More Conservative Dress in the new Economy ?

[Sizzle]

Given the financial climate do you think you or the people around you have toned down their way of dress.. ie less bling, less obvious designer stuff? Do you think there will be a time when that is necessary?

 

[musey]

Quite honestly, I haven''t seen much (if any) impact around me, so I haven''t felt self-conscious. No friends or family have been laid off or taken pay cuts, everyone around us rents (except our parents who are set)... the worst is that my dad and one of our friends had a severely reduced Christmas bonus compared to usual (my husband''s company doesn''t give any bonuses ever, so it''s a non-issue for us).

So I hear a lot about the economy suffering and people losing jobs/homes/money, but it''s not affecting us or anyone around us (yet, knock on wood) so there''s no reason to feel self-conscious or tone things down.

To be fair, though, the only thing ''upscale'' about the way I dress/accessorize is my wedding set and my handbags (much like the rest of LA, even those who are wealthy).

 

[vespergirl]

I saw Barbara Walters interview Rush Limabugh, and when she questioned him about the recession, he said, "I refuse to participate."

I kind of feel the same way. Obviously, not everyone has that choice, but my husband''s business is doing very well right now, so I feel like besides trying to save a little extra and cutting down on the very frivolous spending, we don''t need to do much else differently. We are still donating to charities, so we already do what we can to help the less fortunate.

 

[HollyS]

I''m not sure I understand the question. What has money, no money, the economy, or anything else got to do with the way you dress? Everyone can dress well . . . even if you buy at Wal-Mart. Really. You just have to choose well. Just like you don''t need to shop at Tiffany''s to get great jewelry.

As a (ahem) ''more than middle-aged'' person, I''ve certainly known my fair share of rich people, and a smattering of some famous folks. Most people with money do not dress as though the rest of us recognize designers styles; they don''t flaunt designer label goods (purses, sunglasses, etc.) They merely dress well. Sometimes it has cost them a fortune; often it has not.

If you buy designer goods, buy them because of their value, their quality, their timelessness. Don''t buy logos to impress others, or because you''ve been caught up in the ''desire to acquire''. Dress well, but dress for yourself. And don''t put your good stuff in mothballs because somebody else is out of a job. Enjoy what you have; and keep the circumspection for future purchases.

 

[Sizzle]

Date: 12/22/2008 2:12:18 PM
Author: HollyS
I'm not sure I understand the question. What has money, no money, the economy, or anything else got to do with the way you dress? Everyone can dress well . . . even if you buy at Wal-Mart. Really. You just have to choose well. Just like you don't need to shop at Tiffany's to get great jewelry.

As a (ahem) 'more than middle-aged' person, I've certainly known my fair share of rich people, and a smattering of some famous folks. Most people with money do not dress as though the rest of us recognize designers styles; they don't flaunt designer label goods (purses, sunglasses, etc.) They merely dress well. Sometimes it has cost them a fortune; often it has not.

If you buy designer goods, buy them because of their value, their quality, their timelessness. Don't buy logos to impress others, or because you've been caught up in the 'desire to acquire'. Dress well, but dress for yourself. And don't put your good stuff in mothballs because somebody else is out of a job. Enjoy what you have; and keep the circumspection for future purchases.

It's actually a conversation that I was having with people in "real life" that I transferred to the boards. There are many things about a poor economy that change the way people dress. First, crime tends to go up during these hard times, so some might be self-consious about wearing flashier items. Second, when you're in an area where many of your friends are losing their jobs, homes etc, you might feel a little guilty coming in with a new Birkin bag etc. I personally am blessed and have yet to see the TRUE impact of the economy, but I do have friends from around the world, who work in different industries and this was something we were discussing.

 

[HollyS]

Date: 12/22/2008 2:25:06 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 12/22/2008 2:12:18 PM
Author: HollyS
I''m not sure I understand the question. What has money, no money, the economy, or anything else got to do with the way you dress? Everyone can dress well . . . even if you buy at Wal-Mart. Really. You just have to choose well. Just like you don''t need to shop at Tiffany''s to get great jewelry.

As a (ahem) ''more than middle-aged'' person, I''ve certainly known my fair share of rich people, and a smattering of some famous folks. Most people with money do not dress as though the rest of us recognize designers styles; they don''t flaunt designer label goods (purses, sunglasses, etc.) They merely dress well. Sometimes it has cost them a fortune; often it has not.

If you buy designer goods, buy them because of their value, their quality, their timelessness. Don''t buy logos to impress others, or because you''ve been caught up in the ''desire to acquire''. Dress well, but dress for yourself. And don''t put your good stuff in mothballs because somebody else is out of a job. Enjoy what you have; and keep the circumspection for future purchases.

It''s actually a conversation that I was having with people in ''real life'' that I transferred to the boards. There are many things about a poor economy that change the way people dress. First, crime tends to go up during these hard times, so some might be self-consious about wearing flashier items. Second, when you''re in an area where many of your friends are losing their jobs, homes etc, you might feel a little guilty coming in with a new Birkin bag etc. I personally am blessed and have yet to see the TRUE impact of the economy, but I do have friends from around the world, who work in different industries and this was something we were discussing.

