As a stylist, I’m going to encourage you to shop sometimes – it’s part of my job, after all. But what I am NEVER going to do is encourage you to spend beyond your means, or to spend more than you need to. It’s so easy to do both of those things nowadays, because online shopping is a) easier and b) has more inventory on offer than conventional mall shopping does! But even virtual swiping is not always your friend, my friend! Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s something you should do all the time. It’s possible to have a great work wardrobe at any budget! However, there are some pitfalls you need to avoid… and you know I’m here to help. Let’s talk about the five mistakes making you overspend on your professional wardrobe!
For those of you that hate shopping – I get it. Another set of rules for my least favorite activity? But I promise you that avoiding these mistakes will actually make things easier. Because guess what it involves? A little forethought, and a little planning. After all, that’s what every method and strategy I teach is built on! You work hard for your money, and you should be spending it mindfully on your work wardrobe (and everything else in your life… but I’ll let you hire someone else to tell you how to do those things!). Let’s get into it!
Discover The Five Mistakes Making You Overspend On Your Professional Wardrobe
- Ignoring The Real Cost-Per-Wear Analysis
When you go shopping and are considering making any financial investment in a piece, this is something you have to think about. Take a second to evaluate how often you’ll wear an item relative to its price. Expensive pieces that you don’t wear very often can cost you more in the long run than versatile, affordable items. But consider the flip side, too! Investing in something that’s well-made that you’ll wear multiple times a week is better than buying the cheaper alternative! I like to invest in clothes (read: not justify buying them) in a way that makes sense for my long-term budget. This way, you’ll always look fresh in the office! - Falling for Trends Instead of Timeless Pieces
Trends come and go, but classic styles will never make you look dated. Trends are quite literally built to make you spend more money – because once they go out of style, you have to go shopping again to keep up! Focus on steadily filling up your closet with timeless, essential pieces that can be mixed and matched. It’s a great way to combat mistake #1 – because you’ll always be on trend and won’t feel the need to shop all the time! - Neglecting to Set a Budget
Set a specific limit for what you’re willing to spend on your professional wardrobe and stick to it. You’ll make more deliberate purchasing decisions. And you won’t buy as impulsively – which will help you not blow it! - Prioritizing Quantity Over Quality
It might be tempting to buy multiple lower-cost items, but investing in fewer, high-quality pieces often proves to be more economical in the long run. Higher quality garments generally last longer! It might sound redundant, but less really is more, my friend! - Failing to Plan for a Cohesive Wardrobe
Plan your purchases to ensure they complement and enhance what you already own. Deliberating over whether you should buy something? Try to think of how it would match with at least 3 things you already have. A well-thought-out wardrobe maximizes the versatility of your clothing.
I believe – and teach, and know! – that you can look fantastic at any budget. You can achieve a professional wardrobe that is stylish AND financially savvy! Mindful spending and strategic planning will help you build a professional wardrobe that serves you well without breaking the bank.
“Ok Robin,” you say. “I’m not overspending, because I’m not spend AT ALL. I’m in a style rut. And I want to get my style and image back on track!”
My friend – The Fall 2024 Level Up Workshop is for YOU. I’m taking an intimate professional cohort through my 3-step Polished Image And Style Strategy on Saturday September 28th, and I want you to join us! Learn how to curate an authentic first impression and impeccable style that gets you noticed. You’ve got the option to make one payment or two!
Let’s level up how you show up!
