Splurge vs. Save: What Items in Your Wardrobe Should You Spend Money On?

Posted by Kathryn Harris-Lowe on Jan 25, 2018

When it comes to your wardrobe, there are some things that you should splurge on, and some that you shouldn't spend too much money on.

Below is a list of items you should splurge on, and items you should save on. When splurging on something, make sure you are spending money for quality, and not just the brand name. I also want to make it clear that for the items to save on, you shouldn't be too cheap. Make sure they are still comfortable and aren't going to fall apart.

And by the way, splurging for me isn't about spending thousands on one item. It just means spending more than what I would consider inconsider inexpensive.

Items to Splurge On:

Shoes/Boots: While you can find some good quality shoes for reasonable prices, in general, I'd say that shoes are something you should spend more money on. Just think about it this way, your feet are what you stand on and what support you. You should treat your feet to the best of comfort.

Not only are these boots cute, but they're comfy!

Keds are my go-to shoes from spring to fall!

These shoes are comfortable and dressy.

I have these flats in a few different colours!

Purses: If you're like me, you have a few purses that you alternate between. I have found that my cheaper purses fall apart, and look worn out, a lot quicker than my higher quality purses. While you can go directly to the retailer to buy your purses, generally I go to outlet stores or Winners to buy my purses.

I love Kate Spade! And a black purse is always good!

I love this colour!

Winter Coats: You want to make sure you stay nice and warm in our Canadian winters, that is why it is important to spend a little more money on your winter coat(s). Get a classic and neutral coloured winter coat that will last you for many years to get even more bang for your buck.

I have this coat in a shorter version and I love it for those cold days that aren't freezing cold!

Lightweight and packable jackets are always a good option!

My winter parka is also by Helly Hansen! It does the trick on those freezing cold days!

Workout Leggings: While you can find some decent workout leggings for less money, generally I prefer to spend a little more money on these. I have two main reasons for this:
1. Less chaffing
2. More likely to stay up!

I love this pattern (and these tights)!

These are my favourite Lululemon leggings!

Motivate yourself to workout with these cute and comfortable leggings!

Jeans: I was struggling where to put jeans on this list because honestly, my favourite jeans aren't that expensive. My favourite jeans are the Rock Star 24/7 jeans from Old Navy. Despite this, I think jeans are a staple in your wardrobe, so if the pair that fits and flatters you best is a bit more expensive, you should splurge!

These are my absolute favourite jeans! (I'm even wearing them right now...)

A great option for those who like straight legs.

I kind of want these jeans...

Items to Save On:

Basic T-Shirts: Generally this is true for every colour of t-shirt, but it is especially true for for white t-shirts. No matter what the quality is, these will quite often wear out, or get pit stains, before you get your money's worth of a more expensive t-shirt.

A white t-shirt is a staple for any wardrobe!

I probably have a few too many long-sleeve black t-shirts...

Scarves: Scarves are great for keeping warm in the winter or adding a pop of colour to your all black outfit. Even with all these benefits, you do not need to spend a lot to get a scarf that is stylish, soft, and long-lasting. Check out some of my favourites below!

I get compliments every time I wear this scarf!

This is the most searched item in my store!

This is my absolute favourite of my designs!

Sweaters: While I don't mind splurging on a few nice sweaters, in general, this is something I think you could save some money on. As far as I'm aware, most people spend more money on sweaters so that they don't pill as much. A simple solution to this is to buy a sweater shaver. I just bought one a few months ago and it has made my sweaters look like new! Shop my sweater shaver, and some cute sweaters below.

I just ordered this!

How cute is this sweater? I love the sleeves and colour.

This sweater is perfect for layering! And it switches up your all black wardrobe.

Layering Tank Tops: Layering tank tops are those tank tops that you wear underneath a sheer, or slightly itchy sweater. For similar reasons as the basic t-shirts, you don't need to spend too much money on these. As long as the whites are white and the fabric is comfortable enough, than they are good.

My go-to layering tank.

Athletic Tops: Unlike leggings, I don't think you need to spend as much money on athletic tops (more specifically tanks and t-shirts). You can generally find some really good ones for less money!