Save or splurge?
Mastering high-low dressing: a peek into how your favourite Substack writers prioritize their shopping budgets.
While I think and write a lot about shopping and style, I’m almost always taking into consideration the money side of things. Or, to be more specific, I think a lot about the ways we prioritize our shopping budgets and decide what’s worth investing in and what’s not? After all, we all know that those with the best style are often masters at high-low dressing. Whether that’s pairing higher-end, designer pieces with high-street styles (even Katie Holmes does it), or mixing something new with secondhand finds (or both).
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to be more thoughtful in how I approach shopping and am more conscious of where my money is going, which is what inspired me to start my Was it worth it? series in the first place. Whether it’s in that series or other style-related posts, what I write about truly reflects how I shop: a mix of high and low. I love finding a good deal, but I also don’t mind spending a little extra from time to time if it means better quality. And, there are certain categories I’m willing to spend more money on than others.
Some pieces I consider to be ‘splurges’ are my AGOLDE jeans, Toteme coat, Chanel ballet flats, and my small collection of designer bags. They’re the pieces where quality stands out to me and they often serve as focal points in my outfits. Whereas I usually try to save when it comes to basic tops (my button-ups are from Zara and T-shirts from Aritzia) and accessories, like jewellery and belts, which I don’t wear as much.
This is what works for me, but I know everyone is different, and I’ve always been curious about how others prioritize their spending and approach high-low dressing. So, I reached out to 10 Substack writers I admire in the fashion and lifestyle space to pose this question:
What items do you splurge on and where do you try to save?
It’s worth pointing out that what’s affordable and what’s a splurge are subjective—each individual has their own definition of what they mean to them. What some may consider a savings, others might consider a splurge (you get the idea.) However, the intention is not to approach this topic from a place of judgement, but from a genuine curiosity about how others shop to make the most of their wardrobes and dollars. And, maybe you’ll find that you share similar approaches to some of these strategies.
, The Wardrobe Edit
“In the winter, I wear a white T-shirt almost every day under my knitwear, and even though my one true love is the LESET Margo T-shirt, the Everlane Box-Cut Tee is a decent enough dupe for over half the price. Plus, they come in a tonne of colours, and I find they run true to size. Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m getting a bargain per se, but I rarely pay full price for a bag. I’m a big fan of secondhand bags—they look even better a little loved in my eyes. I find most of mine on Vestiaire Collective. It’s a good way to ‘save’ in the skyrocketing handbag market.
Where I go all out? Coats, shoes, and denim. You can get great denim on the high street (Abercrombie and ARKET are my best finds), but AGOLDE has a special place in my heart. Years have passed since I purchased my first pair of ‘90s Pinch Waist Jeans, and they are still some of my most-worn styles. For shoes, I look for leather styles and love looking to see what’s new at Toteme, Aeyde, and Flattered. Then, for coats, I try to find styles that have a high wool percentage. Ultimately, they are going to keep you warmer and last longer. Classic styles really do stand the test of time.”
, Midimalist
“My wardrobe skews very casual because of my work-from-home lifestyle, but more than that, what has informed my wardrobe most in recent years is my kids getting older. When my kids were little (read: messy) I would have never thought of spending much money on a basic shirt (I rode hard for Hanes tees). But now I definitely splurge on great basic tees (largely the Margo from Leset and the pointelle collections). They fit so well, and the material is soft and comfortable. I can machine wash without ruining them (I try to save them from my dryer and air dry, but I don't get them every time). On the other hand, my ‘save’ purchase will always be denim because I have yet to find a denim that I like more than Levi's. I have tried designer denim on a few occasions, but I can never justify the price when I would reach for the same pair of Levi's every time anyways; specifically, the 501 90s!”
, Another Fashion Newsletter
“This is such a great—and important—question because I imagine most of us don't have unlimited budgets when it comes to fashion, so prioritizing spend is critical to ensuring we're adding to our wardrobes in a meaningful yet responsible way. While I could list several items in both categories, my #1 category for saving would have to be tees and tanks. I go through t-shirts very quickly; in that they are some of my biggest workhorse wardrobe items with very low CPW. As a result, even my ‘nice’ tees eventually start to look & feel like they've seen better days and need replacing at least once or twice a year. To this end, I LOVE Target's tees and tanks, and at that price point ($8!!), I don't feel bad when I have to refresh!
In terms of splurge, it's the obvious categories like bags and shoes, BUT my number one would be fine jewelry. I grew up around fine jewelry, have worked in the industry for many years, and am a lover and collector. This is a smart splurge category because, at the end of the day, inherent value will always be there, thanks to precious materials like gold, diamonds, and gemstones appreciating over time. But more importantly, I'm drawn to how sentimental jewelry is, more so than any other 'fashion' item; they really are heirlooms that carry a ton of emotional significance and can be handed down generation after generation, often with memorable stories attached to each piece!”
, The Found Journal
“It's usually a mix of gut instinct and price-value in relation to how much I resonate with the specific item, how much it checks all the boxes, and the actual quality.
It varies by category and item, but I typically splurge on:
-Tailoring like blazers, trousers, coats. This is an area where I think there is a noticeable difference in construction, quality, and fit.
-Items I absolutely fall in love with and I don't care what dupes are available (or I can't find a good alternative that I'm willing to trade down on). A recent example is a pair of Jil Sander patent slingbacks.
-Shoes and bags. Partially because I have expensive taste when it comes to these (!!), but I also don't buy them often, so when I do, I like investing as they stay in my wardrobe for a long time. Note that I don't necessarily buy full-price or brand new. Most of my favorites were purchased secondhand.
I typically choose to save:
-If it's a newer idea or something that I want to inject for some fun or freshness without a lot of monetary risk (i.e., jewelry or belts).
