Life lessons about investing (in your wardrobe)

I am currently in the midst of revamping my wardrobe. I make little changes and additions every season, but there are some fashion rules that have really hit home with me recently; rules that you hear and nod your head in agreement to, but then forget about the moment you (I) step into clothing paradise (Anthropologie).

I attribute it to growing up, and having a real job where quality clothing is important in the professional world for many reasons including but not limited to: being taken seriously and not having to worry about what is on your body all day. Need for longevity in fabric and overall comfort jump to tied first place on the list of what becomes important in all sartorial decisions. There is nothing worse than feeling anything but completely comfortable and professional while sitting at a desk all day.

Other things I have learned to keep in mind: I walk a mile to work every day, so walking shoes that don't look too ridiculous with a pencil skirt and don't give my feet any problems is a must. It is totally acceptable to wear tennis shoes en route to work in this city, but I have never been able to make myself do it. Also, if I am going from work to some other event afterward...that just makes getting dress all the more complicated. Therefore, I adore and appreciate the dress that I can wear with a cardigan at work and toss off afterward for a less professional look. But sometimes they are rather difficult to find. But worth searching (and often paying) for.

Basically, what I am trying to say, is that clothing has become much more than a hobby in my life these days. And I am ready to start taking my wardrobe more seriously. Because yes, it is a very serious matter. That was actually not sarcasm.

Here are the rules we have all heard that are actually full of wisdom:

1) Quality over quantity

2) Fit over anything else

3) Shell out cash for well-made items you wear every day (like an awesome winter coat, jeans, and boots) because in the end, it is cheaper.

4) You can actually do a lot more with accessories to boost your wardrobe each season, than buying several new pieces to only change a few outfits. Also, it is cheaper (have you noticed a theme....).

These are rules I have heard, but am now learning to take seriously. It only took 24 years. That's not too bad in the grand scheme of things, right?

The picture at the beginning of this post represents the time I learned that rule #3 is actually so true. I bought that coat in 2009 only a few months after I had started working in the Senate, making literally next to nothing at the time. Did I have the money for it? No. But I accidently tried it on and even after I had taken it off and left the store, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I tried to tell myself I could get a less expensive coat and be happy. But I couldn't believe such lies. So I used my dad's credit card (with his permission) to buy it, and had to pay him back in monthly installments. Do I regret this purchase? No. Because I loved wearing it that winter. I loved wearing it the next winter. And I am so excited to wear it again this winter. I also didn't have to buy a coat last winter, and I won't have to buy one this winter. So, money saved. It was truly an investment. As a poor Hill staffer, I sure had a moment of real wisdom and insight when I knew I couldn't live without that pink coat.

What have you learned about clothing? What clothing rules do you live by? What's the best way to update last year's favorites?