Save By Thinking "Cost Per Wear"
That fabulous dress or "must have" jacket looks great...but is it worth the investment? There are several things to consider when making a purchase, which is part of the “cost per wear”. Here are 3 things to consider when shopping for your new fall wardrobe...
How often will you wear it?
The typical formula for "cost per wear" is the price divided by how many times you'll wear it. This emphasizes the value of investing in quality items that you will wear often. What seems like a bargain may not be so if you’ll wear it a few times then chuck it.
- A quality $100 top worn twice a month (24 times per year), for example =$4 cost per wear. The longer you wear it the lower the cost per wear.
- A $30 top from a “trendy fashion” retailer worn 5 times worn then tossed = $6 cost per wear.
It may not seem like much, but consider how many clothing items you've bought over the years that didn't make your long term or favorites list. These costs add up over time.
What is the cleaning cost?
That eye-catching, “must-have” top that’s embellished with crystals, studs, metals, etc. looks great! Consider, however, how much will it cost and the complexity of cleaning. Regular dry cleaning is one thing but will it require being sent to a specialty service? A bargain leather jacket can be as much as $40+ if it needs specialty cleaning care.
Does it require special handling outside of your usual routine for upkeep?
Be honest! Are you a "throw it in the washer and see if it survives" type? Then that wonderful looking sweater that requires separate cleaning (e.g. “hand wash only and flat dry”) may not be a good choice.
Most of us will take a chance and ignore the manufacturer's cleaning suggestion, but it could ruin or shorten the life span of that item. Be realistic about how much effort you’re willing to put in the upkeep before you make that purchase.
In the end, this is not to say that a bargain item is not a good investment or that you shouldn't get a trendy item that may only last a season or so. The best purchases are, of course, quality items that you get at a fantastic price...and are able to enjoy for a long time. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that at least 70% - 80% of your closet is made up of pieces that will hold their value over time...and then have some fun with those spontaneous "gotta-haves"!