I would feel silly carrying a Birkin bag that cost thousands, no matter the economy. It''s a purse. I don''t know anyone, personally, who would not be absolutely stupified at such an expense for an accessory. I would open an IRA long before I would shell out those $$$$ for a purse. But, I know this is just MHO. I can''t speak for the rest of PS.

 

[Haven]

I don''t plan on changing anything about my appearance due to the current state of the economy. I agree with Holly that dressing well does not necessarily equal shelling out a lot of money. People are always asking me where I bought this or that, and I proudly tell them Target, Nordstrom Rack, or Loehmann''s, in most cases. I like to think that that''s a sign of my BFA in costume design at work, but really, it''s just about choosing great items.

Anyway, I have changed some of my choices, but that''s because DH and I want to scale back just in case. We haven''t been hit by the economy, and we live pretty far below our means, but DH works for himself so we just want to take some precautions in case he sees a sudden drop in clientele. We stopped going to the movies every Friday, which costs $20 for tickets plus snacks, and we definitely stopped our regular visits to Chicago steakhouses and other great restaurants on the weekends. We certainly don''t need to spend $200 on meals every Saturday night, and frankly, we haven''t really missed them.

 

[oobiecoo]

I already dress pretty conservatively... just basic pieces that I get at Banana and Target mostly... so I don''t think I''ll be changing the way I dress. I have purchased a new handbag though... a Kate Spade to replace my Louis V for now. I bought it mostly just to give my LV a break but subconsciously maybe I was thinking the Kate Spade would be less flashy. I don''t plan on changing my jewelry either.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Since I'm a SAHM, there hasn't been any reason for me to dress up fancy to begin with and so my wardrobe hasn't changed at all. . .usually I wear designer jeans and pair them with sweaters ranging from Old Navy to Free People. Nothing very expensive. The most pricey clothing item I have is a down coat from CK. Next up is jeans (Joes or some brand) that I paid around $170 for.

Actually, I wear MORE jewelry now that we moved to a townhome condo. Everyone around has very nice upper middle class homes and I am still a bit self conscious about downsizing and feel a bit of needed to prove myself.

ETA - and regarding handbags. They're very popular here on PS and in my community, but (not to offend) I cannot stand logo purses. I love simple leather purses and would never shell out hundreds for a vinyl purse.

 

[bee*]

I don''t have too many outfits that are that fancy so I will still be wearing the same things. As Holly said, you can dress nicely at any price. Anything that I do have that''s designer like my shoes, I don''t flash around anyway so no one knows that I''m wearing something that costs a lot of money anyway.

 

[Dancing Fire]

i''ll always wear my Costco T-shirts and jeans no matter what economy does.

 

[iheartscience]

I haven''t been participating in the recession, either, so my answer is no! I''ve continued to buy what I always buy...actually, I''ve probably bought more than usual because there are so many crazy sales going on! I don''t wear a lot of flashy stuff to begin with, and most of the stuff I have that is designer isn''t recognizably so, except for a few of my handbags. Plus pretty much everyone in my circle has no idea how much designer handbags, clothing or diamonds cost, so it wouldn''t matter if I did change the way I dressed.

Interesting poll/thread!

 

[pennquaker09]

I''m a SAHD, I dress pretty conservatively already. I dress nice, but a lot of the stuff I have is from Banana, j. Crew, and Express. I buy some designer things, but they are very few and far between.

 

[Kelli]

My high school history teacher told us that the length of skirts and dresses women wore during certain times always reflected what the economy was like. When times were good, skirts were shorter and when they were bad, they got longer. I thought that was a little bazarre, but interesting no less. I don''t dress extravagantly anyway, so I really haven''t changed anything. I haven''t noticed changes in the people around me either, but I guess I haven''t been watching very closely.

 

[mommy2iz]

i have avoided some luxury/unnecessary purchases in an attempt to be more cautious. i''m not one for obvious logo''s, but definitely love a great piece and don''t care whether i find it on rodeo or at target. i agree with holly - good taste does not always come in logo form!

 

[Elmorton]

I think if anything, we''ve benefitted from the recession, but that doesn''t mean any change in spending habits. I learned in college to be really thrifty when it comes to clothes, because all my friends were always looking for killer sales. Basically, I can''t remember the last thing I bought full price, and I shop mostly at Target, AT Loft, Banana, Gap, Old Navy - and I heart the outlets. I''m a jeans and sweater girl on weekends, and my professional wardrobe is also business casual, so I''m a conservative/casual dresser already. A Chanel suit is just not something that fits into my lifestyle

I do think my handbag/bling purchases have come to a screaming halt, so no new coach bags for me - but that has to do with the purchase of our house, not the economy.

 

[purrfectpear]

I refuse to feel guilt or shame because I am still employed and well paid. It''s ridiculous to think that I should change my life as though my doing without a new diamond, or wearing nice clothes would in any way help someone who was hurt by the economy. I''ve certainly increased my charitable contributions this year, but I''m not going to put the dog on cheaper dog food and tell myself that we need to suffer in sympathy

 

[2Artists]

We got kicked in the pants by the economy but after a couple loooong stressful months are feeling a bit better again.

