You Don’t Have to Look Shabby Just Because You are Frugal

May 09, 2011

You don’t have to look shabby just because you are on a budget.  That is exactly what we told my son Rick, I was going to say the family gave him some tips but it was actually more of an intervention than that.  Rick was planning a trip to Spain to see his girlfriend who was spending the year abroad – Rick had the money for the plane ticket and got some spending money for Christmas but otherwise is a frugal college student living on a very limited budget.  His older brother took him aside and said something like, “You can’t go to Spain to see your girl looking like that – seriously.  She is around all the European men and you need to measure up, man.” 

Rick got some lessons in how to dress well on a limited budget (and had a wonderful time in Spain).

Here are the tips he got from his older brother:

1. Develop your own sense of style that fits with your lifestyle. His brother Saxon took him shopping (and left me at home – can you believe that?) and had him try on a combination of different looks at a department store.  Really getting an idea of what looked good on him and also what fit with his lifestyle.  For example, Rick is a college student who lives by the beach – skip the urban skinny jeans, and do something more relaxed but stylish.

2. Get some signature pieces that are quality. Pick up some distinct pieces on sale at the department store that either are classic, cutting edge, or trendy.  Rick got a lightweight pea coat jacket (Saxon got it for him as a gift) that he will be able to wear until it falls apart—it worked in Spain and it will work while he is in college and beyond.

Fake it until you make it with everything else.  I was finally invited to go with them (jump for joy) but it was to Kohl’s.  They allowed me to stand in line while they brought more and more stuff for me to hold and I was invited (pressured) to pull out my credit card which I have to say I didn’t do because this was Rick’s budget.  The point of the story is that Rick was able to get everything he needed: black pants, socks, shoes, a belt, two stylish t-shirts, and another lightweight jacket for less than $130 – in the super sale.  He put together some great basics to complete his style.

Here is an additional tip:

Think about your purchases on a “per wear” basis.  Consider how much you pay  for your item of clothing and how often you wear it to understand whether or not you are getting a good value for your money.  This can help you determine whether to make the purchase or come up with another plan.

Try this: Take the purchase price and ask yourself, how many times a month or year will I wear this, and how many years will it stay in style?  If it costs $50 and you’ll wear it twice a month for at least a couple of years, your “per wear” price is less than $1.  On the other hand, a nice evening gown for the ladies or a special suit for the guys might cost you $500 and you’ll wear it once or twice, making the cost per wear at least $250 – ouch.  That is not a great value.  In this case, go with plan B and consider renting or turning to friends who are your size and have a similar style so you can share your best fashion and save money.  I know I’ve done that many times with my sister in law who wears about the same size as me.  Of course, it works for the Kardashians, too!

Here is how the tips panned out.  Which one is the smart shopper photo and which is just plain frugal?