Save or Splurge- One Great Look At Two Price Points

Price is no guarantee of great style, it can be had on any budget. Some quality and subtle details may differ, but I find it’s easy to duplicate expensive outfits for less money. Today, I’m sharing two looks. One is budget-conscious, and the other is full of investment pieces. Here’s how to save or splurge: one look at two price points.

This look features subtle, neutral tones and a lug sole loafer, which is still a big trend this fall. Lug sole loafers are a comfy, modern option for many casual outfits. Paperclip chain necklaces also continue to be popular, as are straight jeans, making today’s outfits current and wearable for any budget.

DISC DROP EARRINGS / PAPERCLIP CHAIN NECKLACE / CROPPED CARDIGAN / STRAIGHT LEG JEANS / QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG / LUG SOLE LOAFERS

In this splurge outfit, each piece could be considered an “investment” piece and added to affordable clothes to level up the outfit. Here, I have paired a nude-colored lug loafer with straight jeans, a cropped cardigan, gold jewelry, and a quilted crossbody bag. Cropped cardigans are a great option with high-waisted pants and even look nice over a longer tank.

I like the classy, modern look of this outfit with updated accessories. For me, it’s a great everyday outfit or for a casual Friday night dinner out.

DISC DROP EARRINGS / PAPERCLIP CHAIN NECKLACE / CROPPED CARDIGAN / STRAIGHT LEG JEANS / QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG / LUG SOLE TASSEL LOAFER

I love that straight-leg jeans are back in style and so readily available because they’re flattering on almost everyone. I’m a fan of subtle neutrals because each piece can seamlessly move from outfit to outfit – worn repeatedly without being remembered. And I need to get one of these paperclip necklaces! I like that they give a delicate look without being dainty.

This week’s splurge outfit would set you back $3,806.00, while the save outfit totals $370.00.

Which do you prefer and why?

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

 

42 Comments

  1. I would buy the splurge sweater, a “v neck” is flattering to my face shape. The Burberry bag does have a value on the secondary market, if you were to get tired of it. (I resell a lot)
    The jewelry, I would buy the save version, since it is trendy.
    The loafers would be another place to save. I did see a few other options when I went to the “save” site. Not with the tassel though.
    The jeans I like the look of the splurge, better than the save, but not sure I would spend that much. However, if the straight leg look stays as “strong” as the skinny leg did, they would be worth the investment. (as long as I do not gain or lose a lot of weight HA!!)
    I know good jeans often do reflect the reason why the price is higher (do not bag, sag, or shrink)

    I had purchased a pair of lug sole loafers last season, wore them twice. Not sure they are “me”, but had compliments from others. The appears to be one everyone is starting to take note of.

    1. should say the *style* is one everyone

  2. Jennifer, love this post! But the YSL handbag really skewed the comparison.
    Youā€™ve recently done several blogs on jeans. But I just donā€™t understand the price on ā€˜designerā€™ brands like Mother or Paige. The Talbots and J Jill quality seem top notch to me in fabric and fit. Would you explain the value of the splurge? I just donā€™t get it.

    1. The value of the splurge is entirety in the eye of the shopper. Some women have a budget to afford more expensive garments and prefer them.

    2. Some of the price on premium denim comes from where they are madeā€¦for example all of the premium jeans that I own are made in the US or Italy, vs all of my Gap jeans are made in Bangladesh, Vietnam or China. So part of what you are paying from is higher wages. Itā€™s a personal choice

      1. Excellent point, Karen

  3. Saveā€¦.. honestly, I canā€™t appreciate that much, and certainly not $ 3,000 worth, of difference between the 2 looks. If I snagged the sweater or spilled something on one of the splurge garments I would be sick !!

