FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

For the working moms, how much money do you spend a year on work clothes now that you have kids?

My wardrobe is pretty pathetic. I'm wearing stuff from my pre-pregnancy days, and my son is 2.5 years old - so all my clothes are 4+ years old (factoring pregnancy).

I bought good stuff before having my DS, so it's lasted all these years, but I they are starting to show their age and frequent use.

I used to spend $300-$500 a season easily, plus some splurges hear and there. Now I'm averaging $300 a year total, and that's on lesser quality stuff and includes shorts, tshirts, summer clothes and casual weekend clothes.

All of my clothes money now goes to my son's wardrobe. Anyone else in the same boat?

(I realize the same question could easily be on the fashion board, and apply to SAHM mom's as well. Anyone can answer really. )

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Absolutely! I just bought myself a pair of jeans and I hadn't bought myself anything since a wedding last June. I teach PE and didn't even get a new pair of sneakers like I usually do each year.

I have three young kids and I am constantly spending money on their clothes. I want a shopping spree!!!

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I need clothes sooooooo bad!!!

I always spend my money on the kids.

I have bought some stuff here and there but nothing great. Some old navy pants for work and some cheap target jeans and some summer clothes when I was still bfing my boobs were huge and none of my shirts fit.
other than that nothing!

Almost none of my pre pregnancy shoes fit me either. my foot grew about a 1/2 size so slowly I have been replacing those.

I really need to go out and buy "nice" going out clothes. Whenever I have a party or go to dinner etc I have nothing to wear its pathetic!

Eta: part of the problem is finding time to go out and shop

Message edited 3/2/2012 10:56:49 AM.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I am in the same boat and hate buying myself anything. I feel really guilty about it. All of my clothes are pre pregnancy and while we were trying I didn't buy anything new. So they are pretty old and some are starting to fall apart and my wardrobe is pathetic as well.

I need new clothes so badly. I will have to buy myself a few things and see how long that holds me over for.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I'd spend my last dime on DD. I haven't bought an article of clothing for myself in about 3 months.

I almost want to nominate myself for "What Not to Wear" despite how absolutely mortifying it would be. My wardrobe is embarrassing. I would have no problem throwing every scrap of it out!

ETA: probably around $300/year, maybe even less than that

Message edited 3/2/2012 11:11:29 AM.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Nothing...my closet is pathetic.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

probably about $300-$500 per year, 90% of which comes from credit card points.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I used to spend sooo much money on clothes and now every time i buy something DH is ??? and complaining , i try to buy things from ny and company bc they have a lot of big coupons and i get standard things like black pants dressy shirts for both work and weekend, casual stuff i try to buy basic black tees and gap jeans with a coupon

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Not enough...Its sad...but I will say thats because I am not to my goal weight just yet. Once I get there, Im treating myself to a little retail therapy.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Pretty much nothing. I am wearing clothes from well over 5 years ago. Most of the clothes I have were gifts from christmas pass. I do try to look for things but the cost of clothes for myself seem so expensive. I honestly can't see spending $40 for a blouse. I did close my eyes and got a pair of pants from the Gap. It was $42 which is so expensive for me.

I'm basically living in four pairs of pants and sweaters I got pre pregnacy and my son is 3.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Before I had kids, I noticed moms that had old, worn, ill fitting clothes but their kids were dressed so nice. It always bugged me and I don't think it sends a good message . Just because you are a mom, doesnt mean you should come last. Professionally , you need to look the part as well. I don't shop often, but when I went back to work I bought myself a lot of new pieces. Now I'm a SAHM, I make sure my clothes do not look old and replenish things that don't look nice. It's really a peeve of mine, my kids are also well dressed, but sale bought stuff. I don't spend a lot I do all my shopping at the outlets

Message edited 3/2/2012 11:48:30 AM.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I spend the same amount on myself as I did before I had kids. I have never been one to splurge and I have always shopped with tons of coupons. I try to buy quality over quantity now.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Practically nothing. I am in desperate need of clothes that fit well and look good. I hate how I look though, so that deters me from shopping. It's so much easier to shop for the girls because they look cute in everything!

