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How Much Are You Paying To Wear That Outfit? Figuring Cost Per Wear

• Fashionista • Value • You are worth it

Have you ever considered the true cost of the clothes you wear?  Beyond the initial price tag, understanding the concept of Cost Per Wear can help you make more informed decisions when building your wardrobe. 

 

What is Cost Per Wear?

Cost Per Wear is a simple formula that calculates the value of an item based on how many times you wear it. By dividing the total cost of the item by the number of times you wear it, you can determine the Cost Per Wear.

For example, if you purchase a pair of plain Levi jeans for $50 and wear them 50 times before they wear out, the Cost Per Wear would be $1, or to put it plainly, it costs you $1 every time you put on those jeans.

Perhaps a pair of leather designer jeans have caught your eye, but have a price tag of $150.  These are pants that you know you will only wear on special occasions, maybe a maximum of 5 times per season.  This leaves you with a Cost Per Wear of $30 for the year!  Also consider, if they are of a trendy design, you may not even like the style on subsequent years!  Makes you think twice about whipping out your credit card for that purchase!

 Now consider a nice pair of Chico's jeans from Elizabeth Dean Boutique, priced at $15.00. We are back to our original usage of 50 times worn for a nice pair of denim, only now your cost per wear is only 30 cents!  

Which amount would you rather pay to wear a pair of pants??  This Cost Per Wear formula allows you to evaluate the true value of a garment beyond its initial price tag and maximize your wardrobe's value, especially when you shop at Elizabeth Dean Boutique. 

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Here is an example of two pairs of jeans that are currently available at Elizabeth Dean Boutique. Compare the Cost Per Wear to see how much you are willing to pay!

 

  

 

Talbot's jeans, size 16W, $15.99

Cost Per Wear for 52 times worn in a year equals approximately .31 cents per wear.
These are basic blue jeans that could be worn with any top.
If corresponding jeans were purchased at Talbot's, you would spend approximately $129.00, or $2.48 to wear them once a week for a year.
 
Chico's jeans with a beautiful tan print, size 1.5, $16.99
Because of the pattern of these jeans, they are NOT  basic jeans that could be paired with just any top.  These would definitely be worn less times during a year than the previous pair, perhaps once every other week.  Cost Per Wear for 26 wears per year would cost you .65 cents per wear, if purchased at Elizabeth Dean Boutique.
A corresponding pair of decorative jeans  (women's girlfriend floral embroidered ankle jeans) currently purchased at Chico's would run you $189.00 or $7.27 per wear!!
Where do you want to shop to save $$?
Elizabeth Dean Boutique, of course!!

Factors to Consider

When calculating cost per wear, consider factors like the quality of the item, how often you wear it, and how long it will last. Investing in timeless, well-made pieces that you love and wear frequently can help you maximize the value of your wardrobe.

 

 

 

Basic black leather Michael Kors structured purse, $149.99
This handbag could be carried all winter and would match any seasonal outfits.  If you are not a person that changes purses often, I am calculating that you could potentially use this bag from fall through early spring, or approximately 180 days, and be appropriate for colder weather.   This would lead you to a Cost Per Wear of .83 cents per day to carry this designer purse!
 
Patricia Nash floral embossed purse, $139.99
This gorgeous leather handbag would be no less fashionable with a corresponding plainer outfit, but because it is a printed pattern, it might not be so flattering with certain garments.  If you were wearing a plaid black and white coat, this might not be the purse you would want to be carrying, but it could certainly set off an elegant solid khaki pants suit!
Because you might only use this purse a few times a month, your Cost Per Wear would definitely be increased!!

 

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Next time you're tempted to buy a trendy piece on sale, think about the long-term cost per wear and whether it's truly worth it. By making more thoughtful purchasing decisions, you can build a wardrobe that not only looks good but also saves you money in the long run.

 

 

 Where do you want to shop to save $$?

Elizabeth Dean Boutique, of course!!

 

                                                                                  The Consignment Fashionista

 

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