To spend half my salary on clothes?

[Pigletspal]

I’ve just graduated from my career-change degree, and got a new job for September! I’m so happy!
For the past 3 years I have been living on a shoestring and buying only the very basics in the way of clothes.
I’ve saved over lockdown and when I get my first pay in Sept I want to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe for Autumn / winter.

If I were to get everything I want, it would come to around £1,000. I have expensive taste and would like to buy good quality things that will last me. But is this obscene? Would I be totally unreasonable? The money’s there in my savings but it’s about half a month’s salary (once I start my job!)
It would make me feel very happy to have some lovely clothes! But WIBU to spend that much?

Hopefully personal shopping will start again. Last summer before starting my new job I booked a session with John Lewis. My total spend was £1100. I bought

Jumpsuit (smart casual)
2 shirts
Pair of jeans
2x Pair of trousers
3 tops
Boots
Shoes
Dress

Got great tips on what works for me and picked items I generally wouldn’t have.
All clothes bar jeans could be smart wear And served me well for the year.

I would do it again.

JL are good with the requirements and budget you set them. Was introduced to a few new brands too!

I say go for it, but probably wait until shops reopen and summer stock is cleared so you can shop for more autumn wear.

I would just buy what was immediately needed rather than a full waldrobe. Then when I was sure the new job was going to work out, the business was still sound after Covid and the shops were open and the sales started I would start looking for additional pieces.
No way would I use most of my savings to buy clothes when starting a new job.

Do it, definitely.

Be careful not to try to get too many clothes for that amount or you will dilute the point of having a quality wardrobe. How many items were you thinking?

Do not spend it on a handbag (no one will notice).

FWIW I don’t actually think that is very lavish if as you say you have not shopped in a long while.

Investment. Do it.

I hate to be a cynic- but 'bird in the hand' would be my thinking at the moment. My other half's job evaporated at the last minute right when this all started. Don't get carried away now would be my advice.

I spent more than that in one sitting,

I however had

A fantastic income
No debts
No kids
Lots left over in savings.

I wouldn't now as circumstances have changed but do not regret it.

As others have said if you can afford it go for it. You will one of many who are in a position to help rebuild the economy. And it is an investment for a good few years of working life too. Good on you.

Come back and show us what your purchased. Best of luck girl.

Do you have any savings? It would be more sensible to buy the clothes over a longer period, rather than all at once, and build up some savings to fall back on. You don't know (particularly in current times) how secure this job will be.

I would say though OP, building a lovely wardrobe is a lifetime's work! I'm 47 and have a wardrobe of clothes I really enjoy and love. Not too many, just a 6ft rail and a large chest of drawers + accessories. I do have something to wear for everything and feel great. One thing I would counsel is shoes, always have the right shoes, there are so many outfits ruined by the wrong ones (not that you need millions of pairs, but shoes really set the tone, make sure the ones you've chosen are absolutely right for you and you won't go far wrong).

Go for it, you deserve it after all your hard work. Happy shopping!

Sorry to be a killjoy but you would be mad to use up all your savings when your job situation is so precarious. You will be last in which is usually first out.

But a couple of nice items and add to your Wardrobe over the first few months in your job.

I wouldn't buy a whole new wardrobe in one go. Like PPs have said, it's good to buy high quality clothes that last but it also makes sense to stagger your purchases both from a financial point of view but also because you'll end up with clothes that all end up looking a little dated at the same time.

I went for YABU, but I mean YABU to ask, not YABU to spend! Come on - you just passed your degree (congratulations!) and landed a job (congratulations!) can you really not decide this for yourself?!