We love a good deal and quick buy as much as any other person, but we definitely believe in investing in the staple pieces in your wardrobe. We try to stay away from fast fashion stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Zara when it comes to those pieces. Fast fashion retailers lure you in with the convenience and low prices, but these purchases are almost always a letdown when it comes to your staple items. Even if you do manage impulse control, you’re better off sticking to brands that are well-made and higher quality clothing because it shows when you skimp on the basics.

Astars Inez Button Down, $90

On the rack, a $5 tee and a $40 tee might be indistinguishable, but it shows after the first wash. The fabric thins, the fit loosens, and it can make your entire outfit look sloppy. You can make them last with delicate washing, but you can’t make them be something they are not—made well.

While it’s tempting to skimp on those staple pieces and basics because, well, nobody’s head will turn at your $40 Ann Taylor tee, it's important to remember that a look isn’t about one piece. It’s about the collective, and if one element looks cheap, it affects your whole vibe.

Investing in your staple pieces will save you:

1. time trying to breathe life into that bargain buy
2. money when you inevitably need to replace it.

If you need a more global reason to be less cheap, high-quality clothing tends to be made in better working conditions and is more environmentally friendly as it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. Plus, it makes cleaning out your closet a lot easier. Sometimes it does pay to be cheap but not when it comes to our fashion staples.

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