Reader S wrote in, wondering whether she’s spending too much or too little on clothes…
Given some of the comments re: the price of the interesting Tahari dress/suit last week, I thought it might be worth doing a poll on actual price ranges that people think are appropriate for certain items. Sometimes I would like to know where I “stand” amongst women in how I budget my clothing purchases. For example, I try to keep my shoe purchases around $100 or less, even though I COULD spend more, because they get ruined so fast from walking around the city, esp in the winter. But I would spend more on other things. Am I totally normal, or a total cheapskate? How many people buy bags that are over $1K?
There really are no right answers here, but it does strike us as an interesting discussion. There are two kinds of price points to talk about, though — one is what folks expect things to cost (a good pair of work pants), the other is what folks will pay. As we’ve mentioned, we like the sales — but we don’t buy things because they cost “$X,” we buy them because we like them and we think they’re of an acceptable quality for the office. For example — an $8 t-shirt isn’t something, generally, that we would say is acceptable for the office. But we’re happy to buy a $34 t-shirt at $8. So, that said, we’ve listed below (after the jump) the price points that we would generally expect to pay for something for the office. For almost every price we’ve listed here, we would absolutely consider something marked at a higher price, but a) only if they look amazing on, b) we’re acquiring a “name” to add to the closet that we’ve lusted after, or c) … c) would be if we had a specific event to go to and knew that in order to run with the chicks who were there we’d need to put our best fashionista shoe forward. (For example, just for kicks, let’s say we were to have a meeting with Erin Callan or some other CFO who is notorious for wearing amazing stiletto shoes. You can bet we’d be there with our best newly-purchased shoes on.) By the same token, we probably would consider things in a lower price range, also, but only as “need them now” splurges or “I don’t quite know why but this cheap dress looks amazing on me.”) (But we wouldn’t wear them to a meeting with a fashionista.) Pictured: Does “sale” mean lower prices or does it mean “get outta here”?, originally uploaded to Flickr by sylvar.
UPDATE: We’ve been busy with this whole “job” thing but we are told you guys miiiight be misreading the post. All prices we list are the 100 percent price — we don’t actually pay that. Eg. It’s the $34 price — not the $8 price. Further eg: yes, our prices originally have tags that say $600-$800 but we don’t pay more than $200. But then; we’re sales hounds, as we thought we made clear.
- Pants – For basic khakis or whatnot, a cotton/lycra blend should probably cost around $50-$100. (Although, man, we just had a flashback to an amazing pair of basic DKNY pants we owned that were originally like $225 like ten years ago. God, we loved those pants.) A pant in a wool or a crepe or something like that, we would expect to cost upwards of $100, probably up to $350.
- Skirts – This depends on the brand and the design. Most basic skirts we own cost around $80-$300; if it’s more of a designery design (like a Trina Turk print) we’d expect it to cost more like $125-$400. (Particularly with patterned skirts — more expensive ones have seams that line the pattern up far better than lower-priced ones.)
- Blouses/Tops – This is probably the widest variety for us. We try to avoid buying cheap shirts for the office, but we’ve worn shirts that cost us anywhere from $30 to something like a $225 blouse from Thomas Pink.
- Sweaters – We will almost always buy a black silk sweater on sale — but otherwise we try to focus our sweater purchases on lux fabrics like cashmere, wool, etc. We generally shoot for sweaters originally marked in the $150-$500 range — if we’re buying in person and can feel the fabric against our skin we might go lower (or higher).
- Dresses – If it’s a basic sheath dress, we would expect it to be marked around $125-$350. For a dress with a print or a more intricate design, we’d expect it to cost anywhere from $350-$850.
- Suits – Again: totally depends on the brand and the design. Most of our “good” suits probably cost in the $300-$600 range. We know a lot of women who swear by the Theory suit (which does not do favors to our curvy frame), and regularly pay $800+ for a suit.
- Bags – For whatever reason, our price point seems to be around $600 (give or take $300) for a handbag/purse, although yes, we have bought bags that cost more than $1K. For a tote we tend to consider anything from $50-$200. Again, if we’re buying something in person and can assess the leather and the stitching, we’ll go lower.
