Women/Clothing

[Silverwood]

So I went to the mall today as I needed a few things clothing wise. It was an absolute zoo but Ive been stuck in the house for a couple weeks with a bad respiratory cold so it was nice to get out.  I figure I should throw that in so I dont get the side eye for being at the mall. I usually only go once a year.

Anyway I go into Rickis to buy a pair of jeans. I'm not sure if that store is down in the states but its a more professional store for women. Lots of office style clothing.  The jeans I bought were $80. Which  makes me go OMG 80 DOLLARS!! but I'm trying to buy only a pair or two a year. I'm trying to see which jeans last the longest for me and I'm starting with this store.

When I paid for them I was asked if I wanted to be part of the pants club. I said yes, as its free, and then she told me its buy 5 pairs and then you get the 6th free.Which would be great except when I asked I was told the card expired after only 1 year.  I think she was a little taken aback as I kind of stuttered and was like No, forget it. There is no way in hell I would spend almost $600 a year on just pants.

Same thing with my bras. They wanted me to sign up for their card but I only go once a year. I dont care if its only 3 dollars with my purchase and then 10% off after that. If I dont come back till next year its 3 dollars out of my pocket. I actually know this as I looked at the card I had bought last year and it had expired in November.  Lat year was the best deal Id ever gotten as I bought a 20 dollar bra and they had a 10 dollar off coupon. They actually had to go and ask a supervisor if it was ok.

Anyway, I was just excited and wanted to share. This is stuff I wouldn't of noticed before reading MMM.

[Dicey]

I think I read somewhere that joining these store affinity programs GUARANTEES that you'll spend more with the affiliated outfit than you would have otherwise. Sure hope it's true as I always say "No, thank you." when they ask. I don't think getting 5% off at Target is going to help me save money in the long run.

[marty998]

When I paid for them I was asked if I wanted to be part of the pants club. I said yes, as its free, and then she told me its buy 5 pairs and then you get the 6th free.Which would be great except when I asked I was told the card expired after only 1 year.  I think she was a little taken aback as I kind of stuttered and was like No, forget it. There is no way in hell I would spend almost $600 a year on just pants.

Ha. 6 pairs of jeans a year?

I buy one every 6 years. Hang on to it long enough and styles come back in vogue :)

(Might need another soon, gone down a size in the last 3 months and there's no more notches on the belt I can go down to!)

[Roots&Wings]

I really dislike physical clothing stores. I only buy clothes online, and pretty rarely. I pretty much only buy stretchy clothes so I just err on the side of the smaller size and it's never a problem.

I don't see the appeal of physical stores. I find them very stressful. It makes me anxious just thinking about being in one.

+1000

Only exception for me is Goodwill, where I can usually find a $6 pair of jeans that last 5+ years.  All other clothes shopping is online!

[Silverwood]

That'd awesome about losing weight. My jeans would last longer if I could get rid of this damn thigh rub. I'd probably be able to find things that fit at goodwill then too.

What online stores do you like. I love online shopping but haven't tried clothes yet.   The clothing stores I like have online sites but sizing stuff can be difficult

[AllChoptUp]

I really dislike physical clothing stores. I only buy clothes online, and pretty rarely. I pretty much only buy stretchy clothes so I just err on the side of the smaller size and it's never a problem.

I don't see the appeal of physical stores. I find them very stressful. It makes me anxious just thinking about being in one.

You said it. All those options are overwhelming. And I can't put an outfit together. And I can't stand spending so much money.

[netskyblue]

I only go clothes shopping about once every 5 years.  This is about when my clothes are getting pretty worn - hems redone multiple times, zippers start breaking, sweaters get holes, shoe soles cracking, etc.  Underwear & socks tend to wear out or go missing (dryer gnome eats the sock mate), so they're about every other year.

This year I did my big shopping expedition.  I spent about $700 and got 13 shirts, 8 pairs of pants (dress slacks), 4 pairs of shoes, 3 bras, something like 20 pairs of socks, and 6 or so pairs of underwear.

Almost all of the pants were from Goodwill (they fit better and seem better quality than what I could find in department stores, too).  Some of the shirts were from Goodwill, most were from discount stores like Gordman's & TJ MAXX.  So were the shoes, socks, and underwear.  I think the bras were from Target, and were on sale.

