I tracked what I wore for 6 MONTHS - clothing COST PER USE experiment

[@catherinenye4194]

I’m wearing a leather jacket I got at 16. I’m 39. That’s got to be a great cost per wear!

[@BudgetGirl]

That is amazing - and it must be great quality!

[@melodyk.]

Very interesting. Your method is admirably detailed! Bringing this level of attention to a wardrobe is excellent - ultimately leading to a closet of much loved and used items with nothing taking up space or wasting resources. Bravo.

[@BudgetGirl]

That’s the exact idea! 🎉

[@jeaninebrown1729]

My closet is very intentional...meaning everything in my closet i wear and feel my best in...even if its sweats....my mental health is very important as well as my finances...

[@BudgetGirl]

That’s wonderful! I hope to have a closet of all favs one day!

[@nicolegarrett1165]

Your video was super interesting to me. I have 9 pairs of shoes, 19 dresses, 4 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of slacks, 2 skirts, 37 tops, 12 cardigans, 4 pullovers, 7 jackets/vests/kimonos, 7 pairs of shorts, 2 sweaters = 104 items. I love on the coast in Texas so we only have 2 seasons. I wear cardigans year round because it is either super windy, the ac is so cold or it is actually cool outside. Cardigans by far have the lowest cost per wear for me. I have 3 thrift stores in my area that I am regularly able to find higher quality items at. I am extremely fortunate for that. Most of my tops are still fast fashion. This is the area of my wardrobe that has been the most difficult for me to figure out.

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks for sharing, its very cool to hear other people's breakdowns!

[@redvelvetgirl]

I absolutely love this idea! I swear I have a handful of shirts from Old navy or TJ maxx that I’ve worn 100 times each. I will be interested to see if that is actually the case when I track them. Just a thought - the fast paced background music made it hard to concentrate on what you were saying. Maybe it would be more effective to have it in the intro and fade out when you get to the meat of the content? Anyway thanks again for the great idea of costs per use.

[@BudgetGirl]

working with a new video editor and still working out sound, thank you for the feedback!

[@iamkellyah]

I recently catalogued my whole wardrobe too. I have 128 pieces . Includes shoes, coats, purses, belts. Does not included pjs, workout/yardwork clothes, work clothes (I just wear scrubs for work). I also didn't include formal wear, but I only own I think two fancy dresses and one pair of heels, neither of which I've worn in years. 128 feels like a pretty good number to me. I do separate by season, so right now I only have my spring clothes in my closet (54 pieces). Eventually I think I will probably get the total number lower, once I am able to slowly replace lesser worn items with more versatile but fewer pieces.

[@BudgetGirl]

That’s awesome! I feel like I have a little bit too much but don’t plan to restrict down to a number, just to what feels right, like you said. Sounds like you’ve hit a sweet spot!

[@britbc4461]

I have less than 50 items. I think a lot of people who do "hauls" return or resell a lot of stuff. And some people are clothes hoarders.

[@donnaclark8874]

I agree, very interesting concept! Most of us have “too much” in our closet and gravitate toward items we like and feel good wearing. Thank you for this informative and thought provoking video!!

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks so much, i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@rachelday9585]

I probably have less than 30 items total, but I wear the same things all the time without fail. I have 7 pairs of shoes total; 3 tennis shoes, 3 crocs, and 1 pair of snow boots. Yes, I wear tennis shoes to funerals even. I have about 3 jackets and 2 coats (that I rarely wear, even in the dead of winter), 4 pair of pants, and probably 8-10 shirts. I'm not a minimalist by any means, just wear the same things all the time.

[@blciffa]

I have tracked my clothes one year in high school. I haven’t done it since. I love data and thinking of the frequency of wearing it. ❤❤

[@TheGenflute]

I really love this. My daughter was debating and sweating out buying a pair of Doc Martens boots. Basic black, Chelsea boot. Big cost up front. But she takes super good care of her clothes, and we did the math...if she used her coupon, then divided the cost by 52, we learned that it would cost her less than $5 per week to own them! She has worn them way more than once a week, and they look flipping new. She cleans and conditions them and whatnot on a regular basis. They could last her for many years, which reduces her cost per use to just pennies!