-Price-value. Natural fibers for example. I don't think yarn and price are mutually exclusive. I will never pay a lot for something like cotton as it's a commodity yarn, so my favorite cotton sweaters are from Gap, whereas I may pay more for cashmere, or alpaca, or wool.
-Jeans—it depends on the fit and wash. It's a category where I've purchased higher price points, but my favorites continue to be old Zara and H&M jeans in my wardrobe that I've loved wearing for years and have lasted longer than the expensive ones!”
, How to wear it
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve splurged on shoes—specifically Chanel ballet flats. They're an integral part of almost every outfit and a shoe I reach for no matter the occasion. In recent years, I’ve added denim to my splurge list. The Khaite Abigail style is a wardrobe essential, along with pairs from The Row and FRAME. Most of my jackets and coats, however, are ‘saves’ from high-street shops. Because LA’s mild weather means they get less wear, pieces from Massimo Dutti and Zara have lasted for years. I have a black wool wrap coat from Massimo Dutti that I got in the mid-2010s and pull out every fall/winter season. I do love to shop secondhand and vintage(ish), so many pieces in my wardrobe (from jackets to denim) are saves that could have very well been splurges. My favorite finds are vintage Gucci by Tom Ford pieces and vintage Levi's from the 90s and early 2000s.”
, The Inside Pocket
“Shopping is one of my favourite activities in the world. However, I have dramatically changed my spending habits over the past few years for ethical reasons. Impulse buying isn’t for me—it once left my wardrobe full of items I couldn’t love for more than one season. So, I’m not a big spender anymore; I’m more of a retired one. I still splurge on vintage pieces, though—each one tells a story and offers a timeless charm that’s simply irreplaceable. Jewellery is my biggest weakness; I see it as a unique find that I’m happy to invest in, knowing I’ll cherish it forever and possibly pass it down without any size or stain problems!
My beauty routine is another area where I’m happy to invest because quality products are essential for keeping my skin happy. And, as an Italian, I have to admit I appreciate quality in every aspect of life—especially food. Prime ingredients make our food so delicious, so my tomato bills are indeed quite high!”
, All The Above
“I like to splurge on what I call my heavy hitters—things that I’m either using all the time or where I notice quality makes a huge difference. Skincare, button downs, purses, and shoes are a few heavy hitters for me. Since moving to Paris, footwear has been the one category where quality has shined.
I’ve had these Lauren Ralph Lauren loafers for 15+ years and they’re still going strong, even after moving to Paris where I’m constantly walking. Wearing shoes that are comfortable (and stylish!) are a necessity for me. I’ve always loved a loafer and it’s one category where splurging has always paid off. I am currently eyeing a few more pairs with sturdier soles—another thing I hadn’t really considered before living in a big city! I’m on the hunt for a black tassel loafer and a white or cream pair.
I’m currently spending less on long sleeves and t-shirts I use for layering. I don’t wear these as often, so I opted to buy them on sale and they’ve worked well for me so far—I haven’t felt the need to splurge for alternatives. This might change now that I'm in Paris, but so far they’re still doing what I need them to!”
, Tea House
“I’m all about investing in coats and knits. Living in Colorado, the coat is the outfit from December to April. My 100% wool Max Mara camel coat and black Sport Max robe coat are in heavy rotation for most of the year. They’re so luxe and warm, and the quality is unmatched—I don’t mind spending because I know I’ll have and wear them for years and years. Lisa Yang cashmere sweaters are also a splurge but are my absolute favorite. They’re total wardrobe workhorses that go from a cozy work-from-home day to a cross-country flight to dinner out with my girlfriends.
I typically save when it comes to bags and sunglasses. I’m a big fan of an inexpensive raffia bag, and I love hunting evening bags secondhand, like the Judith Leiber clutch I snagged for a great deal on TRR. Since I'm very prone to losing or scratching up my sunglasses, I never buy designer sunnies full-price.”
, Platonic Love
“My weight tends to fluctuate (it is what it is!), so I've learned to spend the most on clothes that I feel good in, whether they're a little tighter or a little roomier. For example, over the last few years I've bought several La Ligne sweaters (the selection on eBay is incredible; seriously, set an alert.) They always fit me well and are so effortlessly chic. Pants, on the other hand? I really try not to spend a lot on pants. Last winter, I was shopping in NYC with my mom and fell in love with a $450 pair of jeans... I restrained myself from buying them and am so glad I did, because I don't think I'd feel as comfortable in them now, and then I'd be mad at myself for buying super expensive denim I didn't want to wear.”
, Lemonade
“My decisions on what to save and splurge on have evolved as my life has changed. Generally, I splurge on items I know will last me for years. Some examples from my 30s are a pair of camel and black Chanel flats, Stuart Weitzman boots, a vintage Gucci bag, and dangly emerald earrings. These items feel special every time I put them on and remain timeless. Lately, I've been splurging on the ‘perfect’ item in each category—the best-fitting Paige jeans, the ideal Leset t-shirt, the dreamiest Reformation dress, and whimsical Jimmy Choo ballet flats. I wouldn't splurge on all my jeans, dresses, and shoes, but it's nice to spend on one piece in each category that gives me that full-body-yes and save on the rest.”
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts! Would love for you to join the conversation, too. Tell us: What do you splurge on and where do you save?
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Laughing to myself that I splurge on tees and so many people said they save on them!! I love fashion that we each get to prioritize differently. I’m so grateful I was included in this Maria and this was a good reminder to splurge on my outerwear!! It’s endorsed by most!
Am I currently wearing a Target tee…and of course my stack! 😂 I loved this Maria and thank you SO much for including me. I adored reading about everyone’s categories- so fun and interesting to see different approaches!!