I like classic simple clothing so there is nothing to tone down as far as my dress.

I really don''t mind people who are all decked out like crazy though-even to the point of bad taste. I think loud dressers are entertaining and fun to look at and it would be a shame if everyone went classic and somber. It kinda makes my day to see someone in a wacky over the top outfit. The individualist in me likes to see people march to the beat of their own drummer.

Mrs.2Artists

 

[musey]

Date: 12/23/2008 1:10:42 AM
Author: purrfectpear
I'm not going to put the dog on cheaper dog food and tell myself that we need to suffer in sympathy

Poor Fido.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/22/2008 7:16:19 PM
Author: pennquaker09
I''m a SAHD, I dress pretty conservatively already. I dress nice, but a lot of the stuff I have is from Banana, j. Crew, and Express. I buy some designer things, but they are very few and far between.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/23/2008 1:10:42 AM
Author: purrfectpear
I refuse to feel guilt or shame because I am still employed and well paid. It's ridiculous to think that I should change my life as though my doing without a new diamond, or wearing nice clothes would in any way help someone who was hurt by the economy. I've certainly increased my charitable contributions this year, but I'm not going to put the dog on cheaper dog food and tell myself that we need to suffer in sympathy

lucky dog.

on a koi forum that i frequent, there was a hobbyist trying to sell some of his koi just to stay afloat.

the koi hobbyist love their koi just as much as you love our dog. just imagine if you had to sell your dog to stay afloat.

 

[ksinger]

Date: 12/22/2008 3:00:19 PM
Author: HollyS

Date: 12/22/2008 2:25:06 PM
Author: Sizzle

Date: 12/22/2008 2:12:18 PM
Author: HollyS
I''m not sure I understand the question. What has money, no money, the economy, or anything else got to do with the way you dress? Everyone can dress well . . . even if you buy at Wal-Mart. Really. You just have to choose well. Just like you don''t need to shop at Tiffany''s to get great jewelry.

As a (ahem) ''more than middle-aged'' person, I''ve certainly known my fair share of rich people, and a smattering of some famous folks. Most people with money do not dress as though the rest of us recognize designers styles; they don''t flaunt designer label goods (purses, sunglasses, etc.) They merely dress well. Sometimes it has cost them a fortune; often it has not.

If you buy designer goods, buy them because of their value, their quality, their timelessness. Don''t buy logos to impress others, or because you''ve been caught up in the ''desire to acquire''. Dress well, but dress for yourself. And don''t put your good stuff in mothballs because somebody else is out of a job. Enjoy what you have; and keep the circumspection for future purchases.

It''s actually a conversation that I was having with people in ''real life'' that I transferred to the boards. There are many things about a poor economy that change the way people dress. First, crime tends to go up during these hard times, so some might be self-consious about wearing flashier items. Second, when you''re in an area where many of your friends are losing their jobs, homes etc, you might feel a little guilty coming in with a new Birkin bag etc. I personally am blessed and have yet to see the TRUE impact of the economy, but I do have friends from around the world, who work in different industries and this was something we were discussing.

I would feel silly carrying a Birkin bag that cost thousands, no matter the economy. It''s a purse. I don''t know anyone, personally, who would not be absolutely stupified at such an expense for an accessory. I would open an IRA long before I would shell out those $$$$ for a purse. But, I know this is just MHO. I can''t speak for the rest of PS.

Lightning strikes twice.

Amen to that. I also think that it really depends on where in the country you live. I live in a pretty poor state. The market for "designer" stuff around here has always been pretty limited anyway. I personally was raised with thrift a foremost concern, always. Even today, now that I''m better off, I tend toward frugal and have an internal alarm that goes off when I start getting too "out there"....

And as for designer stuff being "better", well, my mom made most of my clothes and all hers, when I was growing up. Even though she was a single mom, most people thought she had money stashed because her clothes were timeless, classic, and fit her like they were made for her, and they were. She was a truly excellent and exacting sempstress with great style and color sense. They just didn''t know she spent 1.29/yd for the fabric. (The was back in the day when good fabric could be had pretty cheap, even by the standards of the day. It''s not that way anymore.) So "designer" doesn''t hold much influence with me, and if I see someone who has someone''s name or logo printed on everything, I pretty much think they don''t have much style sense of their own. Harsh but true.

 

[Sizzle]

I think this thread is really interesting. I thought I was the only one who has "Target/GAP" taste in clothes, but love my diamonds! I''ve had a few friends say "diamonds don''t go with jeans".. ummm hello, diamonds go with EVERYTHING!!!!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 12/23/2008 9:23:37 AM
Author: Sizzle
I think this thread is really interesting. I thought I was the only one who has ''Target/GAP'' taste in clothes, but love my diamonds! I''ve had a few friends say ''diamonds don''t go with jeans''.. ummm hello, diamonds go with EVERYTHING!!!!

Absolutely!!!