Let’s face it: There are a lot of fashion items to choose from out in the world, and it can get pretty overwhelming. To narrow things down, most of us have a few go-to questions we ask ourselves when deciding whether or not to buy something. One of the first I ask myself is how much I’m going to wear the item in question. If I decide it’s something that suits my wardrobe and life well and I will, in fact, wear the item often, I’m much more likely to purchase it.
You’re probably familiar with the term cost per wear by now, so let’s dive in. While it’s pretty difficult to pinpoint an exact cost per wear before you even own an item, an educated guess is still a good indicator of whether or not an item is worth it. Below, I’ve selected 30 items that I personally think are worth it based on the cost per wear that I’ve thoughtfully estimated. Scroll to shop them for your own closet in case you’re interested in bettering your wardrobe without having to do the work. (You’re welcome.)
This is a great year-round piece, making the reasonable price even more justifiable. Plus, the quality is excellent. Cost-per-wear notes: Wear it twice a month and the cost per wear in a year is $6.
It comes in camel, too.
Since buying these jeans, I’ve worn them multiple times a week. The fit is so good. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn five times a month for nine months out of the year, the cost per wear is $4 in a year.
This sweater is what I call a special basic. I could see myself wearing it often, whether it’s while working from home or out running errands. Cost-per-wear notes: Wear it three times a month for six months out of the year, and the cost per wear after a year is $6.
Also lovely: this forest-green color.
Fisherman sandals are set to be a big trend this spring, so I suggest ordering these now. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn 10 times a month for four months, the cost per wear is $6.
This pretty camisole is great on its own or layered. Plus, the color would work during multiple seasons. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn two times a month for eight months, the cost per wear is $2.
This ballerina-inspired dress is the long-sleeve LBD of my dreams. Click through to see how stunning it looks on. Cost-per-wear notes: If you wear this once a month, the cost per wear will be $10 after a year.
Even more ballet-dancer vibes.
Miniskirts are poised to be everywhere this year, and this one is especially wearable. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn two times a month for 11 months out of the year, the cost per wear after a year is $3.
This cozy shirt jacket is perfect for mild days that still require a cover-up. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn eight times a month for three months, the cost per wear is $5 after a year.
This special skirt can be worn with the matching cardigan or a sweater or oversize button-down. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn three times a month for five months, the cost per wear after a year would be $9.
This perfect tank goes with almost everything on this list. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn four times a month for nine months, the cost per wear is $2.
These pants look and feel so expensive, and you’ll wear them as often as you wear jeans. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn four times a month for six months, the cost per wear after a year is $6.
Whether you reserve this gorgeous dress for special occasions or dress it down and wear it more often, it’s 100% worth it in my opinion. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn seven times, the cost per wear after a year is $25.
Nothing compares to Re/Done tees, which I think are worth every penny (especially when you see the estimated cost per wear). Cost-per-wear notes: When worn four times a month for 12 months, the cost per wear is $2.
These on-trend pants in a wildly versatile color will give your jeans a run for their money. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn four times a month for five months, the cost per wear after a year is $3.
This flattering seamed sweaterdress is one that you can wear on repeat without anyone even noticing. Cost-per-wear notes: If worn three times a month for four months, the cost per wear after a year is $13.
This timeless shirt from an It brand is a must-buy in my opinion. Cost-per-wear notes: Wear this two times a month for 12 months, and the cost per wear is $6 after a year.
Everything about this beautifully made skirt is chic, and the fact that it can be dressed up or down makes it a worth-it winner. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn three times a month for five months, the cost per wear is $9.
To be honest, I’m tempted to buy this one in both colors.
This is one of those pieces you’ll want to hang on to for life, so the cost per wear will continue to decrease over time. Cost-per-wear notes: Wear this four times a month for eight months, and the cost per wear after a year is $12.
These go-with-everything sneakers are the ones you’ll reach for over and over, year-round. Cost-per-wear notes: Wear these five times a month for 12 months, and the cost per wear comes to $2.
This chic velvet topper goes with everything from jeans to midi skirts. It’s the perfect thing for when you want to dress up a little but still want to be comfortable. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn four times a month for four months, the cost per wear is $8 after a year.
The color of this special shirtdress makes it perfect for almost every season, and it goes with practically every shoe style. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn two times a month for 10 months, the cost per wear is $11.
Yes, it comes in black, too.
Meet your new favorite vacation dress, which you’re sure to wear on repeat during the warmer months of the year. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn three times a month for five months, the cost per wear is $21 after a year.
This is black-blazer perfection, and it’s on sale. Cost-per-wear notes: When worn three times a month for nine months, the cost per wear is $3.
