My clients represent various income levels, ages and life stages.
I help both twenty-somethings who want to look more professional in the office and older clients who need a packing list for a luxury vacation.
Their budgets vary — and so do their wardrobes. I have been to places full of chaos and mess, as well as places that were minimalist and almost sterile.
Over the years, however, I have noticed certain patterns in the way wealthier customers shop and put together their wardrobes. There are some things I just never see in their closets.
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They don't buy fast fashion
My wealthier clients approach purchases like investing – strategically.
That's why they usually give up fast fashion in favor of high-quality clothes made of luxurious fabrics, designed to last for years or even decades.
If something needs to be replaced constantly, you will end up spending more money in the long run.
Often, the higher price of a well-made, classic piece of clothing turns out to be pennies when calculated per one wear. Meanwhile, a sweater for $10. It's not a bargain at all if it only lasts a few washes.
See also: Is jewelry a safe investment? We debunk popular myths
They rarely buy clothes on impulse
Many of my wealthiest clients have one thing in common – they buy with intention. Even those who can afford everything would be horrified if I suggested a “Pretty Woman”-style shopping spree.
In my experience, they don't buy impulsively or search through sale racks without a plan.
Instead, they think about the coming months and what they will actually need and what they will realistically wear. A new pair of jeans for fall? A light jacket for an upcoming trip?
If something is on sale – it's a nice bonus, but they don't buy something just because it's cheaper.
For them, shopping is practical and strategic. The goal is to know what you like and find exactly what you were looking for.
They don't buy outfits for the imagined life they might one day lead, or dresses for occasions that haven't been planned yet.
It's a lesson we can all use: before you go shopping, know what you need and be clear when you'll wear the item.
Thanks to this, you can safely cut off the tag before the garment goes into the closet.
They don't choose a $950 white T-shirt. as often as you might think
Some designer brands sell plain t-shirts for hundreds of dollars, sometimes even over a thousand apiece.
However, I rarely see them in my clients' closets because they know that good wardrobe basics don't have to be expensive, and style can be had at any price point.
That's why they often combine cheaper classic pieces with designer clothes.
From my experience, even the richest customers do not despise brands from shopping malls. They often pair a leather jacket costing several thousand with a T-shirt from Gap or a sweater from J. Crew.
They don't keep clothes they no longer wear
I've noticed that many of my high-end clients are eager to “air out” their wardrobes, even if they have a lot of free space.
They rarely keep college blouses or jeans that haven't fit for a decade, “just in case.” They don't keep clothes just because they're “in perfect condition” or “there's nothing wrong with them.”
Things are in their wardrobe because they wear them and enjoy them.
It's a good reminder that it's okay to say goodbye to clothes that no longer fit or haven't been worn in a while.
Trends come back, but just as we change at different stages of life, our wardrobe should change as well.
They rarely have anything that doesn't fit or is damaged
These customers often have a list of specialists who help them keep their favorite clothes in perfect condition.
They usually have a trusted tailor to tailor clothes, a shoemaker to repair shoes, and a person who can replace a zipper or make minor adjustments.
Instead of throwing away worn-out elegant shoes, they have them resoled. Instead of not wearing a blouse that opens up, they sew in a snap.
Once again, it is clear that they value a good investment. Thoughtful repairs extend the life of clothes and shoes, and at the same time make them more comfortable and easier to wear.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