It was a lot of money to drop at once, but it was basically replacing my entire wardrobe, and will last several years.  Even if it should only make it 3 years, that's < $20/mo.  My last "big" shopping expedition was 8 years ago, but I had to replace my shoes twice within that time.  This time, instead of getting one pair each of black & brown shoes, I got 2 pairs of each color (different styles), so they'll get worn less frequently.

[MrsPete]

It's true that many of these programs are about "spaving".  That is, spending money to save.  Clearly the concept works because more and more stores are offering such deals.  However, they're not all bad. 

For example, I live near a Hanes Outlet.  Their prices are moderate: $20 for a difficult-to-find bra size, $10-15 for college hoodies that appeal to my teens.  And you always get something "free" when you check out -- usually your choice from a box of socks.  Anyway, they offer a "stamp card" deal -- for every $10 you spend, you get a stamp, and when you reach X number of stamps, you get X amount of money for free.  No expiration date, and the card also offers special deals every month -- my favorite is 20% off total purchase in your birthday month.  And they had a "spend $60 in August, get a $25 gift card to use in September" deal.  These are worthwhile -- as long as you don't buy things you wouldn't buy anyway. 

On the other hand, Kohl's is the worst.  They create a frenzy with their price-it-high-so-you-can-mark-it-down philosophy, then complicate it further with their $10 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend.  The obvious issue here is that people tend to say, "Well, it's like I only spent $40 because I have $10 for the future" . . . but then they double-count it and mentally subtract the $10 off the second purchase as well!  Still, if you're careful, you can get good deals:  I was there yesterday, and I bought two pairs of PJ pants and a plate for $9.09 total. 

The big moral isn't, Stay Away From Loyalty Programs! 
It's, Read The Details, and Never Buy Anything You Wouldn't Have Bought If Not For The Deal.

[Future Lazy]

I actually prefer physical stores. Anything I buy online doesn't ever quite fit right.

I usually hit the Eddie Bauer outlet store and get 2-3 pairs of $20 jeans 1-2 times a year. My DH also prefers their cargo pants, so it's a joint trip.

Dillards for my bra shopping, as they have a sale on their clearance every now and then that makes bras $5-$15. I once bought one that was $20, original price of $80.

Dress Barn for all my "professional" clothing needs. As in, 2-3 $30-$40 shirts a year for office wear. Just like Kohls or other places, I hate their "cash" dealios. It'd be great if I could accumulate it, but it expires in 1-2 weeks. I'm never coming back that soon, so I usually hand it back to them and say to throw it away.

I do have a Dress Barn credit card that I signed up for when I started my first office job and needed some "nice clothes." Signing up gave me 30% off that purchase, but I've never actually used the card.

[AvisJinx]

I really dislike physical clothing stores. I only buy clothes online, and pretty rarely. I pretty much only buy stretchy clothes so I just err on the side of the smaller size and it's never a problem.

I don't see the appeal of physical stores. I find them very stressful. It makes me anxious just thinking about being in one.

You said it. All those options are overwhelming. And I can't put an outfit together. And I can't stand spending so much money.

Same here, I hate going to department stores and malls because they inevitably put me in a very bad mood. I ether can't find anything I like, or since most stores only carry a limited amount of petites if any at all, I can't find my size. Anyway, there are better deals and more selection online.

[Inkedup]

I really dislike physical clothing stores. I only buy clothes online, and pretty rarely. I pretty much only buy stretchy clothes so I just err on the side of the smaller size and it's never a problem.

I don't see the appeal of physical stores. I find them very stressful. It makes me anxious just thinking about being in one.

I also eschew stores in favor of online shopping. Perhaps it has something to do with being an introvert? Physical stores are just draining to me. All the bright lights, riot of colors, and dizzying magnitude of selection, create an overwhelming experience that makes me want to go home and take a long nap. And few of the items I see are actually appealing and in my size. The quality of what is available, especially for women, is also a near-universal disappointment (A $100 top that feels like it's made from medical gauze?? No thanks.).   

[I'm a red panda]

I bought my husband a bunch of shirts at JC Penny because he needed them for work and I'd been waiting on a sale.

I tried to find clothes for myself as well, but everything was overpriced and crappy quality.

I have half as much clothing as him because it is impossible to find anything for me.  Things are going to start wearing out soon, so eventually I will need to replace them.

