What's a reasonable clothing budget?
November 15, 2010 9:39 AM Subscribe
How much is reasonable to spend on clothing each month?
I am living on a limited income right now (approximately $20,000/year as a grad school stipend.). Thanks to my family's generosity, I also have a fairly large amount ($100K+) set aside to help with school costs. As such, although in principle I have a very low income, in actuality I can withdraw a substantial amount to supplement that income (about 15-20K per year).
I would say that I live very frugally, or as much as one can while living in a large East Coast city. Without getting too specific about my expenses, I will say that I pay about $9,500 per year in rent and utilities (I live with a roommate), and about $1,000 per year in other critical expenses (health insurance, cell phone, etc). My food costs are ridiculously low, as I cook almost exclusively at home and am mostly vegetarian. I save $300 per month (more on this in a minute). My boyfriend and I go out to dinner maybe once per month and spend $50 each. Our preferred weekend activities are low-cost (split bottle of cheap wine and watch something on NetFlix, have friends over for a simple dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood and maybe get a hot chocolate).
I should add here that my boyfriend is in a similarly low-income situation (he makes a bit more money than I do, but he has additional costs like a car and he does things like buy his lunch every day). He also doesn't have this "extra" fund that I do, obviously. He will comment on the cost of an item I bought, or the fact that I get a lot of new clothes (he never shops and never seems to want new things).
At the start of this school year I thought, "I am going to get more on top of my budget. I want to be able to say exactly what percent of my income goes to what costs." So I drew up this budget, based on my known costs (rent, etc) and then setting aside so much for entertainment, so much for food, etc. And I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if I could save $500 per month? I live pretty cheaply, I bet I could do it!" And, well, I could to it technically, but I....didn't want to. Because of clothes.
I am not into designer items, but I do like to buy things from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and JCrew. I also get plenty of basics from stores like Gap. Although I am a grad student, I need to work with clients in a professional environment, so I wear business casual clothing almost every day. Furthermore, a lot of the women I work with are very pulled together, and I feel some desire to be fashionable like they are (my style is naturally pretty conservative and tailored, but I am not really "fashionable"). Anyway, I couldn't hit that $500 savings goal because things (clothes) kept coming up. I should note that I am NOWHERE near using up the "extra" funds that I could use. I spent about $600 on clothes this month, but that includes two large one-time purchases (a nice wool peacoat from JCrew for $300 and a pair of black boots for $160). I rarely buy new shoes or coats, mostly it's tops and pants. I am still able to save $300 per month as I always did.
My question is, what do you spend on clothing per month or year? Does this seem excessive to you? $600 in a month is not typical for me, but $200 is. My boyfriend probably spends $300 all year, but he's a guy and he works in a casual environment. I'm spending 15-20% of my income on clothes, but I tell myself that's okay because I live cheaply in other ways.
(a final note: In addition to my savings account, I contribute $1,500 annually to an IRA. I have no debt, school or otherwise. I definitely know that I could stop buying clothes if I wanted to, this is not a shopping addiction or anything like that. I just like buying clothes and I know that I can afford them, but I wonder if I should have more willpower somehow.)
I am living on a limited income right now (approximately $20,000/year as a grad school stipend.). Thanks to my family's generosity, I also have a fairly large amount ($100K+) set aside to help with school costs. As such, although in principle I have a very low income, in actuality I can withdraw a substantial amount to supplement that income (about 15-20K per year).
I would say that I live very frugally, or as much as one can while living in a large East Coast city. Without getting too specific about my expenses, I will say that I pay about $9,500 per year in rent and utilities (I live with a roommate), and about $1,000 per year in other critical expenses (health insurance, cell phone, etc). My food costs are ridiculously low, as I cook almost exclusively at home and am mostly vegetarian. I save $300 per month (more on this in a minute). My boyfriend and I go out to dinner maybe once per month and spend $50 each. Our preferred weekend activities are low-cost (split bottle of cheap wine and watch something on NetFlix, have friends over for a simple dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood and maybe get a hot chocolate).
I should add here that my boyfriend is in a similarly low-income situation (he makes a bit more money than I do, but he has additional costs like a car and he does things like buy his lunch every day). He also doesn't have this "extra" fund that I do, obviously. He will comment on the cost of an item I bought, or the fact that I get a lot of new clothes (he never shops and never seems to want new things).
At the start of this school year I thought, "I am going to get more on top of my budget. I want to be able to say exactly what percent of my income goes to what costs." So I drew up this budget, based on my known costs (rent, etc) and then setting aside so much for entertainment, so much for food, etc. And I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if I could save $500 per month? I live pretty cheaply, I bet I could do it!" And, well, I could to it technically, but I....didn't want to. Because of clothes.
I am not into designer items, but I do like to buy things from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and JCrew. I also get plenty of basics from stores like Gap. Although I am a grad student, I need to work with clients in a professional environment, so I wear business casual clothing almost every day. Furthermore, a lot of the women I work with are very pulled together, and I feel some desire to be fashionable like they are (my style is naturally pretty conservative and tailored, but I am not really "fashionable"). Anyway, I couldn't hit that $500 savings goal because things (clothes) kept coming up. I should note that I am NOWHERE near using up the "extra" funds that I could use. I spent about $600 on clothes this month, but that includes two large one-time purchases (a nice wool peacoat from JCrew for $300 and a pair of black boots for $160). I rarely buy new shoes or coats, mostly it's tops and pants. I am still able to save $300 per month as I always did.
My question is, what do you spend on clothing per month or year? Does this seem excessive to you? $600 in a month is not typical for me, but $200 is. My boyfriend probably spends $300 all year, but he's a guy and he works in a casual environment. I'm spending 15-20% of my income on clothes, but I tell myself that's okay because I live cheaply in other ways.
(a final note: In addition to my savings account, I contribute $1,500 annually to an IRA. I have no debt, school or otherwise. I definitely know that I could stop buying clothes if I wanted to, this is not a shopping addiction or anything like that. I just like buying clothes and I know that I can afford them, but I wonder if I should have more willpower somehow.)
I have multiple public engagements a month, though I don't have to dress extremely well every single day.
I spend between $300/$500 a year on clothing. I think I spent closer to $800 last year because I needed a formal gown (which I will wear to multiple engagements.)
posted by headspace at 9:43 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
I spend between $300/$500 a year on clothing. I think I spent closer to $800 last year because I needed a formal gown (which I will wear to multiple engagements.)
posted by headspace at 9:43 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
It's your money. You don't have to justify your spending to your boyfriend, AskMetafilter, your mother, or whoever. You don't have to get the world's approval on your spending, as long as you're reaching your own financial goals, whatever they might be. It's your money.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:44 AM on November 15, 2010 [31 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:44 AM on November 15, 2010 [31 favorites]
I have bought business casual and basic officewear clothing by all of those labels you mention at Goodwill and Salvation Army for a fraction of the price they would cost new. Are there any of these stores near you? That might help your budget a lot.
posted by vickyverky at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by vickyverky at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
I have no idea what's "reasonable" for someone in your circumstances (I'm a casual guy too), but it sounds like you have your budget well in hand, and could quite reasonably tell your boyfriend to cut it out with the unsolicited criticism.
posted by jon1270 at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by jon1270 at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
If your question is what I spend on clothes per month, the answer is about $20 (that includes all larger purchases like shoes and coats averaged out over about a year).
If the question is what it's reasonable to spend on clothes, obviously no one can answer for you. I understand that I am a bit of an outlier (I buy clothes more for ruggedness and frugality than for aesthetics, and I always buy larger ticket items second-hand if possible), but I can't see why anyone in any circumstances would need to spend more than about $1000 per year on clothes.
So, yes, I think your purchases are unreasonable. But I'm also pretty sure that what I think is unreasonable shouldn't matter very much to you.
posted by 256 at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
If the question is what it's reasonable to spend on clothes, obviously no one can answer for you. I understand that I am a bit of an outlier (I buy clothes more for ruggedness and frugality than for aesthetics, and I always buy larger ticket items second-hand if possible), but I can't see why anyone in any circumstances would need to spend more than about $1000 per year on clothes.
So, yes, I think your purchases are unreasonable. But I'm also pretty sure that what I think is unreasonable shouldn't matter very much to you.
posted by 256 at 9:45 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I spend about $500 a year on clothes, mostly in the form of gift cards I get with my credit card rewards from buying other things. That's how I get my new stuff from the sorts of stores you mention. Nearly all of the cash I spend is at thrift stores. If you find the good stores, you can get stuff at 10% or less of what it would cost new. My winter coat was $15, and it's a J.Crew wool coat like the one you describe. Also, you may want to look at the quality of what you're buying. Those $10 t-shirts from the Gap feel like a good bargain, but they don't last as long as a better-made shirt, so your cost per wear may be higher overall.
If buying new clothes and looking a certain way is important you you and it's not busting your budget, I don't think you should worry about it. It's really none of your boyfriend's business how you spent your money, and just as you don't criticize him for eating out (you don't, do you?), he has no right to criticize your indulgences. But if you want to cut your spending in this area for your own reasons, it's perfectly possible to wear nice clothes for a fraction of what you currently spend.
posted by decathecting at 9:49 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
If buying new clothes and looking a certain way is important you you and it's not busting your budget, I don't think you should worry about it. It's really none of your boyfriend's business how you spent your money, and just as you don't criticize him for eating out (you don't, do you?), he has no right to criticize your indulgences. But if you want to cut your spending in this area for your own reasons, it's perfectly possible to wear nice clothes for a fraction of what you currently spend.
posted by decathecting at 9:49 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
$600 in a month is jawdroppingly excessive to me unless you've lost everything you own in a fire. I would be shocked if I spent that much in a year, and I'm female. I would say that I spend about $300-400/year. The last "major" purchase I made was $15 for 4 polo shirts at Goodwill - these were American Eagle and Hollister branded shirts that look like new.
posted by desjardins at 9:52 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by desjardins at 9:52 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
I think you're not really going about figuring out a clothing budget in the most productive way by breaking it down to a per-month thing. Are you making your purchases with an eye toward building a wardrobe that will last for years, or just buying random pieces you like? You don't need to get a whole new wardrobe every year like a still-growing school kid-- drop money on the things you really need up to the point where you don't wake up every morning and freak out because you have nothing to wear, and then just stop buying new things except in truly exceptional circumstances. $600 (or even $200) a month is too much to be spending on clothes ad infinitum, but could make sense over a few-month period if you're buying wardrobe staples you'll wear for years.
posted by oinopaponton at 9:54 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by oinopaponton at 9:54 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
However you want to spend your money is up to you. But I will say this - chain store clothes are absurdly overpriced. It makes sense to spend real money on quality clothes - better fabrics, careful construction details, linings, overall high-quality sewing - but almost none of those things are present in J. Crew, Ann Taylor, or Banana Republic clothes, which are all factory garments sewn in pretty slapdash ways. You are paying for nothing other than the label and a designer's time.
