The Weekend Read✨Save or Splurge? Our Guide to Spending Smart

Jenny Goldsmith | Read in 6 minutes

Hello!

Have you ever bought something expensive because you thought it must be better, only to find it sitting unworn in your wardrobe six months later? Or perhaps you've picked up a bargain on the high street that has become one of the hardest-working pieces you own? We've all been there.

One of the biggest myths in fashion is that looking stylish means spending more money. After more than 25 years between us helping hundreds of women and men build wardrobes they love, we can confidently tell you that's simply not true. Style isn't about spending more, it's about spending wisely.

Knowing where to invest can transform your wardrobe, whilst knowing where to save means you have money left for the pieces that really deserve it. So this week we're letting you into one of our biggest styling secrets: Where do we save and where do we happily splurge? Let's find out.

Splurge: The Coat You Wear on Repeat

If there is one item we always encourage clients to invest in, it's a great coat.

During autumn and winter, it's often the first, and sometimes the only part of your outfit that people see.

A beautifully cut coat instantly makes everything underneath look more polished. Jeans, trainers and a simple jumper suddenly feel intentional when they're topped with a fabulous coat. The key isn't about buying designer, it's choosing quality fabric, timeless styling and a colour that works beautifully with your palette.

A good coat can last ten years or more. That's excellent value when you think about the cost per wear.

The Weekend Read✨Save or Splurge? Our Guide to Spending Smart

Save: Basic T-Shirts

Here's where we'd happily save. Basic T-shirts don't need to cost a fortune. In fact, many high street retailers now produce excellent cotton T-shirts in a huge range of colours and fits.

Instead of paying for a designer logo, we'd much rather see you buying the right neckline, the right colour and replacing them once they begin to lose their shape. Nobody knows whether your white T-shirt cost £18 or £180. But everyone notices whether it fits you beautifully or not.

Splurge: Shoes That Love Your Feet

We've all done it. We've bought gorgeous shoes because they looked amazing in the shop. Then spent the entire evening wishing we'd worn something else. Comfort isn't boring, comfort is confidence. Quality shoes usually offer better support, better materials and better construction. If you wear them regularly, they'll often outlast several cheaper pairs.

Your feet and your posture will thank you.

It Depends: Jeans

Now here's where things get interesting. Should you spend £40 or £240 on jeans? Our answer: It depends. If you've struggled for years to find jeans that flatter your shape, fit comfortably and make you feel fantastic, investing in a premium pair can be worth every penny.

But if you're buying this season's trend shape just because everyone else is wearing it, then save your money. Fashion moves quickly and your wardrobe should move thoughtfully.

Save: Trend Pieces

Every season we're told there's one colour, one print or one style that we simply must own. This year it's this, next year it'll be something completely different. If you're trying a trend for the first time, we'd almost always suggest buying it from the high street. That way you can enjoy the fun without worrying whether you'll still love it next season. Save your investment pieces for styles you'll reach for year after year.

Splurge: Handbags

A handbag doesn't need an impressive logo to look expensive. What makes the difference is good quality leather (or an excellent vegan alternative), thoughtful design and beautiful craftsmanship. If you're carrying the same bag five days a week for several years, the cost per wear becomes surprisingly low. It's one of those purchases you'll appreciate every single day.

Save: Fashion Jewellery

It might surprise you, but fashion jewellery has become incredibly good. Mix a few affordable pieces with one or two treasured items and you'll create a collection that's interesting, modern and uniquely yours. The trick isn't spending more, it's choosing pieces that suit your colouring, your personality and your style. As always, confidence is the best accessory.

Splurge: Knitwear

Nothing dates an outfit faster than knitwear that's stretched, bobbled and lost its shape after just a few washes. When your budget allows, invest in quality natural fibres such as merino wool or cashmere blends. They often drape better, feel softer against the skin and with a little care they last for years. Sometimes buying one beautiful jumper really is better than buying four average ones.

The Questions We Ask Every Client

Whenever we're shopping with clients, we always ask three simple questions before anything goes into the changing room: Will you wear it at least 30 times? Does it work with at least three other items you already own? Would you still buy it if it wasn't on sale? If the answer to any of these is no, it's worth pausing. The best wardrobes aren't built from impulse purchases, they're built from thoughtful decisions.

This Week's Style Challenge

This weekend, choose one item in your wardrobe that has been worth every penny and one purchase you wish you'd left on the rail. What made the difference? We'd love to hear your answers. Reply to this email or tell us over on social media. Your experience might even inspire a future edition of The Weekend Read!

Our Final Thought

One of the greatest compliments we receive isn't 'You helped me buy lots of lovely clothes', it's this: 'I spend less now than I used to'. This might sound strange coming from two personal stylists, but it's exactly what we hope for.

When you understand your colours, know your style personality and recognise what truly suits you, shopping becomes easier. You stop chasing trends that don't serve you, avoid expensive mistakes and build a wardrobe where everything earns its place.

So the next time you're standing in a changing room wondering whether to take something home, don't ask yourself whether it's expensive enough, ask yourself whether it's right. Style isn't about spending the most, it's about making the smartest choices. And that's something that's always worth investing in.

So until next weekend...have a wonderful week.

Best wishes,

Jenny & Judi xx

Next week in The Weekend Read, we'll be finding the best accessories for your for under £50.

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