I have 1 pair of jeans. I bought them 5 years ago at Target for $20.  I wear them 3-4 times a week.

[MrsPete]

I actually prefer physical stores. Anything I buy online doesn't ever quite fit right.

I usually hit the Eddie Bauer outlet store and get 2-3 pairs of $20 jeans 1-2 times a year. My DH also prefers their cargo pants, so it's a joint trip.

Dillards for my bra shopping, as they have a sale on their clearance every now and then that makes bras $5-$15. I once bought one that was $20, original price of $80.

Dress Barn for all my "professional" clothing needs. As in, 2-3 $30-$40 shirts a year for office wear. Just like Kohls or other places, I hate their "cash" dealios. It'd be great if I could accumulate it, but it expires in 1-2 weeks. I'm never coming back that soon, so I usually hand it back to them and say to throw it away.

I do have a Dress Barn credit card that I signed up for when I started my first office job and needed some "nice clothes." Signing up gave me 30% off that purchase, but I've never actually used the card.

Oh, no -- don't throw away Kohl's cash.  They'll accept expired vouchers.  Though I think all frugal people have a love-hate relationship with this store, this one thing is a constant and a positive. 

I also like Dress Barn for professional clothing.  Their things fit me well, they're fairly classic, and their sale prices are decent.

[Roots&Wings]

What online stores do you like. I love online shopping but haven't tried clothes yet.   The clothing stores I like have online sites but sizing stuff can be difficult

I don't shop for clothes often, just when something is needed and at online stores that offer free shipping and returns (either via a local store or return mail label) in case something doesn't work out. 

For me, that includes Amazon, Lands End, Kohls (found a great dress on sale for my brother's wedding), Bealls, and dare I say it, Walmart (I like their Danskin Now workout stuff).

Given some recent weight changes and things finally wearing out, I purchased a lot of new clothes this past year, but should now be all set for a good long while :)

[MrsPete]

I bought my husband a bunch of shirts at JC Penny because he needed them for work and I'd been waiting on a sale.

I tried to find clothes for myself as well, but everything was overpriced and crappy quality.

I have half as much clothing as him because it is impossible to find anything for me.  Things are going to start wearing out soon, so eventually I will need to replace them.

I have 1 pair of jeans. I bought them 5 years ago at Target for $20.  I wear them 3-4 times a week.

For the past 4-5 years, I've been doing my husband's shirts right -- I wish the rest of our wardrobe functioned as well as his shirts:  Every year in January - February - March, when winter things are clearanced to rock-bottom prices, I buy him TWO LL Bean shirts.  Always two  Always Bean.  I give them to him at Christmas, and he then discards the two most worn-out shirts in his closet.  100% of his LL Bean shirts still look fantastic, though some of them are around five years old.  The quality for the money is quite reasonable, and he always looks good going to work.

As for jeans, I always own two pair (typically one recently-purchased, good-looking pair and one pair approaching ratty).  I wear them 2-3 times per week, and they seem to last about two years.  I tend to pay $20-25 for them.  I anticipate that when I retire, I'll double  my jeans to four pair because I'll wear them more often. 

[sunnyca]

I do almost all of my shopping for clothes and shoes online.  For technical gear and some casual wear, I shop at Sierra Trading Post.  Otherwise, I buy stuff from Amazon on sale.

[MrFancypants]

My wife seems to be the master of dressing well on next to nothing.  TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, outlet malls, and occasionally random mall/department store sales.  She can even put together nice outfits out of super cheap clearance stuff from Sam's Club or Costco. 

Something I learned a while ago is that the key to being sharply dressed is to wear clothes that fit properly; it doesn't matter how much you spent on something if it fits like you're wearing a tent.  Outside of suits, this is certainly more true for women than it is for men.

[NoraLenderbee]

Sierra Trading Post is where I get practically everything nowadays. Also Land's End, but their prices have gone way up and the quality isn't what it was.
For pants, though, it's sometimes worth it to try something on in a store, because I'm kind of hard to fit.

I went to Macy's about a year ago to get some socks--just regular black or blue socks--and they didn't have anything except a few pairs of garish polyester socks. Huh?? Next purchase may be from Hanes.

