There Are No Perfect Solutions—So What Are You Okay With?

Are you okay spending more for quality—even when price doesn’t always mean better construction? (are you spending $395 on the polyester blouse? ) I willingly spens more for a quality piece - if it fits my lifestyle. I much prefer to wear natural fibers - I dislike polyester and can’t stand ack-rylic! That said, I bought a long dress to wear to a couple of weddings last year (and one this year!) … a gorgeous embroidered dress … and it’s polyester. The same dress in, say, silk would have been out of my budget and a ridiculous CPW to boot!

Are you okay shopping from lower end fashion because they actually offer size options that so many retailers have cut back on? Yes! I mix Old Navy and Amazon pieces into my wardrobe. I absolutely will NOT buy from Shein or Temu!!

Are you okay buying trend pieces at a lower price, knowing they won’t last? I try to avoid super trendy pieces. My style leans more “classic with a twist!”

I really appreciate the hard work and thought that you put into this work, Megan! I found your posts a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. As a retired person, I don't need clothes for work. I wear athleisure often, but I also like to look good for date nights on the weekends and family and friend events. I also like to travel quarterly and only take carry-on, so versatility is important.

What I don't like to do is shop, so going online or to the mall are frustrating to me. You are correct about making compromises. I tend to spend more for quality core pieces (blazers, jeans, sweaters, classic jewelry, shoes) and less on a few trendy add-in's (tops, purses).

Thanks so much, Megan, for your awesome blog post! I’ve never felt this excited about my clothes since I started following your tips. Your approach really helped transform my wardrobe, making it stylish and way more aligned with my personal taste. I love getting dressed everyday!

I loved how your post tackled the compromises we often face when choosing clothes, and how you acknowledged that perfection isn’t realistic. I prioritize fit over fabric. Also, I totally agree with the idea of investing in timeless pieces while keeping the trendier items affordable—it fits perfectly with how I like to build a wardrobe that lasts.

Your balanced take really shows that picking pieces thoughtfully is key to having a wardrobe that works and stands the test of time! I trust all your recommendations!

I have been, and continue to be not Just disappointed but disgusted at the clothes in stores these days. They are cheap, flimsy, with little or no style to them, regardless of price! Even so called high end stores. Nordstrom is awful, especially as they try to present themselves as fashionable, trendy and quality. The stupidity of paying $395 for a polyester blouse is beyond me! No, I am not willing to compromise or put up with cheaply made clothes at this stage of my life. I have stopped buying in regular stores. T.J. Maxx, Marshals have become my go to.

I am frustrated with shopping too, would love better storefronts to shop in-person, and buy quite a bit online out of convenience with inventory levels. I'm trying very hard not to use Amazon unless necessary and particularly do not buy clothes on Amazon as I'd rather give my business to another retailer. I love your site with all the recommendations and guidance, thank you!

I agree with you! I shopped at Talbots & Ann Taylor for years. But the quality of the fabrics at Ann Taylor has declined. So much acrylic & polyester that pills easily. I now work at a totally casual workplace - it's not even business casual! I prefer to be true to myself and dress in business casual. Please help us with business casual and "smart casual."

Hi, Megan.

Thanks for this post and for asking the questions. First, I should say I've never been a good shopper. I grew up being a little chubby (really, only a little), so I was programmed from an early age to dislike how I look in clothes. I've often found shopping for my less-than-perfect body to be depressing. My views are colored by that experience.

So, that said, I've rarely felt justified in "splurging" on clothes. I lean heavily toward practical clothing that will last for a while, mainly so I don't have to go shopping again. $100 for a pair of jeans? Those would have to be some miracle-working jeans! I'll stick with Levis and stock up when they are on sale. I'd say $70 for good pants and $40 for a nice top is my max.

Laundry is another consideration. Everything has to be machine washable, otherwise the cost-per-wear is too high. I'd rather spend less on a lower-quality item, knowing I can a) machine wash it, and b) not be heartbroken if it gets a permanent stain after the first or second or fifth wear.

I have learned from you to order a longer length in pants and have them hemmed. Having pants at the right length does make me feel better in them, and it's not expensive. If it's something I expect to last a while, that little "splurge" is worth it to me. (I guess that means I value "fit" over "fabric/quality.")

Thanks for helping me make sense of fit and fashion.