- Jewelry – We do our best to avoid buying cheap jewelry — if it isn’t real gold or silver we generally won’t look at it. A “spur of the moment” purchase on jewelry could be anywhere from $350 downwards (this is the sale price we’re talking about — sometimes jewelry prices are so inflated, and it sounds laughable to say that we’d buy an $800 necklace on the spur of the moment); we’ve spent a lot more than that on planned jewelry purchases. (Tip: if it’s worth more than $1500, get a separate insurance policy for it — your home owner’s or renter’s insurance generally only covers up to $1500 per item for jewelry.)
Obviously, we’re generally content to wait for sales on quality clothes rather than have a constant stream of lesser-quality clothes coming into our closet. This is for environmental reasons (we’ve read that better fibers and fabrics break down better), a general dislike of knock-offs (for a variety of intellectual property and sociological reasons), as well as for closet concerns — we live in NYC and our closet is tiny. But we’re curious — how does it break down for you guys? What do you like to pay? Perhaps we should follow this up with a post we’ve been wanting to write for a while — a discussion about when to splurge. (Stay tuned!)
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I am a JCPenney, Kohl’s, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, and Nordstrom Rack shopper. I rarely spend over $100 on a suit and usually spend under $50 on separates. I’ve been out of law school for a long time, but chose the slow/non-career track, so don’t make that much money. Nor does my husband. I’d say I spend maybe $1500/year on work clothing. Maybe even less.
We sock away about $1000/month in savings, which doesn’t include retirement accounts (those are maxed out pre-tax). I have a lot more money in savings & investments than I do in my closet.
FWIW, on a salary of $60,000, spend between $100-$400 per suit, BUT never bought more than 3 per year, AND they were mostly St. John’s that I got either on ebay or at consignment shops. (The best purchase was the $1200 suit for $120.) Moreover, my body hasn’t changed in years, so I actually haven’t needed to buy ANY suits this year, as two years ago, finally bought the last missing piece for my wardrobe!
Unfortunately, now I need to replace my cashmere sweaters and silky Ts that I wear under suit jackets. My last bunch of sweaters came from Lord & Taylor 5 years ago, and the silky Ts from Brooks Brothers that they no longer make. I really like the shirts from anueligne.com, but think they are way too expensive for lycra.
I think this is so incredibly dependent on circumstances and style. There are times in my life when I wouldn’t have dreamed of spending this much on clothes, and other times when this would have seemed like a low-ball list. It also varies so much by city and type of job. Here in the midwest I have an enormous closet and make use of every inch, which also means I buy cheaper clothing that is more “disposable” than when I lived in NY and had a tiny closet. I think Corporette’s ranges are reasonable for a big city corporate woman. Furthermore, I’m interested in workplace style and fashion. If I weren’t, I wouldn’t read this blog. So if you’re upset about the type of clothing that is featured here, maybe this isn’t the site for you. If you like it but can’t afford it, maybe you should start a blog that features less expensive items that are appropriate for where you work. I think C does a great job for the niche I’m in.
I agree – for those of us in positions of authority in law firms, accounting firms and large corporations, our image is an investment. I think it would somewhat defeat the purpose of this blog for C to ignore those of us who are willing to drop some cash. Others may not be able to spend that much but may still want to hear about the expensive items so they can try to approximate the look for less. I, for one, don’t really read this blog for the purpose of identifying specific pieces. It’s more to get a sense of what C and others think about what TYPES of clothes are work appropriate, how to accessorize, etc. So whether the clothes are above or below my target price range for an item (and C features both), I still get something out of reading about them.
I am a younger associate who can’t afford most of the items listed in the blog, but I do read it for EXACTLY the reason you suggested. When a female partner sent the link to this blog to all the female associates, I saw that I could be work appropriate and tasteful without wearing a suit every day. Although I have never actually purchased an item listed on the blog, reading it has helped me design work outfits that I can be sure are tasteful and professional, without having to stick solely to suits.
