Cost Per Wear

Often I receive questions on how I justify and afford more expensive choices in my wardrobe. And while I have a very limited clothing allowance, when I choose to purchase an item that on paper initially look a bit astronomical, I take my calculations one step further.

Cost per Wear

What does it mean? Let’s take designer jeans – my favorite are Citizens of Humanity and J.Brand. As a teenager, I was continually frustrated with jeans that weren’t long enough and never fit me correctly, which at the time made me feel as though there was something wrong with me, but when I finally discovered longer lengths at a bit more expensive price range, I was more than ready to put more than a few bucks down.

The rationalization of Cost per Wear is if I wear a particular pair of $150 jeans 75 times, the jeans are actually $2. And while some may say, but your checking account is still missing $150, my argument is that the quality of the jeans allowed them to be able to be worn 75 times, thus, saving me from buying a similar cheaper pair that wouldn’t have been able to go the distance.

I realize that not everyone will agree with this, however, no matter how much a pair of jeans cost, if the money isn’t available, there is no rationalizing it – the jeans must stay on the rack.  On the flip side, however, if the funds are there, and you know the item will be easily incorporated into your lifestyle, than don’t feel guilty for choosing quality. One fabulously tailored quality item will bring the rest of your wardrobe up to its level.

Image: A Cup of Joe