I’m not typically an impulse buyer. Rather, my purchases tend to go down in a Marie Kondo–like way with me asking myself: Does this item bring me joy? If yes, do I see it bringing me joy for weeks, months, or years to come? When you buy like this, the cost per wear, as in the breakdown of how much an item costs depending on the amount you wear it, is a factor, too. For example, if I’m buying a pair of jeans for $150 and I think I’ll wear them once a week for a year. That’s 48 wears, which comes out to a little over $3 per wear! A score in my book as I typically keep my costs per wear under $5. And I’m not even someone who likes math!
Thinking about my purchases like this just makes sense in terms of whether or not an item is actually worth buying. It helps me weed out the items that I might add to my cart on a whim and narrow down the ones that have real closet staying power. While my budget is $200 and under for most things, I also find this philosophy useful when it comes to springing for those big-ticket luxury items that I foresee having forever.
For some examples of purchases that fit my $5 and under cost per wear cut, I’ve included a product roundup for your viewing (and/or buying) pleasure, below.
Switch our your darker trousers for ones in shades of white and beige for summer.
Jackets in a classic cut are always worth it in my book.
Polka dots are seriously trending this season, and this dress is on sale!
I wear my white tees until I can’t anymore, so $68 feels like a small price to pay.
You’ll wear these for the long haul.
I found your new everyday sandals!
A white cardigan is a warm weather mainstay and something you can wear for many seasons to come.
This is the skirt every fashion person is wearing right now.
These have a Pucci feel to them that I’m digging.
A spring and summer staple.
I’ve debated buying these for such a long time, but their low cost per wear (I live in jean shorts in the summer) is swaying me!
You can’t go wrong with a Mary Jane in a bold color.
This set has long been on my wish list and I’m taking the plunge!
I’ve fallen in love with this trench coat. You must check out the vents on the back!
This looks much more expensive than its price tag.
Give me flowy pants or give me nothing (it's almost summer, sure, I'll go naked).
Calling all bridesmaids!
A strappy heeled sandal never goes out of style.
The amount that I’ll wear this white button up far outweighs the price.
If you’ve ever looked in your closet and wished you just had a basic black tee, this shirt can remedy that.
Such a good color and cut.
It has matching bottoms, too!
All I need is someone to take me to Italy so this top can live out its best life.
If you wear these 10 times a month for a year, their cost per wear is $1!
When it comes to style there are no “rules” per se, but if it were up to me a white summer dress needs a place in your closet.
90’s minimal chic.
I was gifted this set at my bachelorette party, and they’re the softest pajamas I own.
The slouchy fit of these jeans is too good.
Up Next: How Grace Wales Bonner Cemented the Era of the Samba
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFWLet's dive in.
-
My Word of 2025 Is "Sophisticated," and These 34 Pieces Are the DefinitionThink structured bags, hourglass shapes, and classic tailoring.
-
Treating Yourself? What to Buy From the New Designer Collections Before They Sell OutI'm kind of a pro at this.
-
I'm Refining My Wardrobe—36 Staples I'm Eyeing for 2025Polished is the word.
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears TodayA true fashion icon.
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% ClassicJust as you are.
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
