Sticking to a budget can help you have an emergency cushion.

It also means you might set money aside for fun, including vacations, salon visits, and clothes.

Having a set clothes budget can help cut back on impulse shopping sprees.

Woman looking at bills with a laptop

This can help you make more mindful purchases, leading to a wardrobe that lasts (viaPSECU).

The average woman spends around $150 to $400 per month on clothes (viaICSID).

Depending on how much you’re making, that could be way too much.

Excited woman sits on couch with her shopping bags

Knowing how much of your income can go towards clothes will be a game-changer.

You’ve set your goal: make a sustainable clothing budget.

Now, it’s time to start making some smart financial steps.

Woman holding a white leather handbag

The general rule of thumb is to set aside a percentage of your income specifically for clothing.

Financial planner Pete Dunn recommends setting aside about 5% of your take home pay (viaWhoWhatWear).

Once you’ve calculated how much you could afford, don’t feel guilty about spending it.

“I would carry it for three months, get sick of it, and move on.”

To Lumbatis, a major part of budgeting is knowing when to splurge.

She teaches that there are four categories of investment-worthy pieces: handbags, outwear, shoes, and knits.

Budgeting can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Taking the smallest steps, like avoidingmistakes when making a budget, can make a big difference.

Take heart knowing that there are many ways tolook classy on a budget!