We all do it. We’ll happily drop $6 on a coffee without blinking—but question every dollar spent on a well-made jacket that we’ll wear for years. We spend hundreds a year on takeaway, subscriptions, beauty products or trend-based impulse buys, yet hesitate when it comes to investing in a quality piece that could become a cornerstone of our wardrobe.
Let’s talk about that. Because if you’ve ever thought, “I can’t afford to spend that much on one piece,”—this post is for you.
The Cost Per Wear Rule: Your Style-Smart Superpower
The Cost Per Wear (CPW) formula is simple but powerful: CPW = Total Price ÷ Estimated Wears
Let’s say you buy a $180 blazer and wear it 30 times. That’s $6 per wear. You grab a $60 fast-fashion top and wear it twice. That’s $30 per wear. The blazer may have felt expensive up front, but it gave you more value, confidence, and versatility. The cheap top? It ends up at the back of your closet—and eventually in landfill.
The Instant Gratification Myth
We often associate instant gratification with quick, cheap purchases. But a great investment piece delivers its own kind of long-lasting satisfaction. It makes outfit planning easier, boosts your confidence every time you wear it, elevates the rest of your wardrobe, and reduces your need to keep buying. A well-chosen, high-quality staple is an everyday win. You’ll wear it again and again—and feel like yourself every time.
But Can I Really Afford It?
Here’s where things get real. We’ll spend $40 or more a week on small purchases—coffee runs, takeaway dinners, subscription boxes—without a second thought. But spending $250 on a jacket we’ll wear for years? That gives us pause. What if that jacket became your everyday confidence layer? What if it saved you hours of indecision? What if it helped you reconnect with your personal style? Suddenly, that investment begins to look more like self-respect than indulgence.
How to Use Cost Per Wear in Real Life
Here’s how to make the CPW rule work for you, whether you’re shopping or reviewing your current wardrobe.
1. Do the Math: Use the formula—Item Price ÷ Estimated Wears = CPW. Estimate conservatively if you're unsure.
2. Ask the Right Questions: Can I style this in three to five different ways? Will I want to wear it ten or more times? Does it work across seasons or for different occasions? Do I feel like myself in it?
3. Remember the Real Cost of “Cheap”: Low-quality pieces with high turnover often cost more in the long run—financially and emotionally.
You’re Worth the Investment
This isn’t about spending more. It’s about spending better—on items that support your lifestyle, align with your values, and help you show up fully. A thoughtfully chosen jacket, knit, or dress can become a symbol of this mindset: I know who I am. I honour where I’m at. And I deserve to feel good every day.
You don’t need a massive wardrobe. You just need one that works for you—and that starts with investing wisely. So next time you hesitate over a well-made piece that feels right, ask yourself: Is this something I’ll be proud to wear, again and again?
If the answer is yes, it might just be the best value you’ll ever get.