Splurge or Skip? How I Decide What to Invest In (And What Not To)
A stylist's guide to spending smarter—and feeling good about every piece in your closet.
When I work with clients, the question always comes up:
“Is this worth the investment?”
And listen—I get it. Between viral must-haves and endless sale alerts, it's easy to wonder where your money actually should go when it comes to building a wardrobe that lasts. So today I’m pulling back the curtain on how I personally decide what to splurge on—and what I intentionally skip.
Because a polished, wearable wardrobe isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how well you choose.
💸 Let’s Talk About Splurging (Strategically)
I’m not the type of stylist who thinks everything needs to be designer. But I am the stylist who believes certain pieces earn their keep over time—and often cost more upfront.
When I consider a splurge, I ask myself these five questions:
Does this piece solve a problem in my wardrobe?
I don’t splurge for fun—I splurge with intention. If something fills a long-standing gap, like a perfect tailored blazer or the ideal everyday bag, it’s worth considering.Can I wear this 3+ ways, 3+ places?
If I can style it for a work meeting, a dinner date, and a weekend away—yes, it’s working overtime.Will this elevate everything I already own?
Some pieces make your wardrobe better. Think: a great coat, leather boots, or quality denim.Is the cost-per-wear going to justify the price?
Let’s say the item is $500 and you wear it 50 times in a year. That’s $10 per wear. Totally worth it for a foundational piece. But if it’s $300 for something you’ll wear once…that’s a pass.Does it feel like me—not just a trend?
If I’m excited to wear it right away and can see it working with my core style words, that’s a green light.
My Personal Splurge-Worthy Categories:
Tailored coats & blazers
Everyday leather bags
Timeless jewelry (especially pieces with sentimental value)
Well-made boots or classic shoes
High-quality denim
Luxurious outerwear (especially if you live somewhere cold!)
Items that define your personal style
❌ When to Skip (Or Spend Less)
There are some pieces I rarely recommend splurging on—and for good reason. These tend to be items you either tire of quickly, wear infrequently, or that don't necessarily hold their value.
Here’s where I personally opt to save:
Highly trendy items: If it’s hot on TikTok this season, but you’re unsure how long it’ll last in your wardrobe, it’s a skip.
Occasionwear: I love a great dress, but I rarely splurge unless it’s a piece I’ll wear multiple times.
Basic tees and tanks: You can get great quality without the designer price tag.
Seasonal sandals or statement heels: They’re fun, but often don’t hold up with wear.
Over-designed bags: If you tire of logos or details easily, keep it minimal.
💡Pro Tip: Keep a Splurge List
Anytime I find myself obsessing over something, I don’t immediately buy it. I add it to a running “splurge list” in my Notes app. If I’m still thinking about it a month later—and it fits my criteria—I revisit.
This is how I avoid impulse buys and prioritize pieces that truly move the needle in my wardrobe.
🧠 The Mindset Shift
The truth is, shopping with intention creates confidence. You don’t need a closet full of expensive items. You need a closet full of the right ones.
When you’re clear on what to splurge on—and what to skip—you stop feeling like you’re constantly chasing the perfect wardrobe.
You start building it.
xoxo,
✔️Apply to work with me. My signature process will transform your style in just two sessions. I've helped tons women identify and bring their style to life all while saving them 10's of hours and $1000 of dollars each season.
❓WHAT DID YOU THINK...
Was this helpful? Did you share it with a friend? Was it awful? Your feedback means the world to me and my team! Hit reply and let us know.