The Guilt of Buying Non-Work Clothes

Catherine Hageman's so accustomed to investing in office-ready pieces that when it comes to play-clothes, she hardly knows what to do.

By
published
in News






When I landed my first job over three years ago, I couldn't wait to go shopping for work clothes. I've always been an overdresser — I'll take any excuse to wear a skirt! As I added to my work wardrobe, I learned to let go of the guilt associated with buying slightly more expensive clothes. As I've said, if I'm going to spend 40+ hours a week in these clothes, I deserve to enjoy them!

But what about swiping my credit card for the jeans, comfy v-necks and sweats that make up my weekend wardrobe? This summer has brought a new love — maxi skirts — and at $17 apiece, the two I purchased at Target are economical investments for my days off.

It's always hard for me to spend money on play clothes — all my jeans come from Old Navy or Target because I would rather go cheap on something I can't wear most days. However, I've discussed this with my co-workers, and many of them have the opposite problem. They're drowning in yoga pants, but short on trousers.

While I still like wearing cute outfits over the weekend, even if it's just skinnies and a nice t-shirt, every now and then, I just have to get comfy. Last month, I splurged on a hoodie and matching sweatpants from Victoria's Secret. I love the sweatsuit, as cheesy as it may be, and yes, I am anal enough that I have to coordinate even when no one sees my outfit.

But sometimes you have to treat yourself. I may not be able to wear sweats to work — or even out of the house. But I work hard during the week in dressy clothes, and I've decided that I deserve to be comfy and cute on the weekends.

How do you divvy up your clothing budget?

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