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Getting dressed has never been this difficult. Not the six-year-old’s dilemma as to which is the left or right shoe, or the struggles of the older person bending down to do up shoelaces. No, I’m thin at the moment. I’m worried about having the right outfits in my wardrobe to deal with a range of clothing situations.
Blurring work and casualwear, combined with age, make for some tricky choices. If you’re seeking best value, throwing money at a situation won’t prevent you from looking like you got dressed in the dark or you’re attempting an inappropriate younger version of yourself. But can you save money when buying clothes and — if you’re aiming, as I am, for a particular look — are the sales the best place to find those savings?
The average person in the UK spends £915.20 a year on clothes, according to 2022 data from the Office for National Statistics. And, in December 2023, the UK’s clothing inflation rate was 6.4 per cent. We all know that when it comes to averages, or this column, such figures are meaningless. After all, you can drop more than that on a decent coat or a couple of pairs of good-quality shoes.
Years ago, it was simple. Work clothes were for work, weddings or a funeral. Easy. To buy a suit, pop into Hackett if thin and Marks and Spencer if fat. Shirts had to be double cuff, without a pocket and always better value purchased in the sales. And everything went on sale, twice a year — even at Harvie & Hudson (I like their collars).
Ties were simple too. On travels overseas, I’d pop into Hermès and pick up a duty-free tie to add to the collection. For shoes, I’d buy a black penny loafer, probably from Fratelli Rossetti or Tod’s, and that would be job done.
Casualwear involved jeans, chinos and a pair of Chelsea boots. A Ralph Lauren pullover and an Oxford cotton shirt for winter and a polo shirt in summer. But when workwear became smart casual — and I went freelance — things became complicated. The suits, ties and smart shirts were redundant.
I have nothing against shopping. In fact I love it! I actively enjoy the pursuit of a new outfit or unnecessary shoe purchase to add to my wardrobe. If I’m in the right mood, even a trouser-try is something I’ll embrace. After all, one should never buy a new pair of trousers without checking leg length, cut and waist.
Because, setting aside any yo-yo weight issues, sizing can vary dramatically. I like to think a 34-inch trouser will always fit. Sometimes they just don’t and a tight top button that could ping at any time is never advisable. Multiple cut styles don’t help. The rather annoying “tailored” or rudely worded “slim fit” are a no-go. It’s “regular” or “custom” all the way. Or as I like to call it, fat fit.
I also love a deal. But does that necessarily mean shopping the sales is worth it? No. Because sales are generally for the very thin, the very tall or the very fat. And those who don’t mind what they look like in public.
If you want a pair of Ralph Lauren chinos, they’ll set you back £180 — or £80 in a sale. But if you’re a “normal” size you’ll nearly always find that the leg length, size and colour is out of stock. You’re better off going to the revitalised M&S and getting a pair for £25.
Did I just say that? However, despite the renaissance at M&S, its own branded shirts are still terrible. If you buy the brands they sell, prepare for full-price goods, as they’re rarely reduced. You’ll pay £55 for a Crew shirt, selling for £17-£25 on Brand Alley, a web-based discount site. It’s like a designer outlet centre, without all the bother, travel and inevitable disappointment should you find nothing to buy. But you’ll need to be hawk-eyed. Anything XL usually goes the second it’s posted.
Finding that everyday brand has also proved tricky. Ralph Lauren, a staple for many, has simply become too expensive. It’s £140 for an Oxford cotton shirt and nearly £180 for a bog standard stripy number. If that’s what you want, hop on a plane to New York and shop their sales instead. Lacoste is my new go-to. And they really do put everything on sale. However, one brand can’t fill your wardrobe. And the Croc isn’t great for work-related casualwear.
The internet has revolutionised some shopping, but unless you know what you want and the exact size, it’s a minefield. And don’t get me started on delivery companies and whether your package will even reach its destination. As for sending things back — life’s too short for that kind of inconvenience. I’m old-fashioned and prefer a physical experience. Trying things on. Seeing the colour and feeling the quality.
That particularly applies to high-end brands. Is it ever justifiable to spend £660 on a Burberry pullover, £550 for Gucci trainers or £400 for an overlogo’d Moncler sweatshirt? Of course, because you’re worth it and it makes you feel better.
Recently, I popped into the respective stores to see if retail woes had spilled into amazing deals. I was sadly disappointed. I ended up buying a pair of trainers for £550 from the new season collection. Best to buy at the beginning of a season, pay full price and enjoy. And anyway, trying to get a discount at big, branded stores is like telling McDonald’s how to cook your burger. Pointless. And many fashion brands simply destroy excess stock to reinforce their brand value, so you’ll rarely find them in the bargain basement websites.
If you’re after a deal, find the small independent retailer that has well-priced, smaller run manufactured goods. If you become a regular customer, they’ll often do a deal. Sirplus (with various stores in London) is a nice addition for the fiftysomething gentleman and offered a tasty discount the last time I ventured in. But there’s another sales problem. I hate going through racks or piles of clothing to find the right size, even if they’re the brands I like, in a shop that looks like it’s been burgled. Invariably it results in a compromise.
My advice? If you see it and like it, buy it. You’ll save money if you purchase clothing you’ll wear, full price or not. And it’s not just about saving money on the purchase but reducing the clothing that sits in your wardrobe, never to be worn.
James Max is a broadcaster on TV and radio and a property expert. The views expressed are personal. X, Instagram and Threads @thejamesmax
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