topic Re: Investment Dressing in Fashion

Investment Dressing

On It — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:45:15 GMT

Prior to 1970 each year we purchased a new wardrobe by season. I bought one for spring/summer and another for fall/winter. A few items were carried from year to year but for the most part styles were changed drastically and last year's look was evident.

Sometime in the early 70's, the term investment dressing was coined. Styles were created to last the test of time and be carried forward year to year. We were stunned by the prices which were double or triple the prices we had been paying. I thought this was a ploy by the fashion companies to charge more, but those pieces did stand the test of time. They were top quality and lasted and lasted for years. The designs themselves were timeless.

Before COVID I shopped in person for every item I purchased. I tried each garment on to make certain it was flattering, that I liked the color and hand of the fabric, and that it was a quality product. I drove to Austin to shop at Sue Patrick's store so I could select my Foxcroft items in person rather than order from her website. When you buy a quality item it does hold up. My wardrobe grew because everything was top quality, and I kept items for years.

During COVID I have refused to enter a store to shop. In the area where I live, it is too risky. Items I have ordered have been disappointing in their quality. I recently donated 4 large garbage bags of newer clothing that reminds me of the throw away clothing we had back before 1970. They look good for a few wearings, but then not so much. Have we lost quality and classic style but kept the higher prices? Are we back to fad dressing like cold shoulder, shredded jeans, and all? Is investment dressing gone so that manufacturers can make more profit by selling items every year instead of every four or five years? The quality is not there in the items I have purchased recently, but maybe I just don't know how to shop online.

Re: Investment Dressing

patbz — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:05:49 GMT

I know what you mean by investment dressing but I have no problem shopping online. I primarily stick to stores with consistent sizing and quality ( Chicos, Talbots) and also get basics from Old Navy and Costco. Occasionally make a mistake fit wise so I return, either in person or via mail. During Pandemic I'm sticking with tried and true comfort items ( retired and no major trips projected until at least 2023).

Re: Investment Dressing

PickyPicky3 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:13:52 GMT

I'm still in the house 90% of the time. For me, investment dressing is what I wear when I'm checking over my capital gains for the year.

We're lucky here that QVC reviewers are mostly thoughtful and detailed. So are Walmart reviewers. It's important to shop where there are lots of verified purchase reviews.

I think it's going to be a long time until I go into a store to shop AND try something on there. I'm doing OK with online shopping.

Re: Investment Dressing

LindaSal — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:13:55 GMT

I too understand what you are saying. I have found that Chico's has been very good for me over the years. I know my size and once in awhile you will get something that the fit is disappointing but for the most part the quality is always there. They can be pricey, but again quality clothing. The sales they have though at times are unbelievable savings!

If you order online you will get all kinds of promotions by email and I will warn you now, it can be addicting! You can also sign up for passport savings, which is 5% off every order and free shipping. You just sign up on their website and it's free!

Re: Investment Dressing

On It — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:16:44 GMT

@LindaSal Oh yes, I have always been a big Chico's customer. I am a passport member so I get the additional savings. However, I am very particular. It has to be perfect. I have a difficult time buying perfect online. My size is borderline because I have the shoulders of a linebacker. I am not a big returner, so I don't order if I have doubts. All of my tees are Chico's. I have a huge stash of v-necks that I wear under everything. They really hold up well.

My disappointment lies in shirts and jackets. I cannot judge how they will feel on my body. Much of what I donated was Chico's.

Re: Investment Dressing

PickyPicky3 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:17:25 GMT

One other thought: I think the huge increase in online clothing purchases has resulted in more stretchy, non-tailored garments because they're more likely to fit. Fewer returns.

I remember buying beautifully tailored suits and coats, but that meant lots of try-ons and alterations.

Re: Investment Dressing

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:19:29 GMT

@On It wrote:
Prior to 1970 each year we purchased a new wardrobe by season. I bought one for spring/summer and another for fall/winter. A few items were carried from year to year but for the most part styles were changed drastically and last year's look was evident.