This post really hit a nerve, Megan. I am retired, love clothes, and am still building my retirement wardrobe. I wear a petite on the top half - short torso and short arms. I can make do with regular on the bottom half, and often have to hem pants, but that's an easy fix. But who carries petites in their stores? Not that many. And we all know that the clothes from some retailers/brands fit well, while other retailers/brands' clothes just don't fit right or don't look good when we try them on. And I hate ordering online and then having to return most of it because it doesn't fit - especially when I have to pay shipping one or both ways. As a result, I am really reluctant to try a brand I am not familiar with. I used to be able to go to a mall, shop several different stores including a nice department store, and have a chance of finding something. Not anymore. I sew, and I can do basic alterations. But I don't particularly enjoy it, and if the alterations don't result in something that fits well, I can't return the item.

I'm lucky that Old Navy actually fits me. I know it's not for everyone, and because I'm 54 years old, I stick to their jeans, sweaters and other basics. I would love to dress more from Talbots or Ann Taylor, (J.Crew, etc...) but I am all legs. I am 5'6" and I have the inseam requirements of a 6 foot 1 inch amazonian. It is HARD to find an inseam over 31. Even when a brand offers "tall" options, they sometimes stop at 32. (which would almost work if it didn't ever shrink) It seems like the higher end the brand is, the shorter their lovely trousers, pants and jeans are. I can get old Navy in 34 inch inseams for bargain prices.

If I want to wear bottoms that aren't jeans, I struggle to find things that are long enough. Most of my khakis, slacks ALSO come from Old Navy/Gap/BR because they make pants that go all the way to my feet.

Yes I feel this frustration as well. It’s sad that price vs quality have become out of balance. I prioritize quality fabric and construction. Fit is important to me but my tailor can probably work with an imperfect fit. The best quality that is still affordable? Vintage! I’ve found quite a few gems at resale shops and even Goodwill.

Hi Megan, Thank you for this thoughtful discussion. I am 57 and I find that my go-to for staples any more is Old Navy. I think they offer classic styles at a wide range of sizes. The quality is really not that bad considering the price point. I think it is possible to find cute-fitting clothes in natural, good-quality materials there. I am willing to spend more, as long as it is a good fit. However, as you are alluding to, clothes at any price point are more often not that inspiring.

Depending on the occasion...f A. Fun tops have to FIT and the fabric content comes in 2nd. I just know for a stand-out piece, that will probably be worn 10 times over the next 3 years - it's probably going to have synthetic in it...but if it's unique and speaks to me - I'll over look the fabric content. I usually hand wash everything. B. Wardrobe staples I try to buy in cotton, linen or cashmere. I am getle on clothes and am at the stage where I will keep them for years...and I really only want to wear clothes that feel good on my body. C. Dresses - again, I love cotton and linen for warm weather.

I'm not really that interested in TRENDS...rather...fit and feeling comfortable and polished is my vibe.

Hi. I appreciate all your work to shift readers into the right direction. I am not spending $395 on any garment. That is 2/3rds my clothing budget for the season. For white shirts, I'd rather pay less because they get yellow under arm stain, grandchild food stains, some fabrics pill, and generally do not last. I would like a good pair of white pants and am willing to pay up to $100 for them but have not yet because-I cannot find petite that is not see through, I cannot find petite straight leg regular length, I cannot find any that do not get those stretched out bubbles around the groin area after a few wears. So what do I do? I wear my old white pants that are not perfect but are equal to what I can find new. I will not buy the beautiful double breasted blazer because the price does not justify wearing it one season, maybe 4 times in the season. If I was guaranteed it would be useful for several years, I might change my mind. So what do I do? If I need a blazer, I wear my one button one. I would like a basic, solid color wardrobe with timeless pieces that I can add 1 or 2 trends to each season. The petite part is the most frustrating. Sometimes I can get a child size that works and is cheaper. I am less than 5' petite. I got a child's size 14 black top and it is perfect. That is not always the case.

Oh how I feel this!! 2 kids in college currently and I have the time and more financial resources but it's a struggle. I'm a recovery room nurse and very thankful that I wear scrubs my 3 days of work each week and I don't need a professional wardrobe. Quality over quantity is most certainly my mantra. That being said, my closet isn't as full as many as the ones I see online. I was on the hunt a couple of years ago for a few good quality button-downs and after trying and returning more than I care to admit...I took the plunge and ordered a few from Frank & Eileen. I adore them and get compliments every time I wear them, which is often. Same with my Mother denim. Every once in a while I stumble upon an exceptionally well-made top at Loft or Old Navy. I rarely order anything from Amazon in general and have never had much luck with their clothing. To me it usually looks cheap and not well made up close. Patience has for sure helped slow my roll of buying. But sometimes one needs an item to fill a gap for a trip or an event and it is HARD!!! Because no thank you to a $300 polyester blouse ;-) Often I find something in my closet and make it work with a different shoe, bag or accessory. And that takes a lot of trial and error. I will say that you helped me with the shop your closet mentality, so THANK YOU!!!