For building a nice wardrobe that will last for a long time, it's a better strategy to either make your own clothes, carefully, with high-quality fabrics, or to shop sample and warehouse sales for *really* good clothes at deep discounts, or get good at thrifting (especially good in affluent areas). It's nice to have a little money in your budget set aside for trendy clothes that you won't wear more than a season or so, but your outlined budget seems high to me for clothes that are pretty much as disposable as clothes you'd buy at Target.
posted by peachfuzz at 9:55 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
For building a nice wardrobe that will last for a long time, it's a better strategy to either make your own clothes, carefully, with high-quality fabrics, or to shop sample and warehouse sales for *really* good clothes at deep discounts, or get good at thrifting (especially good in affluent areas). It's nice to have a little money in your budget set aside for trendy clothes that you won't wear more than a season or so, but your outlined budget seems high to me for clothes that are pretty much as disposable as clothes you'd buy at Target.
posted by peachfuzz at 9:55 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I should note also that if you wear an unusual size, you may very well need to spend more. If you are very tall or wear plus sizes or need tailoring, your expenses will be greater than for people who wear a size 8 off the rack. But again, you have lots of options for how to spend your money, and if you choose to spend it on clothing, that's up to you.
posted by decathecting at 9:55 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by decathecting at 9:55 AM on November 15, 2010
I make one or two huge shopping trips each year because inevitably Toddler Zizzle gets something on my shirt on the way home, and eventually the stain stays.
I spend maybe $200 on three pairs of pants and 5 or 6 tops for each trip. Add in buying socks and underwear once a year and that's another $200 (ladies underwear is expensive, and I will not compromise on bras. I go with the best fit), so I'd say I spend between $600 - $800/year on just me. And that's not always every year. And some years I spend more, like in the year after Toddler Zizzle was born and I needed all new clothes.
I also don't have the funds you do. If I had the funds you do, I'd probably spend quite a bit more on clothes that I really like and would pay to have them fitted correctly after I bought them. As it is, I only do that with dresses that I maybe wear once every few years.
posted by zizzle at 9:56 AM on November 15, 2010
I spend maybe $200 on three pairs of pants and 5 or 6 tops for each trip. Add in buying socks and underwear once a year and that's another $200 (ladies underwear is expensive, and I will not compromise on bras. I go with the best fit), so I'd say I spend between $600 - $800/year on just me. And that's not always every year. And some years I spend more, like in the year after Toddler Zizzle was born and I needed all new clothes.
I also don't have the funds you do. If I had the funds you do, I'd probably spend quite a bit more on clothes that I really like and would pay to have them fitted correctly after I bought them. As it is, I only do that with dresses that I maybe wear once every few years.
posted by zizzle at 9:56 AM on November 15, 2010
You would be amazed at how cheaply you can get all sorts of designer stuff off eBay for the cost of buttons.
posted by gaby at 9:56 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by gaby at 9:56 AM on November 15, 2010
Whatever works at the intersection of your goals and budget! But maybe you want to assess whether you are spending more than your own goals require? Try thinking about it this way: how long should each item of clothing last, based on how often you wear it, whether you launder it or dry-clean, whether it shows wear, whether it has style details that will date it? From that assessment, come up with a list that allocates you not a dollar amount, but a clothing amount. Should you buy a wool coat every year? You may decide to spend more money less often, or buy less expensive in-style items and replace them seasonally.
posted by xo at 9:58 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by xo at 9:58 AM on November 15, 2010
$200 seems completely reasonable to me. Nice clothes are expensive if you don't want to spend every waking minute hunting for bargains. You can afford it, and that's really not excessive - it means a couple nice items every month.
(for reference, I'm at $140/month because I'm a student, but will be above $200 once I'm working full-time. $200/month seems completely reasonable to me given your financial situation)
posted by ripley_ at 9:59 AM on November 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
(for reference, I'm at $140/month because I'm a student, but will be above $200 once I'm working full-time. $200/month seems completely reasonable to me given your financial situation)
posted by ripley_ at 9:59 AM on November 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
I second TPS, but I will add that--if you, personally, feel that you would like to cut back a bit--I buy my nice on-brand (the brands you list, actually) clothes/shoes off ebay (usually return from electronic sales) and from consignment stores. What do I spend? This is no one's business whose life does not directly depend on my personal financial choices. Currently, this means it is my business, my dog's and also my cat's. However, only I can work spreadsheet software, so they don't offer 'advice.'
Still, there is no reason that you have to buy off ebay or consignment or any other way, if you are meeting your own personal goals and it's not causing a credit problem, etc.
Your boyfriend can mind his own beeswax.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 10:00 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Still, there is no reason that you have to buy off ebay or consignment or any other way, if you are meeting your own personal goals and it's not causing a credit problem, etc.
Your boyfriend can mind his own beeswax.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 10:00 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I really don't know how much I spend on clothing in a year. Here are some thoughts, echoing what others have said.
(1) If clothing makes you happy AND you can meet your financial goals at the same time, buy clothing! Some people spend on travel, some on dinners out, some on very high rent/mortgage, some (hint hint) buy lunch every day; your major expense might be clothing. We can't tell you how much you "should" be saving. And frankly, if you're only spending $1,000 on health insurance and cell phone, then you're doing a LOT better than many of us in those categories.
(2) You would expect to spend more on clothing if you are building your professional wardrobe from scratch than if you are just buying additional things as pieces wear out or just for fun. I am only a few years out of college, and so I definitely spend more on clothing than I hope to later. You say that you're a student, so maybe you are in the same boat.
posted by teragram at 10:00 AM on November 15, 2010
(1) If clothing makes you happy AND you can meet your financial goals at the same time, buy clothing! Some people spend on travel, some on dinners out, some on very high rent/mortgage, some (hint hint) buy lunch every day; your major expense might be clothing. We can't tell you how much you "should" be saving. And frankly, if you're only spending $1,000 on health insurance and cell phone, then you're doing a LOT better than many of us in those categories.
(2) You would expect to spend more on clothing if you are building your professional wardrobe from scratch than if you are just buying additional things as pieces wear out or just for fun. I am only a few years out of college, and so I definitely spend more on clothing than I hope to later. You say that you're a student, so maybe you are in the same boat.
posted by teragram at 10:00 AM on November 15, 2010
Budgeting is all about keeping your expenses reasonable so that you have money to spend on the things you need and on the things you want. You and your boyfriend seem to have differing opinions on what is reasonable to spend on clothes. And you see clothes as more of a necessity worth splurging on and he doesn't. I have some friends who are really scrupulous about what they spend money on [or sometimes other things, what they eat, how much they use the heat and etc] and at the same time have these off-limits areas that completely contradict whatever their other push is. So maybe they're really thrifty with their water usage [and talk a lot about their three minute showers] but still water their garden because that's important. Which is fine, it's their life, but it's weird to listen to it over and over and think "well you could water the garden less and then have nicer showers.... this is sort of a hardship you've chosen, not a necessity" My point being that in my universe, it's fine to spend whatever you want on new clothes, but you're not a frugal person if this is how you live. And that's fine. But it's not frugal.
So, as a data point, I try to spend as little as possible on clothes. I work in a relaxed environment but I also give presentations to the public which require some amount of dressing up. However, I'm the same size that I've been for several years and most of my old clothes still fit. I probably buy a new pair of shoes every year, maybe $75, and the rest of what I buy is second-hand. I spend about $15-20/month on clothes maximum. I have a huge wardrobe.
What you spend seems excessive to me, but who cares what I think? More importantly, you seem to be defending and rationalizing your choices as if there's something wrong with them. Maybe you need some sort of way to parlay these purchases into something that is more in line with how you perceive your values, sell older clothes on ebay or donate them to people in need or something else? Again, they're your personal choices and you're living within your needs, but you are not being frugal, but it's fine to not be frugal.
posted by jessamyn at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
So, as a data point, I try to spend as little as possible on clothes. I work in a relaxed environment but I also give presentations to the public which require some amount of dressing up. However, I'm the same size that I've been for several years and most of my old clothes still fit. I probably buy a new pair of shoes every year, maybe $75, and the rest of what I buy is second-hand. I spend about $15-20/month on clothes maximum. I have a huge wardrobe.
What you spend seems excessive to me, but who cares what I think? More importantly, you seem to be defending and rationalizing your choices as if there's something wrong with them. Maybe you need some sort of way to parlay these purchases into something that is more in line with how you perceive your values, sell older clothes on ebay or donate them to people in need or something else? Again, they're your personal choices and you're living within your needs, but you are not being frugal, but it's fine to not be frugal.
posted by jessamyn at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
Well, I have two main points to make:
Your total annual budget is approx $35K. Bear in mind that this is more than what most people your people your age earn, after tax and setting aside savings. Of course that will vary depending on your expected profession. If I were a student, I would set my budget to be less than what I might make in my first job after graduation, so that there's no painful adjustment later down the line. It's always more difficult to scale down than it is to scale up.
Now, I think it might be more useful to lump your clothing in with entertainment/hobbies, rather than as mere clothing. Different people have different vices -- your boyfriend might not like clothing but I'm sure there's other stuff he wastes money on. So if you're not exceeding your monthly recreational budget (let's say 20% of your total budget), then you're fine, no?
posted by randomstriker at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
Your total annual budget is approx $35K. Bear in mind that this is more than what most people your people your age earn, after tax and setting aside savings. Of course that will vary depending on your expected profession. If I were a student, I would set my budget to be less than what I might make in my first job after graduation, so that there's no painful adjustment later down the line. It's always more difficult to scale down than it is to scale up.
Now, I think it might be more useful to lump your clothing in with entertainment/hobbies, rather than as mere clothing. Different people have different vices -- your boyfriend might not like clothing but I'm sure there's other stuff he wastes money on. So if you're not exceeding your monthly recreational budget (let's say 20% of your total budget), then you're fine, no?
posted by randomstriker at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
I can't see why anyone in any circumstances would need to spend more than about $1000 per year on clothes.
