How much do you spend on work clothes?

[TheJuryIsOut]

I'm starting a new job in a school in September so need some smart casual clothes. I'm basically starting from scratch as I've been a SAHM for several years and live in leggings/baggy sweatshirts.

So I'll need a variety of tops, jumpers, trousers, maybe a couple of dresses, tights, at least one pair of comfy shoes maybe two. I also need some new basics like underwear and socks.

If it's relevant DH works offshore and earns around £110k, we have 4 kids.

He seems to really be begrudging me buying new clothes and is wanting me to spend as little as possible.

What would be a reasonable budget for this? I'm not wanting designer stuff, just things from the high street.

All my work clothes were bought in charity shops

Blouses & trousers that are comfortable & wash & go multiple times (non iron)

Comfortable charity shop shoes & boots (boots have been re heeled twice)

Cardigans from charity shop (easy wash)

Under wear & socks bought new

Suggest if you dont like second hand, try super markets for clothes

I would just buy a couple of work clothes first.

See what other people are wearing at work, then buy some more

Smart
Clean
Comfortable
Functional
Easy to wash (non dry clean)

Perhaps I did. I reread it and I think you were making the "sahms are worth the same as a professional chef and nanny and chauffeur put together" argument which I'm not getting into.

But there are many others on this thread saying "why are you buying supermarket clothes when your H earns 6 figures". I'm pointing out £110k is not a lot when you have 4 kids.

£110k is actually less take-home pay than £90k if you have to pay nursery fees, which you get no tax reliefs for.

All bills for a family of 6 would be substantially more than for a family of 3. They have a bigger car to run. A bigger mortgage for their bigger house. A take home pay of £72k does not go very far these days

I also reckon your DH should pay the money for you. Do you have a cleaner/gardener/au pair help. He could pay to help you out of his salary.

M&S have some reasonably priced stuff - wide leg work trousers for £20, and their stretchy jersey wide legs are about £19. Basic tops (slim fit, slash neck, three quarter length sleeve, in white, black and dark grey) £10 each. Comfortable shoes (Fitflop are worth the price). A few cardigans in different colours (New Look aren’t too bad if on a tight budget, but Boden/Seasalt are nicer) and that should set you up for starters.

Can’t help you with the financially controlling husband though, sorry.

I think you're looking at about £500 if you want good quality that will survive washing and wearing every day. That would do you a selection of bottoms and tops or dresses and couple of pairs of shoes/trainers from M&S , Uniqlo or a similar price point. And a bag.

Don't start a new job feeling scruffy.

Ah I think from your update your husband doesn't sound controlling, it's just out of your comfort zones to buy multiple items of clothes in one go. He will need to adjust his mindset now you are returning to work.

I used to be a primary school teacher and I would say that your clothes get absolutely hammered especially if your are KS1. Paint, marker pens, climbing on tables to do display boards, crawling around cupboards to find resources, playing games etc.

I only ever bought second hand/supermarket clothes. In many primary schools now you will get away with smartish trainers, if not I would invest in one really comfy pair of shoes. Although you are dealing with people all the time.... Parents, SLT, children, visiting professionals and you will generally feel more confident if you feel good about yourself.