[@BudgetGirl]

I've seen people wear Docs for decades! Plus they're good for her feet. A wise investment for sure!

[@geebamom]

This is interesting. I find that your CPW is just about what I spend on an item. lol I just returned from a cruise where I discovered I don't like my clothes. At all. I wore one sweater the majority of the trip with yoga pants and just admired everyone's outfits. I definitely need to rethink my wardrobe.

[@y3rbat3ra]

Best consequence of mindless shopping is that I can pick up quality items @ the thrift store for pennies on the $, many with the original tags/never worn.

[@mama24fb27]

Really interesting video, very much enjoyed it! I don't have a lot in my wardrobe now, and a lot of items I do have I don't like, but I've changed sizes drastically over the last few years and have a hard time finding items that fit. I actually started sewing to get good quality pieces that do fit me. It's a slow process but I'm excited to get some pieces that I really love and that fit me well.

[@BudgetGirl]

sewing is such a cool skill! and when your body fluctuates as most do, of course you have to have clothes in different sizes. never feel bad for that! i've started leaning more toward looser fitting clothing and I love not having to be uncomfortable when i'm up or down a few pounds.

[@marianraftery]

I’m an old age pensioner on a very frugal budget, and I have no choice but to buy my clothes in the same place as I buy my groceries. I treat them like they are from an expensive boutique, and I get years out of them, then they become my gardening clothes, and then my cleaning rags .

[@BudgetGirl]

I’m sure you look fabulous!

[@savvyw5891]

I do a capsule wardrobe and have 33 items for 3 months (Project 333). This includes the same areas you include. 1/3 of that is scrubs for school (I am a nursing student). The rest is the same shirt and different colors, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of tennis shoes (1 for school and 1 for work), one pair of boots, 1 fancy shirt, 4 jackets (rain, light, heavy, and sweatshirt), a hat, and mittens. I rarely need to go outside of this wardrobe with in the 3 months. I do store some stuff under my bed that I don’t use currently or that much such as a swimsuit or summer clothes. I did this to simplify my life, be more intentional, and save money.

[@heartquaked]

I waste money on clothes sooo much. This is such a great idea

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks!

[@cyndeepokorny3413]

Great method. I’ve been doing this for years! Helps me make sure I’m not overspending as well.

[@BudgetGirl]

Excellent!

[@trudymorgan7456]

I’m glad to see more budget type videos. Can you do a video on cosmetics / hair products you used while getting out of debt and what items you use now and think are worth the money. I have gone back to using Nioxin shampoo. I will not stop using if I get more serious about my budget. Your hair is looking pretty! That made me think of this!

[@elizabethheard7148]

You should check out the Laundry Evangelist. You can learn to do laundry cheaper, faster, greener using soap flakes instead of detergent. You will use the express cycle. You will be amazed at how much nicer things come out.

[@angiewolf8189]

I've been wearing the same clothes for 20+ years. I look back at pictures and think.....there I am in the same shirt I have on today. Most of my clothes were hand me downs or Goodwill. Clothes are SO not important to me. I do buy new undergarments, workout/hiking clothes and shoes. I do invest in high quality workout clothes and hiking shoes as I wear the 'snot' out of them and need them to hold up with the sweat and washing. I also need safe shoes. I get my monies worth out of everything I buy.