It was said at some point in this thread but it is worth pointing out again, particulary to those who are disparaging C: the price points she listed are her general ranges for the *non-sale* price of the clothing. She noted the not-unheard-of phenomenon that often price correlates to quality, which can mean a lot with respect to how clothing looks. C very cleary stated that she shops the sales and, thus, in many cases is likely coming in under her stated ranges. In the end, everyone makes their own choices, informed by their own personal circumstances, on whether their purchases have worthwhile value to them and work to their advantage (i.e., conveying what ever message you want your clothes to say about you). Don’t hate. Uniformity is boring.
p.s. I’m a slightly older, 2nd year, big law associate with a medium COL and six figure loans that match my six figure salary. I’d say my targets for *original* priced items are the same as or 20-30% less than C’s but, currently, it’s a rare day that I am willing to pay full price on anything and actually spend much less than these ranges would suggest. Once my loan-to-salary ratio drops, I’ll be a lot more comfortable buying items not on sale (particularly because sale shopping takes up so much damn time and, sadly, I have little access to outlets). Woohoo, there goes 0.3.
I think a lot of it also has to do with how you started out — what basics. I know as a twenty-something young corporate woman, I was fortunate enough that my parents bought me several classic suits and the appropriate accessories to start me off with, and then I got a lot of hand-me-downs of some very nice quality (Escada, St. John, DKNY, Anne Klein, etc). So when I bought my own workwear, I was filling in gaps or responding to pieces I liked instead of starting from scratch. Some other women on here may be starting from scratch.
Heidi, I’m interested in workplace fashion too. I love reading Corporette. And, I am a careful shopper like B above. These things are not incompatible.
FWIW, my work wardrobe is mainly from Ann Taylor/Loft, Banana Republic, and Target. Occasional purchases of stuff from Express, H&M, Zara and on rare occasion eBay, Gap, Old Navy, MetroStyle, or JCPenney.
I make one exception: I buy only classic real jewellery: gold, silver, and/or semi-precious stones. e.g. pearl strand, black pearl strand, jade, amethyst irregular cut strand, coral earrings, and so on that I match with the color of my top.
I dont wear suits at work, only business casual. Pencil skirts, cardigans, dresses, shirts, knits, formal trousers, occasionally blazers.
Here’s my budget:
Tops/sweaters: usually buy stuff for around $30 on sale.
Pants and skirts: skirts always under $50, pants around $50-$70.
Dresses: Target dresses under $50 or Zara or other dresses slightly more (but under $70).
Blazers or other choice pieces I really like: $50-$70.
I use pants and skirts for a few years and they dont die, so I buy only 1 or 2 a year. Tops I buy often and (since they rarely last more than a season or two, and because I get bored and do not really want them to last forever) cheap.
And I dont really care about bags.
My salary before tax is over $100K but below $200.
I don’t buy a lot but I do buy good items. Here is my list of items and what I am willing to pay for them:
Handbags: Carry Coach, LV, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Desmos. Gifts from husband and younger sister for my special occassions. But, I would pay $800 – 1k for a bags and….a Birkin is on my wishlist.
Shoes: I refuse to wear cheap shoes. Still, I never pay full price even for expensive shoes. My motto is: “If I like a shoe at $400 – $1k then, I will absolutely love them when they cost $200 – $500.”
Skirts: I wear more skirts than suits and love a well-made, well-fitted classic skirt. Will pay up to $300 on sale.
Suits: Tahari, Ann Taylor, Banana R, BB, Talbot’s and a few Barrie Pace. Would pay up to $500 but have never paid that much for any suit.
Shirts/Blouses: Must be tailored cottons and/or silks. $40 – $200.
Sweaters: Cashmere, fine woolens and linen/silk only. $40 – $200.
Jackets: I will buy “special” jackets separately and pair them with my skirts. Up to $400.
Coats: My favorite everyday coat is Cashmere and retailed for $1700 but I bought it for $400 from SierraTradingPost.com in July, four years ago.
Jewelry: I own some good costume pieces but mostly wear 18k gold and pearls. When I wear a watch, it must be a man’s watch. I like how large men’s watches look on a woman’s smaller arm.
