When You Can Save Money by Spending More

Suits and separates If you're looking for a good men's suit, expect to spend a minimum of $400, "unless you find a great sale," says Rachel Weingarten, author of "Career and Corporate Cool." She recommends buying one or two new suits a year and finding a good tailor who can update their style periodically to save money."If you made the investment and bought a really good suit, maybe next season the tailor can cuff it for you or change the buttons," Weingarten says.For women in the office, Weingarten says to steer away from matching suits."I see so many professional women wearing pants that are maybe a little too tight because they bought them as part of a suit," she says. "I would say invest in separates that you are going to get more use out of."

Men's dress shoes

Sneakers endorsed by superstar athletes aren't the only footwear that can induce sticker shock. According to Adam Fox, fashion expert at Askmen.com, a men's lifestyle website, a good pair of men's dress shoes will cost you $400, " but a great pair with additional handiwork can go north of $700."

If you're shelling out that kind of money for shoes, you should expect to get soft leather, a well-fitting sole and details like channel stitching, a brogue (decorative hole patterns) and burnishing (polishing to a glossy finish), Fox says.

You can extend the wear of your investment and save money by polishing them regularly, storing them on a shoe tree and having a few pairs in regular rotation.

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