Redefining Casual – Wardrobe Budgeting System

As someone who had always loved clothing and fashion, I have also tended to overspend on clothing while at times ignoring what I really need.  As a teen, my parents always bought the things I needed like underwear and pajamas and I would buy the things I really wanted like a new shirt.  After I got married, I noticed a trend in my purchasing habits.  I would forgo buying things like bras and underwear, only purchasing them when it was near dire circumstances, and spent all my free money on things I wanted.  I still have this habit at times though not quite a bad as a newlywed.

Well, since I have started blogging, I have noticed my bad spending habits happening again and I decided it can’t go on.  I simply must have a better budgeting system in place so my family has what we need before we purchase what we just want.  At the same time I was coming up with a good system, LLDC blogger friend Lee suggested I check out Unfancy.  Unfancy is a fashion blog focusing on wardrobe minimalism and wardrobe capsules for each season.  I LOVE Unfancy and the idea surrounding minimalism, I’m just unsure if I can commit to so few items yet, haha.  I think I might try a wardrobe capsule for summer because we have such short summers in Idaho and I usually limit spending habits then anyway.

Well, it’s time to get my wardrobe budget in check and I will share with you how I’m going to do it.

1- Buy what I NEED first.

Every month I will take stock of wardrobe items anyone in the family might be in need of.  Underwear, socks, bras, shoes, church clothing, event clothing, and seasonal clothing would fall into this category.  For example, winters can be especially frigid in Idaho so a good winter coat is a need while a fashionable sweater would not be.  I will always budget for what we need and buy those items first.  If there is money left in the budget then….

2- Buy what I will get the MOST WEAR out of

If I’m really dying for a midi skirt or a slouchy sweater, I will first determine if the item can be worn in various ways, where I would wear it, and is the price reasonable/can I use a coupon.  If it meets my criteria I will buy it.  I have decided I will buy no more than 5 items each season that I want but don’t really need.  Keep in mind that I already have a wardrobe for all seasons so these 5 items will be just sprucing it up each season.

3. What about TRENDY pieces?

I try to keep most of my wardrobe full of classic pieces so I can get years of wear out of them.  However, if there is trend I really want to try like a jumpsuit, denim overalls, or a boho dress, I will allow myself to purchase no more than 3 trendy pieces per season.  This means I can stay relevant while not spending all my money on things that will be outdated in a year or 2.  I personally like to buy trendy accessories rather than clothing items.  It’s much more noncommittal if I end up disliking the trend and I won’t feel guilty getting rid of accessories I don’t like a year after I buy them.

I was reading through some of the comments on an Unfancy post and one reader mentioned there was a French way of doing wardrobe capsules.  She explained the French will have a classic wardrobe capsule for each season and will purchase 5 new items each season to update their look, stay on trend, and replace anything outdated.  I LOVE this idea and think my new system is very similar.

I’m excited to try this new wardrobe budgeting system!  It will be nice to have the things we need first and not feel guilty for buying things we want.  Also, by limiting the number of items I buy, I can save for better quality items that will last longer.  Items currently on my wish list include Sperry’s boat shoes, a classic white boyfriend shirt, and a knit blazer.  All these items are classic pieces that won’t go out of style.  If there is still money in my budget, I’m really craving this boho dress from ASOS.

I intuitively know I will be more content with this system.  I don’t know how we all got caught up in the more is more mentality.  We look at Pinterest and instantly we aren’t satisfied with the new chambray shirt we bought yesterday or the graphic tee that isn’t the perfect one.  The thing is, we cant’ have it all.  There will always be something we want, something we don’t have, and something just beyond our reach.  I feel it is freeing to let go and say, “I have enough.” And when you lack outfit ideas, don’t go out and buy more clothing!  Search Pinterest for more ideas on how to wear an item you already own.

So I’m curious.  Does your family have a system for purchasing clothing items?  What do you think about wardrobe minimalism and would you try seasonal wardrobe capsules?  Could you stick to a purchasing system like I’ve created and not feel like I’ve stifled your fabulousness?