I like higher end items but…..am not a snob about how little I will pay for them. In fact, until a year ago I would never have set foot into a Good Will except to drop off donations. Then, one day I had a conversation with the Receptionist manning the desk in the lobby of my building and she started telling me about how many “nice” things she found at one of the local Good Will stores. So, one day during a long lunch break, she took me to that Good Will. At first, I was like, please God, let me out of here. Then, I found a large 4-ply Cashmere Shawl in perfect condition. Good Will wanted $6.99 for it. Since I had purchased the same shawl in a different color during the winter clearance a couple of years previously and paid $80 for it, I snapped it up. Since that time, I have visited the Good Will on my own and….while I do not find bargains everytime like the bargain I found on my first visit, I have supplemented my high-end closet with some very nice items for practically nothing. And, I tell myself that I am actively being green by purchasing “recycled” items at this Good Will. (Smile)
I generally spend a lot on investment pieces, but other things I get super cheap. I’ll spend around $500-$750 for a suit, but I only own 6 (each including pants, skirt, and blazer, and some also including dress). I spend around $100-$300 on shoes, because a pair of basic work pumps HAS TO be comfortable, and nicer shoes wear so much better. I also spend a fair amount on handbags (most are Coach, but I have a big Marc Jacobs that I use most days, which cost over $1,000). You can find great deals on work tops–I wear these little scoopneck short sleeved sweaters I got over the summer at Old Navy constantly. I also buy a lot of cheap dresses that can easily be dressed up with a blazer and wear them on days I don’t have to be in court or have a big client meeting.
Seeing C’s update about being a sales hound … So, what’s the best deal you’ve all ever gotten on a great piece of clothing?
Mine were:
- 2 Escada jackets, one $1000 retail and $1200 retail, for $200 apiece
- Prada flats, $450 retail, for around $80 at DSW
- Missoni flats, $400-450 retail, for around $50-60 (also at DSW)
Clearly I need to start shopping at DSW. Nice finds!
Once, I got dressed for work and looked in the mirror. I realized I was wearing a designer suit (bought for $120), my Kelly (bought for $1000 at auction), and my pearls (also bought at a steep discount)…in fact, I was wearing close to $10,000 worth of sh*t. I tried to think how this made me feel, because it certainly felt weird. Undeserving? No…. Decadent? No, (not with the discounts!)… Superficial? Perhaps… It’s been years since I obtained most of my investment pieces and it still shocks me EVERY SINGLE DAY when I wander into my closet to get dressed in the morning.
I’m obviously late to this discussion, but I don’t really understand the animosity toward C’s spending plan.
Some people are talking about how no one notices if you spend less on clothing and that folks who spend more are wasting their resources on something that doesn’t even matter and is silly. Aren’t those posters wasting their resources (their time and sanity) fretting that other women appear ostentatious?
We all have things we choose to spend our money on. If a woman enjoys a designer pair of pants, then why can’t she choose to spend her money on those (even at *gasp* full price) without other women judging her so harshly?
I agree with Amber. I thought Corporette had an appropriate response. She’s obviously someone for whom fashion is important, and she spends to get quality (and knows a good sale when she sees it).
There’s something to be said, as you progress in your career, for dressing with predictable quality. I started in BigLaw for a half dozen years then switched to a corporate position. Nearly every day you’ll see me in a St. John tweed jacket (but nearly always bought on sale), silk blouse or turtleneck, nice slacks, and some pearls and gold chains or an interesting scarf. On casual Fridays, I tend to wear a twin set (usually Land End cashmere) and trouser jeans (Tahari makes good ones). My jewelry is understated, and always real (gold, pearls, etc.). I have a few really good handbags (Dior, Carlos Falchi), and then some perfectly nice bags for travel (Furla, Michael Kors). I don’t go to court, so formal suits are necessary.
I realized awhile ago that although I enjoy fashion and love looking at the new collections and fashion magazines (and really enjoy Corporette), I’m also the “face” of my company. A reassuring corporate image is classic and assumes reasonable quality. I think cultivating this style has been very helpful in moving up the ladder as time goes by. It can be helpful for your superiors in the company to feel that you’ll always look dignified and appropriate for the context.
I’m an undergrad, going into graduate school for pharmacy next year. Professional dress (business casual) for most days from then for four years. What pieces can I splurge on (and my splurge is like 1/2 or 1/3 your normal range, at this point), what what pieces should I buy cheaper?
I’m pretty stain-prone, and scoff my shoes terribly. And I’m lusting after a Burberry scarf, which I know I don’t need. I never throw anything away, but things wear out for me rather quick. So what stuff will last?