See the $1,800 suit thread, or better yet, don't.
I don't think that's an unreasonable amount of money to spend on clothes. I spend only around $300-$400 a year, but it shows (I hate shopping for clothing), and I have to spend at least that much just to replace what's worn out. As long as you're actually wearing the stuff you buy and aren't piling up closets of untouched clothing, I don't see the problem. The more clothes you have in rotation the long they'll all last.
Also, seriously, we're talking about maybe a $700/year-ish difference between "normal" shopping habits and your shopping habits when you have 100k in a bank account. It's not a big deal. If you're concerned that your family will frown on your clothing spending habits, ask them...but if they were generous enough to give you the cash in the first place I doubt they'll be upset.
posted by phoenixy at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
See the $1,800 suit thread, or better yet, don't.
I don't think that's an unreasonable amount of money to spend on clothes. I spend only around $300-$400 a year, but it shows (I hate shopping for clothing), and I have to spend at least that much just to replace what's worn out. As long as you're actually wearing the stuff you buy and aren't piling up closets of untouched clothing, I don't see the problem. The more clothes you have in rotation the long they'll all last.
Also, seriously, we're talking about maybe a $700/year-ish difference between "normal" shopping habits and your shopping habits when you have 100k in a bank account. It's not a big deal. If you're concerned that your family will frown on your clothing spending habits, ask them...but if they were generous enough to give you the cash in the first place I doubt they'll be upset.
posted by phoenixy at 10:01 AM on November 15, 2010
As one grad to another, you have your financial shit enviably together. I'm impressed by the fact that you seem to be saving 25% of your pre-tax income and that you have no credit card debt; I would hardly begrudge your spending a little extra money on clothes. See Ramit Sethi's advice here.
If, however, you do want to experiment with spending less on clothing, you might try taking $50-$100 of that clothing budget and pre-emptively moving it somewhere moderately inaccessible, like a savings account that takes a couple of days for funds to transfer. Then you can see how a slightly reduced clothing budget feels to you.
(You might also try befriending some of these pulled-together women and seeing if they'll let you borrow that top.)
posted by en forme de poire at 10:02 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
If, however, you do want to experiment with spending less on clothing, you might try taking $50-$100 of that clothing budget and pre-emptively moving it somewhere moderately inaccessible, like a savings account that takes a couple of days for funds to transfer. Then you can see how a slightly reduced clothing budget feels to you.
(You might also try befriending some of these pulled-together women and seeing if they'll let you borrow that top.)
posted by en forme de poire at 10:02 AM on November 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Last month, I spent $300 on winter basics (including a pair of boots and a coat), and it was exorbitant for me. However, this is after living in Florida for three years and starting from nothing. So $600/month sounds insane for me.
(I also spent about a hundred bucks on winter clothes for my husband, who would wear the same crappy T-shirts with holes in them forever, given the option.)
However, if you and your boyfriend have separate finances, I really don't think this is any of his business.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:02 AM on November 15, 2010
(I also spent about a hundred bucks on winter clothes for my husband, who would wear the same crappy T-shirts with holes in them forever, given the option.)
However, if you and your boyfriend have separate finances, I really don't think this is any of his business.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:02 AM on November 15, 2010
Mint.com tells me I spend an average of c. $100 per month on clothes in 2010.
This is a significant improvement from 2009 when I spent an average of c. $200 per month. I made a conscious effort to stop spending so much on clothes at the beginning of this year (I stopped shopping at Banana Republic and most of my purchases are made at TJ Maxx).
I work in a professional environment, and I'd say almost all of my clothing purchases are made to wear at work. A lot of this is shoes (I walk 3-5 miles each day between walking to and from work and other stuff) and then new tights and other things that get a lot of wear.
For calibration purposes, I make an upper 5 figure salary and live in a relative expensive (not NYC) east coast city.
So I don't think you are spending an excessive amount necessarily, but it does seem somewhat excessive for your current circumstances. I justify spending $100 on shopping only because I save $1000-1500 per month otherwise.
posted by CharlieSue at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010
This is a significant improvement from 2009 when I spent an average of c. $200 per month. I made a conscious effort to stop spending so much on clothes at the beginning of this year (I stopped shopping at Banana Republic and most of my purchases are made at TJ Maxx).
I work in a professional environment, and I'd say almost all of my clothing purchases are made to wear at work. A lot of this is shoes (I walk 3-5 miles each day between walking to and from work and other stuff) and then new tights and other things that get a lot of wear.
For calibration purposes, I make an upper 5 figure salary and live in a relative expensive (not NYC) east coast city.
So I don't think you are spending an excessive amount necessarily, but it does seem somewhat excessive for your current circumstances. I justify spending $100 on shopping only because I save $1000-1500 per month otherwise.
posted by CharlieSue at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010
I earn 5x what you do, and I would have to swallow very hard to buy a $300 coat indeed. But I don't really personally prioritize dressing, and I often wake up freaking out about having nothing to wear. It's really a personal thing about how you chose to spend your money, if you can afford it.
So the question is, can you afford it? Currently you're eating into your savings. And you may also not be able to sustain this level of spending once you don't have your grad school lifestyle and expenses cushion anymore. So what else could you be saving for or spending this money on? A house? A nicer apartment? Is your retirement account on track? Etc.
posted by yarly at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
So the question is, can you afford it? Currently you're eating into your savings. And you may also not be able to sustain this level of spending once you don't have your grad school lifestyle and expenses cushion anymore. So what else could you be saving for or spending this money on? A house? A nicer apartment? Is your retirement account on track? Etc.
posted by yarly at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I think you're spending an unusally large portion on your budget on clothes. I probably spend 1% of my monthly budget on clothes, or even less, and I like clothes a lot.
BUT, I think if you characterize that clothes money as "fun" or "entertainment," then you're spending a reasonable portion of your overall budget on "fun" overall (including dinner, cheap wine, hot chocolate). You live a very frugal life. So you seem to have one big splurge category. And I think it's healthy to let loose from time to time. So - personally - I think you're right on budget and your "fun" allocation is just fine.
And totally agree with the above - no one can tell you how to spend your money, particularly when you're hitting your goals.
posted by semacd at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
BUT, I think if you characterize that clothes money as "fun" or "entertainment," then you're spending a reasonable portion of your overall budget on "fun" overall (including dinner, cheap wine, hot chocolate). You live a very frugal life. So you seem to have one big splurge category. And I think it's healthy to let loose from time to time. So - personally - I think you're right on budget and your "fun" allocation is just fine.
And totally agree with the above - no one can tell you how to spend your money, particularly when you're hitting your goals.
posted by semacd at 10:03 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
As other have said, it's your money.
But IMO, having a monthly budget for clothes leads to overspending and overbuying. What kinds of clothes are you buying month-to-month? If you focused on buying seasonally (3-4 times a year), you'll probably wind up spending a lot less and buying fewer things you don't need.
posted by mkultra at 10:05 AM on November 15, 2010
But IMO, having a monthly budget for clothes leads to overspending and overbuying. What kinds of clothes are you buying month-to-month? If you focused on buying seasonally (3-4 times a year), you'll probably wind up spending a lot less and buying fewer things you don't need.
posted by mkultra at 10:05 AM on November 15, 2010
I think that as long as you are shopping within your means, aren't living paycheck to paycheck, and have savings set aside, you are totally fine. As you mentioned, you live frugally in other ways (cooking your own food, etc), so I think you are "allowed" to indulge in other aspects of your life.
It's always hard to justify spending money in something others don't necessarily place much value in. For some people, clothes are clothes, and for others clothing is a form of self-expression. If purchasing nice clothing is important to you and you can afford it and aren't falling into debt because of it, then I don't see why you should have to justify your spending habits to anyone, including your boyfriend.
A lot of people spend money on things that others don't understand, but that doesn't mean that it has to stop. For instance, I love makeup, clothes, and gaming, so I spend a lot of my money on those things. A lot of times my siblings or mom are like "Do you really need more makeup?!" or "Another game?!" However, I'm not falling into debt over this (I've never owed money in my life -- I don't have a credit card, have never taken out a loan, etc), nor are my belongings a raging, disorganized mess, so I don't see what the problem is.
You pursue what you're interested in and what you feel is important and necessary to you. Just because someone thinks its a waste, doesn't mean it really is. You seem to have your budget really mapped out and don't appear to be in danger of losing your apartment and starving to death on the streets, so I think you're fine.
Please rock those coat and boots this winter.
posted by joyeuxamelie at 10:07 AM on November 15, 2010
It's always hard to justify spending money in something others don't necessarily place much value in. For some people, clothes are clothes, and for others clothing is a form of self-expression. If purchasing nice clothing is important to you and you can afford it and aren't falling into debt because of it, then I don't see why you should have to justify your spending habits to anyone, including your boyfriend.
A lot of people spend money on things that others don't understand, but that doesn't mean that it has to stop. For instance, I love makeup, clothes, and gaming, so I spend a lot of my money on those things. A lot of times my siblings or mom are like "Do you really need more makeup?!" or "Another game?!" However, I'm not falling into debt over this (I've never owed money in my life -- I don't have a credit card, have never taken out a loan, etc), nor are my belongings a raging, disorganized mess, so I don't see what the problem is.
You pursue what you're interested in and what you feel is important and necessary to you. Just because someone thinks its a waste, doesn't mean it really is. You seem to have your budget really mapped out and don't appear to be in danger of losing your apartment and starving to death on the streets, so I think you're fine.
Please rock those coat and boots this winter.
posted by joyeuxamelie at 10:07 AM on November 15, 2010
Buying really good quality staples that last will save you money in the long run. I'd also take a look at resale shops--I'd rather buy a gently worn Armani/Chanel anything than a couple of dozen Ann Taylor somethings. You need far fewer clothes than you probably think you do.
posted by Ideefixe at 10:09 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by Ideefixe at 10:09 AM on November 15, 2010
Datapoint: I'm a 25 yr old Female, works in a Business formal environment, and I spend 1-2.5k per year. I find that the higher quality clothing lasts longer, and after the initial outlay, I spend less (closer to $1,500 this past year so far). I do spend about $75 every 4-6 weeks on dry cleaning, which kills me, but when it takes me 30 mins to iron one leg of one pair of dress pants properly, it probably works out in favor of my sanity.
