The FJ team share the most and least expensive items in their wardrobes

How much does it cost to dress like an editor? 

Many of us know the pain of having expensive tastes without the budget to match. Sometimes, bargain hunting is the most realistic way to build the wardrobe of our dreams. But once in a while, we’ll find a piece that’s so perfect, timeless and of such a high quality that we simply have to have it. 

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

Investment pieces are great, but an investment piece you find pre-loved on eBay is even better. After all, paying $150 for a pair of $1000 trousers is a win in most books. From secondhand Prada shoes to pre-loved Dion Lee separates to Gucci jackets worth a year in rent, the FJ team is proof that good style can come with any price tag. So, exactly how much have we spent on our wardrobes? 

Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor

Most expensive: Penny Sage trench coat
Least expensive: Unbranded silver slingbacks, unbranded suede bag 

The most expensive thing in my wardrobe is my Penny Sage trench coat I bought for around $850 during the first Covid lockdown. (In hindsight, it was a hectic online purchase without trying it on or seeing it in person?? But I have no regrets). The design is genius and I knew the bronze colour and cut would be gorgeous and most importantly, classic. This trench has elevated my wardrobe and it goes with everything – I look forward to autumn and winter knowing that it comes back in my daily rotation.

I have lots of inexpensive items in my wardrobe which I love, too. Recently, I found a perfect slouchy brown suede bag from Sydney’s Glebe markets for $30. Another budget slay was a pair of $10 silver slingback heels from the op shop that I wore to my birthday party recently and felt a million bucks in.

Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive

Most expensive: Louis Vuitton bag
Least expensive: Dion Lee top

Funnily enough, both my most and least expensive items are designer pieces. The least is a Dion Lee top I found on eBay. While his pieces typically sit way above my budget, I managed to snap up this one piece for a very easy $17. My most expensive item is a Louis Vuitton bag that I adore. It was an investment, but I’ve managed to get the cost per wear down to something a little more manageable. I likely wouldn’t invest so much in a luxury piece again though, given there are so many pre-loved options in as-new condition available through the resale market. I know trust can be an issue, so I look to platforms that offer authenticity checks like eBay. 

Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

Most expensive: Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats
Least expensive: Unbranded striped shirt

The most expensive item in my wardrobe is my pair of Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats. I received these as a joint birthday and graduation present from my mum and I almost cried when I opened them! I’d wanted a pair for so long but could never have justified spending the money, so it was a very thoughtful gift. On the other end of the spectrum, I bought the least expensive item in my wardrobe for five dollars. I’d been looking for an oversized striped blue shirt for a while, so when I saw one for sale secondhand, I didn’t hesitate. It’s the perfect capsule piece and I wear it everywhere. It was definitely one of those pre-loved finds where I knew I’d struck gold.

Maryel Sousa, Contributing Writer

Most expensive: See by Chloé dress
Least expensive: Unbranded customised T-shirt

The most expensive item in my wardrobe is probably this gorgeous navy blue See by Chloé dress that retailed for about $2000. I bought it pre-loved online for just under $200! It’s definitely one of my favourite and most frequently worn items, the material is incredible and the hardware moves so seamlessly. My student budget doesn’t allow me to buy brand new designer (or even designer-adjacent) pieces, so I was stoked to find this dress.

My least expensive item is probably this T-shirt I thrifted in New York for $10. Someone had taken a tee with a misogynist advertisement on it and embroidered the phrase “feminist killjoy” on it. I think I wear it once a week, to the point that it now has a couple of holes in it.

Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

Most expensive: Zimmermann coat
Least expensive: Scanlan Theodore shirt

I love this question, I think it really reveals a lot about a person’s shopping habits and style. The most expensive item I own is an oversized houndstooth coat from Zimmermann that I bought about a decade ago. Back then, in my early twenties, it was well above my budget, so I patiently searched pre-loved platforms for months until it finally popped up. The coat retailed for thousands of dollars, and I paid $1000 the following season. It was still expensive, but well worth it given the wear it’s had since.

My least expensive item is a Scanlan Theodore shirt I found on eBay. It wasn’t well presented on the listing, having been photographed with flash and not much natural light, accompanied by some pretty heavy creasing and a typo in the brand name. I could see it had been listed for sale for a fair amount of time. I made the seller a lowball offer (I think it was around $30) and was surprised to find they accepted it! It’s been on heavy rotation in my wardrobe since. 

Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager

Most expensive: Alemais dress
Least expensive: unbranded white tee

I always thought that, when I became an adult, I would be more into designer handbags and these would make up the most expensive items in my wardrobe. But over time, my priorities shifted and my love for sundresses exploded. My most expensive item is an Alemais sundress that I received as a gift. It‘s something that should really be kept for a special occasion but I wear it as often as possible on any warm day, it’s my favourite item of clothing. My least expensive item is a perfect-fitting white T-shirt that I picked up secondhand for $12. It’s the perfect height and fit for my body, and who can go wrong with a perfect tee?

Start adding to your wardrobe with luxury for less on eBay.