Just totted up how much money I’ve spent on clothes since September- a bit shocked.

[Notellinganyone]

I used to keep note of my clothes spending from the start of the school year and fell out of the habit, Just did a tally and have spent just over 2k. I’m a bit shocked but probably shouldn’t be. I shop in a mixture of Jigsaw, Whistles, Marks etc. How does that compare to your spending? Children have now left home so have more disposable income so no debt.

I'm not sure, but just over £100? Two pairs of trousers from M&S (£35 and £25), two pairs pyjamas from M&S (£12.50). Probably a pack of M&S socks (£10). A matching bra & knickers set from....ummm...M&S £30.

I'm desperately trying to think of anything I've bought that hasn't been from M&S.

For me in that time span probably £100-200. I tend to only buy as things fall apart. I recently found a picture of me in a hoody from 13 years ago that is still in my wardrobe and gets regularly worn 😂.

@Gustavo77 genuine question, how do you manage to have enough things to wear whilst also cleaning and drying them? I’ve struggled with getting things dry again, it’s not so bad in the summer as we have a small outside space and can air dry clothes. But I’m the Winter it’s harder. We recently got a tumble dryer but then a lot of clothes can’t go in there (and I try to buy less and look after clothes so they last longer.) So if you have any tips I’d be interested!

I’d love that!

Good point. Also, what about going out to dinner, or a wedding or a funeral?
Are these items suitable for all seasons, I wonder?

I’ve revamped my whole wardrobe and started this in about Oct/Nov time. I still have a fair few old items, but now the majority of it is my new clothing. It’s the first time since having kids that I’ve really been able to afford to buy myself a decent amount of clothes so I’ve gone a bit wild. I’ve bought myself t-shirts, blouses, shirts, trousers, jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses, jumpers, a wrap thing, coats, dungarees, pyjamas, jackets, cardigans, a bag, socks, underwear, dressing gown, a few pairs of shoes, and even bought myself a new blanket that (although it’s not clothing) is often wrapped around me in the house. Even bought new reusable period pads. I think all of that together is maybe around half of what you’ve spent, maybe just over half. Some of those items have been expensive ones, but the majority have been in sales or even some second hand, mind you. To some people, what I’ve spent is way too extravagant, to others it would seem a tiny amount for almost a whole wardrobe of clothes. To be it’s just right. When my kids were younger (before school age) I remember having very few clothes and most of it had holes in from wearing them so much and I couldn’t afford to replace them as all spare cash went on the kids, so for me, it’s been really lovely to treat myself a little bit.

2dresses for weddings approx £100 and probably £150 on shoes and trainers for me and 1 child. Then about £60 in Sainsbury's last week on a few school uniform bits that were in sale, football boots and new pjs for myself. Anything else has been from vinted!

Most clothes I pick up 2nd hand have barely been worn, some items are new. Nothing wrong with jumble sales either. Surely it’s better have good quality 2nd hand clothes than cheaper rubbish? The fact Vinted has got so huge is proof that most people don’t share your views?

I haven’t bought anything. In fact, apart from a multipack of pants last Summer, I don’t think I bought anything last year either. I earn ok money but have kids at expensive stages in their life and can’t afford to spend. I’ve had my workwear about 6 years now and for home, I have very little. I just rotate until it’s worn out. The last time I bought anything was second hand on Vinted.

Meanwhile, my children have plenty of nice clothes (never excessive but they look nice).

I used to spend a similar figure on clothes each year, to my shame. Then I realised what a disaster the fashion industry is for the environment so now hardly ever buy new (unless it’s underwear - I wouldn’t go that far!) If I need something like a new winter jacket and I can’t find anything suitable second hand, I’ll buy something new that I’ll get at least a decade’s wear out of. I actually feel much happier now I’ve broken the cycle of endless hollow purchases!

I think that's great, @SunshineMountain , and very well deserved! If it makes you feel good about yourself, it's money well spent.

I have no idea. I’m pretty confident I don’t spend as much money on clothes as you but I’m sure I spend much more on ‘self care’ (aesthetics, hair, supplements, nails etc etc) than most. I have £400 a month all-in to spend on whatever I want and I spend almost all of it on treatments, tweakments, grooming, clothes, make up etc. A small amount on - eg - the odd lunch with a girlfriend or a girls’ trip to the cinema.