[@miadifferent7306]

I started decluttering my wardrobe 15 years ago. The I got rid of things (donated or sold in bulk) that weren’t in my color scheme. Eventually Marie Kondo made take out the last pieces that I didn’t actually like. Except for hiking and gym clothes I only wear dreses. I’d say I have about 20. that’s what I’m most comfortable in. I have a lot of rules to keep my satisfaction with clothes: 1) item must have a high amount of cotton or other naturally sourced material, 2) main colours black, grey, blue tones, 3) when I try it on it must be a „oh, I want that“ - if it’s a maybe, it’s s no. 4) if I like an item I welcome buying it multiple times (same colour/pattern or different, what ever I want), 5) clothes have to be stretchy so I can move and breath without feeling constraint

[@BudgetGirl]

The "if it's not a hell yes, then its a hell no" rule is one of my favs and I use it too! also always stretchy comfy. Love your rules!

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

Whooo Hooo. Great idea of cost per use.

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks darrell, you're always so early and I appreciate you so much!

[@joanbirdsell3678]

Thanks for this - wasn't aware of this process but now want to implement it! You mentioned being more intentional about the wardrobe - that is a goal of mine as well.

[@LisaVanGemert]

I LOVED this!!! There's real value in being a scientist of your life.

[@terriromberger7475]

This is really detailed. Good for you, I did look at the blondebrokebougie example-wow! Very impressive. Thanks I really like the your insights.

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

I love seeing you wearing the different outfits.

[@VeeFrugalFox]

Definitely need an update in half a year. Thanks for this, Sarah. Super cool.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you!

[@Nwladylaura369]

I have lots of clothes! However, I am a senior and have some items that are 30 years old. Those items need to be sold or donated. (I can’t fit in most of them.) At least 20 pairs of shoes too! So basically I wear less than 20% of what I own. Note, I also love to thrift store shop. I did recently donate about 15 items and am working on more. I also have put aside some items to sell. Eventually I will get things whittled down. At this point in my life I don’t want to track any of it, just release most of them back into the wild! 😅

[@BudgetGirl]

I totally would too! I'm sure the cost per wear on some of those things is essentially 0 too! Decluttering also feels so good!

[@Nwladylaura369]

P.S. Before I moved from NV to OR over a year ago, I donated about 20 pairs of slacks and lots of other stuff. I am set for life on stuff! But, then there is Temu. Oops!!

[@mariayelruh]

I'm wearing a shirt today that I bought 16 or 17 years ago. I wear it maybe 12-15 times a year. It was on sale for $4... so my cost per wear is less than 2 cents. It's mates (in 2 other colors) have gotten so worn that I can't wear them for good anymore, but I'm happy with 2 cents a wear.

[@BudgetGirl]

thats amazing!

[@MsAmyMartinez]

Thank you! I have been wanting to start tracking this but didn't know where to start. Your walk through was extremely helpful!

[@BudgetGirl]

You are so welcome!

[@ndmuse]

I used to be addicted to thrift stores and buying clothes. Now I've downsized in everyway but still have more clothes than closet space. I also never wear most of it. Anyway, if I wear something a lot then I feel that I got my money's worth. If I don't, then I didn't. Either way I only buy clothing now when I need it which isn't much since I wear only my most comfy clothes regardless. 😂

[@sueg7174]

I dived right in and did a cost per wear check on two expensive jackets I bought a couple of years ago from a very environmentally conscious fair trade values shop.I felt really bad about spending so much. However I know I wore one or other every day the last two winters. I counted every day as five days a week for three months which is probably less time than I actually wore them, The cost per wear was $7.50. I'm stoked. Another winter coming up for us now !!

[@BudgetGirl]

whoop! It can be such a fun experiement!

[@debbiemabrey9240]

You've inspired me! I'm gonna track what I wear over the next year. Anything I don't wear is gonna go

[@anyagee9467]

This is such a great idea! I love this kind of stuff, but I don't have the patience to track it

[@gittekaan3689]

I find this so interesting, thanks

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks so much, i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@KatyInNH]

This was super interesting! I need to part with some things that I haven’t worn in years and I think this will help with the final step! Thanks!