Sometime in the early 70's, the term investment dressing was coined. Styles were created to last the test of time and be carried forward year to year. We were stunned by the prices which were double or triple the prices we had been paying. I thought this was a ploy by the fashion companies to charge more, but those pieces did stand the test of time. They were top quality and lasted and lasted for years. The designs themselves were timeless.

Before COVID I shopped in person for every item I purchased. I tried each garment on to make certain it was flattering, that I liked the color and hand of the fabric, and that it was a quality product. I drove to Austin to shop at Sue Patrick's store so I could select my Foxcroft items in person rather than order from her website. When you buy a quality item it does hold up. My wardrobe grew because everything was top quality, and I kept items for years.

During COVID I have refused to enter a store to shop. In the area where I live, it is too risky. Items I have ordered have been disappointing in their quality. I recently donated 4 large garbage bags of newer clothing that reminds me of the throw away clothing we had back before 1970. They look good for a few wearings, but then not so much. Have we lost quality and classic style but kept the higher prices? Are we back to fad dressing like cold shoulder, shredded jeans, and all? Is investment dressing gone so that manufacturers can make more profit by selling items every year instead of every four or five years? The quality is not there in the items I have purchased recently, but maybe I just don't know how to shop online.

@On It

I know exactly what you mean, but am a little surprised you'd buy two new wardrobes every year, even back in the day ... even at my most casual, I avoid fads. (Trends are another thing entirely)

When I had the career that required top notch investment dressing, I spent the money. Since I didn't have a lot of free time for endless shopping ... and there was no internet ..... I cultivated relationships with personal shoppers and the managers of the retail departments I shopped when I had the time. I had people calling me when new things came in and often they would hold things aside ... that is what worked for me.

Sounds like you need to re-evaluate both your needs, and the brands that used to serve you well. Many brands have been sold to other retail conglomerates and the quality has been modified. (I've never heard of either Sue Partick OR Foxcroft, so I can't speak to that comment).

One other consideration .... many brands that used to be top notch have changed manufacturers to cut costs, and it shows.

Unfortunately, people just don't dress as well as they used to .... and some have absolutely no idea HOW to dress. They just throw something on and say they are "expressing" themselves or going for "a look". Pardon my eye roll.

Go back to the "classic" brands that have survived and scour their websites. Since less people are buying investment dressing, those items might end up in their outlet stores or clearance sections on their site.

Well, the upside to all of this is we can now do a lot of our research on the internet, in our top notch investment dressing pajamas. LOL

Re: Investment Dressing

jlkz — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:21:50 GMT

@LindaSal

And don't forget if you go through Rakuten, you get an additional 2% ( minimum cashback ). Around holidays it could be more.

Re: Investment Dressing

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:38:52 GMT

@jlkz wrote:
@LindaSal

And don't forget if you go through Rakuten, you get an additional 2% ( minimum cashback ). Around holidays it could be more.

@jlkz

As a long time Rakuten user, I can say that TopCashBack often offers higher percentages of their rebates, and now use them exclusively, although I still compare rebate site offerrings.

Re: Investment Dressing

jlkz — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:41:42 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

Thanks, good to know. Amazing....I haven't bought very much anywhere the last several months !!!

Clothing: mostlyninto donating and passing pieces not used to others.

Re: Investment Dressing

Sooner — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:49:12 GMT

@On It Even back in the 70's I have little in common with what you described. I wore suits to work and did not buy 2 new wardrobes a year. I never have. I don't buy trendy clothes and don't care for them.

I have always worn classic clothing, to the chagrin of my clothes horse mother, and unless I needed a specific outfit for an event, was not really worried about what was in one year to another.

I am finding I like buying online way better than chasing around town sifting through clothes. I'm a happy camper now!

