Should I Buy New Clothes to Keep Up With Fashion?

**Wooly Milk** · 10-22-2008, 02:20 AM

I try to be thrifty. One way I do this is to almost never go shopping. This means that I normally wear clothes that are 5-10 years old. I study at university at the moment and work part-time. While at uni or work I feel slightly embarrassed wearing old clothes because I look different.

However, I am reluctant to spend money on new clothes (even if it's from a discount supermarket) because new clothing is not a necessity. That is, I won't die if I don't buy new clothes. Do you think it is legitimate then to buy new clothes merely for the sake of keeping up with fashion?

**Radish4ever** · 10-22-2008, 04:04 AM

Honestly, if you can afford it, adding 1 or 2 new items might make you feel better! Do you have some nice used clothing places near you? I know that I can almost always find more current fashionable clothes at Goodwill or at consignment stores at decent prices! Garage sales are another great place as so many people buy new stuff multiple times a year and just throw out the old stuff!

Another fun idea is participating in a clothing swap with some friends. I did this with several of my friends a few months ago....everyone brought baby, kids, and mommy clothes to swap... No real rules! Just bring what you don't want anymore and get as much "new" stuff from others as you want! We donated the rest and everyone walked away with great items!

**Lady_V** · 10-22-2008, 07:03 AM

I voted No.

Look around... Retro is IN. Prep is IN. Glam is IN. ... I can go on and on. What I am trying to point out to you is you don't have to keep up with fashion because it is always changing. The sweater you bought yesterday is already 'out' in one group' but 'in' with another.

Wear what you have. If you really HAVE to buy new clothes to feel better, go with timeless pieces.

**Greebo** · 10-22-2008, 07:08 AM

SHOULD? No. There is no obligation to buy new, fancy clothes.

CAN YOU? Yes, if you can afford it, pay cash, etc. From your earlier posts, I think you probably can.

The choice is yours. The only should is a "no you should not" if you can't actually afford it. The chance that "yes you should spend extra for the latest fashion" is true is unlikely unless you work in an industry that expects it.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 10-22-2008, 07:35 AM

Why buy new wait a few years and what you have will be back in style. Personally I haven't purchased a new piece of clothes in over a year. Had to buy a Mother of the Groom dress for DH's wedding. Lucky for me the Off 5th Store at our outlet mall was remodeling and marked dresses down to $25.00. Have worn that dress to a dozen functions since then. Usually I'm a jeans and thsirt type of girl.
I'd rather spend my money on a used book or a trip somewhere.

Laurie in Bradenton

**mnmarty03** · 10-22-2008, 07:51 AM

I said no, but that's not the complete truth.

I don't think a person needs to buy new clothes every time something new is in style. I do think a person should wear nice clothes that look good on their body type and that look nice.

What I mean is not to wear holy, stained clothing items. Not to wear clothes that are extremely faded and obviously old. Most importantly, feel good in what you wear. They always say it's more about your self confidence than about your clothes. With self confidence, you could theoretically wear a garbage bag and make it look great!

If you can afford it and pay cash, I say get some stuff to update your clothes! It sounds like it will make you feel better. But I agree, get classic pieces.

**Darlene** · 10-22-2008, 08:12 AM

If you buy classics then you can just buy a few new trendy things to go with them to spice them up. Accessories are a great and often inexpensive way to do just that. Shop thrift stores or make it yourself. Add new buttons to something you already own, raise or lower hems...the sky is the limit with a little time & eye for style.
Like scarves? Make them your signature style, do what makes you feel good.

**Cricketlegs** · 10-22-2008, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by mnmarty03

I said no, but that's not the complete truth.

I don't think a person needs to buy new clothes every time something new is in style. I do think a person should wear nice clothes that look good on their body type and that look nice.

What I mean is not to wear holy, stained clothing items. Not to wear clothes that are extremely faded and obviously old. Most importantly, feel good in what you wear. They always say it's more about your self confidence than about your clothes. With self confidence, you could theoretically wear a garbage bag and make it look great!

If you can afford it and pay cash, I say get some stuff to update your clothes! It sounds like it will make you feel better. But I agree, get classic pieces.

I agree. Get a few nice pieces--on sale that are hipper stylish that can be incorporated with your wordrobe you have now.

getting a few new pieces now and then isn't a bad thing.

Me I mostly shop at Goodwill but when I do I get really nice, sytlish, namebrand stuff that fits for great prices.

I dress very nice on a budget.

Find your happy medium, it isn't yes or no, its how you shop.

**TexasPeanut** · 10-22-2008, 12:55 PM

I voted no as well but I'm also in the belief that if you can afford it and pay cash for it, buy a few timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe. A great pair of slacks, maybe a nice skirt, a couple of pretty blouses and a great jacket that can all interchange not only with each other but with things you currently have, so that you are getting even more outfits for your money. Also if you have any around, check out a few consignment shops or even thrift stores sometimes I see the prettiest business/dress clothes at those places for a small fraction of the cost.

**kittykatstrong** · 10-22-2008, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Darlene

If you buy classics then you can just buy a few new trendy things to go with them to spice them up. Accessories are a great and often inexpensive way to do just that. Shop thrift stores or make it yourself. Add new buttons to something you already own, raise or lower hems...the sky is the limit with a little time & eye for style.
Like scarves? Make them your signature style, do what makes you feel good.

This is what I was going to say only better. I think that you dont have to keep up with all the trends. But pick the ones that make you feel good and find ways to buy or make them cheaper.

**McD** · 10-22-2008, 07:43 PM

You don't need to keep up with the latest fashions. Can you imagine buying somethng only to wear for one season??? Then having to replace it with more 'trendy' clothes. Ick.

Buy classic clothes. If they're classics, you can build a nice wardrobe around those classic pieces while occassionally supplementing with a trendier item.

**leezza** · 10-22-2008, 09:11 PM

I agree with going with the classics

Do like those chic european women do......buy a few very high quality items that will last, then add a piece here or there to compliment the items you already own.

JMHO,
leezza

**happimommi** · 10-22-2008, 09:16 PM

You don't have to buy new to be fashionable. And remember, fashion is in the eye of the beholder. I would say pick a style that you like and looks good on your body type. As a SAHM I have lots of jeans and simple tops. I just don't have a lifestyle that I need lots of dressy clothes. My advice would be to shop sales, Goodwill, consignment shops. You don't have to wear old worn out clothing to be frugal. Find items that make you feel good when you put them on.

**cheapskate 49** · 10-22-2008, 10:19 PM

I voted no...I cannot imagine buying clothes just to keep up with fashion,that's like trying to keep up with the Joneses' and us frugalites never do that.I say buy what fits in colours you like and looks good on you -fashion be damned

**guest002** · 10-22-2008, 10:21 PM

I'd replace a few items that are not to your liking in your wardrobe now with a few newer classic items. I wouldn't spend a ton of cash but a few new or new to you items might be all you'd need. Make sure to try on and organize your closet first so you know what you have and might need.