




In this video discussion with Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types we delve into a reader’s question on the topic of wardrobing and budgeting for “control people”.
Jill relates to being a “control person” (aka control freak) in having a sense of stability in knowing exactly where everything is and exactly
But you don’t need to be a control freak to get some tips on making sensible decisions about how you budget for your wardrobe shopping trips. Watch the video to find out more.

Budgeting and Wardrobing Tips
Tracking your spending: it increases your level of awareness of what’s going out so you don’t overspend.
Ask yourself: What is my income, my expenses and what is a good budget for my lifestyle and work needs so I’m managing my personal brand well?
Plan for shopping: track what you wear a lot and what you really need – create a shopping list, this is best done over time. Using an outfit planner app or a paper version (you can grab mine here – download it now), means that you get a better idea of where your wardrobe holes lie.
Plan how you want to spend your wardrobe budget: break it into monthly or weekly amounts if you like to shop regularly.
Be careful about what you buy: knowledge about what suits you is powerful and will stop you buying clothes that are not right for you. Knowing your colours and styles, how your personality influences what you love to wear. Investing in the knowledge will save you thousands over your lifetime and why I developed my 7 Steps to Style program to give you the tools to help you become knowledgeable and empowered about your style.
Make it an 8: one shopping strategy that is really easy to use is to rate the item out of 10. Find out more about this technique here.
Tell us your tips and techniques in the comment!
Further Reading to Help You Get the Best from Your Wardrobe and Shopping Experiences
Shopping Strategies – Are You Better Shopping Alone or With Someone?
7 Reasons Why You Have a Wardrobe Full of Clothes But Nothing To Wear and What You Can Do About It
Further Reading from Jill on Budgeting, Shopping and Your Wardrobe
- Would You Buy It Again?
- 36 Ways to Cull Your Closet (Free Report)
- Cleansing Your Closet
- 10 Principles For Creating a Working Wardrobe
- 9 Simple Truths About Working Wardrobes
- 7 Simple Truths About Discount Shopping
- 7 Simple Truths About Sales
6 Simple Truths About Shopping Your Wardrobe






Thanks. I particularly found the linked article interesting. The hunter gatherer concept. So true but I’d never thought of it that way.
Shopping and the hunter gatherer in us – it really explains so much about some of the reasons how and why we shop!
One of your best videos! I have always known what I like instantly …for my self and others…and I have always considered it a gift…but as I have aged, I have begun asking more and more, is it right for me NOW. It has changed how I spend money and make all decisions…
Thanks so much! It’s an interesting topic and one that we might delve further into at some time.
Great video and I got some great tips. I budget for everything, money is no longer tight but I need to know where our money goes. Is there a recognised percentage of income that should be spent on clothes if you want to be well presented and can afford it. I’m talking average wardrobe not a corporate wardrobe.
No particular recommendation as far as I’m aware – really depends on your lifestyle and needs.
I started tracking my spending about 3 years ago, it was a real eye opener after the first year just to see exactly what l had spent. More important was the realisation that the things l no longer owned or l didn’t wear, were the sale impulse purchase. Nothing wrong with sales items if there on your list but for me those random purchases are a waste of money.
Good learning and take home Rose – at least you know now where your spending weaknesses are!