How To Recession Proof Your Wardrobe (even in expensive Los Angeles and San Francisco)
Los Angeles and San Francisco may be known for it’s celebrities and tech founders with their mansions and walk-in closets, but let’s be real. That’s not the REAL California. Despite the luxury retailers, celebrity influence, and Rodeo Drive, great style doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In fact, a truly stylish wardrobe isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how intentional you are. Here’s how to recession-proof your wardrobe and still look effortlessly polished, even in the most expensive city.
Invest in high-quality basics.
The pieces you wear the most — denim, tees, jackets — should be the ones that last. Think cost-per-wear, not cost upfront.
Go thrifting (strategically).
LA’s thrift scene is unmatched from Crossroads Trading to the Goodwill on S. La Brea, to local gems in Silver Lake. Start with pieces you’d buy new, just smarter. Right now my thrift list includes cashmere cardigans (the cropped, button kind), kitten heel shoes, oversized blazers, and vintage accessories like brooches, collar stays, button covers, collar clips….Dye your thrift finds to match the season.
A bottle of dye can make a $10 thrift find feel like a designer piece in your color palette. This year is all about butter yellow, powder blue, emerald green, and burgundy wine.Tailor everything.
A $20 alteration can make a $15 thrifted blazer look like it came off Melrose, and what’s more chic than a perfectly fitting wardrobe? It looks expensive, it looks custom, it looks FABULOUS.Learn a few sewing basics.
Replacing buttons, hemming pants, or taking in a waistline; these small skills extend your wardrobe’s lifespan and helps you save on repairs and alterations.
The Recession can feel like a lot of restriction; there’s less going out, being more stingy on fun groceries as prices soar, and more conscious spending. But recession proofing your wardrobe shouldn’t feel so much about restricting, but more about empowering and intention. When you buy intentionally, tailor thoughtfully, and care for your pieces, your closet starts working for you instead of against you, and your style can really start to shine.
Want more recession proofing your wardrobe content? Check out my series on Instagram here!