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

The sweater I'm wearing today has a tiny hole in it that only the office troll noticed... I'd be embarrassed except my only alternative today was to go to work naked and that would surely be more embarrassing..

But I spent $250 this week on kids clothes so I'm beat. I'll toss my holy sweater at the end of the season and I'll make a point to buy more clothes when winter comes.

I know I stocked up on summer stuff last year so I probably won't shop for myself again until the fall, and then I'll probably try to keep it to $300.

Once upon a time, I spent that on clothes every 2 weeks.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I have issues with this

When I was going back to work, I was about 3 sizes bigger but didn't want to be one of "those moms" So, I got a new reasonably priced work wardrobe, but it all added up. . .

Fast forward a bit and I lost all the weight, which is great but all of those clothes were such a waste of money! I am back in teh clothes I was wearing before AM was born. . . and have not bought new ones since. . . so yeah, I havent bought new clothes in a very long time unless it was event specific and I don't see myself buying more in the near future. I just wish I had waited, saved my money and bought clothes in teh size I am in now!


ETA: But I also dont buy DD clothes either, she wears hand me downs 99% of the time and I only buy her things like shoes and special event dresses.

Message edited 3/2/2012 12:37:25 PM.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

i never buy new clothes and i so need to!

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I spend a lot, always have, but do stay within our means. I don't really go out and shop per season, I shop when I have time, am in the mood or transitioning from pregnancy or breastfeeding and feeling the need for a few new things. I definitely buy less, but that is because of having less time to shop and just not enjoying the process as much...other things I much rather be doing. I shop more online now and really enjoy shopping for DD better than myself.

My DD has the best clothes...I wish I could fit into some of them...they are that cute

With that being said, I feel my best when I feel I look good. I work from home and 4 out of 5 days I get dressed everyday with the little bit of make up I wear daily, hair done, shoes etc. Friends make fun of me but to me it's about how I feel more than how I "look".

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I spend ridiculous amounts of money on DD's clothes, but refuse to buy myself anything. Part of it is that I am still so fat and don't want to buy a bigger size, and part of it is that I don't want to spend the money. I still wear my maternity pants and DD is almost 9 months old!

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

Thank you everyone. There is comfort in numbers.

I'm hoping to get pregnant again, so I keep telling myself what's the point of buying new clothes now. But I've been telling myself that for 6 months now...

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

I'm a SAHM, and I really haven't changed the amount I spend. I never spent a ton before kids-- wasn't into designer clothing or bags, always shopped sales, used coupons when I could, etc.

I do buy myself some new clothes every season. Nothing fancy or expensive, but I like to look nice everyday, complete with makeup, etc.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

SAHM here. I don't spend nearly as much as I used to on clothing, because I don't work. I can wear jeans and more casual clothes, which cost a lot less.

I don't spend a bundle on my son's clothes either. DS #1 gets a lot of hand me downs from his cousin, and my SIL has great taste!! Yes, I do buy them clothes, but I try not to waste a lot of money on them either. These kids grow so fast, it is not worth it to me. They don't care what they wear at this age, anyway! I use coupons from Gymboree, Gap, etc and shop at the outlets too. I do buy stride rite shoes for both of my boys, since they have wide feet.

The only time I splurge is on outfits for them for their spring professional pictures and holiday outfits.

So, for now, DH and I definitely spend more on our clothing than our sons. I am sure that will change in future years, though, when they want to impress the ladies

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

All of my clothes are much cheaper now. For work I shop at NY&Co, before it was the Gap and banana rep. Before I had kids I wouldn't think twice about spending $100 on 1 item, now not so much. If you factor in my post baby body, and lack of time, it's A LOT less.

Re: FTWM - how much $ do you spend on clothes for yourself now that you have kids?

On average I spend about $300 each season. Usually getting a suit or blazer or dress, several shirts, a pair of pants, and accessories. Mostly at the Ann Taylor or Banana Republic factory stores.

I spend very little on DD's clothes b/c her grandma's love to go clothes shopping. I spend probably $100 a season on her.

I also don't feel that DD needs to be as fashion forward as I do. I mean, she can get by with some jeggings and cute shirts with sayings on them. On the other hand, I work in a corporate environment and need to dress the part.

Message edited 6/4/2012 11:09:11 AM.