You've got your finances together, you're saving money, and living within your means. It's no one's business if you thrift or if you walk into the flagship store. I say spend your money the way you like it.
posted by larthegreat at 10:15 AM on November 15, 2010
You've got your finances together, you're saving money, and living within your means. It's no one's business if you thrift or if you walk into the flagship store. I say spend your money the way you like it.
posted by larthegreat at 10:15 AM on November 15, 2010
There is really no answer to this question. An ongoing, $2000+ budget on clothes sounds crazy to me, but it is certainly not anywhere near the crazy level in general. It is not your boyfriend's concern really but then again I still give my wife crap about how much boots cost so you may be stuck with that one. Relax if it makes you happy. Reconsider if you're having trouble swinging some financial goal in the future.
posted by nanojath at 10:16 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by nanojath at 10:16 AM on November 15, 2010
You spend a lot on clothes for a grad student on a stipend, but not a lot for a grad student with a trust fund or wealthy family. As in, I think it's a bit disingenuous to think of yourself as a broke grad student (but maybe you don't?) when you are buying $160 boots and an expensive J Crew jacket, and when you are regularly shopping at BR, Ann Taylor, and J Crew. I also think you are rationalizing a bit.
If you were broke but needed stuff, you'd be at Old Navy, H&M, and Target. Are you shopping because you need stuff or because you like to shop? When I was in grad school, it was a big deal to decide to buy a new pair of jeans.
However, as long as you can afford it, it's not really anyone's business, is it?
One thing, though, that can get annoying to people who don't have a lot of money is to hear other people who do have money talk about how broke they feel. I remember when I was first out of college and had very little cash. A co-worker was complaining about how little money we made at our jobs; he had car repairs and felt broke. "I had to dip into savings!" he said. "Savings," I thought. "What's that?"
Then again, I am sure I annoyed people who came out of college with a lot of student loans, which I didn't have because my family paid my tuition. So it's all relative--we tend to be judgmental of people who have more/spend more and don't seem to realize how they come across (just like I'm feeling somewhat shocked by the idea of someone being in grad school and thinking J Crew is an affordable place to shop--and just like you are being judgy of your boyfriend for buying lunch out every day).
posted by bluedaisy at 10:17 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
If you were broke but needed stuff, you'd be at Old Navy, H&M, and Target. Are you shopping because you need stuff or because you like to shop? When I was in grad school, it was a big deal to decide to buy a new pair of jeans.
However, as long as you can afford it, it's not really anyone's business, is it?
One thing, though, that can get annoying to people who don't have a lot of money is to hear other people who do have money talk about how broke they feel. I remember when I was first out of college and had very little cash. A co-worker was complaining about how little money we made at our jobs; he had car repairs and felt broke. "I had to dip into savings!" he said. "Savings," I thought. "What's that?"
Then again, I am sure I annoyed people who came out of college with a lot of student loans, which I didn't have because my family paid my tuition. So it's all relative--we tend to be judgmental of people who have more/spend more and don't seem to realize how they come across (just like I'm feeling somewhat shocked by the idea of someone being in grad school and thinking J Crew is an affordable place to shop--and just like you are being judgy of your boyfriend for buying lunch out every day).
posted by bluedaisy at 10:17 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
I spend far more than you do on clothing now as I have a job that requires me to interact with customers in a business setting, and I just plain love fashion. I currently make a lot more than you do, but when I had an income that was close to yours, I think I spent about $100/month on clothing and shoes. That said, what I did/do isn't necessarily what you should do; you should spend what makes you comfortable on what you like and can afford to purchase. It's your money and you should spend it how you like. If your spending on clothing is not impacting your life in other ways (ie, you cannot cover rent because you spent too much on clothing), then it would be a problem. However, you are still saving money every month and living very frugally, so I don't think it's anyone's business how much you spend on clothing, ours or your boyfriend's.
posted by bedhead at 10:18 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by bedhead at 10:18 AM on November 15, 2010
I love clothes, and I don't think spending $200 in a month is crazy. $200 every month seems a little excessive, but if you can afford it and it makes you happy, don't let your boyfriend or anyone here guilt-trip you.
Budgetary concerns aside, that's a lot of clothing. Do you purchase clothes with the expectation that they'll last you a few years, or do you follow trends, or do you just walk into a store and go "ooh, shiny"? How often do you wear a new shirt, and how long does it stay in rotation?
You might want to shift your focus from continually restocking your closet to having a smaller and more carefully curated wardrobe. It'll be easier to look pulled together every morning, and if you do fall on harder times, at least your outfits are taken care of for a while.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:18 AM on November 15, 2010
Budgetary concerns aside, that's a lot of clothing. Do you purchase clothes with the expectation that they'll last you a few years, or do you follow trends, or do you just walk into a store and go "ooh, shiny"? How often do you wear a new shirt, and how long does it stay in rotation?
You might want to shift your focus from continually restocking your closet to having a smaller and more carefully curated wardrobe. It'll be easier to look pulled together every morning, and if you do fall on harder times, at least your outfits are taken care of for a while.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:18 AM on November 15, 2010
What is "reasonable" = what you can afford to spend, or what you want to spend, whichever's lower.
(I am a professional middle manager in the midwest who probably spends $200/mo on clothes, but I'm trying to build a middle manager wardrobe for the first time after years of working in all-jeans environments. And my husband and I can certainly afford it. And it's important to me. I have friends who spend upward of $5000 on clothes annually, and you know, if I didn't have a bunch of other obligations and needs, I'd be right there with them, because I enjoy the shit out of having a ton of clothes.)
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:19 AM on November 15, 2010
(I am a professional middle manager in the midwest who probably spends $200/mo on clothes, but I'm trying to build a middle manager wardrobe for the first time after years of working in all-jeans environments. And my husband and I can certainly afford it. And it's important to me. I have friends who spend upward of $5000 on clothes annually, and you know, if I didn't have a bunch of other obligations and needs, I'd be right there with them, because I enjoy the shit out of having a ton of clothes.)
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:19 AM on November 15, 2010
It's your money, you certainly aren't living extravagantly, and I suspect your boyfriend is a little jealous of your nest egg.
I work in a professional environment; I wear suits to work most days. I really should budget more money toward clothes, but I still don't think I'd regularly exceed an average of $200 a month. But I must say that I don't prioritize shopping -- it's logistically inconvenient with my work schedule, and the stuff from the mid-level retailers you mention is soooo inconsistent in quality that it makes me cranky to pay full price.
I depend largely on discount-merchandise stores like Ross and Daffy's, and I hit an upscale consignment store for things at the Banana Republic/J Crew level. I don't have any luck in thrift stores for work clothes (or even casual clothes) in presentable shape.
As for whether you're spending too much on new clothes, the only question I would ask is how much you're really getting out of the garments themselves other than yay! new! Do you really wear all of the clothes that you own? Since you like nice things, would it make more sense to save up for some really nice things that will last forever?
posted by desuetude at 10:22 AM on November 15, 2010
I work in a professional environment; I wear suits to work most days. I really should budget more money toward clothes, but I still don't think I'd regularly exceed an average of $200 a month. But I must say that I don't prioritize shopping -- it's logistically inconvenient with my work schedule, and the stuff from the mid-level retailers you mention is soooo inconsistent in quality that it makes me cranky to pay full price.
I depend largely on discount-merchandise stores like Ross and Daffy's, and I hit an upscale consignment store for things at the Banana Republic/J Crew level. I don't have any luck in thrift stores for work clothes (or even casual clothes) in presentable shape.
As for whether you're spending too much on new clothes, the only question I would ask is how much you're really getting out of the garments themselves other than yay! new! Do you really wear all of the clothes that you own? Since you like nice things, would it make more sense to save up for some really nice things that will last forever?
posted by desuetude at 10:22 AM on November 15, 2010
That budget doesn't seem unreasonable to me, however, I have a different perspective. Studies show we tend to wear the same few articles of clothing over and over, and ignore the vast majority of items in our closets. If this is the case with you, maybe you need to change your clothes shopping habits, and clear out all the items you don't wear. Sometimes that really clarifies what you like to and will wear.
Since you prefer classic tailoring, and need it for your work, buy higher-quality items, but fewer of them. You could cut down on your clothing budget by doing so, but as you are living within your means, it is not necessary.
posted by annsunny at 10:22 AM on November 15, 2010
Since you prefer classic tailoring, and need it for your work, buy higher-quality items, but fewer of them. You could cut down on your clothing budget by doing so, but as you are living within your means, it is not necessary.
posted by annsunny at 10:22 AM on November 15, 2010
Just a datapoint, but I'm probably also in the $200-$300 a year range. Half of that is probably shoes (I average about a pair a year, for a variety of reasons. I'm hard on shoes.)
posted by restless_nomad at 10:26 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by restless_nomad at 10:26 AM on November 15, 2010
Agreed with the peeps who are saying it's your money. As long as you're making your financial goals (rent, savings, etc), the rest is yours to play with however you want.
If the goal is just to curb your spending on clothes, then that's easy enough to accomplish given that you're already pretty organized about it - just reduce your monthly allotment a bit at a time and go from there. To maintain (or exceed) the level/type of clothing you're used to, buying second hand will extend your budget.
Good luck!
posted by jlunar at 10:28 AM on November 15, 2010
If the goal is just to curb your spending on clothes, then that's easy enough to accomplish given that you're already pretty organized about it - just reduce your monthly allotment a bit at a time and go from there. To maintain (or exceed) the level/type of clothing you're used to, buying second hand will extend your budget.
Good luck!
posted by jlunar at 10:28 AM on November 15, 2010
Wow, so much (implied and otherwise) judgement about how much is appropriate to spend on clothes. I wonder if the responses would be the same if the poster asked how much would be appropriate to spend on Apple products?
Anyhow. If you are:
a) not getting into credit card debt,
b) not dipping into your educational fund, and
c) comfortable with how much you are saving,
then spend your money with impunity on what you like.
Don't let anyone make you feel ashamed for how you're spending your money just because you're not thrifting or ebaying or shopping at Goodwill.
posted by widdershins at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
Anyhow. If you are:
a) not getting into credit card debt,
b) not dipping into your educational fund, and
c) comfortable with how much you are saving,
then spend your money with impunity on what you like.