I agree with your conundrum completely, Megan, with the exception of having disposable income. With inflation out of control and four kids from 13 up to 21, we are just breaking even. Ideally, I would love to have clothes that are high quality and made of natural fabrics, but I absolutely cannot afford the higher price tags. With very rare exception I almost always have to compromise in some way. My favorite technique to get what I really want is to shop at nicer consignment stores. This way I can usually get the quality that I want at prices I can afford. The challenge is that long sleeves are rarely long enough and I can never buy pants consignment because I have 34 in inseam. To answer your remaining questions I usually choose fit over fabric if I can't find both although sometimes I will buy for fabric and I will alter it myself because I sew. Finally, I almost always have to shop lower end stores for pants because of size options and I am willing to spend less on trendy items because I know they won't last. Thank you for representing us women of this age group so well! You are so beautiful and your expertise has been such a great service to me over the years.

Thank you for asking us to share our thoughts. Here are mine:

I will invest in jeans because they are a constant go-to in my life and wardrobe, and I know they will last at a higher price point. I just had toss a pair of Paige jeans that were 10 years old because they got a hole in the butt. I will also invest in pieces that have something interesting about them, be it color, pattern, shape, texture, or a detail. I also invest in outerwear, because I live in Michigan. I spent $1,000 on a Mackage Nori-K Coat via Trunk Club years ago, and my cost-per-wear now is literally less than $2... one of my best clothing investments.

I'm still working on defining my style, but it is grounded in classic and "quiet luxury," but needs just a touch of maximalism for interest (hence my previous note about investing in things with interest). It can also lean edgy or feminine. I believe in "ageless" dressing and expressing creativity through what I wear. I want to embrace the fun of fashion and playing with my clothes. In fact, I'd rather be slightly overdressed in almost every instance. I'm 43, have a soon-to-be 7 year old daughter, and WFH 99% of the time. So what I want to dress like and what makes sense for my lifestyle doesn't always align. I'm still working on figuring that out, but I'm getting there.

I prefer fabrics that b-r-e-a-t-h-e, especially natural fibers. I also can't handle the way synthetics feel on my skin. Polyester is the worst IMO.

I would much prefer to shop in-person to feel things and try them on. Also, sizing has gotten wildly inconsistent over the last few years, even with brands that used to be super consistent (looking at you Ann Taylor). I hate having to order 2 or 3 different sizes and then do a return, but that's the current state of things.

My go-tos for shopping have been the higher-end, off-price retailers like Nordstrom Rack, the Runway section at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and the flash sale sites, like Rue La La and Gilt. I get better quality for lower prices. That being said, I also shop Ann Taylor, Loft, Old Navy, and Target. I've also recently gotten into thrifting, because I can find amazing, unique pieces that are better quality (fabric and construction) for WAY less money.

I'm 5' 4.5", so I do better with petite tops, but I can't do petite pants because I'm long waisted. I'm not afraid to take things to the tailors and have them altered and/or adjusted, and I think more people should understand the value of one, especially if they are petite.

What a relief to find out I’m not alone in my frustration! I’m a petite — shaped like a 12-year old boy—and have THE HARDEST time finding clothes that fit. My preference is always natural fibers and classic cuts, but finding such items that fit and don’t cost the earth is virtually impossible. Thanks to all I have been learning from you, I can now liven up an otherwise dull outfit with good shoes, the right purse and tasteful accessories. Finding you online has helped me beat back dowdiness!

I read this article and all the comments. There is a reason we are all here. We are experiencing the same problem. I am 5' 11" and wear a size 11 shoe. I pretty much have to order online to survive. Even online it's very hard. So most important for me is fit, and I run cold so unless it's summer it must be warm. I would love to have it be stylish too but often I just buy basics and use accessories to style. Where do I buy? Amazon, Talbot, Chico, Sometimes Nordstrom but I am lost when I go there these days.

I no longer live in greater Philly but in a small town in the south. So I don't have the "demands" of big city style. I am radically overdressed wherever I go-even at the gym.

