Work Clothes Splurge Vs. Steal - When to Spend and When to Save

Catherine Hageman shares her best advice for when to splurge without guilt, and when to save your hard-earned cash.

which work clothes to splurge on and which to save on
(Image credit: Archives)

One of the best parts about adult-life (for me, anyway) is being able to shop whenever I want. One of the worst is budgeting those shopping trips so that I can afford essentials, like food and mortgage payments. Oh, the reality of being a grown-up.

I don't feel bad handing over money for investment pieces. Too many times I have bought cheap items, only to have them fall apart a year later. If I'm going to spend the majority of my day wearing something, I want to enjoy it, be comfortable, and then don it many times over.

Don't feel guilty about splurging on:

But try to buy on the cheap:

J. Crew Aubrey Jacket, $178; Banana Republic Martin Fit Charcoal Lightweight Wool Trouser, $98; Forever 21 High-Low Woven Skirt, $23; Gap Crewneck Pullover Sweater, $40.

Catherine Hageman dispatches fashionista tendencies fit for a corporate career on Small Town, Big Wardrobe.