Don't let anyone make you feel ashamed for how you're spending your money just because you're not thrifting or ebaying or shopping at Goodwill.
posted by widdershins at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
The first couple of years you work in a professional environment (or any time you change jobs and find a change of dress code), you can expect to spend considerably more on clothes as you build a wardrobe. But if you KEEP spending $200/month, year after year, you're just shopping recreationally. Which is fine if you can afford it; there are far worse vices.
But if you're building a wardrobe, you reach a point where you just don't need any more skirt suits or sweater sets or whatever, and then you're looking more at one or two larger purchases per year to replace something or update something, and a few smaller purchases here and there when your favorite ivory shell gets old. Or whatever.
So I guess the question you need to ask yourself is whether you're wardrobe building, in which case you may have a mental idea of what you need to be "done" and you'll probably find your shopping then tapers off, or whether you're shopping recreationally, in which case the question is whether you're okay with that or not. If you are, more power to you. If you're not, then you should critically analyze your wardrobe and get more disciplined about only buying and keeping awesome pieces.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
But if you're building a wardrobe, you reach a point where you just don't need any more skirt suits or sweater sets or whatever, and then you're looking more at one or two larger purchases per year to replace something or update something, and a few smaller purchases here and there when your favorite ivory shell gets old. Or whatever.
So I guess the question you need to ask yourself is whether you're wardrobe building, in which case you may have a mental idea of what you need to be "done" and you'll probably find your shopping then tapers off, or whether you're shopping recreationally, in which case the question is whether you're okay with that or not. If you are, more power to you. If you're not, then you should critically analyze your wardrobe and get more disciplined about only buying and keeping awesome pieces.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Another datapoint (perhaps irrelevant): I'm male, late twenties, and averaged out over the past year or so, have spent ~$100/month on clothing. That figure should probably be tempered by the fact that I've lost a reasonably large amount of weight over the past year, and thus have been spending more than usual to replace items that are no longer fitting well. I have also started taking an eye to more expensive but hopefully longer lasting clothing. I've recently gotten all of the big ticket items I think I'll be needing/wanting for the next few months, and in the future, would probably only be buying clothing that I think will stand the test of time, both in terms of fashion as well as durability.
I very much enjoy looking at clothing, buying clothing, and wearing clothing (especially nice clothing!), but at some level, I only can wear so many outfits in a month, and so it doesn't make sense for me to stock up when my wardrobe has enough for me to wear.
It seems on the budgeting side, you're doing just fine. At the same time, if I were you, I'd determine whether almost everything I'd bought over the last year has been worn reasonably often. There's no sense in spending money if it's not seeing any use.
posted by jangie at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I very much enjoy looking at clothing, buying clothing, and wearing clothing (especially nice clothing!), but at some level, I only can wear so many outfits in a month, and so it doesn't make sense for me to stock up when my wardrobe has enough for me to wear.
It seems on the budgeting side, you're doing just fine. At the same time, if I were you, I'd determine whether almost everything I'd bought over the last year has been worn reasonably often. There's no sense in spending money if it's not seeing any use.
posted by jangie at 10:30 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Agreed with everyone that it's your money and you don't need to justify it. However, I think you can easily spend less while getting similar quality stuff. I have an eye for high quality, staple pieces from stores like you mentioned, but I would buy everything from Goodwill. Granted, it takes more time (but sifting through things is part of what I love about it), and it might not have the instant gratification of getting EXACTLY what I wanted, but it works. For example, this weekend, I spent less than $50 for 5 cashmere or wool sweaters from Ann Taylor, JCrew, etc at the 50% off sale at Goodwill. This tactic might not be for everyone, but it's an option if you want to save money. It also makes a difference whether these are staple items you think you'll wear for years to come (building up a wardrobe is expensive), or these are more trendy, splurge items...
Your boyfriend needs to stop being so judgmental and mind his own business. He doesn't understand the fact that you spend so much money on clothes because he doesn't himself, but not everyone can be like him. On his end, he doesn't need to eat out at lunch everyday. Honestly, it might be that he's a little resentful that you get the $100k extra from your family, which is terribly privileged and most people won't see in their lives. Part of me wants to roll my eyes at it as well, but it's your life and your money.
To answer your question, I think spending $200-600 a month on high end stores is a bit excessive for a grad student budget, and it's only with the generosity (and riches) of your family that you have the extra money (which, depending on your potential earnings after graduation, you might never see the likes of again...) I think if you tried even a little, you can cut back on the spending of clothes.
posted by lacedcoffee at 10:31 AM on November 15, 2010
Your boyfriend needs to stop being so judgmental and mind his own business. He doesn't understand the fact that you spend so much money on clothes because he doesn't himself, but not everyone can be like him. On his end, he doesn't need to eat out at lunch everyday. Honestly, it might be that he's a little resentful that you get the $100k extra from your family, which is terribly privileged and most people won't see in their lives. Part of me wants to roll my eyes at it as well, but it's your life and your money.
To answer your question, I think spending $200-600 a month on high end stores is a bit excessive for a grad student budget, and it's only with the generosity (and riches) of your family that you have the extra money (which, depending on your potential earnings after graduation, you might never see the likes of again...) I think if you tried even a little, you can cut back on the spending of clothes.
posted by lacedcoffee at 10:31 AM on November 15, 2010
You're living on 20k/year and saving 3.6k (on top of your 100k already) and are worried that it isn't 6k? You're fine. A good pair of (winter) boots will cost more than 160 but will last several years. I am sure that between car and daily lunch costs, your boyfriend spends 200 a month on things you don't buy.
If I were you, I'd continue spending the same amount on clothing -- you obviously enjoy it and can afford it -- but be thoughtful about it. Not that you should ebay or thrift store everything (unless you'd enjoy it), but that you want to be sure you are buying things that are high quality OR that are inexpensively trendy.
posted by jeather at 10:31 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
If I were you, I'd continue spending the same amount on clothing -- you obviously enjoy it and can afford it -- but be thoughtful about it. Not that you should ebay or thrift store everything (unless you'd enjoy it), but that you want to be sure you are buying things that are high quality OR that are inexpensively trendy.
posted by jeather at 10:31 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Furthermore, a lot of the women I work with are very pulled together, and I feel some desire to be fashionable like they are (my style is naturally pretty conservative and tailored, but I am not really "fashionable").
I empathize with this concern, but spending more money isn't necessarily the way to remedy it. A good strategy is to purchase trendier, single-season pieces at somewhat lower-end stores (think Forever 21), as well as learning how to accessorize if that's something that's missing from your fashion skillset. Looking good isn't as much about spending a lot of money on clothes as it is about paying a lot of attention to what you buy, how it looks on you, and how it fits into the general context of your personal style. It's possible that you spend a lot because you do a lot of impulse shopping rather than carefully and deal-consciously choosing investment pieces*.
*I know that certain Mefites will jump in to suggest that women's fashion in large East Coast cities changes rapidly enough to make purchasing investment pieces irrelevant, but to some extent that's a load of BS.
posted by thisjax at 10:34 AM on November 15, 2010
I empathize with this concern, but spending more money isn't necessarily the way to remedy it. A good strategy is to purchase trendier, single-season pieces at somewhat lower-end stores (think Forever 21), as well as learning how to accessorize if that's something that's missing from your fashion skillset. Looking good isn't as much about spending a lot of money on clothes as it is about paying a lot of attention to what you buy, how it looks on you, and how it fits into the general context of your personal style. It's possible that you spend a lot because you do a lot of impulse shopping rather than carefully and deal-consciously choosing investment pieces*.
*I know that certain Mefites will jump in to suggest that women's fashion in large East Coast cities changes rapidly enough to make purchasing investment pieces irrelevant, but to some extent that's a load of BS.
posted by thisjax at 10:34 AM on November 15, 2010
Mod note: folks, OP asked "does this seem excessive" saying "your spending is excessive" is answering the question asked. Please don't derail this thread calling other people judgmental or other names. Go to MetaTalk if you need to.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 10:46 AM on November 15, 2010
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 10:46 AM on November 15, 2010
I didn't read through all the replies carefully, but I'm sure you got a lot of "whoaaa $300 for one article of clothing" I think that most people who are working within the confines of a limited income have one area where they go a little bit off the rails. My theory is that it's a safety valve. I feel like if I was super frugal about everything all the time, I'd explode in one mad shopping spree that would do in my budget for the year. I'm sure that there are some people who can be frugal about everything, but even the most fiscally conservative people that I know, splurge on a big trip once a year. They may still do the trip relatively on the cheap (by not staying at expensive hotels, carrying granola bars, etc.), but the point is, they don't let their frugality stop them from sitting out on those trips, even for a year. Your thing (and mine to a certain degree) is clothes and as I wrote in response to this MetaTalk post, that doesn't make you any more superficial than someone who'll think nothing of spending their discretionary income on a souped up Macbook Air.
To those that complain about the quality of some of the major brands, I agree that Banana Republic and Ann Taylor in particular are way overpriced for the quality. While JCrew can certainly be lumped in with them, I do feel that the quality of their stuff is a degree or two higher. Some of their clothes (and not just the way expensive stuff in their JCrew Collections line), is made in Italy rather than China. I've found that the few things that I've bought from JCrew in the last few years have held up well. The only thing that I'd chastise you about is not getting this stuff on sale and not holding out until January or later to buy a winter coat when they are usually dramatically reduced. Seriously, JCrew has stuff on sale every 5 minutes (at least on line) and maybe you had a winter coat last year that you could have eked out a couple more months out of?
I will argue that buying the best clothes that you can afford in classic styles (pencil skirts, cardigans, shift dresses, trench coats, pea coats, etc.) can pay off if you tend to keep a stable weight and buy them in either a forgiving cut or style. I have a couple of items that are at least 18 if not close to 20 years old that I still wear and I have several items in the 8-10 year old range that are core items of my wardrobe, that I always get complimented on. Some are J. Crew, one or two are thrift, and they are mixed in with some stuff that I picked up dramatically marked down at the Barney's warehouse sale. Every once in awhile, if it's something that is well made and I really love it; if it works with other items in my wardrobe; if I have good reason to think that I'll get lots of use out of it; and finally, if I have good reason to suspect that it won't be around in my size if and when it ever goes on sale, then I'll pay full price for it, even if it is at the upper reaches of my clothing budget. If it's something funky that I know is going to have a short shelf-life, but I still want it, then I try to find an inexpensive equivalent at H&M.
posted by kaybdc at 10:46 AM on November 15, 2010
To those that complain about the quality of some of the major brands, I agree that Banana Republic and Ann Taylor in particular are way overpriced for the quality. While JCrew can certainly be lumped in with them, I do feel that the quality of their stuff is a degree or two higher. Some of their clothes (and not just the way expensive stuff in their JCrew Collections line), is made in Italy rather than China. I've found that the few things that I've bought from JCrew in the last few years have held up well. The only thing that I'd chastise you about is not getting this stuff on sale and not holding out until January or later to buy a winter coat when they are usually dramatically reduced. Seriously, JCrew has stuff on sale every 5 minutes (at least on line) and maybe you had a winter coat last year that you could have eked out a couple more months out of?
