Here’s the jist of the math:
“Before buying anything, consider its so-called “cost-per-wear.” For example, if a pair of jeans cost $200, but you plan to wear them three times a week for a year, your cost-per-wear will be about $1.28 each time you put them on during the first year, and less if you keep them longer. Meanwhile, the cost-per-wear of a dress you bought on clearance for $40, but only wore once, will be $40. The math clearly tells you which is the better deal. So make note of what you wear the most and spend accordingly.”
I don’t ever figure out a cost-per-wear exactly, but I do think about it. If I don’t think I’ll wear it often, such as going out dresses, then I’ll usually just go to Forever21 and buy something cheap.
So, how do you shop? Do you try and figure out how often you would potentially wear it?
Nikki says
I've been 'rationalizing' purchases like this for years 🙂 I like the idea of limiting it to a 1 year horizon, otherwise I can justify just about everything.
Stephanie says
I'm all about the "cost-per-wear" calculation. 3 years ago I balked at spending $70 on a pair of jeans (I'm normally a clearance-rack jeans kind of girl!), but I've worn them about twice a week for 3 years. The right knee is starting to wear thin, but the total cost per wear wound up being less than 25 cents!
Lindy Mint says
That's definitely a good way to look at it. I wear the heck out of everything I own, so I should be able to justify spending more. I'll think of this next time I start to feel guilty for not spending less. 😉