Buy the garment, not the brand name

Often I am taken aback by the prices fetched by some apparel. How much value is added by a brand name? In many cases, very little.

The first example shows two denim shirts. One is available at JC Penney for $17.99, the other is offered by JL Powell at $198.00. Yes, there are differences, but not ten times better. Of course, JCP photographed the shirt in a studio when they probably were taking at least couple of dozen shots in a day. JL Powell has to shoot on location with a model and he's wearing that nifty scarf and other JLP garb. JCP versus JLP, what a difference one initial makes. If it's just the look you're after, then the choice is clear. If you are slave to labels, but still find JL Powell too pricey, try the GAP at $49.50. Need a more upscale label? J. Crew offers a denim shirt at $128.00. The more you pay, the more worn the shirt. I prefer to break in and wear out my own clothes. They last longer and somehow, it feels better to earn the wear, especially on utilitarian garments, such as denim.

On more upscale items, you can still pay a lot for the brand. In an earlier post, I wrote glowingly of Alden shoes. They are expensive, but a good value at $395 for a pair of the tassel moccasin style. Leave it to Ralph Lauren to offer a nearly identical pair of shoes for $795. Alden is a great brand and a great shoe. I'm not sure what more Ralph Lauren brings to this item.

I am the first to admit that I look to designers such as Ralph Lauren for style cues, but that doesn't mean I seek the brand for value. Ultimately, dressing well and creating a personal style is about the garments. Quality is about how well something is cut and sewn. Value is finding quality items at the best price. Style is about putting together an outfit from a set of those items that is your look.

Personally, I eschew apparel with any designer logo visibly emblazoned on the item. Why would I want a blazer with a crest on the chest that is not from my family (if they even had one) or brass buttons with someone else's initials? Set your own style, don't follow someone else's fashion. Fashion is fleeting. Your style can be enduring.