    If I spent that much on an outfit , Iā€™d feel like Iā€™d have to be buried in them and wear them for all of eternity. Ha

  4. Add my voice to “I love this post!” I do think that, except for the jeans, the Splurge outfit looks more elegant overall than the Save outfit. However, I could not justify purchasing the handbag, nor the jeans. I adore the Splurge cardigan, and am sorely tempted. I’d also go for the more expensive shoe, simply because my bunion and my arthritic ankles are happier in better-made shoes. You’ve put together a really lovely outfit, Jennifer. Thank you.

    1. My feet really wonā€™t tolerate uncomfortable shoes either

  5. Such an interesting post and comments. If I think back over my entire life, the items I would splurge on were coats, boots, purses, sunglasses and some jewelry and scarves. That served me well and I still have coats from 20 years ago that are in great shape – some are classic others are unique pieces.
    At this point in my life, spurges are few and far between. Although I did buy a new perfume the other day – Lily by Dolce & Gabana – small spurges to treat myself.

  6. I love the Save and Splurge – it stimulates the mind. Thanks!

  7. Lois Williams says:

    I would not pay $360 for jeans & now that Iā€™m retired no more $2000 handbags! The rest of the clothing is in price points that I would purchase regularly. Just one statement on pricey bags/clothes, Iā€™m retired now and look back at some of what I paid for clothes in my wardrobe for the ā€œcorporateā€ career I totally enjoyed and think wow why did I do it! Many have so little & I could have added much more to my charitable donations if I hadnā€™t bout in to designer labels etc. Think thatā€™s what the thinking is today & I say, so right!

  8. What a fun post. I would splurge on the sweater. It is 2.5 ” longer than the SAVE sweater, though not as trendy it would make a more natural transition from top to bottom for me. The SPLURGE sweater can go more places and would hopefully outlast the SAVE sweater.

    1. I expect it would outlast the save sweater by quite a long time.

  9. Teresa Landers says:

    Iā€™m fortunate to have a comfortable budget but could never be comfortable with the pricier outfit and I donā€™t care for logos so the bag would be out at any price. My choice would be to swap out the sweaters. Youā€™d get a lot of ā€œbangā€ for the cashmere without a big difference in the more reasonable total price.

  10. I really like the save. I really don’t like to spend too much on casual clothes because I don’t want to keep them forever. I also like the clip necklace.

  11. Definitely the save. Fashion comes and goes, but my budget is fixed. So I can enjoy the look and know my fashion budget has been used wisely.
    Nice total look.

  12. This was a terrific post. I would never spend $3000 on an outfit. Without the purse, it is still $1000, and that is way to much also. I like clothing that will ā€œhold upā€, but I donā€™t want to have to wear something forever because I paid a lot for it.

  13. I find that I can buy nice (not splurge) jeans on sale for a reasonable price.. As someone said earlier, it’s all about the fit. I think the shoes were the most interesting item on the splurge page – and b/c we wear shoes a lot, the cost per wear would be low. They’re really nice and might outlast the less expensive shoe. Honestly, more than $3K for a simple outfit makes me kind of sick to my stomach. Think what that amount would do for the charity of your choice … and most non-profits and charities would love to receive even $350: $25 per month, for example, is $300, which is less than most non-profits ask for.

  14. KUDOS to YOU! Finally an influencer giving us price point choices! THANK YOU!

  15. Unless you live in a “designer world,” I don’t think most people, at least the ones I know, would be able to differentiate whether an outfit is a splurge or not. Maybe the fit would be better?
    This is a great post! With what I already own, in the “save” category, I can easily duplicate this outfit!
    Thanks Jennifer. Love that the outfits are neutral; makes them classy and classic looking.

