---
title: "Andre Tan Explains What to Invest in and Where to Save Money Without Sacrificing Style"
description: "Ukrainian designer Andre Tan shares tips for smart shopping: he explains which wardrobe items are worth investing in and where you can save without sacrificing style."
date: 2026-10-21T12:28:23.399Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/andre-tan-smart-shopping-tips
tags: [andre-tan, fashion, shopping-tips, wardrobe, style]
author: "Marina Slivenko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Andre Tan Explains What to Invest in and Where to Save Money Without Sacrificing Style

![A tailor adjusts a coat on a client in a studio, focusing on garment fit](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/21/andre-tan-sovety-po-razumnomu-shoppingu/andre-tan-sovety-po-razumnomu-shoppingu-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Andre Tan advises investing in footwear and high-quality outerwear that lasts for years
- The designer does not spare money on tailoring clothes to fit, considering fit more important than a logo
- One can save on basic T-shirts and items bought for short-lived trends
- The key principle is to evaluate not just price, but practical utility and frequency of use

Ukrainian designer and stylist Andre Tan has published a guide to smart shopping on his Instagram, explaining which wardrobe items justify a high price tag and which purchases are better to approach with budget in mind. According to him, the secret to a perfect closet is not the quantity of items, but the smart allocation of funds: some categories require generous investments, while others can be saved on without losing style. These recommendations are especially relevant for those who want to build a wardrobe where items truly work together rather than lying dead weight.

### Footwear: Comfort Matters More Than a Name

The first category the designer advises against skimping on is footwear. Tan emphasizes that we wear shoes every day, so true comfort is tested by feet, not by flashy advertising or a recognizable logo. When choosing, it is important to focus on your own sensations and the quality of the product: shoes should fit well, be comfortable, and withstand regular use. This is precisely why excessive economy in this wardrobe category, according to the fashion designer, is inappropriate.

### Outerwear: An Investment for Five to Ten Years

The designer named quality outerwear as his second expenditure priority. A good coat or jacket, he says, can remain relevant and serve for five or even ten years if the fabric, cut, and fit are chosen successfully. Tan advises paying attention to these specific characteristics: if they meet expectations, a more expensive purchase proves to be more profitable in the long term than several cheap alternatives that break down quickly.

### The Fit Decides: Why a Tailor is More Important Than a Logo

The designer separately notes that even a high-quality item does not look perfect without the right fit. This is why he does not grudge money for the services of a professional who tailors clothes to the body. A successful fit, according to Tan, is sometimes more important than an expensive logo: an item that fits well can look significantly better and more expensive than clothing from a famous brand that does not match the owner's measurements. A clear example of such work is fitting a coat with a tailor, where the master pins and adjusts the garment directly on the client.

### Where to Save: Basics and Short-Lived Trends

The designer advises saving on simple basics, such as T-shirts, which are easy to combine with different wardrobe elements. As an example, he showed an H&M T-shirt that he wears himself. However, Tan clarifies that even a basic item should fit well and hold its shape: a low price by itself should not be the main criterion for choice. Separately, he warns against overpaying for clothes and accessories that quickly go out of style — an expensive purchase for a short-lived trend risks staying in the closet after just a few months.

### The Principle of Practical Utility

Bringing all the tips together, Tan suggests considering not just the price, but the practical utility of the item. According to him, a $200 garment that a person wears constantly may be a smarter investment than a $20 accessory that lies in the closet for years. Before buying, the designer recommends evaluating the quality of materials, fit, durability, and the frequency of use. Such an approach helps to avoid impulsive spending and gradually form a wardrobe where every item works for the general look and the owner's comfort.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Обувь, пальто или футболка: Андре Тан объяснил, на чем следует экономить в гардеробе](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/trends/vzuttya-palto-chi-futbolka-andre-tan-poyasniv-1792582263.html) - Source: Full text of the designer's recommendations regarding footwear, outerwear, tailoring, and basic items.
- [Не тратьте деньги зря: Андре Тан признался, на чем не стоит экономить](https://24tv.ua/lady24/ru/bazovyj-garderob-osen-2026-goda-sovety-stilista-za-kakie-veshhi_n3164634) - Secondary source confirms key points: priority of footwear, outerwear, and professional tailoring.
- [Андре Тан показал самую модную обувь осени-зимы 2024/2025. Фото](https://www.obozrevatel.com/lady-oboz/andre-tan-pokazal-samuyu-modnuyu-obuv-oseni-zimyi-20242025-foto.htm) - Подтверждено по источнику obozrevatel.com
- [Андре Тан назвал главные тренды сезона осень-зима 2024/25: от ретро-пальто до шелка](https://www.obozrevatel.com/lady-oboz/andre-tan-nazval-glavnyie-trendyi-sezona-osen-zima-202425-ot-retro-palto-do-shelka.htm) - Подтверждено по источнику obozrevatel.com

## FAQ

### What does Andre Tan advise not to save money on?

The designer recommends investing in footwear and high-quality outerwear, as well as tailoring services to ensure a perfect fit.

### Where can one save money?

You can save on simple basic T-shirts and on clothes or accessories that quickly go out of fashion and are only needed for one look.

### What is the main shopping principle offered by the designer?

Evaluate not only the price but the practical utility of the item: quality of materials, fit, durability, and frequency of use.