I will argue that buying the best clothes that you can afford in classic styles (pencil skirts, cardigans, shift dresses, trench coats, pea coats, etc.) can pay off if you tend to keep a stable weight and buy them in either a forgiving cut or style. I have a couple of items that are at least 18 if not close to 20 years old that I still wear and I have several items in the 8-10 year old range that are core items of my wardrobe, that I always get complimented on. Some are J. Crew, one or two are thrift, and they are mixed in with some stuff that I picked up dramatically marked down at the Barney's warehouse sale. Every once in awhile, if it's something that is well made and I really love it; if it works with other items in my wardrobe; if I have good reason to think that I'll get lots of use out of it; and finally, if I have good reason to suspect that it won't be around in my size if and when it ever goes on sale, then I'll pay full price for it, even if it is at the upper reaches of my clothing budget. If it's something funky that I know is going to have a short shelf-life, but I still want it, then I try to find an inexpensive equivalent at H&M.
posted by kaybdc at 10:46 AM on November 15, 2010
I usually only buy clothes when I need them. While it would be easy to spend a lot more on clothing, the fact is I have limited closet space aside from having limited money, so I've gotten to the point where I really only buy what I need, not just what I see and like.
When I do go out to buy clothes, I assign myself a spending limit at that time in terms of how much I am willing to spend on a particular item or group of items (like if I need a bunch of new work shirts). This has worked well for me. There are some months where I spend $0 on clothes. For me, $200/mo would definitely be a lot to spend on clothing, though there is the occasional fancy pair of shoes that I can't find a decent version of for much less than that.
Like others have said, as long as you're meeting your savings goals, how you spend the rest of your money is up to you. But since you state that you're not meeting those goals, it would probably help to try treating shopping as less of a hobby and more as something you do only when you really need to.
posted by wondermouse at 10:52 AM on November 15, 2010
When I do go out to buy clothes, I assign myself a spending limit at that time in terms of how much I am willing to spend on a particular item or group of items (like if I need a bunch of new work shirts). This has worked well for me. There are some months where I spend $0 on clothes. For me, $200/mo would definitely be a lot to spend on clothing, though there is the occasional fancy pair of shoes that I can't find a decent version of for much less than that.
Like others have said, as long as you're meeting your savings goals, how you spend the rest of your money is up to you. But since you state that you're not meeting those goals, it would probably help to try treating shopping as less of a hobby and more as something you do only when you really need to.
posted by wondermouse at 10:52 AM on November 15, 2010
Percentages are only a small part of how you want to look at things, especially if your budget is atypical in other ways.
I spend less than 12% of my net salary on rent, and more than 12% of my net salary on food, each month. Which is, by all 'normal' view of percentages, completely whack. Except I'm living in a shitty apartment while I wait for my condo to be built and shoveling away the other 14% most people would be spending on rent into my down payment fund so that I can take out a lower mortgage.
If you're meeting all your essential financial goals -- paying your rent, tuition, utilities, saving for the future, etc, and at the end of the month, there's money left over? Spend it however you want to.
posted by jacquilynne at 10:54 AM on November 15, 2010
I spend less than 12% of my net salary on rent, and more than 12% of my net salary on food, each month. Which is, by all 'normal' view of percentages, completely whack. Except I'm living in a shitty apartment while I wait for my condo to be built and shoveling away the other 14% most people would be spending on rent into my down payment fund so that I can take out a lower mortgage.
If you're meeting all your essential financial goals -- paying your rent, tuition, utilities, saving for the future, etc, and at the end of the month, there's money left over? Spend it however you want to.
posted by jacquilynne at 10:54 AM on November 15, 2010
This reminds me of a debate I have occasionally with my husband. He thinks I'm ridiculously cheap for taking subways everywhere rather than taxis, even when it means I have to walk some distance dragging luggage and/or have just landed in an unfamiliar/foreign city and have to figure out the public transit. I think he's ridiculously cheap for refusing to buy himself a winter coat for a whole season, even though he could well afford it and he was working in very wintery cities. This is probably one of those topics you disagree about, and given you aren't married and don't share finances, it's not really his business.
It sounds like you've got a solid grip on your finances, and are able to sustain your lifestyle and still save, which is awesome. With that said, if you find you have some personal discomfort with your clothing spending, take some of the advice in this thread about taking inventory and making sure you are wearing everything you buy. I love shopping as well (especially JCrew online sales!) and I could easily find stuff I like every day of the month. However I've tried to stay off the website because I already have plenty of clothing.
ps. Don't fee bad if you aren't shopping at thrift stores. That's not for everyone. In the past when I tried it, I would end up super frustrated at not finding anything in my size and there really wasn't much joy for me in looking for a long time and coming up with one good item. I prefer going to a store where I see something I like and can try it on in lots of sizes/colors. It's just a personal preference.
posted by JenMarie at 11:12 AM on November 15, 2010
It sounds like you've got a solid grip on your finances, and are able to sustain your lifestyle and still save, which is awesome. With that said, if you find you have some personal discomfort with your clothing spending, take some of the advice in this thread about taking inventory and making sure you are wearing everything you buy. I love shopping as well (especially JCrew online sales!) and I could easily find stuff I like every day of the month. However I've tried to stay off the website because I already have plenty of clothing.
ps. Don't fee bad if you aren't shopping at thrift stores. That's not for everyone. In the past when I tried it, I would end up super frustrated at not finding anything in my size and there really wasn't much joy for me in looking for a long time and coming up with one good item. I prefer going to a store where I see something I like and can try it on in lots of sizes/colors. It's just a personal preference.
posted by JenMarie at 11:12 AM on November 15, 2010
The rule of thumb on clothing budgets in the US is that clothing costs (which includes dry cleaning and repair costs) should be 3% to 5% of one's monthly income. This is the figure that is used by courts and the IRS and so on. So, yeah, your current spending patterns do not reflect The Man's rule of thumb.
But, as others have said, it's your money. Spend it however you want to spend it. Enjoy. Tell the people who are critiquing your choices to step off.
posted by Sidhedevil at 11:12 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
But, as others have said, it's your money. Spend it however you want to spend it. Enjoy. Tell the people who are critiquing your choices to step off.
posted by Sidhedevil at 11:12 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
When I was a student I bought clothes only when I seriously had nothing at all to wear, and I bought them all from charity shops or cheap high street junk. Maybe I spent £50/year on clothes. I looked dreadful, but so did all the other broke students I knew.
Once I was no longer a student I started spending a little more on slightly better quality clothes and then splurging once or twice a year on one expensive item like a suit or a coat or a really good pair of jeans - usually in a sale. So maybe £600/year.
Now I have a reasonable collection of coats and boots and whatnot that cover all occasions and are likely to last me a long time, I've pretty much stopped the splurging and I only replace things that die of old age or bolognese. So back to perhaps £300/year.
If I were spending what you are, I would be wracked with guilt that I wasn't saving that money for a house or for my retirement. I'm sure that I'll continue to feel unable to spend a lot of money on clothes until I have fully funded my retirement, and then I'll find some other reason to feel guilty about spending money.
This attitude is why I was living in a mortgage free house by the age of 30, and it's also why I wear the same kind of outfit pretty much every day and don't look in the least bit fashionable. But then I don't have the kind of job or social life where anyone cares what I look like.
I don't see why you shouldn't make your own decision about what your priorities are, unless there's some specific financial goal you and your boyfriend have together that you are putting in jeopardy.
posted by emilyw at 11:29 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Once I was no longer a student I started spending a little more on slightly better quality clothes and then splurging once or twice a year on one expensive item like a suit or a coat or a really good pair of jeans - usually in a sale. So maybe £600/year.
Now I have a reasonable collection of coats and boots and whatnot that cover all occasions and are likely to last me a long time, I've pretty much stopped the splurging and I only replace things that die of old age or bolognese. So back to perhaps £300/year.
If I were spending what you are, I would be wracked with guilt that I wasn't saving that money for a house or for my retirement. I'm sure that I'll continue to feel unable to spend a lot of money on clothes until I have fully funded my retirement, and then I'll find some other reason to feel guilty about spending money.
This attitude is why I was living in a mortgage free house by the age of 30, and it's also why I wear the same kind of outfit pretty much every day and don't look in the least bit fashionable. But then I don't have the kind of job or social life where anyone cares what I look like.
I don't see why you shouldn't make your own decision about what your priorities are, unless there's some specific financial goal you and your boyfriend have together that you are putting in jeopardy.
posted by emilyw at 11:29 AM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Regularly spending $200 a month seems expensive to me. Maybe it would help to make some budget caps for specific items of clothing. To me, a decent dress or pair of pants under $30, a top under $20, or shoes under $40 would be a steal and I'd buy them pretty much no matter what.
If I'm paying more than that, the item has to be a very serviceable staple that I'll use more than twice a week- I'll drop $100 on jeans and $200 on a leather bag, for instance, but I would never spend $60 on a shirt, because when you repeat a shirt everyone notices. So a $60 shirt can be worn at most once a week, whereas $100 jeans can be worn three times a week.
I think it's ok to go expensive on your staples: say, 1 pair of jeans, 2 coats, 3-4 pairs of footwear, 1 purse, 1 bag, and maybe a killer suit or two if your line of work requires it. But for shirts, sweaters, dresses, simple skirts, go cheaper. And personally, I think dressy clothes should be the cheapest of all, because you can really only wear them a few times.