[@2fixmj563]

I have no idea how many items or outfits but after doing a closet audit over zoom with a consultant, I got rid of duplicates and things that didn't fit right. Best thing I ever did. I found out my favorite color is blue but does that mean all my clothes need to be blue?!?! I will do a spreadsheet someday to learn more about me.

[@BudgetGirl]

Such a great point and I’ve been considering it myself! Specifically I’ll see a dress that is my style but similar to one I already have and ask myself “would I reach for this one over my already lovely dress that I adore?” Most times it’s a no and it’s wonderful to have the option to be able to be considerate since I have enough clothes. I want them all to get lots of use!

[@thomasinasmith3272]

That Anthropologie dress really suits you, love it! 🌸

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you i love it!

[@suen5006]

Wow, so much detail! I still want to keep those funeral and interview outfits around and of course Covid upended everything. Now I am working a messy job so I wear old stuff with stains, but hope to return to a different job so I will return to my previous work clothes. Thanks for your video!

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I really love your style. This was so interesting. I have clothes of many different sizes.

[@BudgetGirl]

As you're on a body journey that makes total sense! and thank you!

[@Natalie_11188]

This is such a fun idea. I recently lost 80lbs and I live in a climate where it can be -5F in the winter and 100F in the summer, I need clothes for all climates. In trying to rebuild everything I am hyper aware of what I don’t have. The only thing am still wearing are graphic tees and pjs.

[@BudgetGirl]

Natalie, that sounds hard and unfortunately kinda expensive! If fashion or your personal style is something you enjoy or think you could, I hope you take your time and try to see it as an opportunity to build a wardrobe that you love and feel comfortable in in your new body.

[@Natalie_11188]

@@BudgetGirl oh I was a total clothes horse even at my heaviest, so I am super excited but it is expensive! I had to borrow my mom’s winter coat because mine didnt TOUCH MY BODY any more and I was freezing. I’ll buy another when the sizes restock in the fall. But the hardest thing now is I don’t know what brands/stores fit me best as I can’t wear plus sizes any more. Also I had to switch bra brands (that was so expensive).

[@sarajohnson4873]

This is fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[@maryb386]

The nerd in me is geeking out 😂. I don't think I have the time to do this, but it's fascinating!

[@BudgetGirl]

understandable! It's a bit of a loony experiment, but happy to be the loon!

[@teresanorris4769]

96 items not including undergarments and swimwear. At least half I have had for over 10 years. I rarely buy anything for more than $20. I often buy used items and am not too proud to wear free clothing given to me.

[@BudgetGirl]

that is amazing! way to go!

[@donedennison9237]

Interesting! So many thoughts. A few years ago, I had a friend mention that he wanted to pare down all his possessions to 100 items. Frankly, that gave me chills. I like "my stuff." But it did make me think, could even *I* do 100 items in categories. Like: 100 items of clothing, 100 kitchen items, 100 household sundries like towels, sheets, pillows and the like. As far as my clothing, I do have a little method where I put my items in drawers so that the newer stuff or freshly cleaned goes on one end. This reminds me to pick from the older end, thus encouraging me to "use" each item more. I still will sometimes "pick" from the middle, though. What about tracking other things like kitchen items? I have drawers full of utensils, pans etc that I probably haven't used in years. I do try and thrift most of what I have, but I can tell that I would probably save a lot if I could sell off that which no longer serves me. It would also reduce "where is that" anxiety.

[@BudgetGirl]

I think that sounds much more manageable! I don't have a set number of clothes that i want or even plan to pare down to. I just want to be sure i'm using all my stuff and getting my money's worth!

[@veroniquegourdin3438]

It makes so much sense !!!

[@sandrafromscotland]

Interesting Sarah. Tracking spreadsheet 🙌 Looks like you really enjoyed the process 😊 For future videos is it possible to have no music please? I like listening to you but found the music distracting.

[@BudgetGirl]

working with a new editing company and still ironing out the kinks. this one was a tad loud. sorry sandra! hopefully futures will be better.

