The Money Blown on Clothes & Wardrobe Evaluation Thread

[PinkPantser]

Like a lot of people right now, i'm re-evaluating the way I spend money. One part of that was to join the no purchases in February thread and another part was to take an inventory of my closet. A couple things I learned: I certainly don't need any more casual buttondowns (or any other basics for that matter), I only have 3 or 4 things in my wardrobe that i've had for more than 3 years, and that the items I cherish the most are in many ways the least practical (suede work boots, seersucker, pink pants).

Anyways, when buying clothes as a sort of hobbyist its easy to get caught up in buying constantly. Seems to me it's a good idea to step back for a moment and take stock of what you've already got and how much it cost you to get there. The idea of the thread isn't to show off how much or how little you spend and obviously people are at different stages of their wardrobe (or imaginary wardrobe a la ghulkan), so thats not even a valid measuring stick; but rather to take a more considerate look at where you are and where you're going.

suits - (3) x 550
sportcoats - (2) x 40
dress shirts - (5) x 40
casual buttondowns - (22) x 30
shortsleeve buttondowns - (7) x 20
summer cotton/linen trousers - (10) x 40
winter trousers - (2) x 40
jeans - (6) x 90
sweaters & cardigans - (6) x 35
belts - (5) x 25
ties - (21) x 15
shoes - (10) x 100
outerwear - (6) x 125
random accessories (gloves, hats, sunglasses, pocket squares etc) - ~250

~ $6500 over 2.5 years since I began being interested in clothes

 

[Robert]

Just in general, I've learned to be a bit less impulsive. It takes some effort, but more thought about what I "need" and "want" results in choices that are longer lasting, more classic, and more versatile.

 

[whodini]

You're a brave man to take photos of your closet and put a $ on it.

No way will I be doing either any time soon.

 

[xchen]

That is a nice closet. I'd say get some more wooden hangers and get rid of the plastic ones. I don't have everything totaled up but I know my full wardrobe gets up into the thousands.

 

[Mauro]

Buy More Clothes And Do Your Part For The Economy Wtf!?!

 

[whodini]

This thread made me realize how few s/s bd's I have compared to l/s; it's got to be at least 1:6 if not greater. Might have to do something about that.

Maybe we should also start a thread to see how much our closet is worth retail vs. paid amount.

 

[constant struggle]

I would do this but I think it would take too long since I am not as organized as you, nor do I remember all my prices.

 

[jet]

Not terribly interested in s/s bds though I do have a few and will get a couple more. I don't really want to put a price on things because it's way too much, I used to track it via spreadsheet.

As for pp's original comment, every piece I buy is definitely an investment. I don't buy spur of the moment or for short term.

 

[Coldsnap]

I have a very small wardrobe & I usually only buy on sale

Two Uniqlo Oxfords
Two MJK Chambrays
Nom de Guerre Safari Shirt
Two pairs of Clarks Desert Boots
Obey Jacket
Uniqlo Vintage Chino
APC New Standards
pair of ZigZags
& a handful of American Apparel / Band Ts

I'm getting a huge pay increase at work so I would like to add: Black Chinos, and tennis shoes. I'd also like to change my Uniqlo Oxfords for Band of Outsiders.


Edit: PP you have an awesome shoe collection.

 

[Lysol]

I think I would be afraid to do this but I'll be honest, I have started a spreadsheet of everything I own. Part of it is my OCD, part of it is that it helps me stop impulse buying. When I'm at work and see a shirt I want on eBay for half retail but, still like $100, it's easy to pull up a "snapshot" of my closet that says "Hey dummy, you already have 8 blue OCBD's."

I'm actually spring cleaning my wardrobe today so you'll see some of me in the BS forum later today.

 

[dfagdfsh]

2 years ago I started with basically 0 clothing and have had to rebuild an entire wardrobe, which has cost a lot (probably not nearly as much as the OP though...). I try to keep mine pretty sparse, and am probably going to impliment a rule that for every 1 thing that comes in, 1 thing I don't wear gets sold. At the moment I'm pretty happy with what I have, and just have a few holes to fill.

 

[Robert]

I also don't think it's money "blown" if it's spent in the manner jet suggests. Even if I buy "cheap" clothes, I keep in mind price in relation to the use I need to get out of it, how long I intend to use it, etc.

 

[DrZRM]

If you're washing your own shirts, and you put them wet onto hangers, the wood can seep finish onto your shirts. You need plastic hangers. If you send them out...well, it's more convenient but you are doing a disservice to your shirts, unless you have a great cleaner who hand irons shirts.

As for the OP, I'm afraid to total it all up, but I'm also participating in the no purchase February. It's a good idea to actually figure out what you actually need (if need is really the right word) as opposed to what's a good deal. I'm going to get some Japanese denim and a gray sportscoat in March, but I'm really trying to cut back in this economy.

Originally Posted by xchen

I'd say get some more wooden hangers and get rid of the plastic ones.

 

[dfagdfsh]

fwiw now that I'm thinking about it, the only things I need to add to my wardrobe are:

a few pair of slim shorts
a couple more well fitting v neck tee shirts
a pair of blue boat shoes
some sort of windbreaker

 

[Mauro]

thw windbreaker is here for you ben