You could start combing eBay and thrift stores, too- since I started Salvation Army shopping I get more clothes and more variety, but spend much less. I just got an Ann Taylor skirt at the Sally Ann for $3, for instance.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:11 PM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
If I'm paying more than that, the item has to be a very serviceable staple that I'll use more than twice a week- I'll drop $100 on jeans and $200 on a leather bag, for instance, but I would never spend $60 on a shirt, because when you repeat a shirt everyone notices. So a $60 shirt can be worn at most once a week, whereas $100 jeans can be worn three times a week.
I think it's ok to go expensive on your staples: say, 1 pair of jeans, 2 coats, 3-4 pairs of footwear, 1 purse, 1 bag, and maybe a killer suit or two if your line of work requires it. But for shirts, sweaters, dresses, simple skirts, go cheaper. And personally, I think dressy clothes should be the cheapest of all, because you can really only wear them a few times.
You could start combing eBay and thrift stores, too- since I started Salvation Army shopping I get more clothes and more variety, but spend much less. I just got an Ann Taylor skirt at the Sally Ann for $3, for instance.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:11 PM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
On the one hand, spending 20% of your income on clothes seems wildly excessive to me. On the other hand, I probably spend upwards of 20% of my income on books. Which some benighted folks might consider, in their ignorance, to be wildly excessive. So I'm thinking that excess is in the eye of the beholder.
Your spending on clothes is only excessive if it is preventing you from keeping a reasonable budget which includes savings. If you're burning through your cash, spend less on clothes. If not, don't.
posted by Justinian at 12:16 PM on November 15, 2010
Your spending on clothes is only excessive if it is preventing you from keeping a reasonable budget which includes savings. If you're burning through your cash, spend less on clothes. If not, don't.
posted by Justinian at 12:16 PM on November 15, 2010
This year I spent around $700, which is about four times my highest previous yearly total, and included new boots, a new wool jacket, and a hand knit wool sweater, as well as all the clothing that I now wear day to day.
posted by Nothing at 12:28 PM on November 15, 2010
posted by Nothing at 12:28 PM on November 15, 2010
After reading all of these answers, I'm going to be going with the vast minority - I think $500 a month on clothes is reasonable, especially if you enjoy nice clothing and enjoy shopping. I probably spend about $500/month on clothing and clothing upkeep (tailoring, laundry, dry cleaning) and strictly follow the "one in, one out" rule, but recently started taking some of the clothes I don't necessarily want but are still in good condition to a consignment store. While I only make about 25% of my initial price, I'm getting more than the donation value.
I also consider my clothing budget towards my handbag budget, and as a complete and utter handbag snob, four extremely nice handbags a year ($500/each) quickly add towards my monthly $500.
posted by banannafish at 12:37 PM on November 15, 2010
I also consider my clothing budget towards my handbag budget, and as a complete and utter handbag snob, four extremely nice handbags a year ($500/each) quickly add towards my monthly $500.
posted by banannafish at 12:37 PM on November 15, 2010
You're in grad school and want to save money? You should be shopping at Target and Old Navy and not buying $300 coats. If you want brand names, check TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or one of those type places or wait until things go on sale.
However, if you can afford it and you like buying nice clothes, it's your money so do what you want with it and shouldn't feel guilty. And there is something to be said for spending more money to get quality items that last for a long time. When I was a grad student I spent about $50 a month on clothes, but I spent about $400 a month on going out to dinner, meeting up for drinks, and attending concerts and sporting events. I think $200 a month sounds reasonable in your situation.
posted by emd3737 at 12:57 PM on November 15, 2010
However, if you can afford it and you like buying nice clothes, it's your money so do what you want with it and shouldn't feel guilty. And there is something to be said for spending more money to get quality items that last for a long time. When I was a grad student I spent about $50 a month on clothes, but I spent about $400 a month on going out to dinner, meeting up for drinks, and attending concerts and sporting events. I think $200 a month sounds reasonable in your situation.
posted by emd3737 at 12:57 PM on November 15, 2010
I buy undergarments and shoes new. I get everything else from the thrift store. My wardrobe includes pieces from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J. Crew, etc. -- I just paid 1/20th the price for them because someone else wore them a few times first before me.
So, if you want to save a lot of money on clothing, investigate your local thrift and consignment stores and find the ones that have good-quality stuff.
I've also found that it makes finding what I want actually easier than shopping new, because thrift stores contain the last 20 years' worth of styles, so if whatever looks good on you isn't in fashion this season your options may be limited at new clothing stores but a huge variety is still available at thrift stores.
posted by Jacqueline at 1:16 PM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
So, if you want to save a lot of money on clothing, investigate your local thrift and consignment stores and find the ones that have good-quality stuff.
I've also found that it makes finding what I want actually easier than shopping new, because thrift stores contain the last 20 years' worth of styles, so if whatever looks good on you isn't in fashion this season your options may be limited at new clothing stores but a huge variety is still available at thrift stores.
posted by Jacqueline at 1:16 PM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'll clock in as someone who doesn't see the harm in spending disposable income on clothes.
I am much more casual on the clothing side, but I have no qualms laying down serious cash on bras and handbags.
Clean out your wardrobe twice a year. All the people who are skimping on their budget by buying your hand-me-downs will thank you, as well as anyone sharing your closet space. If you ever find yourself hurting financially, this thread is filled with advice.
posted by politikitty at 1:27 PM on November 15, 2010
I am much more casual on the clothing side, but I have no qualms laying down serious cash on bras and handbags.
Clean out your wardrobe twice a year. All the people who are skimping on their budget by buying your hand-me-downs will thank you, as well as anyone sharing your closet space. If you ever find yourself hurting financially, this thread is filled with advice.
posted by politikitty at 1:27 PM on November 15, 2010
I happen to have some Consumer Expenditure Survey data kicking around on my hard drive.
There are 341 one person households in my dataset with income between $15K and $25K and with less than half coming from pensions and Social Security. These are probably the most comparable households.
5% don't spend anything on clothing.
15% spend less than $10 per month.
50% spend less than $35 per month.
67% spend less than $50 per month.
90% spend less than $100 per month.
95% spend less than $150 per month.
97.5% spend less than $200 per month.
The highest observation out of the 341 was someone who spent $335 per month.
So yes, you are spending an awful lot on clothing, relative to others, given your income.
That said, it's your damn money, and everybody has priorities. If clothes are yours, clothes it is. I'm in the top 5% of my economic group for airfare, and I wouldn't change that for anything. I would encourage you to get into the habit of saving money, because in my opinion it's one of the smartest things that I did when I was a student. And I don't know your family and situation, but I would have a hard time justifying to myself taking money from an educational fund to spend money on discretionary purchases of any kind.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:50 PM on November 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
There are 341 one person households in my dataset with income between $15K and $25K and with less than half coming from pensions and Social Security. These are probably the most comparable households.
5% don't spend anything on clothing.
15% spend less than $10 per month.
50% spend less than $35 per month.
67% spend less than $50 per month.
90% spend less than $100 per month.
95% spend less than $150 per month.
97.5% spend less than $200 per month.
The highest observation out of the 341 was someone who spent $335 per month.
So yes, you are spending an awful lot on clothing, relative to others, given your income.
That said, it's your damn money, and everybody has priorities. If clothes are yours, clothes it is. I'm in the top 5% of my economic group for airfare, and I wouldn't change that for anything. I would encourage you to get into the habit of saving money, because in my opinion it's one of the smartest things that I did when I was a student. And I don't know your family and situation, but I would have a hard time justifying to myself taking money from an educational fund to spend money on discretionary purchases of any kind.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:50 PM on November 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
I'm 30, newly married and life in a big city at a business professional office. Right now I probably spend about $200-300/season on clothes, minus shoes/coats, which vary depending on the year.
While $200 month is not frugal, it's not excessive given your circumstances. Do keep in mind that many people with a full-time professional job are working with your clothing budget or less, so you have a reference point for others.
Personally, while I could save money at discount stores, I hate shopping/malls and like to shop online from places I know my size and don't have a good knowledge of where else to find good clothes that fit me and are somewhat stylish (if I shop at Macy's my wardrobe quickly looks like I'm 50). I know it's a trade off, and when money's tight I'm aware that's the first thing I have to stop spending money on.
Thoughts: Make sure you're on email lists for stores you frequent as BR, etc frequently sends out 30% off (you can add an email filter so they all go to a folder so when you need something you can check it out). Consider selling some of your clothes to consignment/Buffalo Exchange etc. When you want something you don't need, sell your old one if it's in good shape. Or donate.
posted by ejaned8 at 1:54 PM on November 15, 2010
While $200 month is not frugal, it's not excessive given your circumstances. Do keep in mind that many people with a full-time professional job are working with your clothing budget or less, so you have a reference point for others.
Personally, while I could save money at discount stores, I hate shopping/malls and like to shop online from places I know my size and don't have a good knowledge of where else to find good clothes that fit me and are somewhat stylish (if I shop at Macy's my wardrobe quickly looks like I'm 50). I know it's a trade off, and when money's tight I'm aware that's the first thing I have to stop spending money on.
Thoughts: Make sure you're on email lists for stores you frequent as BR, etc frequently sends out 30% off (you can add an email filter so they all go to a folder so when you need something you can check it out). Consider selling some of your clothes to consignment/Buffalo Exchange etc. When you want something you don't need, sell your old one if it's in good shape. Or donate.
posted by ejaned8 at 1:54 PM on November 15, 2010
Are you asking for permission to spend that much on clothes per month? Then you have it. It's your money; you're an adult; you can spend it as you wish.
Are you asking if that's too much to spend on clothes, given the rest of your budget? You already know that the answer to that is "yes." It's why you asked this question in the first place. You're spending almost as much on clothes as you do on food.
Are you asking if it's normal to have nearly the same grocery budget as clothing budget? Sadly, the answer to that is also "yes." People buy way more clothes than they can hope to wear in a lifetime. For many people, buying clothes is apparently a hobby. A fairly expensive hobby, at that.
How often do those clothes actually get worn? Do the clothes hanger trick: go into your closet and turn all your clothes hangers around. Six months from now, note how many clothes hangers are still backwards, because you haven't worn them.
The problem isn't that you're spending $X on Y. It's that you're not getting as much value out of that $X as you could be.
posted by ErikaB at 2:13 PM on November 15, 2010
Are you asking if that's too much to spend on clothes, given the rest of your budget? You already know that the answer to that is "yes." It's why you asked this question in the first place. You're spending almost as much on clothes as you do on food.