[TrulyStashin]

Something I learned a while ago is that the key to being sharply dressed is to wear clothes that fit properly; it doesn't matter how much you spent on something if it fits like you're wearing a tent.  Outside of suits, this is certainly more true for women than it is for men.

+1   

When I buy clothes, I go for 1) high quality; 2) fit and ability to be tailored (some tailoring issues are easy, others are deal breakers); and 3) style/ color.   The show What Not to Wear was tremendously helpful in learning to assess # 1 and # 2 as it applies to your build/ body shape.

I'm a lawyer in a huge law firm and have to look sharp.  Most of my wardrobe is from consignment stores and/ or Goodwill with a few key high-quality pieces bought new (example:  white blouse from Brooks Brothers -- I buy 1 each year when they have their annual sale.).   A classic black wool pencil skirt with a white blouse and nice shoes/ accessories is a combination that will never look wrong.  Add a jacket or scarf and you've got a homerun.

[4alpacas]

I've started buying all of my jeans through eBay.  I found a style that I like, but the price tag is around $115 for a new pair.  I can find the same size/style on eBay for less than $20 (including shipping).  The last pair I bought still had the tags attached!  I usually find an item that I like and stick with it.  I rarely have the patience for consignment stores, so an eBay alert is the best I can do. 

Unlike TrulyStashin, I don't have to look professional at work.  If I dressed well, my coworkers would look at me like I have three heads. 

[MrsPete]

Also Land's End, but their prices have gone way up and the quality isn't what it was.

I love Land's End's dresses, and at the end of the season they clearance them down as low as $15. 

[Artemis67]

Lands' End had a 40% off everything sale in early December, so I stocked up on t-shirts and turtlenecks, and got a new pair of cords and another pair of chinos (I don't wear jeans because I'm weird). I also found a good source for lambswool grandpa cardigans and v-neck pullovers (woolovers.com), and bought a few of those in different colors. That's seriously major shopping for me, and it felt weird to actually spend money on clothes, but then again, I don't think I bought anything at all last year other than the usual two pairs of pants and some socks.

I like really plain, boring clothes--the kind of stuff that is never on-trend, but never so far out of style that it looks dated. I don't like things that have been fucked up with some ugly "fashion" detail (women's clothes are really bad with this), I won't wear visible logos, and I generally don't care for prints. I want well-made stuff that won't fall apart or lose its shape, in natural fibers, in colors I like (I'm forcing myself away from default-black).

But just try finding that stuff at the mall. You'd think that simple basics would be easy to find? Nope. And I have no patience for crowds, or digging through rack after rack of clothes to find something I'm willing to wear. People say they don't go to thrift stores because they don't like having to comb through all the racks of junk just to find one thing they like, and that fits? That's how I feel at just about any retail clothing store. Nordstrom? Goodwill? Nordie's smells better, but beyond that, the shopping experience is about the same for me as it is at GW, except at Nordie's I also feel bitterly insulted by the prices. Don't even get me started on Macy's--I end up in there once a year for some reason or other, but never buy anything because it's all polyester trash that makes me angry to look at it.

Clearly, I have issues, lol. So I shop online, and leave it at that.

[Elliot]

Lands' End had a 40% off everything sale in early December, so I stocked up on t-shirts and turtlenecks, and got a new pair of cords and another pair of chinos (I don't wear jeans because I'm weird). I also found a good source for lambswool grandpa cardigans and v-neck pullovers (woolovers.com), and bought a few of those in different colors. That's seriously major shopping for me, and it felt weird to actually spend money on clothes, but then again, I don't think I bought anything at all last year other than the usual two pairs of pants and some socks.

I like really plain, boring clothes--the kind of stuff that is never on-trend, but never so far out of style that it looks dated. I don't like things that have been fucked up with some ugly "fashion" detail (women's clothes are really bad with this), I won't wear visible logos, and I generally don't care for prints. I want well-made stuff that won't fall apart or lose its shape, in natural fibers, in colors I like (I'm forcing myself away from default-black).

But just try finding that stuff at the mall. You'd think that simple basics would be easy to find? Nope. And I have no patience for crowds, or digging through rack after rack of clothes to find something I'm willing to wear. People say they don't go to thrift stores because they don't like having to comb through all the racks of junk just to find one thing they like, and that fits? That's how I feel at just about any retail clothing store. Nordstrom? Goodwill? Nordie's smells better, but beyond that, the shopping experience is about the same for me as it is at GW, except at Nordie's I also feel bitterly insulted by the prices. Don't even get me started on Macy's--I end up in there once a year for some reason or other, but never buy anything because it's all polyester trash that makes me angry to look at it.