Agree - I haven’t come across anyone who associates second-hand or vintage clothing with poverty or poor hygiene since about 1995!

1 dress feom unfolded for 48 and 1 bra for 25.00. I am having a "spend as little possible on clothes year ". I am retiring soon so don't want to buy any more work clothes.

Huge thank you to the excessive clothes shoppers. You are the people who supply the boutique charity shops with all the bargains for tight arses like me.
My working wardrobe is pretty strong and all from Mercy in Action!

If you can afford it, you are wearing the clothes, you're not addicted to the high of buying stuff, and you have a regular sort out every now and then, then it's not a problem imho.
I've not personally spent anywhere near that, and can't see why I would, but that's me.

This is a really interesting thread. I’m fortunate in that I can afford to spend more (usually more expensive brands in the sales) to get something good quality that will last for years.

I have had some serious health issues so hadn’t bought much for ages and needed some more clothes so have bought more than usual recently. I‘m trying to be mindful about what I buy so try to shop in charity shops, Vinted or buy from sustainable brands.

Since September I’ve bought one expensive but lovely quality John Lewis Winter coat (£270), a pair of Embassy Winter boots (£150). I got some hand-printed cotton PJs (£65). Scamp and Dude dress (£55). I bought a £15 white t-shirt (annoyingly I needed it urgently and couldn’t find anything fair trade.) The rest has all been charity shop/Vinted-coat (£10), 2 jackets (£20 each), boots (£15), trainers (£15), Winter dress ((£15), short-sleeve shirt (£12), 2 long-sleeved shirts (around £10 each), summer dress (£10), 2denim jackets (£10 each). I bought a few other bits that didn’t fit so we’re sent back. I was also bought some scarves, a handbag (from this great sustainable company called kind bag) and some inexpensive rings and necklaces as gifts.

Ive been reading the book by the guy off Great British Sewing Bee and it makes you think-we’re all buying so much more clothing than even a few years ago. I think being careful what we buy, buying the best quality that we can afford and using charity shops/second-hand to buy and sell all helps.

Since September? Probably about £250.

Well.......you do you......

To all the folk who are delighted with their charity shop bargains, me and my fellow donors say "You are welcome"

We do indeed!

I don’t know if your question is very useful to you OP. What you might be wanting to look at is how this fits with your overall income, your fixed costs, your future planning and other areas of non essential spending and how you prioritise them.

As PP have said, some people have a uniform for work or work from home , or don’t need smart clothes. Like you, I’m in a professional role where I need to look smart. I now (unlike when I was in my 20s) wear clothes at work which I also wear casually, with jeans (jumpers, shirts) and I wear the trousers I wear to work when I go out in the evening with different accessories. I have very little interest in tech or devices- except what I need for work. My phone is ancient but I have no interest in phones. I don’t have my nails done, I don’t have facials, I don’t have massages. I don’t have Botox. I dislike most things that make me sit down for too long. I would rather go for a walk with friends than go for a meal. I don’t have a car.

The point I’m making is that some on mumsnet will have a few children in paid childcare, some might have huge families with lots of weddings, celebrations and gifts. Some might have to, or want to travel several times a year. Some might spend nothing on fashion in a year, but a lot on their sport or their dog or a horse!

I’ve spent a couple of thousand on clothes a year and I’ve spend nothing at all the next year. If you are wearing all your clothes and they fill a gap in your wardrobe, or they are replacement boots/ coats etc and you can afford it, it seems fine. It sounds like you can afford it. You could track how much you wear your clothes with something like Stylebook, so you are aware of everything you have and everything you wear so you don’t make too many costly mistakes.

I’ve spent about £700 in the last
month as I had bought so little over the last few years. I had cleaning, gardening and dog walking clothes but if I was asked out for lunch I really had nothing to wear. I probably won’t buy anything else until the winter.

I don't think the OP is expecting useful answers.....its just chat.

Honestly… probably £5k? That would include sports gear. And started a new job in a fashion focused office after years of WFH… context though is that we are a very high income family (£250k/year) and at least half was due to new job expectations. Normally budget is £300/month for me and DC but typically probably spend a bit more.