Are you asking if it's normal to have nearly the same grocery budget as clothing budget? Sadly, the answer to that is also "yes." People buy way more clothes than they can hope to wear in a lifetime. For many people, buying clothes is apparently a hobby. A fairly expensive hobby, at that.
How often do those clothes actually get worn? Do the clothes hanger trick: go into your closet and turn all your clothes hangers around. Six months from now, note how many clothes hangers are still backwards, because you haven't worn them.
The problem isn't that you're spending $X on Y. It's that you're not getting as much value out of that $X as you could be.
posted by ErikaB at 2:13 PM on November 15, 2010
Just piping in to say that if you're serious about saving your pennies (although they are YOUR pennies) hit the thrift stores.
I work in government and my entire work wardbrobe is Dana Buchman, Talbot's, Banana Republic, Sigrid Olsen, Brooks Brothers (yes, Brooks Brothers!!!) ... all acquired for seriously cheap at Goodwill (I go on half-price days and rack up!)
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:06 PM on November 15, 2010
I work in government and my entire work wardbrobe is Dana Buchman, Talbot's, Banana Republic, Sigrid Olsen, Brooks Brothers (yes, Brooks Brothers!!!) ... all acquired for seriously cheap at Goodwill (I go on half-price days and rack up!)
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:06 PM on November 15, 2010
I spend less than $800/year on clothes/shoes/jackets/etc every year but this year. I live in a suburb of NYC and am male.
This year I did buy two really nice suits, four nice shirts and three nice ties, so I'm probably at about double, but cut back in other categories.
I think there are plenty of anecdotes here for you to determine if you think you're spending the right amount.
posted by Brian Puccio at 3:20 PM on November 15, 2010
This year I did buy two really nice suits, four nice shirts and three nice ties, so I'm probably at about double, but cut back in other categories.
I think there are plenty of anecdotes here for you to determine if you think you're spending the right amount.
posted by Brian Puccio at 3:20 PM on November 15, 2010
I dress business casual and I spend less than $500 a year, most years more like $200-$300. However, I'm not interested in trying to be fashionable, I just worry about being appropriately and nicely dressed. I only add a few new items a year to replace things that have gotten ruined or worn out, and I look for bargains.
To me personally your spending totals feel excessive-- but depending on the reasons for your spending totals, possibly more or less so. Is it because you're buying expensive items, because you're buying lots of items, or both? If you're buying expensive items, do you feel like you get a lot more value out of them than cheaper alternatives? If you're buying lots of items, do you wear all the items you've got, or do some of them just sit around in your closet? If some of them sit around in your closet, is it because you're bored with them or because you want to wear only the newest fashions?
But regardless of all that, it still just comes down to your priorities. You might find it helpful to come up with a need-to budget and a want-to budget for clothes... think about what you reasonably really need to spend in a month or a year and budget that in, and then consider any additional spending as part of a general pot of discretionary/luxury/fun money. It seems like you're not spending a lot of other money on fun stuff, and there's no reason why splurging on clothes is any worse of a use of that discretionary money than eating out a lot or going on expensive vacations or a pricey hobby or whatever else people enjoy. And then it's just a question of figuring out how much money should go into the "fun money" pot vs the "savings" pot-- which is just another issue of priorities, for you to figure out your savings goals and whether they're more or less important to you than spending on luxuries in the present. (Trying to actually set specific savings goals really helps with this, it's hard to weigh anything against a vague "saving for my future" goal.)
posted by EmilyClimbs at 3:30 PM on November 15, 2010
To me personally your spending totals feel excessive-- but depending on the reasons for your spending totals, possibly more or less so. Is it because you're buying expensive items, because you're buying lots of items, or both? If you're buying expensive items, do you feel like you get a lot more value out of them than cheaper alternatives? If you're buying lots of items, do you wear all the items you've got, or do some of them just sit around in your closet? If some of them sit around in your closet, is it because you're bored with them or because you want to wear only the newest fashions?
But regardless of all that, it still just comes down to your priorities. You might find it helpful to come up with a need-to budget and a want-to budget for clothes... think about what you reasonably really need to spend in a month or a year and budget that in, and then consider any additional spending as part of a general pot of discretionary/luxury/fun money. It seems like you're not spending a lot of other money on fun stuff, and there's no reason why splurging on clothes is any worse of a use of that discretionary money than eating out a lot or going on expensive vacations or a pricey hobby or whatever else people enjoy. And then it's just a question of figuring out how much money should go into the "fun money" pot vs the "savings" pot-- which is just another issue of priorities, for you to figure out your savings goals and whether they're more or less important to you than spending on luxuries in the present. (Trying to actually set specific savings goals really helps with this, it's hard to weigh anything against a vague "saving for my future" goal.)
posted by EmilyClimbs at 3:30 PM on November 15, 2010
Relative budget is always a personal thing. Some people like to spend a lot on their food but not on clothes. Or they spend their money on going out instead of having a nice car. Or whatever.
Dollar amounts vary based on your income.
So you need to decide what % of your overall budget you want to spend on clothes -- this can be a high % if clothes are important to you, but then you need to make appropriate cuts elsewhere.
I spend a lot of money on clothes, at least this year. I don't even want to say a dollar amount here. But I've done that partially by shifting my budget from things like food and electronics to clothes, because thats what I care more about at the moment.
Better idea is to first decide what savings you need/want, then break up the remaining money. But it sounds like you need to cut _somewhere_.
posted by wildcrdj at 3:41 PM on November 15, 2010
Dollar amounts vary based on your income.
So you need to decide what % of your overall budget you want to spend on clothes -- this can be a high % if clothes are important to you, but then you need to make appropriate cuts elsewhere.
I spend a lot of money on clothes, at least this year. I don't even want to say a dollar amount here. But I've done that partially by shifting my budget from things like food and electronics to clothes, because thats what I care more about at the moment.
Better idea is to first decide what savings you need/want, then break up the remaining money. But it sounds like you need to cut _somewhere_.
posted by wildcrdj at 3:41 PM on November 15, 2010
In the past 4 years, I have spent roughly 200 dollars on clothes. Part of that was working as a CS grad student / researcher, and part of that was working professionally as a sysadmin / programmer. Of course, I'm a dude, and the wardrobe is in need of repair, and IT standards of dress are not particularly impressive. No dry cleaning either. In short, I'm a bad person to compare with. I'm now allocating 20 dollars a month for clothes. Personally, I hate shopping for clothes, so I had to explicitly place a clothes category on the budget in hopes that I'll actually do the shopping to replace some of the stuff I own.
People say its your money, and to do whatever makes you happy with it. Sure, but I see Mefi as a place for advice more than validation ;). You're slightly anxious that you could be saving this money, and it's well established up thread that your budget is in the 99.9~ percentile, so I'll offer a few ideas on how to spend less. Step one is to stop cruising the mall recreationaly, and to start estimating how much of your life you are devoting to clothes shopping. That's time that could be spent snuggling / writing your thesis / finding new clients / reading MeFi!
Step two is to base your budget on something besides past behavior. If the goal is to change your spending, then the past is no longer useful data. You'll have to base your budget instead on something else. I suggest looking at your replacement rate. What percentage of your wardrobe are you going to replace next month and over the next year? Better yet, what specifically are you replacing? Now you'll have a set of things you need, rather than a set of dollars to spend. The hard part is going to be saying "I won't spend more than 50 dollars replacing this old shirt".
Step three is to shop at a different set of stores, and a different part of the store. Clearance racks are good, and discount retail is a dramatic saver. I bought a coat from Burlington Coat Factory that I liked three years ago for 43 dollars. What's the worst that can happen, you'll be wearing last season's clearance sale fashions and look like a grad student? Hell, when I was in school, the crunchy granola thing to do was shop at thrift stores / Goodwill. People say you don't have to justify your spending to anyone, so why spend to impress other people by being on top of the latest fashions?
Step four is to make sure you reclaim some value anything you're retiring early out of the wardrobe. If you're already doing this via consignment or something, it probably should be reflected in the budget as a refund against this monthly expense.
I'd argue that learning to live frugally and fighting temptation is part of the student experience. It's a fairly safe environment in which to establish financial habits, and you've certainly got a good cushion. But if you want luxury, it seems you can afford it. Hell, I buy 500 dollar computer monitors, grad school or no. Just make sure you know how things will change when that 529 money is no longer available.
posted by pwnguin at 6:01 PM on November 15, 2010
People say its your money, and to do whatever makes you happy with it. Sure, but I see Mefi as a place for advice more than validation ;). You're slightly anxious that you could be saving this money, and it's well established up thread that your budget is in the 99.9~ percentile, so I'll offer a few ideas on how to spend less. Step one is to stop cruising the mall recreationaly, and to start estimating how much of your life you are devoting to clothes shopping. That's time that could be spent snuggling / writing your thesis / finding new clients / reading MeFi!
Step two is to base your budget on something besides past behavior. If the goal is to change your spending, then the past is no longer useful data. You'll have to base your budget instead on something else. I suggest looking at your replacement rate. What percentage of your wardrobe are you going to replace next month and over the next year? Better yet, what specifically are you replacing? Now you'll have a set of things you need, rather than a set of dollars to spend. The hard part is going to be saying "I won't spend more than 50 dollars replacing this old shirt".
Step three is to shop at a different set of stores, and a different part of the store. Clearance racks are good, and discount retail is a dramatic saver. I bought a coat from Burlington Coat Factory that I liked three years ago for 43 dollars. What's the worst that can happen, you'll be wearing last season's clearance sale fashions and look like a grad student? Hell, when I was in school, the crunchy granola thing to do was shop at thrift stores / Goodwill. People say you don't have to justify your spending to anyone, so why spend to impress other people by being on top of the latest fashions?
Step four is to make sure you reclaim some value anything you're retiring early out of the wardrobe. If you're already doing this via consignment or something, it probably should be reflected in the budget as a refund against this monthly expense.
I'd argue that learning to live frugally and fighting temptation is part of the student experience. It's a fairly safe environment in which to establish financial habits, and you've certainly got a good cushion. But if you want luxury, it seems you can afford it. Hell, I buy 500 dollar computer monitors, grad school or no. Just make sure you know how things will change when that 529 money is no longer available.
posted by pwnguin at 6:01 PM on November 15, 2010
« Older How to create a simple coupon distribution website... | Are there 4-year-old air warriors? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 9:42 AM on November 15, 2010 [5 favorites]