High-end or luxury pieces are definitely an investment, and you should do your research before spending your hard-earned money. But splurging on a luxury item is a great feeling, especially if you continue to use that item for years to come. Investing in high-end items is also more ethical than indulging in multiple fast fashion pieces. Here are the five questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether to save or splurge.
what is the cost per wear?
Cost per wear (or CPW) is the total cost of the item divided by the number of times worn. Staple pieces that you wear often will have a lower CPW than items that you would only wear for certain occasions.
is it timeless?
If you choose to splurge, you should always go for timeless pieces rather than trendy pieces. Think about whether you would wear the item five to 10 years from now. Mixing a timeless luxury piece with trendy items can elevate your look and allow for endless possibilities. If you want timeless high-end items without having to pay the high-end price, check out your local thrift store or even your mom’s closet.
what is your lifestyle?
Be sure to consider the climate you live in. Investing in a winter coat in an area that doesn’t experience harsh winters will have a high cost per wear as you won’t be able to wear it often. You should also factor in your work and social environment. Is your industry usually business professional or business casual? How do you normally dress on your days off? A button-down shirt is a great investment for a lot of people as you can easily transition it from a day at work to a casual dinner with friends.
do you value quality over quantity?
Dupes are a popular alternative to splurging as they allow you to get the look without spending a lot of money. You should also ask yourself if you would rather have one quality item or 10 cheaper items that incorporate different styles and current trends. Often, you pay for both quality and the brand name when you buy luxury items—if you don’t value these things, you shouldn’t splurge.
how integral is the item to your personal style?
You have probably often heard from fashion magazines that you should invest in items like shoes, handbags, and jewelry, but you should invest in timeless staple pieces. If a leather jacket or trench coat is an essential in your closet, feel free to splurge on that; if a little black dress or a plain white T-shirt is your wardrobe staple, you should invest in that. Investing in timeless staple pieces ensures that you will have a low cost per wear.
Have you splurged on any high-end pieces? Show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista, or let us know in the comments below.
Featured photo by Natalie Miller.
