always looks just right.
Bra
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts say bras are a good investment item because they can affect your overall look. Focus on the fit. A great bra can make a 5- to 10-pound difference in your appearance. The bigger your bust, the more important the fit is. If you have a smaller chest, a quality bra can make the most of what you have.
Gym Clothes
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts say the great thing about gym clothes: Even if you choose to buy the best (instead of sweating in a ratty old T-shirt), you won't burn a hole in your wallet. Gym clothes aren't that expensive, and the pieces will most likely last for years to come. Invest in something functional. Be sure that the outfit feels flattering. When you look good in your workout clothes you're more inclined to work out. But don't overdo it: A great pair of pants and a couple of tops will do the trick.
Trendy Items
Save or Spend? Save.
Experts say with all the discount retailers out there, you can avoid overspending on fashions that will feel passé after one season. These stores offer trendy items at fair prices. But remember: Some trends, like nautical-inspired clothing and tunics, will come around again and again, so go ahead and splurge on an item you feel has staying power.
Black Pants
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts say a high-quality pair of black pants can last for years. Black pants are timeless. And investing in a good pair is smart, as the wear and tear on them is typically greater than on most wardrobe items. Better fit and craftsmanship and higher-quality materials cost a bit more, but you'll save in the long run, as you won't be spending twice as much buying a new, cheaper pair every year.
Jacket
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts say a very good jacket can do a lot for your overall look. You could wear just a T-shirt and jeans, but an expensive, fabulous jacket upgrades your outfit. Look for a jacket to fit the widest part of your body. If you have a large bust and a small waist, buy a jacket in a size that will close over your bust. Then go to a reputable tailor and have the jacket taken in to fit elsewhere.
Dress
Save or Spend? Spend.
Experts Say: A go-to dress works as a default outfit for any occasion, so you want one or two top-quality ones that will last for years. In particular, a dark dress, in black or some deep shade of brown or a jewel tone, is something to spend a bit more on. And make sure the dress isn't too short. That can kill its longevity. Choose a knee-length style that won't risk looking outdated next year. An exception to the splurge rule? Casual sundresses, which rarely last more than a few seasons.
