Splurge or Save?
When it comes to fashion, not everything needs to come with an expensive price tag to be considered worth it. Sure, some things are definitely worth the investment, but other accessories are completely fine to save on. If you're wondering how to make better style choices without (always) breaking the bank, we've got you. From shoes and jewelry to t-shirts and socks, here are 10 fashion items to never buy cheap—and 10 that's fine to buy without spending a fortune.
1. Shoes
Since you're often on your feet for long periods of time, don't cheap out on footwear. You want to get a pair that fits your feet snugly, but not so tight that they become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. You also want to buy one that's made with quality materials, so that they don't wear out too fast or scrape your toes, heel, or ankle.
2. Dress Pants
Any type of formal wear, whether it be slacks or blazers, should never be bought cheap. These articles of clothing should be tailored specifically to your body, so that they not only fit you comfortably, but also follow the natural shape of your body. Cheaply made ones will need to be replaced after a few wears, so always make sure to splurge on a high-quality set.
3. Glasses & Sunglasses
If you're wearing prescription glasses all day, you definitely don't want to buy just any pair. Sunglasses, too—these protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, so getting an inexpensive pair might result in them fitting poorly or not doing what they're intended to do.
4. Jewelry
You definitely don't want to be buying cheap, replaceable jewelry, unless you're someone who often changes their mind and style. But be warned, inexpensive necklaces, watches, bracelets, and earrings can cause irritation or infections due to their cheap materials, which is why it's always best to splurge on more premium ones.
5. Handbags
Satchels, clutches, crossbodies, and other handbags should always be splurged on, especially if you're looking for one that's durable and made with premium materials. If you purchase it cheap, you might end up with one that falls apart after a few wears.
6. Coats & Jackets
If you're looking for outerwear that will last and keep you warm during the colder seasons, don't buy it cheap. Inexpensive coats and jackets might be tempting if your style changes often, but fast fashion ones are often made with non-durable materials that won't keep you cozy.
7. Denim
Ever worn cheaply made jeans? They probably didn't feel like jeans at all, right? Well, that's because they probably weren't, and while this might be a good thing for those who don't like the restrictive feel of real denim, these inexpensive versions will only last a fortnight. Pick high-quality whenever possible.
8. Underwear
For intimate wear, you don't want to choose cheaper options for obvious reasons: comfort. Considering you'll be wearing intimates all day, you want them to give you the support you need, and not have wires that dig into your skin or waistbands that are too loose or too tight.
9. Workwear Essentials
Buying workwear essentials? Don't cheap out—you'll regret it later. Unless you're working from home, you don't want to be showing up at the office in cheaply made blazers, blouses, and dress pants, so choose carefully when going shopping.
10. Wallet
Again, unless your style changes like the weather, it's best to stick to one handy, quality-made wallet rather than one that's sewn out of cheap materials. You don't want your coin purse to break unexpectedly and have all your money fall out!
What, then, are some fashion items you can save on? Here are 10 that don't require you to spend a fortune:
1. T-Shirts
T-shirts are normally worn as an underlayer and typically get swapped out for newer ones every year, so don't feel like you need to splurge on excellent quality ones. While you do want to choose ones that are made with breathable and sweat-absorbent materials, like cotton, you shouldn't have to spend a fortune.
2. Socks
While you'll want to splurge on footwear, you don't need to worry about spending a ton to get a good pair of socks. Again, you'll just need to choose a breathable material and length that suits you, but don't worry about going all out on quality.
3. Hoodies
Coats, jackets, and other outerwear essentials should be splurged on, but sweatshirts and hoodies are fine to save on. If you want them to keep you nice and cozy, you might want to spend a little extra on ones that are fleece-lined, but you shouldn't have to break the bank for them.
4. Workout Clothes
You might think you shouldn't buy cheap athletic wear, but unless you need a specific type of support, inexpensive options work just fine. Sure, quality-made ones might last longer, be more durable, and have sweat-wicking materials, but you'll likely be able to find equivalent ones with a cheaper price tag.
5. Scarves & Hats
Need a scarf and hat to keep warm during fall and winter? Don't worry about spending a fortune—these accessories are perfectly fine to save your money on. Plus, if you know you'll only be wearing them for a short while, you definitely don't want to go all out and empty your wallet.
6. Belts
Unless you're buying one that's made of leather, it's totally fine to save on belts, too, so don't worry about getting a super fancy one. The only thing that matters is that it's comfortable, durable, and fits you perfectly (and matches your clothes!).
7. Swimwear
If you're hitting the pool every day of the week, then maybe it's worth spending an extra few bucks on something better. But if you're only swimming in the summer or going suntanning on the beach, save your money—cheaper ones do the job just fine.
8. Summer Dresses
Another seasonal piece you can save on? Summer dresses. Even if you'll be wearing these every day when the sun's out, you still don't have to spend a fortune on something that's quality-made. Save your money for other things, like accessories to pair your outfit with!
9. Hair Accessories
Whether you're tying your hair back into a bun or pinning up your bangs with hair clips, these accessories are fine to save on. After all, with so many styles out there, you'll end up emptying your whole bank account if you're always buying expensive ones! The only thing you should keep in mind is to purchase ones that don't snag or pull at your strands.
10. Rain Gear
You'll want to invest in a good pair of rain boots to keep the water out and your feet dry, but don't worry about spending a fortune on the rest of your gear—inexpensive options often work just fine. As long as it's waterproof, you're golden.
