Savings Hacks We Wish We’d Known Earlier

But it doesn’t always pay off. Adolphe bought a pair of Prada platforms.

“They looked amazing – I got them for Fashion Week one year  – but they were completely uncomfortable. I think I only wore them a few times for that reason.”

She admits they weren’t really worth their price tag, but that “it was nice to own something special.”

The trick is, she says, is to the invest in what you wear the most.

“I've bought countless pairs of designer heels until I worked out that I'm better to buy a flat shoe I can actually wear to work every day than a heel that sits in the cupboard looking good.”

Smart is a big believer in using your hard-saved cash to make memories.

“Every time I go overseas,” Smart tells us, “I try to bring something home that reminds me of that experience. It could a rug from Morocco, a Djembe drum from Africa, or an artwork from New York. But about three years ago, I bought a Givenchy bag in Paris at the Rue Saint Honore boutique. The whole experience was luxurious and memorable. And every time I look at it or take it out to wear, I can’t help but smile.”

So, how best to save?

Need-to-know savings tips
“I'll also usually do a big buy at the beginning of the season of key pieces to style with and then just top up with cheap or on sale trend items during the season," Adolphe tells us.

"I also withdraw a chunk of cash when it’s payday so I can tell how much I am spending and if it’s worth it, and whenever I can, I'll drink instant coffee instead of my morning $4 coffee and put that money into a money box.”

For Perry, it comes down to discipline and willpower.

"If you don’t have these two traits, or learn them super fast, you won’t ever achieve anything. When you're trying to save, it’s like going to the gym … Something will always try and derail you, friends, clubbing, shopping, cake, pizza ... If you don't have discipline and willpower, you're toast!”

Style to save
Savvy styling, says Adolphe, can save you a lot. The trick is is to be selective in your spending.

On her to-invest-in list are "the best fitting pair of jeans you can find" along with designer sunglasses ("You really do get your cost per wear value there ... If you don't lose them that is."), a black jacket or great coat for winter, and a statement handbag.

"Be sure to buy this in a classic colour ... Make it a black one so it works with every outfit, and in a classic style, a baguette bag, mini camera bag shape or tote bag will be fine to carry season after season rather than a trend piece like a bucket bag or round bag."

Also: shoes.

"Definitely a flat that you can wear all the time and a pair of black or nude heels or a statement shoe that will elevate your outfit, like a plain black dress with hot heels or the same hot heels worn with basic jeans."

"When thinking of your wardrobe, think what you wear most," she says. "If you live in pants and just change up your tees and shirts, invest in expensive pants and team with cheap tops so that the outfit looks different each time. If you're a dress girl, invest in a shape that always flatters, so you can throw it on anytime. I like all-in-ones: playsuits and jumpsuits as they are the one stop outfit, so I'll spend more money on those as I know I'll wear them all year around."

Buy less, buy better, buy for forever
“I've always subscribed to buy less and better," says Perry. "Invest in good quality. It is ultimately better to have a small, well-curated wardrobe of great pieces mixed in with some great fun high-street fashion. Just as an example: rather than half a dozen cheap handbags, save and buy one amazing one, a great shape from a luxury brand, timeless and something that you will literally carry forever! It also falls under the sustainability principle, less disposable, better for the environment. There’s also something so cool about mixing a super expensive bag, shoe, watch with a $10 white t-shirt!”

Smart agrees.

“Buying items with longevity in mind is the key," she says. "They don’t have to be expensive pieces either, but rather items that are quality and that will work with your wardrobe for the future. This approach is sustainable and ethical and supports the planet.”