  16. Francesca B says:

    Love this post thank you Jennifer! Tell me who isnā€™t money conscious these days, nobody l hang out with! I love the way you matched the creamy cardigan with the shoes and the Franco ones look so classy. Happy hump day šŸ™‚

  17. Ha! For starters at my age (being realistic here) plus taking into consideration the currency exchange difference ($3,806 US = $4,897+ CDN) with the possible exception of the splurge cashmere sweater; definitely the ‘save’ option. In other words; though I do like to stay current it isn’t my mission for my clothing or accessories to outlive me …. lol! …. nor do I wish to heavily invest in styles that IMO borderline trend which I feel some of these pieces do. -Brenda-

  18. I love the side-by-side comparison of the luxury brands and the more affordable ones! Perhaps Save or Splurge could become a regular feature of your fabulous blog. I have a question which is off-topic; forgive me, please. I like the look of the cropped cardigans paired with the high-waisted, straight jeans. Would such a look suit those of us who are a bit curvy through the hips and thighs? Thank you for what you do, Jennifer. You do it well.

    1. I think youā€™d prefer the proportions with a slight bootcut jean. They help add balance for your hips with a modern look.

  19. The save or splurge post is a terrific idea. I am in the save lane these days and appreciate the help putting it all together.

  20. I always enjoy this type of post! Earlier this year, Banana Republic mistakenly included a paperclip necklace (worth less than $25) with the rest of my order. I tried it on, but found the links quite uncomfortable against my skin. Joke is on me, I might have tried harder to like it had I known it was the coming thing! I had a friend (now retired) who was a buyer for a ‘popular priced’ chain many years ago. He told me that among the things he did when touring factories was to dictate the number of stitches per inch when ordering things like oxford cloth shirts that they were copying (like Ralph Lauren/Polo). The quality is not there, he noted (this guy wore the real thing)–something to be aware of–though $3800 is maybe over the top!

  21. I actually prefer the look of the less expensive items. The pricier pieces seem “overstyled”, such as the notches on the neckline of the cardigan and sole detail on the shoes. These make them less classic looking to me.

  22. I personally do not know anyone who spends $3800 on an outfit. The save example is far more than a reasonable price. Waiting for sales and buying classic is the smart way to shop. I maintain that most clothes are made in the same factories and it is only the label that sets the price.

  23. This was a great, informative post! Would like to see more of this type because it’s really helpful.

    1. Iā€™m glad you liked it Elaine! Iā€™ll do more of these.

  24. Elizabeth S. says:

    I loved this post! Please think about doing more of them. For me, I would choose the ā€œSaveā€ option. Even if I won the lottery it would still be my choice. If I spill red wine on a sweater, I would rather it be the less expensive one.

  25. I love these basic offers. However $3,800 for one outfit is just not in my DNA.
    I would rather buy 3 outfits instead of one. Or one for me and outfits for my Grandchildren. That would gratify me much more.

  26. This is a great post and I hope you do more Save or Splurges! I would likely splurge on the sweater and shoes. Both, I think, heighten the look of the outfit. I doubt Iā€™ll ever splurge on jeans though. I think Jeans are all about the fit and my personal favs are Levis (under $100) and NYDJ (on sale under $100). Thanks for this post!

  27. I would go with the save group with this neutral offering. I love designer bags, but you can save a lot with careful shopping, especially at the outlets. There are so many options for us with classic straight leg jeans. Designer are not necessarily better in that the fit is what matters. I like your save/splurge theme!

  28. There are clothes that are worth spending more on, but not jeans and a sweater.
    Save for me!

  29. I really enjoyed this post and hope you will do more splurge/save articles! It is difficult to pick without seeing in person but I think I would go for the expensive handbag with the less expensive other items. The bag can be used with many outfits

  30. I am new to your site and must say, I am really enjoying it!!! My daughter and I have these on going discussions about cost and quality of clothing and accessories. She buys much better quality and much higher priced items than I do. It is not hard to tell, in most cases, however I really struggle paying the prices she does!!! I also like variety in my wardrobe whereas my daughter enjoys the classics and has them for many years!!! I guess it depends on how comfortable you are with what you pay and your expectation of how much you will enjoy each particular piece and how long you anticipate wearing it. Blessings – Judy

    1. Welcome, Judy! Iā€™m so glad youā€™ve joined us.

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