Clearly, I have issues, lol. So I shop online, and leave it at that.

I have several sweaters from woolovers, and they've held up beautifully.

[purplish]

The last jeans I bought was from Forever 21, $10 each!!  Can't bean that!  (Well, new at least)

[ASquared]

Thredup! Work appropriate, party appropriate, whatever you need for way less. We are huge fans here, mostly for children's clothing but I've bought a couple things myself (mostly not buying clothing these days as I have a lot!)

http://www.thredup.com/r/5J4JXT - $10 promo credit

[Elliot]

Thredup has terrible business practices and rips off the people who send things in, if that kind of thing matters to you.

[ASquared]

Definitely matters to me - but I'm not really familiar with what you mean. Any references you can share? And super bummed - I really thought it was a good service:(

[Elliot]

In my former life I was a member of several style communities, so I know many people who have sent things in. Most of them have sent things carefully based on the accepted list-- new with tags, even-- and were told most  items were not accepted, but they are not returned to the sender, they are "donated" to some vaguely referenced charity. Most people seem to thing they are pocketing the items. :(

[HP]

Women's clothing.

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

Is it too much to ask that shoes have actual tread?
Is it too much to ask that the shoes with actual tread not be fluffy sneakers that make me feel like I'm wearing neon pillows on my feet?
Is it too much to ask that leggings not be sheer?
Is it too much to ask that skirts/dresses be at least semi-practical and not just for sex appeal?
Is it too much to ask that jeans not be designed to give wedgies in the name of individually showing off my sexy butt cheeks?
Is it too much to ask that the majority of shirts not be sheer and/or exceedingly flimsy?
Is it too much to ask that underwear come in packs of all the same colour, but not just white?
Is it too much to ask that bras have more sizing options?
Is it too much to ask that there be some sort of rough equivalency of sizing between various brands?
Is it too much to ask that not everything be ridiculously more expensive than men's clothes which actually require more material?

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

/rant over

[sheepstache]

Women's clothing.

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

Is it too much to ask that shoes have actual tread?
Is it too much to ask that the shoes with actual tread not be fluffy sneakers that make me feel like I'm wearing neon pillows on my feet?
Is it too much to ask that leggings not be sheer?
Is it too much to ask that skirts/dresses be at least semi-practical and not just for sex appeal?
Is it too much to ask that jeans not be designed to give wedgies in the name of individually showing off my sexy butt cheeks?
Is it too much to ask that the majority of shirts not be sheer and/or exceedingly flimsy?
Is it too much to ask that underwear come in packs of all the same colour, but not just white?
Is it too much to ask that bras have more sizing options?
Is it too much to ask that there be some sort of rough equivalency of sizing between various brands?
Is it too much to ask that not everything be ridiculously more expensive than men's clothes which actually require more material?

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

/rant over

Preeeeeach!

Don't forget: Is it too much to ask that models might stay the same from year to year like men's do so once you find something you like you can keep buying it?

[AllChoptUp]

^^ Yeah, ThredUp seems to have a lot of BBB complaints.

[lexie2000]

I LOATHE shopping for clothes and have to be desperate to do it. 

[kiblebuka]

I'm the type who trawls the clearance rack and buys last year's clothing. I do shop at Kohls but mainly because it's the only damn store with business casual attire that fits me (90% of other similar stores are too small, plus size stores are too big). I buy work wear maybe twice a year, it's hard to say as I've only had this job for one year.

Casual wear is purchased even less. I still have pants from when I was in high school (8 years ago) that work just fine. Graphic tees are a semi-weakness but I only purchase when some of the money goes to charity, and only from a specific site.

Online shopping for clothes just doesn't work for me due to my body shape being ???? and every store using a different definition for XL (see quote below)

Women's clothing.