I need to start to dress up now, to get used it it. I only have a few months to go!
That, and once I graduate I’ll join you gals, more or less (but obviously, with the out-of-school drains on funds).
Amy,
Firstly, congrats to entering the medical/pharma field; it is always exciting to be at the launch of one’s professional career, and that you wish to look the part at this stage of your career, thus embracing your chosen field bodes well, too! I am a senior attorney, carrying brief cases and wearing suits all through and even before commencing my law studies, so I understand completely (and while you might be questioning as to why a lawyer might “pick up” your query, my spouse is in the medical field and hence I thought I’d take a stab at it, certain that others here will pipe in to “correct” me should I in any way steer you wrong ;)
As to the original post, and keeping in line with what has already been suggested either directly or indirectly, you will want to spend within your budget of course, and that you are starting to collect pieces early allows you to do so at your convenience, well on your way to having a proper professional wardrobe before you actually need it, which is a very good thing. Elsewhere on this blog you can read about sales, depots and other relevant information so as to scout out the sales and end-of-lines which will no doubt be of great interest to you, along with other tidbits of very excellent and useful information (which I wish I had known when I was first starting out, and especially back then when on an articling student’s salary, which in the first year of legal practice keeping in mind in Canada where I practice we also must purchase our “court dress” consisting of barrister’s robes and waist coat, court-striped trousers, patent leather shoes, legal tabs and wing collar shirts — in both summer and winter weight wool, and before we are even called to the bar — on the other hand, it makes the practice rather easy so far as one knows what they are going to wear when seeking an audience before the court, but add to this the need to wear semi-formal business suits, etc. when not at court, well, a blog and advice on how and wear to shop etc. would have come in most handy back then, indeed!). That said, my spouse would argue that dressing for the medical/pharma field is no less intimidating when first starting out, realizing that he could not forever attend to live in his scrubs, and that is because we, as professionals, regardless of our chosen profession or calling, well understand that in doing so we’re taking on a professional “brand”. That you understand this early on in the game is outstanding, and once again bodes well for you and all others who no doubt are reading this blog (go forth and conquer, ladies!); indeed, understanding that people’s perceptions of us are affected by our clothes, such that our clothes in turn must represent the image that we as a “brand” (meaning, our products and/or services) are trying to convey is half the battle, and once realized it’s not intimidating any longer (so many young women today who may not have had the good fortune to have had a professional mother to “groom” us from birth as so many young men in our society do and often take for granted, I agree) .
In the case of law, for e.g., the “image” is rather a traditional one, meant to convey knowledge and authority and reason why most lawyers stick to well fitted suits (be they skirt suits or pant suits) and dark colors, and reason why I personally spend much time, effort and money making my clothing reflect my goals and personality. (In keeping with the OP’s question, I am at that stage in my career where I personally wear Armani black label, for I enjoy the well tailored “power suit” with Hugo Boss long-sleeved shirts and blouses, and I find they suit my trim, athletic frame perfectly, with outerwear by Burberry and Christ, and my shoes/boots for the most part are handmade in England (yes, I spend a lot on quality clothing, then, these are timeless pieces in classic colours (namely, black, charcoal and gray, tan/beige and navy), which I “freshen up” with coloured shirts and blouses, so as to keep the “look” updated – which for me at least I find is best and easy to do, thus reflecting my “brand” as a lawyer but at the same time my “personality” and style — in terms of the cost, as a senior lawyer, I can well afford it and enjoy quality for its own sake but also see it as an advertising expense so far as my clothes are (it bears repeating) reflect not only upon me but also how my firm is perceived in the eyes of my clients and the public.
Of course, when one is first starting out, no one expects you to wear top drawer brands, nor would it be reasonable for them to do so, but that is not to say that you can’t achieve that look or even find exceptional deals on designer clothing on a budget (even a student’s budget), because you can, and what this wonderful blog will indeed help you with (indeed, this blog is quite wonderful really, and must say I am enjoying it immensely).
Before heading off on your shopping spree, however, you must first (in my opinion) understand for you what it is that you wish to convey — in other words, your “brand” which depends in large part on what it is you are doing and what it is you wish to convey.