[@thearbitrarylife]

I’m on the fewer side, though I’ve never counted them. But I do wear them all. I only buy when something wears out. I know that if I threw it literally all of my wardrobe in the washer it’s not a half a load.

[@BudgetGirl]

impressive! so glad it works for you!

[@thearbitrarylife]

@@BudgetGirl I credit it to I had to work at 4am- I wasn’t about to decide what to wear!

[@JJ-rx8ym]

I’m a fabric snob so I can’t handle the cheap polyester from fast fashion. The lead scares from Shein is another motivator for me. Poshmark and GoodWill in rich counties are great ways to get better stuff for your money. Eshakti is moderately affordable and customizable.

[@annicks7385]

Well, cotton is a decent price . You can get a nice cotton skirt for $20+ , cotton shirt $10+ .... Linen . Please try to be sustainable and buy earth friendly material . Because , if the clothes isn't worn and thrown out ... Like most fast fashion ..... It's another dump to the landfill, more than likely if it's not resold or donated . 😢 You can do a capsule wardrobe , rotate items during different seasons . It can be fun , you'll feel like you went shopping for a new wardrobe 😂 but you just went shopping in your closet. For free. I enjoyed this video . Thank you .

[@lindap9079]

I'm looking forward to doing this myself as well as following your progress.

[@rachelo3548]

The last two summers I got by with 2 pairs of shorts! Not for lack of shopping or money. I couldn't find any I loved, so I didn't buy any! I also had a light, midi skirt and a dress. I think my wardrobe is pretty minimal. I do wear the same things over and over. My estimate of number of clothing items I own is probably 50-75.

[@BudgetGirl]

wtg on not buying only when you love thigns!

[@pjl2963]

Fascinating and impressive study, Sarah! Loved all the outfits you modeled...they all looked so cute on you : )

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you!

[@rwind656]

I took a count for you -- ended up just estimating drawer contents -- and I'd say 300 big items (not including small personal/pj's, or coats etc., just shirts/dresses/slacks/jeans/tees etc.). I want to get that down to half. Realistically I probably wear less than 25%. Experience has shown it's helpful to have backup for odd occasions. I'm most interested in how the frequency of wear might affect my overfull closet. I would like to be willing to declutter and then store a subset of clothes for backup that I don't wear; I would like to hone down my closet which is currently over full. A friend gifted me with a bunch -- a bunch -- of new clothes, mostly casual tops and jeans, from someone's estate and they will not all fit in my closet. They've thrown up onto a chair in my bedroom. I'm only part way along the process of sorting them in and there is definitely a surplus. I know there are pretty easy ways to track what one has worn and then sort those out. (Turning hangers backwards at the beginning of a season and forwards once worn is common.) But I do not like that method. Shrugs. Too easy for me to rationalize keeping excess. I am not good at "one in, one out" letting things go. I sew and think "I'll repair this" or "I'll transform this into ___" or "this could be used for ___." But I rarely get to those type projects at this time of life. It's just a way of rationalizing not letting something go. I need a rational way of setting a limit. For you it seems your rational way involves "cost/wear." I agree on value; I just don't buy what I am unsure of wearing, I don't buy frivolously. Current style enters more into your equation. I've seen so many styles come and go, quality wins out over time with exceptions. I'd prefer starting with a complete list of wardrobe items. (Think packing for a Summer Camp when young, where it's dictated that you take 2 pair of shorts, 3 shirts, specific shoes, etc..) One funeral dress, one funeral slacks, one funeral shoes will meet my need. Two pair nice jeans in current wear is in reality what I wear, and two pair of work jeans for dirty jobs in the yard. (Not the many many pairs I have.) I would like then to select the best quality to fit those slots in the wardrobe, and the most loved. I'm a careful person so I don't mind having reasonable extras for some choice, and then backup within reason. And I change size, a life long lived has verified that I will need those items one size down and up. At this time of life I have room for backup in my closet.