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

Is it too much to ask that shoes have actual tread?
Is it too much to ask that the shoes with actual tread not be fluffy sneakers that make me feel like I'm wearing neon pillows on my feet?
Is it too much to ask that leggings not be sheer?
Is it too much to ask that skirts/dresses be at least semi-practical and not just for sex appeal?
Is it too much to ask that jeans not be designed to give wedgies in the name of individually showing off my sexy butt cheeks?
Is it too much to ask that the majority of shirts not be sheer and/or exceedingly flimsy?
Is it too much to ask that underwear come in packs of all the same colour, but not just white?
Is it too much to ask that bras have more sizing options?
Is it too much to ask that there be some sort of rough equivalency of sizing between various brands?
Is it too much to ask that not everything be ridiculously more expensive than men's clothes which actually require more material?

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

/rant over

Adding on to please add pockets to pants that are actually functional - not everyone wants to carry a whole bag of stuff around just to have a safe spot for their wallet.

[HP]

Don't forget: Is it too much to ask that models might stay the same from year to year like men's do so once you find something you like you can keep buying it?

Gack, yes, how could I have forgotten?

[rocketpj]

I have a friend who cannot stand shopping and crowds.  He was a statistician, so he looked at shopping trends to find the lowest points in the shopping cycle.

He picked a day (I think it is the first Thursday in November) which is the slowest retail clothing day of the year.  He goes in the morning, when the store first opens, and he buys everything on his list for the year in about an hour.  He is usually the only person in the store so he gets great service, and often gets good discounts as well.

I am not that extreme.  I usually have about 3 pairs of jeans, which I wash in cold and hang to dry - so they last a long time.  When one wears out I take note and keep my eyes open at the thrift store, or sometimes pick up one of those $16 pairs at Costco.

[I'm a red panda]

I still have pants from when I was in high school (8 years ago) that work just fine.

I think I've got you beat. I still have shirts from when I was in high school. My favorite: homecoming 1996. My shirt is old enough to graduate high school.

Pants from high school, well, I was a zero then, and not anything close to that now.

[Lia-Aimee]

@Silverwood - assuming you're in Canada, check out RW&Co if you need "business casual" pieces.  Not fantastic prices at full-price, but they seem to have 50%+ sales very frequently where it's not uncommon to find dress slacks for $30.  I started shopping there in uni when I worked part-time at a higher-end ladies' store and needed to wear skirt suits - quite a few customers were surprised to learn my outfits weren't from my store ($150-500 typical price range.) 

[NoraLenderbee]

Women's clothing.

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

Is it too much to ask that shoes have actual tread?
Is it too much to ask that the shoes with actual tread not be fluffy sneakers that make me feel like I'm wearing neon pillows on my feet?
Is it too much to ask that leggings not be sheer?
Is it too much to ask that skirts/dresses be at least semi-practical and not just for sex appeal?
Is it too much to ask that jeans not be designed to give wedgies in the name of individually showing off my sexy butt cheeks?
Is it too much to ask that the majority of shirts not be sheer and/or exceedingly flimsy?
Is it too much to ask that underwear come in packs of all the same colour, but not just white?
Is it too much to ask that bras have more sizing options?
Is it too much to ask that there be some sort of rough equivalency of sizing between various brands?
Is it too much to ask that not everything be ridiculously more expensive than men's clothes which actually require more material?

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

/rant over

Adding on to please add pockets to pants that are actually functional - not everyone wants to carry a whole bag of stuff around just to have a safe spot for their wallet.

yes yes yes

Don't forget: Is it too much to ask that models might stay the same from year to year like men's do so once you find something you like you can keep buying it?

yes yes yes
They do it with shoes (mostly)--why can't they do it with clothes???

[Silverwood]

@Silverwood - assuming you're in Canada, check out RW&Co if you need "business casual" pieces.  Not fantastic prices at full-price, but they seem to have 50%+ sales very frequently where it's not uncommon to find dress slacks for $30.  I started shopping there in uni when I worked part-time at a higher-end ladies' store and needed to wear skirt suits - quite a few customers were surprised to learn my outfits weren't from my store ($150-500 typical price range.)

I don't need business casual. I work in manufacturing.  However I'm in a new area where I can wear nicer clothes. Mostly I wear jeans and a tshirt but I wanted something a little nicer. I'm trying to stay minimal  with a few quality pieces in  solid basic colors. Like others have mentioned though, it's nearly impossible.  I'm only now replacing my worn out clothing and the tops for women are awful. I don't want some dumb graphic on it or something sparkly/glittery. I'm 29 and am trying to look a little more put together.  I will check out the place you mentioned.