In the case of the medical/pharma profession, I should think that, like a lawyer, you will want to appear knowledgeable but, unlike a lawyer, you will also want to convey an image of being helpful and approachable, and this I believe is readily achieved by choosing your colours appropriately.
I would think neutrals (beige/tan, navy, etc.) give off this impression best, though by no means should this be taken by you (or anyone else in your chosen field) as a suggestion in any way to avoid the darker, more conservative/authoritative colours — if you are confident and feel great in darker colours such as black (which isn’t dangerous) or charcoal/gray (which connotes safety and tradition), then by all means run with it as what is most important of course is that you own it and wear it “well” (and only you know what that means; that goes for skirts vs. trousers as well, for above all else (it bears repeating) you are dressing to convey a professional “can do”/”I know” image, and this image will hardly be perceived by your client/patient/etc. if you are uncomfortable in your outfit no matter how splendid said outfit looks on the rack and/or its price tag.
This, in addition to the standard “rule” re: women professionals in general, be we lawyers and judges, investment bankers and/or corporate leaders, media/communications consultants to doctors and/or pharmacists, politicians or business magers in general, which is oft repeated here (and also told to daughters by their professional mothers, or should be) and simply: be neat in appearance, avoid revealing clothing (i.e., don’t show off too much arm, cleavage or the mid-riff so no tanks or halter-tops, etc.), as well as shorts, jeans and athletic shoes, with the latter caveat adjusted for your own particular field (i.e., in the case of the medical/pharma profession, slacks and khakis along with rubber sole shoes / trainers are very appropriate, and far more appropriate than leather soled boots or heeled shoes, and especially with all that running around from patient to dispensary etc. you’ll be doing). Otherwise, the whole gambit pretty much is open to you as your profession as you say calls for business casual, aka casual smart (namely, dresses, dress suits be they skirt suits or slacks, only instead of the suit jacket/blazer, you can of course don that trusty white coat as my spouse does – oh, have fun! ;)
As to how all of this cashes out, at this stage in your career, I’d be inclined to splurge on one nice suit jacket/blazer, with matching trousers and a skirt so as to have two suits in one, aim for a good quality pair of shoes also, and build from there. Of course, this is just my 2-cents, being based on my own experience when first starting out, keeping in mind also the differences of the “brand” as b/w the legal and medical/pharma profession, and what in turn is the image we as professionals are trying to convey in turn. As to fitting this and more into your budget (which I do appreciate), not to worry: depending on where you reside, there are readers here who would be very happy I am sure to direct you to outlets/factory stores etc. where you can pick up great bargains on designer clothes, where you can also have the benefit of trying them on for “fit” to see how they wear before you buy (note: if in the Greater Toronto Area or environs, for e.g., you might try Vaughan Mills, serving southern Ontario and upstate NY etc. where for e.g. Holt Renfrew’s national clearance and outlet center is located, among other great outlets and factory stores). Hope this helps, and best of luck to you in your studies and career! ~ DW
Thanks so much!
I have 2 dress pants (navy and white-striped black), 1 semi-jean-type dark grey dress pants (thicker cotton material, in other words), and a blazer that’s ligher grey with stripes and gorgeous hand-stitching details that is however a tiny bit short (i’m 5’9), hence why i’m saying blazer rather than suit jacket. I have like 3 dress shirts, 1 regular, and two more teen-ish (my new one is summer weight linen, and pink!)
But I need better shoes, or maybe to sandpaper to sole or something. I just wore them last week, and the right on is perfect, but for some reason the left one feels un-broken in. I looked, and the right one was flat from use, but the left one, at the balls of the foot area, was still new-ish, still uncomfortably rounded (I use the balls of my feel to walk, versus just lifting my feet completely off the ground).
Sorry, going on a rant there.
Thanks again!
(btw, i’m in NJ. But i have an aunt in Canada; she works with carcinogens, so has the special gear.)
And my mom isn’t the best person to get an idea of professional dress from, considering she wears t-shirts to work! Guys wear ties, girls were anything they want at her workplace… ??? (I have no idea why either). (She’s a computer programmer/analyst/developer, whatever the title is nowadays, so that could be why.)
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