I am going to show you how Stuart Weitzman costs less than Zara.
You can go ahead and thank me now. Price per wear, ya’ll. Learn it, live it, love it. In this post, I am going to teach you 1) what it means 2) how to apply it 3) how to invest in your wardrobe. Math major or not, this is a formula I promise you won’t forget.
In the past, I was one of those people who would refuse to wear an item more than once. I had to have a new outfit for every dinner, wedding shower, party, or even to wear to work. Well, those days are over my friends. Now that I have tricked myself (and my husband) figured out this amazing formula, I am all about purchasing quality, versatile pieces I can wear over and over again. It’s called the repeat boutique, y’all. And I highly recommend it.
NOTE: Most of the pieces you see in this post are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so make sure you purchase by August 6th.
WHAT IS PRICE PER WEAR?
Price per wear is a concept you can use to determine the actual cost of the investment pieces you purchase aka Algebra for pretty things without the heinous spreadsheets. You basically take the cost of the item divided by the number of times you expect to wear the piece to determine your price (or cost) per wear.
cost / times worn = cost per wear
For example, these Stuart Weitzman booties cost $350 (sale price ends next week, so get them now!!!). I know I will wear them AT LEAST twice per week over the next 32 weeks for a total of 64 times. Using the formula, that’s $350/64 times per year. So my price per wear comes out to be $5.47. How often do you buy MULTIPLE pair of $50 black boots, only to wear them a couple of times? So with this concept, you can invest in one pair of high quality, versatile boots that you can wear over the course of two seasons. Make sense? Keep this formula in mind as you read this post.
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HOW TO SHOP INVESTMENT PIECES
Make a list of categories in which you want to invest.
See below for the categories I choose to invest in. Try to think of areas of your closet where your biggest needs are and also where you will get the most usage.
Take inventory, and make a list within each category
Including must haves, nice to haves, and “I just came across some additional money and need to spend it” haves. For example, I splurged on my Embroidered Gucci shoulder bag in Italy, because I never cashed in my birthday gift from the prior year. The black ankle booties you see in this post, for example, were a MUST HAVE.
Create a quarterly budget.
And stick to it. Quarterly works best. Because it corresponds with the seasons. AND it also is more flexible than a monthly budget.
Invest in basics, first.
I can’t stress this enough. Denim, boots, blazers, simple bags…those are all basics. Fulfill those needs FIRST, then fill the gaps with more on-trend items at a lower price point.
Be you.
Again, this is SO important. I know, you see your favorite celeb wearing that patent leather bomber jacket that you HAVE to HAVE. And then it sits in your closet unworn for years. So stay true to yourself when it comes to investment pieces. Get a little more creative with fast fashion or less expensive pieces.
Purchase on sale.
Honestly this is EXACTLY how I utilize the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale each year. I stock up on my investment pieces, not so basic basics, and MUST HAVES. Need help? Head to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale tab at the top of the blog. In addition, I detail my favs from several different categories. You will also find my other #NSALE posts there as well.
WHERE DO I PERSONALLY INVEST?
Jackets:
Look for a black moto jacket that can be worn around the year and also a nice structured blazer that you can wear straight from the office out to meet your friends.
Shoes:
I invest a LOT in shoes, especially boots. So look for a type of boot that works with jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses. In fact, I always have a plain black Chelsea ankle boot and a pair of over the knee boots in my closet at all times. I also have LIVED in these Gucci slippers. Literally the best purchase I have made this year. Conservatively, they cost less than $7 per wear.
Versatile top:
You guys are going to get tired of seeing me wear the Equipment top featured in this post. So choose tops that you can wear to work or wear with denim. I also love the length of this option. Because it can be tucked in, front tucked, or worn untucked for a more casual vibe.
Denim.
Look, there is PLENTY of non-designer denim out there that I LOVE. For example, I am OBSESSED with these high waisted, Topshop mom jeans. However, make sure you invest in a pair or two of designer denim. The styles are usually timeless, and also the fit is consistent.
Belts + Handbags.
How many times a week do you see me wearing my Gucci belt? What about my designer bags? A LOT. These items add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your outfits, without having to put in a ton of effort. Again, these pieces are typically timeless and hold their resale value. And by using my price per wear formula, they are basically free.
SHOW ME HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE PRICE PER WEAR STRATEGY
As you can see from this post, I focused on 5 splurge items: a pair of Stuart Weitzman ankle boots, a pinstripe button down tunic, a versatile olive green shoulder bag, a fitted blazer with removable dickey, and cropped denim with split hem. These items can be mixed and matched with each other, worn for work or for play, and can be paired with less expensive, seasonal items for a trendier look.
VERSATILE TOP
As you can see from these images, this top can be worn casually with denim or leggings OR dressier for work with a fitted blazer.
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BLACK ANKLE BOOTS
I’ll let these boots do the talking. Wear them with jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses. These babies are MAJ on sale. If you are going to INVEST, now is the time. Price per wear, y’all.
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FITTED BLAZER WITH REMOVABLE DICKEY
I will be LIVING in this blazer all fall. It looks so cute with this denim, black pants for work, AND even the Spanx leggings u see featured in this post. The fact that you can remove the dickey is EVERYTHING. Want to know another tip? By layering, you add interest to your outfit. With this blazer, you have a layering option built in! Price per wear, y’all.
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SHOP THE POST
Stuart Weitzman black ankle boots // embroidered cotton tunic // cropped denim with split hem // fitted, striped blazer with removable dickey // rocker tee ($25 until August 6th) // army green cross body bag // Gucci Princetown slippers ($6.41 price per wear)// Karen Walker super duper round cat eye sunglasses // black faux leather leggings ($65 until August 6th) // Gucci belt // the best red lipstick
