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How much, on average, do you spend annually on clothes and accessories?

If the current issues of any number of fashion magazines are any indication, there is a big difference between fantasy-land clothes prices and the average person's reality. A lot of it may depend on whether or not you live an urban, more corporate lifestyle, versus the smalltown/non-corporate lifestyle. Or, clothes might be key for your work or social standing. There may also be a general difference between the prices women on the west and east coasts have come to expect, and what women in middle-America will tolerate.

These days the environmental and labor law issues also come into play and can influence women's buying behavior. Some might pay more for "eco-responsible" jeans, and others might pay more for t-shirts made in America.

As per the recent SheSpeaks blog post A Brand New Car or A Handbag, a lot of you find the Louis Vuitton $45,000 handbag a bit much. So, do you live in fantasy fashion-land?

$500 or less|Kids/household and other expenses seem to come first, for now (45.8%)

In the $1000 to $1500 range|I buy staples and a few nicer things throughout the year (36.0%)

More than $1500, but less than $5000|I have a lifestyle that demands I look my best (15.5%)

More than $5,000 - Sky is the limit|I love designer lines and shop frequently (2.5%)

How much, on average, d…
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25
  • didama By didama
    on Jun 24, 2007  

    I wouldn't say that the "Sky's the Limit" but, I have to spend money on clothes. Its necessary in the industry that I work in. At the end of the day, we are still judged based on our appearance. If you show up at a meeting looking like you just threw an outfit, it looks unprofessional.

  • zoethegreat By zoethegreat
    on Jun 24, 2007  

    I think I follow the European philosophy when it comes to buying clothes. I buy a few good pieces each year and then fill in with stuff that's not as pricey. So, I'll buy 1-2 nice pairs of pants, shoes and a dress. The good thing about this is that usually my good stuff lasts a couple of years. This way, you can put an outfit together and as long as there is one good piece, the rest of the outfit tends to look better.

  • gypsy4360 By gypsy4360
    on Jun 24, 2007  

    Since I have become a stay at home mom, I have quickly become a penny pincher. Now I don't buy it unless I have to have it. It just seems that there is always something more important on the list of things we need. But I don't mind. My family is worth it!!

  • pearlmelodey By pearlmelodey
    on Jun 24, 2007  

    I'm just to cheap to spend money on clothes I find other things I spend money on.My sister-in-law hates it that I won't spend money on myself.She sometimes will go by something for me she knows I would like to have but won't spend it on myself,LOL.

  • Squirrelsmo By Squirrelsmo
    on Jun 24, 2007  

    You don't have to spend a lot to still look good now days...It looks like it's all going back to the 70's anyways lol.

  • jemappel By jemappel
    on Jun 25, 2007  

    I don't spend a lot on clothes, but it's not because 'other things come first' but because I don't need a lot of clothing. I work in an office where I have to look professional, but it doesn't really cost that much too look appropriate. I loathe consumerism and I think that most people who spend a ton of money on clothes do it more as a hobby and/or a desire to consume more than because they actually need clothes - it's so wasteful of both time and money!

  • delik8me3 By delik8me3
    on Jun 25, 2007  

    I am a stay-at-home mom and my clothes, mostly my tops, tend to get ruined fairly quickly. Between kids wiping their sticky fingers on me, crafts, cleaning, and basic everyday wear and tear, I go through shirts fast. I can't afford to spend a lot of money on clothes that will be ruined within the next couple of months.

  • Preesi By Preesi
    on Jun 25, 2007  

    $100.00 or less on shoes!

  • Lovemiracle By Lovemiracle
    on Jun 25, 2007  

    I'm a Stay at Home mom, and we try to budget what we can, especially clothes, when we buy new clothes, we buy them when they are on sale, I never pay full price for clothes, never and that has saved us hundreds of dollars.

    I also buy some of my daily clothes and my husband's work clothes at Goodwill Stores, when they have their 99cents sale, and most of them are brand name clothes!

  • juicyfruity By juicyfruity
    on Jun 25, 2007  

    Right now my home and children come first. I'm not raggedy ann but i'm not stepping out of a magazine either!