We all love scoring a good deal but when it comes to minimalist wardrobe essentials you wear often, not all fashion steals are worth it!
Frugality is one of the best money goals to have.
As someone who is living on one income, I love wearing luxury clothing items for a steal. But that’s the difference between being frugal and being cheap.
Frugal will get you the best quality clothes for your money. But being cheap? Your things will unravel, snag, crack, and rip faster than pantyhose next to velcro.
No, thank you!
One of my favorite things to do is mix and match cheaper items with more expensive minimalist wardrobe essentials that I splurged on over the years.
If you want a wardrobe that lasts, there are certain items you should consider spending more than others.
Here Are the Top 10 Minimalist Wardrobe Essentials That Should Never Be Bought Cheap
1. Shoes That You Can Comfortably Walk In
One of the biggest lessons I had to learn as a flight attendant with flat feet, is to spend money on comfortable shoes.
The uglier, the better. Looking at you Danskos.
But on a real note. If your shoes are killing your feet by noon, they weren’t a bargain, they were a bad decision.
Those $20 flats? They’re going to make your feet smell like cornnuts. Yes, even after one wear.
Favorite brands in my closet:
- Skechers: Just bought a pair of vegan leather shoes and pleasantly surprised by their chic designs in recent years!
- Clarks: Classic, durable, and comfortable shoes that will make you overlook the price.
- Rockport: Comfortable and comes in a range of styles – my favorite black ankle boots get the most compliments.
- Pumas: Perfect for walking and everyday wear – not so much for running or working out.
- Crocs: It took me a minute but I’m a believer after my ballet style flats were super easy to wash.
2. Bras That Do Their Job
A big mistake that a lot of us women make is not knowing our actual bra size and then shopping at the wrong stores as a result.
A cheap bra is a glorified hammock for your girls—no support, no shape, just sad straps clawing into your shoulders.
Plus, the elastic will give out in record time, and a metal hook that forces you to adjust yourself from being stabbed every five minutes.
Invest in a well-structured bra from a reputable brand. Most websites have a tutorial on their site that will show you how to find your bra size.
The right fit will change your posture, your confidence, and even how your clothes sit on your body.
3. A Classic Coat That Sees the Light of Day
When picking out a coat, it’s important to choose one that provides warmth!
A cheap coat might look cute in store, but by winter snowfall, it’ll be pilling, unraveling, or worse, letting the wind chill rip right through you.
And let’s not even start on those budget faux wool coats that attract every piece of lint and pet hair imaginable.
My favorite coat is my black trench parka. It’s long and cozy with a belt to cinch in my waist for shape.
Not sure where to start? A high-quality wool or down coat that insulates. Look for quality linings, well-stitched seams, and classic styles that won’t go out of fashion next year.
4. Denim That Doesn’t Feel Like Cardboard
An easy way to make life easy for yourself is to invest in classic American denim jeans.
I’m not a huge jean wearer and I’m sure we’ve all been there, grabbing a $20 pair of jeans only to find out they stretch out by lunchtime, sag and leave gaps in all the wrong places, or feel like sandpaper against your skin.
Cheap denim rarely holds its shape, and don’t even think they’re going to last through multiple washes. There are multiple brands of jeans at thrift stores, try on different pairs until you find something you like and then stick with the brand.
As a woman, buy a well-made pair of jeans with a blend of cotton and a touch of stretch. Trust me, your butt deserves better.
5. Handbags That Don’t Look Like They Came From a Flea Market
A cheap handbag might seem like a smart buy—until the straps start cracking, the zipper breaks, or the faux leather starts peeling like a bad sunburn. If you use a bag every day, it needs to hold up under pressure (literally).
Invest In: A timeless, well-made handbag in genuine leather or a sturdy alternative. It doesn’t have to be designer, but it should look and feel high-end.
6. Sunglasses That Actually Protect Your Eyes
Sure, those $5 gas station sunglasses are cute, but do they actually have UV protection? Or are they just dark-tinted plastic lying to your face? Cheap sunglasses can cause more harm than good, letting in damaging rays while making your eyes work overtime.
Invest In: Polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Bonus points if they have scratch-resistant lenses that won’t get destroyed after a week in your purse.
7. The Little Black Dress That Saves the Day
Speaking of being chic, your little black dress should be your ride-or-die, and the most valuable outfit to make you look effortlessly elegant at a moment’s notice.
But have you ever seen cheap clothes in black? The lint, the stretch, fade, or—worst of all—look cheap. No ma’am. If you need timeless and sophisticated black options, here are my favorite brands to find at thrift stores:
- Ann Taylor
- Calvin Klein
- White House Black House
- Talbots
- LOFT
- Banana Republic
Tip: Buy a well-tailored, classic LBD in a high-quality fabric that flatters your shape. You want something that still looks amazing five years from now.
8. Workout Gear That Work as Hard as You Do
Have you ever tried running up a stair stepper in sagging leggings or running on a treadmill with a sports bra that gives zero support?
It only takes one time for you to know that cheap workout clothes are a scam. They stretch out, chafe, and—worst of all—don’t breathe.
Now some days I’m a fan of just wearing an old hoodie with sweatpants. But if you want to look cute while you’re lifting weights, then you’re going to have to invest in some better options.
Your best bet is sweat-wicking, breathable, high-performance fabrics that hold up through intense workouts and multiple washes. You deserve gear that supports you, not fights against you.
9. A Belt That Won’t Betray You
Accessories are extremely important, which is something I am still trying to figure out with my new style.
Cheap costume jewelry works. And a cheap belt is fine, that is until it starts cracking, peeling, or warping into a weird shape that doesn’t sit right.
I’m a millennial who still embraces the big belts over sweater dresses in the 2000s. Just make sure people are looking at it as a statement piece, not because it cracked in two around your waist.
Tip: Finish an outfit with a genuine leather belt with a solid buckle. It should last for years, not months.
10. Tights That Don’t Rip When You Breathe
Listen, we all know cheap tights are disposable. One snag, one wrong move, and boom—ruined. If you’re tired of replacing them every two wears, it’s time to level up.
Invest In: High-quality, durable tights with reinforced toes and a little stretch. They cost more upfront but will save you money (and frustration) in the long run.
This Post Has Shown You 10 Minimalist Wardrobe Essentials That Should Never Be Bought Cheap!
Being frugal doesn’t mean settling for cheap. It means knowing where to spend and where to save so you don’t end up buying the same item over and over again. Invest in these essentials, and you’ll have a wardrobe that looks luxe, lasts longer, and saves you from fashion disasters.