Re: Investment Dressing

On It — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:58:18 GMT

@Sooner We bought new wardrobes prior to the 70's. It may have been my social circle, but we rarely wore anything from a previous year during the 60's. The 70's introduced investment dressing. It changed our buying habits whether an item was casual or professional attire.

Re: Investment Dressing

PickyPicky3 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:07:47 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 Following your thinking, I went over to Macy's Ralph Lauren and saw a linen shirt on Last Call for $25. However, all the reviews were "received for promotional purposes."

Hard to figure.

Re: Investment Dressing

Sooner — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:15:20 GMT

@On It wrote:
@Sooner We bought new wardrobes prior to the 70's. It may have been my social circle, but we rarely wore anything from a previous year during the 60's. The 70's introduced investment dressing. It changed our buying habits whether an item was casual or professional attire.

@On It We didn't even have social circles where I lived. . .

Re: Investment Dressing

PickyPicky3 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:25:22 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
@On It wrote:
@Sooner We bought new wardrobes prior to the 70's. It may have been my social circle, but we rarely wore anything from a previous year during the 60's. The 70's introduced investment dressing. It changed our buying habits whether an item was casual or professional attire.
@On It We didn't even have social circles where I lived. . .

In the 60s I hadn't finished growing.

Re: Investment Dressing

shoesnbags — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:28:15 GMT

Interesting post @On It , but I can't relate to it at all. I've always loved fashion but never considered getting rid of most of my clothing every year.

In the 60s I was in high school and college. Lots of jeans and flower child dressing lol.

Then in the 70s and going forward I was a spec ed teacher, so my clothing had to be practical and comfortable. Definitely no suits or "investment dressing."

Always interesting to read about others' experiences/viewpoints, though.

Re: Investment Dressing

proudlyfromNJ — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:28:54 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
@On It wrote:
@Sooner We bought new wardrobes prior to the 70's. It may have been my social circle, but we rarely wore anything from a previous year during the 60's. The 70's introduced investment dressing. It changed our buying habits whether an item was casual or professional attire.
@On It We didn't even have social circles where I lived. . .

@Sooner Me neither.

Re: Investment Dressing

On It — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:47:38 GMT

@PickyPicky3 wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 Following your thinking, I went over to Macy's Ralph Lauren and saw a linen shirt on Last Call for $25. However, all the reviews were "received for promotional purposes."

Hard to figure.

I saw that on Home Depot appliance reviews. It is most confusing casting doubt on the review.

Re: Investment Dressing

ECBG — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:04:40 GMT

@On It

I prefer Talbots for classic because of the nicer fabric and construction when I want a more classic piece.

I left Chicos because of the large amount of polyester which I find very uncomfortable except in a cool fall.

Occasionally, they have a mostly cotton piece I like.

I worked for Chicos for a short time and couldn't get any hours because the hours in retail started going mainly to management first while I for 11 hours over 3 months. I was bored to death sitting at home bored!

When I taught, I had some adorable sets from Chicos like a printed tee shirt and matching scarf which my juniors and seniors loved. The things they really loved were from White House Black Market; we lost ours here, but I know they run small and shop accordingly.

Most of all, I like the lines that Dillards carries. I also like that their "house" brand is high quality which additionally I have only seen at Nordstroms.

Re: Investment Dressing

Carmie — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:28:44 GMT

My whole immediate family has always invested in good classic clothing. Even as a child, I was the best dressed among my friends. They always had more clothing than me, but mine were better quality.

My mother shopped in children's speciality stores. I never had a new wardrobe for each season, but always got a new dress forward Christmas and Easter.

I still dress the same way. I have some clothing that is 25 years old....like beautiful 100 % wool coats and cashmere sweaters, My daughter often will wear my nice now vintage pieces.

IMO, many people waste their money to be fashionable. That's okay..it's their money and if it makes them happy...good for them.

I have no problem finding quality clothing. I take care of my things..l wash in cold water and don't put most of my wardrobe in the dryer. I hang or lay flat to dry. I also only buy natural fabrics. No polyester or synthetics for me.