[@suzannedoran7340]

I LOVE this video Sarah, great work. I think one of the ways you really succeed at keeping a useful wardrobe is by all the reselling you do, so even though on your spreadsheet it looked like a lot of new items bought in 2022-3, the number of items you own remains reasonable. I tend to buy few new items but don’t cycle anything out of my wardrobe so probably have more in total than you. I am also plus size and seem to be ever-fattening, so I have a bunch of items which don’t fit but I wish they did - I don’t know whether to include those in my total! I live in a country with terrible shopping options compared to the US or UK (NZ), so unfortunately by following the “if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no” rule would mean I would never get new clothes😢 I avoid fast fashion and try to only buy natural fibres, so each new garment can be costly. I would like to think most items are running at

[@vvanest2009]

This is an amazing video!

[@BudgetGirl]

so glad you enjoyed it!

[@nt6719]

Sarah if that's something you wanted to do I'm glad you were able to do it. It provides a lot of information. It's a good way of knowing what your favorites are and knowing what items you may want to sell. It also may give you good clues as to the type of items to buy and not buy in the future. I moved across country 3 1/2 years ago and I greatly reduced the amount of clothes I had before the move. I've bought some new underwear, some new socks, and a new pair of shoes. I've also bought some items at Goodwill. A couple of those were coats that were $10 each. A couple were lighter weight coats that were $5-6 each. The rest were items that I paid $1-$4 per item-mostly $1. I've also had someone clean out there closet and offer me their items 3x. So I'm back to having a lot of clothes at a very low cost. Most of the items that were given to me fit me but a few are currently too small. Some of the items that were given to me have a few "away from home wears" in them and when they start looking like they shouldn't be worn out anymore I will wear them at home. Some are almost like new. At the moment I'm keeping most of them. A couple of the items that I was given early on are about worn out and ready to be turned into possible patches for other clothes or into rags. Things wear out and I'm not interested in spending a lot on clothes if I have clothes I can wear.

[@BudgetGirl]

That’s amazing! I’m definitely not advocating for anyone to change up their wardrobe or even clothes buying habits. I’ve been through times when I only had a handful of things I even could wear/ afford and my style was barely on the table and not a priority. I’ve also had clothes given to me that was the biggest blessing. Now that I’m better off I just want to make sure I’m a good steward of my resources and don’t waste money on clothes just because I can. All an experiment!

[@nt6719]

@@BudgetGirl I agree with you. I'm wanting to be a good steward and not waste the resources. After plastic, clothes are the #2 item that ends up in landfills. Even if I can't wear some of the clothes I may meet someone who needs clothes who I can help. If I donate to Goodwill they get sold and not given away.

[@BudgetSaveAndRepeat]

this was such an interesting video..im trying to invest in better quality and be more intentional about each purchase i make

[@medical4652]

I enjoyed this video alot Sarah. Thanks for the interesting calculations.

[@susanvelez6534]

I think this was brilliant ! I know you love color because your a young and vibrant young lady. With that said, it is a wardrobe staple to have a black blazer in your closet. You don’t want to show up to a funeral of a family member/ co worker etc. in a floral dress and sneakers. Does that make sense? You may not go to it often now but, you will with time. It is a timeless piece, great for throwing over your shoulder on a date night if it’s chilli. That is my only suggestion. My daughter is tiny and she can only wear berks because she has feet problems and they are considered orthopedic. Other than that if you can replace your fast fashion ( shein, old navy) replace them with like you said brands that will last and you can wash over and over and they stand the test of time, that would be the ultimate. Sustainable fashion items that are made by women that get paid well, items made in USA, not china. I have slowly removed fast fashion from my closet. Believe it or not target has wonderful summer 100% cotton dresses that will not kill your bank account. I tend to spend more on shoes, boots and winter wear. Our winter has been brutal this year! It is still snowing and snowed all day today. Other than my black blazer suggestion (and sell on posh ) and yes use that money to purchase longer lasting well made pieces.You will end up having a great wardrobe and you will be happy with all your pieces. Now since I literally have winter, spring ( which obviously is not here yet) and summer and fall. I switch them out fall and winter/ I put them away and then spring and summer come out. You would be amazed once you have quality items how many different outfits you can make. When I travel, that’s when I use a capsule wardrobe. It works for me😀now I’m curious. I think I’ll count my clothes 🙋🏻‍♀️ this was as always a fantastic video! Love you girl

