Cost-per-wear is everywhere right now, from wardrobe apps to social media trends promising a “smarter” way to shop. And while cost-per-wear can be a powerful tool, most conversations stop at the maths.

In this solo episode, Alex Standley (Personal Stylist and Sustainable Fashion Consultant) shares the deeper layer of cost-per-wear most people never hear about. Drawing on 15 years as a global fashion buyer for brands including Marks & Spencer and Amazon, Alex explains why cost-per-wear isn’t a formula, but a decision-making skill.

This episode continues last week’s conversation on body confidence and identity. Because once you reconnect with who you are now, the next question becomes: How do you shop smarter without falling back into old habits?

Alex breaks down how cost-per-wear actually starts before you buy anything, shaped by fabric choice, garment construction, fit, quality, longevity, and lifestyle alignment.

Through real-life examples from knitwear and coats, she shows why cheaper clothing often becomes the most expensive option over time, and how understanding quality can save you money, reduce waste, and simplify your wardrobe. She also breaks down the most common mistakes women make when buying clothing and why.

This episode is for you if you want to:

• Shop more intentionally
• Build a sustainable wardrobe that lasts
• Avoid repeat buying and fast fashion regret
• Understand what quality really looks like
• Create a wardrobe aligned with your identity and lifestyle

✨ Episode Highlights

01:59 — The part of cost-per-wear most people never hear about

02:51 — Where cost-per-wear actually begins

03:17 — What 15 years as a global fashion buyer taught me about quality

04:43 — Knitwear and the biggest cost-per-wear mistakes

06:36 — Why the “expensive” option is often the economical one

07:03 — Spotting lifetime quality when shopping secondhand

08:42 — Why women don’t make poor purchases because they’re careless

09:32 — The two wardrobe patterns that drain confidence

10:00 — Why cost-per-wear is really about owning better

Book A Free Style Strategy Call:

https://www.alexandrastandley.co.uk/service-page/style-strategy-call

Connect with Alex:

https://www.alexandrastandley.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/alexandrastandley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-standley-personal-stylist