I don't choose to stand out but clothes are fun and I enjoy looking nice. I refuse to spend $395 for a L'agence poly blouse. For silk, I would. I would LOVE to have a pair of nice designer shoes but my feet are wide and most designer offerings don't come wide. (So I have to settle for the best shoes I can find that fit.) I tried for months to buy a cream cashmere sweater. No success anywhere online. My one extravagance last year was a new Theory coat from NAS in July. It was simple yet refined. AND IT FIT! That was a win!

I've never been a "label" lover so designer clothes are not a "need" for me. The prettiest dresses I own are from Amazon! I'm ok paying less for something that might only last a few years. I like to change things up so paying $140 for jeans or $50 for a t-shirt isn't something I consider. I find a lot of great clothes, including designer labels, at Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I am wearing the most incredible wide-leg pants from Christian Siriano that I bought new for $25 at Marshall's. same with Ralph Lauren cropped pair. H&M is decent if I happen to be at the mall. Kohl's isn't as good as it used to be but I have great basic tees from Apt9.

Hi! Thank you for your post and I’ve enjoyed the readers comments. For me, I like to pay less money for basics like T-shirts and leggings. I don’t mind spending on handbags, shoes and sunglasses. You can look like a million bucks in a Target T-shirt and leggings if you’re wearing designer accessories. Paige Jeans are expensive, but fit great, feel soft, and last for years.

I mainly shop at Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and H&M, White House Black Market has amazing pants that are very flattering for a decent price; however, most of their tops and accessories look trendy and cheap. I will only buy on Amazon if something is recommended by an influencer such as yourself. Fit and fabric are both top priorities.

Personally, I prefer not to support the "fast fashion" discount stores, just on principal. That does mean I pay more for sure. Amazon is very hit and miss for me unless I follow a real person's (like yours!) recommendation. I think you just have to find your brands and rely more on online to "have it all" so to speak. I live near an Outlet Mall and do a lot of my in-person shopping there but I don't expect to walk out of every store with lots of stuff like I used to years ago; I typically start at Banana Republic Factory, J Crew Outlet, and Gap Outlet because that's where I have better luck finding reasonably priced items in nice fabrics, and they all tend to offer at least some petites. For some basics I will also go to Talbots Outlet. My nearest Nordstrom is 2 hours away, but I do shop there online for denim and shoes. My other online go-to's include Evereve and Frank & Eileen.

You’ve read my mind! I thought it was just me! But the options are disheartening. And my previous go-to retailers are disappointing. Who are they designing for? I am NOT paying $395 for the blouse. Too many variables to meet to assume I’d get acceptable $/wear out of it. Yes to fit over fabric, generally. Not ok with fabric that’s so poor it can’t even last a season. I’m ok with shopping from “lower end” retailers, as long as most of the looks are classic. I’d rather mix and match separates to get a pulled together look than spend money on a bunch of trendy stuff that looks silly on me and doesn’t work with anything else I have.

I love this conversation!! Firstly -- whenever I am "looking for something" I almost always come up empty! When I am not looking and not "prepared-$$" to buy, I always think I see what I want. For me, I do not believe in the term "investment pieces" You will get no financial return on clothing -- so -- and Quality does not have to cost a lot. I actually rarely spent more than $50 on a piece of clothing, Shoes, my cap is $100.00 and I am not a bag lady so I just do cheapies there. I am always disappointed when I actually shop in a store - and buying on line is pretty much a pain. What I find myself doing is shopping on line at the likes of Shop Bop, Nordstrom , WHBM, etc... then I go to Old Navy and Target and find the dupes. Old Navy is like the greatest store on earth lately -- I find the quality of most items, especially jeans to be awesome. This past winter they had a 100 cotton sweater of great quality - I bought in 5 colors for about 22 bucks each! Although Kohls can be inconsistent, I often find some great work separates in the 9 west and Simiply Vera sections. They also recently had a great free people dupe tunic thermal top that I wore out over faux leather leggings all winter. I do not believe in spending outside of my very small clothing budget. Old navy also has great bathing suits that work for me! (Also, I refuse to buy clothing on Amazon. It is all super cheap and inconsistant. ) I love this post and the shared opinions of your readers!!! THANK YOU!!

Not all polyester is created equal. For example, I have a $98 polyester top from Tuckernuck that I’ve worn for years. The color and fit is great. Can’t say the same about $30 polyester tops from Amazon/Old Navy. I try to buy better quality fabrics when I can but sometimes a retailer is able to pull something off in a cheaper fabric and it just works. It can be hit or miss though. I do love when I see things on your site that are affordable, high quality and stylish, but unfortunately that’s hard to find!