Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Another thread of mine, sorry about that, but I finally let my interest in fashion free, so I have a lot of questions that aren't simple answers and require a discussion.
To the point! I've thought about fashion and clothes a lot, I've been in many stores today (spend ~8h in total) and "touched" a lot of clothes, checked how they feel, checked the prices. I was able to see a very big difference between 20/80% silk/cotton and costly 100% cotton shirts compared to the cheap 100% cotton shirts for example. I was able to feel the difference between suit jackets that cost $200, $300 and $400 and are all from wool. I was able to feel the difference in denim and everything else.
Apparently there IS a difference when buying costlier clothes, and that's what I want, I see no reason to buy clothes that I won't want to wear. However, I don't make that much money, for example, I'd have to work for 2 months, don't pay taxes and don't eat to be able to buy a quality suit. Or I would be able to buy ~2-3 quality shirts a month. Or 2 pairs of jeans/pants. Since I have to eat and pay taxes, it would take me months, and that's insane.
I can borrow money (have actually) with promises to give it back within a year, but... Is it really worth it? I don't have a great home, I couldn't take care of my clothes properly with this salary, I can't even take a proper shower!
What I'm saying is, I think it's pointless for me to buy any clothes. However I want to represent myself as me, because well - it's the beginning of my career, I'm making my image, it'll be remembered forever, even if I go to another job it'll be in my resume.
Another thread of mine, sorry about that, but I finally let my interest in fashion free, so I have a lot of questions that aren't simple answers and require a discussion.
To the point! I've thought about fashion and clothes a lot, I've been in many stores today (spend ~8h in total) and "touched" a lot of clothes, checked how they feel, checked the prices. I was able to see a very big difference between 20/80% silk/cotton and costly 100% cotton shirts compared to the cheap 100% cotton shirts for example. I was able to feel the difference between suit jackets that cost $200, $300 and $400 and are all from wool. I was able to feel the difference in denim and everything else.
Apparently there IS a difference when buying costlier clothes, and that's what I want, I see no reason to buy clothes that I won't want to wear. However, I don't make that much money, for example, I'd have to work for 2 months, don't pay taxes and don't eat to be able to buy a quality suit. Or I would be able to buy ~2-3 quality shirts a month. Or 2 pairs of jeans/pants. Since I have to eat and pay taxes, it would take me months, and that's insane.
I can borrow money (have actually) with promises to give it back within a year, but... Is it really worth it? I don't have a great home, I couldn't take care of my clothes properly with this salary, I can't even take a proper shower!
What I'm saying is, I think it's pointless for me to buy any clothes. However I want to represent myself as me, because well - it's the beginning of my career, I'm making my image, it'll be remembered forever, even if I go to another job it'll be in my resume.
You don't say what you occupation is. If it's in the creative fields, I think you can get away with purchasing more modestly priced pieces for your wardrobe. If it's conservative like Wall Street, you'll have to go with quality. Shopping at an upscale resale/ consignment store might help in that case, and there are lots of products in the storage/organizing sections of stores like Target, Walmart and Kmart that will help you keep your clothes in good shape.
You could have a garage sale to raise money for the work wardrobe. Just a thought.
You don't say what you occupation is. If it's in the creative fields, I think you can get away with purchasing more modestly priced pieces for your wardrobe. If it's conservative like Wall Street, you'll have to go with quality. Shopping at an upscale resale/ consignment store might help in that case, and there are lots of products in the storage/organizing sections of stores like Target, Walmart and Kmart that will help you keep your clothes in good shape.
You could have a garage sale to raise money for the work wardrobe. Just a thought.
It's in the technical field, but I'm not looking to "get away," (satisfy others) I'm looking to represent myself.
I don't have a garage nor "much stuff," I'm not in the US, we don't do garage sales here. Thanks for the suggestion though, it's a good one.
It's in the technical field, but I'm not looking to "get away," (satisfy others) I'm looking to represent myself.
I don't have a garage nor "much stuff," I'm not in the US, we don't do garage sales here. Thanks for the suggestion though, it's a good one.
So I'm thinking you're going for business casual. Stores like Lands End and Talbots, Loehmanns all have some very good options for clothes that are tailored, classy and professional, yet comfortable.
Sales. I have a rule on clothes, it has to cost retail over $100, and I only buy it at 75% or more. Amazon.com has some awesome deals. Shoes, accessories...pants.
Do not go in debt/borrow to buy clothes, that is financial suicide, are you for real? You want to borrow money that you don't have and spend it for clothes you don't need to impress people who probably do not care that much. Find good deals on clothes that you can afford but do not create a liability just for fashion sake.
Do not go in debt/borrow to buy clothes, that is financial suicide, are you for real? You want to borrow money that you don't have and spend it for clothes you don't need to impress people who probably do not care that much. Find good deals on clothes that you can afford but do not create a liability just for fashion sake.
^^^This.
Your problem isn't how much the clothing costs, it's knowing how to pick out good quality clothing for less money. If you knew what you were looking for, you could pick up serious quality goods at Goodwill and have them dry cleaned and save hundreds of dollars. Knowing the name brands are important, but checking out how the garments are made is equally important. Just go out and pick up some decent clothing and don't over think this. Be clean and crisp and I'm sure you'll look good.
Your problem isn't how much the clothing costs, it's knowing how to pick out good quality clothing for less money. If you knew what you were looking for, you could pick up serious quality goods at Goodwill and have them dry cleaned and save hundreds of dollars. Knowing the name brands are important, but checking out how the garments are made is equally important. Just go out and pick up some decent clothing and don't over think this. Be clean and crisp and I'm sure you'll look good.
Not always. I've never found anything at a thrift store I'd want to wear. And you can't count on it being there when you need it. At our thrift stores you can find tons and tons and tons of printed tee shirts, but white button downs? Nope.
OP -- what you need to do is understand that you are starting out. You want to buy what you can afford right now, with one or two "investment" pieces. Classics, well made, and you will wear for years. Let's say it's a black blazer. You can dress it up for work, and dress it down with jeans.
After every wearing, HANG IT UP, don't stuff it in a closet. Let it air a little. (If your closet is stuffed -- clear it out -- clothing needs to breathe, and buy proper hangers) Get it cleaned when necessary (Choose a reputable cleaners), and inspect it regularly for loose buttons, frayed button holes, moth holes and fix them when you see them. (Buttons can be very expensive and hard to match)
You want to watch your fit on the less expensive clothing... and as your earnings go up, and you can invest more into your wardrobe.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
