As a personal stylist, my clients represent a range of incomes, ages, and phases of life.
I help everyone from twentysomethings trying to appear more professional in the office to older clients needing a packing list for their next luxurious vacation.
Their budgets range and so do their closets — I’ve been in cluttered dumpster fires and ones so minimal they’re almost sterile.
Over the years, though, I’ve noticed a few patterns with how wealthier clients shop and curate their wardrobes. For one, there are a few things I never see in their closets.
They don’t bother with fast-fashion
My wealthier clients approach shopping much like investing: strategically.
Because of this, they’ll usually skip fast fashion in favor of high-quality pieces made from luxe fabrics that are designed to last years, even decades.
If you have to keep replacing something, you’ll end up spending more money in the long run.
Oftentimes, a well-made staple’s higher price can amortize to pennies per wear. Meanwhile, a $10 sweater may not be such a great deal if it only survives a few washes.
It’s uncommon to see garments that still have their tags on
One thing many of my wealthiest clients have in common is that they shop with intention. Even those who could afford to buy anything would be appalled if I suggested a “Pretty Woman”-style shopping spree.
In my experience, this means they’re not prone to impulse buying or shopping sale racks.
Instead, they think about the upcoming months and what they are actually going to need and realistically wear. A new pair of jeans for fall? A light jacket for an upcoming trip?
If an item is on sale, it’s a bonus, but they’re not buying something simply because it’s discounted.
For them, shopping is often practical and strategic. The goal is to know what you like and find the thing you sought out to purchase.
They aren’t buying outfits that fit an imaginary life they could one day have or dresses for occasions that haven’t been planned yet.
It’s a lesson any of us could benefit from learning: Know what you need before you go shopping and make sure you have a clear idea of when you’ll wear something before taking it home.
That way, you can feel comfortable snipping the price tag off of a piece before it even enters your closet.
They don’t go for the $950 white T-shirt as often as you might think
Some designer labels sell plain T-shirts that cost hundreds of dollars, sometimes even over $1,000 a pop.
However, I haven’t found many of them in my clients’ closets because they recognize that great basics don’t have to be expensive and style can be had at every price point.
So, they often have a few more affordable staples mixed in with their designer pieces.
In my experience, even the wealthiest shoppers aren’t above a “mall brand.” It’s not uncommon for them to pair their four-figure leather jacket with a Gap tee or J. Crew sweater.
Clothes they don’t actually wear anymore don’t have a place in their closets
I’ve noticed many of my high-end clients are open to editing their wardrobes, even if they have plenty of empty closet space.
It’s rare for them to hold onto tops from college or jeans that haven’t fit in a decade “just in case.” They don’t keep a garment just because “it’s perfectly good” or “there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Instead, pieces are in their closet because they wear them and enjoy doing so. This is a good reminder that it’s OK to say goodbye to clothes that no longer fit or that haven’t been worn in a long time.
Trends may come back around, but just as we grow and change through different seasons and eras of life, our clothes should, too.
It’s rare to find anything ill-fitting or in a state of disrepair
It’s common for these clients to have a roster of people who can help keep their favorite pieces in ready-to-wear condition.
They often have a go-to tailor who can adjust the fit of clothing, a cobbler who can repair footwear, and a mender who can fix zippers.
Instead of tossing worn dress shoes, they’ll get them resoled. Rather than never wearing a blouse that always gapes, they’ll have a snap sewn in.
Once again, these clients love a good investment. Mindful repairs can extend the life of clothing and shoes while also making them more comfortable and easier to wear.
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