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks susan! I am trying to move more toward quality pieces but it will be a slow journey as I want to use the fast fashion i have until its dead. And I have black sweaters and dresses for sad ocassions, unfortunately i have had to go to too many of those at my age.

[@susanvelez6534]

@@BudgetGirl awe darling I know about those sad occasions darling my daughter is only 20 and has been to at least 5 funerals. Times have changed a lot of sadness in this world. I understand. Curating your wardrobe takes a long time. When your finished doing it you will feel great because like I mentioned you will have pieces that last forever.I still have silk pieces and cashmere pieces that I purchased in my mid 30’s and I’m 61 now. Lol your so funny 😂 wear it until it’s dead. Well you know I’ve been with you for oh goodness since you were working 2 jobs paying off student loans living in another state. Your incredible to me. Keep up the great work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙋🏻‍♀️🤗🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@carleerae521]

Awesome video!! I have also wondered about this and wanted to invest in better quality items. I'm definitely going to try this out as I start replacing my wardrobe.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks for watching Carlee! and good luck with your wardrobe journey!

[@MeganBecnel]

I love this. I consider cost per wear lightly. I was first introduced to the idea back when the blog dress for dollar a day was active. I general consider 1 dollar my happy place. Of course, there are some exception. I also have found your honesty around closet numbers super, super helpful. When I counted last I had 52 dresses. I have lost track of shirts, pants, shorts. But I definitely have over 100. I have to keep my dresses in a seperate location because of length (and long jackets, etc. I can't keep more than that.) My traditional closet portion is only 2/3rds filled, but it is probably 6ft long. I really need to get rid of jackets and sweaters! You know how often those get used.

[@MeganBecnel]

I should say that I am super fortunate to have some friends who are my size and good thrift stores, so my cost per use is so super low because of that. I suspect yours will come down over time, but your also have a very front facing job

[@MeganBecnel]

Also, a surprising number of my dresses are svaha. And I leaned into Miss Frizzle for a while. I went crazy with clearance twice

[@BudgetGirl]

I remember that blog, it was so cool!

[@MrsQuam]

This was fascinating and now I want to do the same experiment!!!

[@Brookeloun]

Great video!

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks so much, i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@catgodfrey6451]

Thank you for sharing. This is a great idea 😊❤

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

Similarly I use a formula when car shopping to determine if the vehicle is a good value to me

[@busybaldaufs896]

I totally agree this is fascinating. It's weird though that whoever made those articles about clothing capsules thinks you only need 74 pieces!? How do they not take into account all the crazy weather changes we all have been experiencing? I live in southern AZ and it snowed in March. Snowed. Lol 💜🌵

[@BudgetGirl]

Right! I think the year mark will be interesting

[@wcdanger6921]

Tracking cost per wear is a true commitment to intentional spending! I've changed clothing sizes for the first time in nine years, so my cost per wear is about to go up!!

[@BudgetGirl]

thats ok! clothes are meant to fit our bodies and they change! I'm sure you'll be intentional with your new purchases too

[@chrisjordan9718]

Very interesting video. I am not a fan of the music in the background while you are talking. I am surprised that I still enjoy your content since I have been watching since you started getting out of debt. Great job keeping it interesting after all these years.