[minimountainmustache]

I purchase about 50% of my clothing from the thrift store, and the other 50% from places like REI, Prana, Sierra Trading Post, etc...I don't step foot in the mall, it's such a waste of time, and an opportunity to spend money on impulse purchases that I wouldn't have even seen if I hadn't gone...
I used to purchase almost entirely from the thrift store when I lived in the south, but now that I've moved somewhere with an actual winter, I do like to buy quality outdoor gear, and winter coats new. I love the styles that Prana sells, and buy a lot of my clothing there. It is expensive, but VERY well made, and fits so well. I also love the clothing that REI sells, and a lot of times can find the same brands at Sierra Trading Post for less $$. I worked in the outdoor industry for a while in the past, so did get a substantial discount on brands like Marmot, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Smartwool, etc...so that made it easier to get some more expensive items like down coats, and base layers.

I do sometimes go to Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I love designer jeans, that is my one clothing extravagance that is not a NEED (like winter/outdoor clothes). Marshall's often has the designer brands I like, for $100.00 less than retail stores. I have a couple pairs, some still even from high school, that are still in great condition, and I wear them almost daily. I have found some designer jeans at thrift stores, but often the selection is slim for me (really long legs).

For shoes, I wear Chaco sandals exclusively in the summer (unless I am wear running/hiking shoes) and in the winter I have some Teva boots, and some Chaco fur lined clogs...they are ugly but SO warm. I have a couple of pairs of dressy sandals and boots, from highschool and college...but I haven't bought new shoes in forever! I'm not so far out of college, so most of my things are still style ish...kind of :)
I will drop about $100.00 every two years on a new pair of Chaco's and wear them until they fall apart...

[highcountry]

minimountainmustache, is there a reason you don't get your chacos resoled and restrapped?  I believe both repairs cost about $60 total, and the store you bought them at would likely ship them back for you. 

[RFAAOATB]

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

[RetiredAt63]

It depends on individual shape.  I wear Costco's men's work pants for gardening, but I buy them too big in the hips, and really pull in the belt, so they are loose for active work.  I am definitely not a fashionista in them.  But basically men's and women's clothing is roomy in different areas, so it is iffy.  Plus for shirts the buttons are on the wrong side.

Shoes, on the other hand - women's shoes do strange things when they go from a 6 or 7 to a 10, and then they have all these colours popped on them, so it is hard to be neutral in colour.  For casual shoes I often shop in the men's department, the shoes are so much higher quality, and more comfortable.

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

[lexie2000]

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

Men's jeans don't work for women who have small wastes and are even just slightly curvy in the hips.  Geez, I have a hard enough time finding women's jeans that fit properly (usually if they fit in the hips, they are too large in the waste).

If a woman wants, they can keep their wardrobe fairly simple.  For me, it's jeans and turtlenecks in the winter and jeans, shorts, or capris and t-shirts/tops in the summer.  I get the turtlenecks when they have them on clearance at Lands End and wear them for years.  I bought the jeans I now have when they were discontinued and clearanced from Coldwater Creek (6 pair about 8 years ago) and am dreading the day when I have to buy replacements; it's coming soon.

[sheepstache]

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

I do wear men's clothing where possible because of comfort. Of course I'm a stagehand so I don't need to achieve a business casual look. But even still, I get told I look unprofessional compared to my male colleagues, because the clothing "fits right" on them. It's partially that with my build I can't get a close fit and partially that men's clothing is just expected to fit more loosely. Even though I'm doing, you know, the same physical work. It's not that anyone explicitly thinks I should dress to be cute, it's just that an element of dressing professionally or just looking like you take care of yourself involves looking attractive and that's styled differently depending on gender. Well, I guess it is that women are expected to be "dressier" because my boss has given me a hard time for wearing a baseball cap while I work, but not the guys, and that's not a fit issue (again, I don't think it's an explicit sexism issue; I think it just has to do with how we perceive someone's "look").

I found it a lot easier to find unisex clothing in the 90s so I'm desperately babying along my remaining highschool clothing. And my dad's old clothing, because men's clothing fit more tightly in the 70s and 80s. That's a fashion thing as well as the ballooning American waistline thing as well; my dad, who's small like me, wishes he could find better-fitting clothes.

