We've all been there, staring at a closet bursting with clothes, yet somehow feeling like we have nothing to wear. It's the curse of impulse buys and trend-chasing. But what if there was a smarter way to approach fashion? Enter the Cost Per Wear (CPW) theory.
What's CPW All About?
Simply put, CPW is a way to figure out if your clothes are pulling their weight. It’s easy to do, you just divide the price of an item by how many times you wear it. The lower the number, the better value you're getting. It's like cost-per-use, but for your wardrobe.
CPW = Purchase Price / Total Wears
But Why Should You Care?
Think about it: that $150 blazer you wear twice a week? It's working harder for you than those five $25 t-shirts collecting dust in the back of your drawer. Sure, the initial price tag might make you wince compared to the t-shirt, but in the long run, you're getting more bang for your buck. Not to say we don’t love a great t-shirt, we are just all about loving every piece of clothing that you own.
It's not just about saving money, though. By focusing on quality over quantity, you're also doing the planet a solid. It’s about shopping mindfully and loving what you buy so you wear it for as long as possible.
How to Make CPW Work for You
Building a year-round wardrobe that lasts starts with the basics. Look for high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched across seasons. That’s why we love directing people to our Capsule Wardrobe Edit, which contains all the core building blocks for a wardrobe that works hard to make you look effortlessly stylish.
Investment Pieces Worth Considering:
A Stylish Trench Coat
A well-made trench coat is an indisputable wardrobe MVP across seasons. Its classic design complements any outfit, from formal to casual, and its practicality keeps you shielded from the elements.
That’s why we love the ANDREAS Oversized Trench Coat. Available in Black and Beige, this piece is a future long tenant to your wardrobe.
Quality Leather Boots
Investing in a high-quality pair of leather boots can elevate your style instantly. Choose a classic style with minimal adornments for maximum versatility, ensuring they can be paired with jeans or a dress effortlessly. Think of the JESI Faux Leather Boots. Sleek and clean, these leather boots will be in your outfit on repeat year round.
Tailored Blazer
A tailored blazer, chosen in a neutral colour like black, navy, or grey, can transform any outfit into a sophisticated ensemble. It's ideal for professional settings, evening events, or simply adding a polished touch to a casual outfit. Get the ADDIE Suiting Blazer from our collection for some thoughtful investment in your power dressing wardrobe.
The Little Black Dress
Every wardrobe benefits from a little black dress (LBD). Its simplicity and elegance make it suitable for various occasions, from dinner dates to formal gatherings. The key is to choose a style that flatters your figure, ensuring you reach for it time and again. Check out the ANGELA Suiting Mini Dress or the BETH Tweed Mini Dress in black to get some inspo.
Durable Denim Jeans
A pair of well-fitted denim jeans in a classic cut can serve you well for countless occasions. Investing in a high-quality pair that resists fading and fraying means you'll have a closet staple for many years. Try on the JANINE High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans for some form-loving bottoms you can mix and match with your favourite tops.
Remember, the goal isn't to have the biggest wardrobe - it's to have the smartest one.
By focusing on pieces that offer real value, you'll end up with a closet full of clothes you’ll love forever and your wallet (and your future self) will thank you.
Looking to level up your staple wardrobe pieces? Shop our Capsule Wardrobe Edit.