[@chelsea2690]

Amazing! But i would not have the patience for this 😂

[@BudgetGirl]

It was a PITA to get it all in the sheet. had to do it during a near manic fit of inspiration. Tracking it now is super easy though!

[@SouthernGurlSaves]

I am still in the thrift store buying, however, I sometimes find good quality pieces in -lus size sections

[@BudgetGirl]

for years and years I didn't even bother because there was never anything, but now i'm starting to find stuff again! --- of course now goodwil is trying to charge new prices for clothing *eye roll*

[@Victoria-uq8mf]

I definitely have less than 100 items but I've been sacrificing in that area on purpose for other reasons.

[@Victoria-uq8mf]

I have about 6 pairs of pants, 6 shorts, 3 dresses, and the rest is tops and undergarments.

[@Victoria-uq8mf]

Oh I forgot I have 1 coat and 4 sweaters as well. If I had to guess how many shirts I'd say no more than 30. And I haven't counted but I don't have that much.

[@Victoria-uq8mf]

Oh I also have 1 pair of boots, 3 pairs of sandals, 1 pair of cloth shoes, and 1 pair of tennis shoes

[@nishithareddya9776]

Interesting video! How did you go about selling items you don’t wear?

[@BudgetGirl]

I use poshmark or mercari, you could also sell them locally at like a platos or secondhand clothing shop.

[@chelsea2690]

I'm also interested to see an update on this

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm so glad! I'm interested too and will be happy to share!

[@jmknudsen5357]

I'm thinking that most of the clothes in my closet are over 10 years old. Lots of wear, but too many things I never wear.

[@justanotherjessica]

I definitely think the data you found while googling was wrong. The one that said 103 items and women only use 10% doesn't even make any sense. That means they only use about 10 items. I don't know ANYONE who only uses 10 clothing items lol. Even I use more than that and I work from home and practically live in my PJs. I usually wear the same pair of jeans every time I go out but I rotating through tops a lot.

[@BudgetGirl]

that is such a good point! And considering how far off some of my assumptions vs the actual data I gathered for my wardrobe, I think the sources were likely pulling those numbers from somewhere dark. :-D

[@chillgamingchannel1283]

im 35 and still wear my walking boots my mum bought me when I was 13.... I threw them a 21st last year lol. Kathmandu if anyone's interest lol XD

[@kaitlynyoung1766]

So you inspired me to empty my dresser and minus a few pieces in the laundry, socks and underwear I have 47 pieces (pants, dresses, long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, pj pants, hoodies,and shoes 🤣

[@BudgetGirl]

I can't tell you how much it brings me joy to know I inspired a crazy project :-D and nice tiny wardrobe!

[@lyndaemge3486]

Sarah, I love you, and your content----But this.....I just cant!

[@BudgetGirl]

well thanks for engaging with the video anyway!

[@melaniegoode5557]

Have you ever tried whering or one of the other clothing tracking apps?

[@BudgetGirl]

I haven't, but i'm not opposed, do you have any suggestions for one?

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

Could i do this ? I am a pensioner and live in a seasonal country, i have coats which are 15-20 years old some years i will wear one for days on end ,heavy rain and the next lighter winter hardly at all. I have summer tops 15 plus years old . conclusion i have no idea what i bought these for so tracking not for me.

[@susanvelez6534]

I think

[@AnInfluencedLife]

Do you still use the custom made dress service you did during your debt-free journey?

[@BudgetGirl]

I don’t own any eshakti anymore, i sold or donated the last of those a little bit back, but I certainly got great cost per use out of them! Part due to body changing part due to style. I don’t love structured as much any more. Good company imo though!

[@jordanwilliams9300]

I have WAY more than 166 articles of clothing lol. I would guess i have ~300-350

[@kaleydc]

Where are you finding Birkenstocks for $27? I want some!

[@BudgetGirl]

Poshmark! I go for the ones that people wore a couple times then stopped. Not the ones worn to death. I consider it helping me break them in!