I tend to pair a girl's shirt with men's pants or vice versa and that helps avoid the bag lady look.

[Elliot]

Men and women are often proportioned differently, even in the feet. Women tend to have feet that are narrower in the heel and slightly wider at the ball, and tend to walk on a different part of their foot (gait differences due to how legs are set in the hip) so shows are built slightly differently.  That said, I'm currently wearing my partner's aran wool sweater and some black leggings.

I believe in mostly natural fibers, buying quality  and supporting local handmade, so my per-piece clothing expenses are probably enough to make most on this board shit a brick. I offset my purchases by buying good shoes that can be resoled/repaired, and my basic button ups are from Lands End or LL Bean clearance and altered to fit my waist better. My coat and jeans are handmade for me by a tailor and are impeccable quality, expected to last for years to come, the wool coat likely will last a lifetime. I put a lot of thought into my wardrobe a few years ago and frankly I  look like a million bucks. I  only need to buy the occasional replacement of some of these items. This year I need to buy a new striped breton top (my old one is yellowed), new shorts (my old ones are 3" inseam and I need to go up to a 5" inseam), and replacement black flats for the ones that finally quit being repairable.

[Rural]

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

I do wear men's pants for work daily (Dickies, khakis and black no-iron "casual" pants). I do have to pull them in pretty tight with a belt (also men's to get one wide enough for the belt loops, but jsut a vey plain dress one). Paired with a woman's cotton blouse, they work fine, and the pockets! Oh, the pockets! Plus, the size listed is the size they are, and I can order from eBay and know what I'm getting. That, believe me, has never happened to me before. Also, the fabric is sturdy enough to hold some shape. It's wonderful.


It's worth having gotten old that I can do this and not feel any social anxiety. Anybody looking that closely at my ass had better be my husband, anyway.

[purplish]

I still have pants from when I was in high school (8 years ago) that work just fine.

I think I've got you beat. I still have shirts from when I was in high school. My favorite: homecoming 1996. My shirt is old enough to graduate high school.

Pants from high school, well, I was a zero then, and not anything close to that now.

I still have a shirt that I still wear sometimes from high school :)  I think its about 18 years old.  Still fits though lol!

[Artemis67]

A question for all you women:  How much a pain in the ass would it be on a social and comfort level to wear men's jeans,pants, and button up shirts when shopping for women's clothes would give you a headache?

I'm guessing plus side: functional pockets, cheaper wardrobe.
con side: less flattering fit, social awkwardness.

How far off the mark am I on this one?

I do wear men's pants, not only so I can have functional pockets, but because women's pants fit me so badly. I don't have a very well-defined waist; my waist:hip ratio is considerably narrower than the one used by clothing manufacturers. I'm a size 14 if you go by my waist measurement, but a 12 (or even a 10!) if I go by my hip measurement. My butt's kinda flat, and I don't have big thighs. So I end up with womens' pants that either fit at the waist but are huge in the butt and thighs, or that fit in the butt and thighs but can barely be buttoned.

Oh, and I'm long-legged, with a 33" inseam, but Tall sizes are too long in the rise so the waistband is up around my ribcage. My torso is long, but all the extra length is above the waist, not below. So I wear Tall tops when I can find them, but Tall bottoms don't work at all.

tl;dr: my body is shaped like a potato on stilts. Feel my pain.

Since I can draft a pants pattern and am fairly skilled at sewing, I do have some very nice, flattering, beautifully-made classic dress pants that I custom-made for myself. But pants are a pain in the ass to sew, and men's fit me well enough for casual wear that I don't bother.

Calvin Klein 5-pocket jean-style pants fit me the best, and when Costco has them in non-denim fabrics in acceptable colors for ~$20-25, I grab a couple of pairs. My faves right now are a pair of olive-green cords. And I also buy men's pants from Lands' End when they go on sale because I can get them hemmed to 33" for free.

[HappierAtHome]

tl;dr: my body is shaped like a potato on stilts. Feel my pain.

Your body shape sounds just like mine! I've learned to wear dresses 90% of the time due to never finding pants that actually fit my waist AND the rest of me. Plus, being taller than average doesn't make too much of a difference with dresses, but makes buying pants a nightmare unless you like cold ankles.