I’m Rich but the Best Coat I’ve Ever Owned Only Cost $25
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Laura Beck
5 min read
For Silicon Valley executive Meryl, a multimillion-dollar net worth hasn’t equated to splurging on designer labels and ultra-luxe clothing. Instead, the self-made tech mogul proudly flaunts her thrifty fashion sense, scoring incredible deals on everything from cozy coats to chic cocktail attire.
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“I still remember the best $25 I ever spent — it was on this beautiful vintage camel-hair coat from an Out of the Closet,” Meryl recalls with a smile. “To this day, 10 years later, it’s my all-time favorite piece.”
Despite having more than enough money to dress herself in the latest Chanel or Dior collections, Meryl has stayed grounded in her core value of living beneath her means. Her insanely stylish yet affordable wardrobe serves as proof that true fashion doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
The Journey From Software Engineer to Secondhand Style Icon
Growing up working class in the Midwest, Meryl learned the art of thrifting and scouring sales racks out of necessity rather than choice. As a software engineer in her early career, she stretched her entry-level paychecks by haunting discount stores like Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack for office-appropriate attire.
“I distinctly remember finding the most gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choo pumps for just $50 at a Seattle consignment store back in those days,” Meryl shared. “They looked brand new and retail for over $500. That sealed the deal — I realized you could get amazing, high-quality pieces for so cheap if you put in a little effort.”
After finding massive success co-founding a groundbreaking AI software startup, Meryl soon had the funds to afford just about any luxury label her heart desired. But her thrifty mindset had become so ingrained that she kept living well within her means, sticking to her savvy secondhand shopping habits to curate an envy-worthy wardrobe on a budget.
Today, Meryl has amassed an estimated net worth in the millions — yet she still frequents outlets, thrift shops, rental clothing companies and online secondhand marketplaces hunting for bargains. Her secret? Mixing pieces from ultra high-end brands with more affordable finds in creative, fashion-forward looks.
“I might splurge on a $1,200 designer bag from The RealReal every once in a while, but then I’ll pair it with a gorgeous $12 dress I thrifted or rented a gown for a big event,” she said. “You can look like a million bucks without actually spending that much at all. It just takes some digging!”
Trading, Renting and Swapping To Score Designer Steals
In addition to combing brick-and-mortar discount shops and resale sites, Meryl has mastered the skills of trading, renting and swapping to refresh her closet on a budget. She frequently takes part in clothing swaps hosted among friends, where they’ll trade pieces they’ve grown tired of for “new” wardrobe additions.
“I’ve scored so many amazing designer blazers, skirts and tops from those swaps that my friends have gotten sick of wearing,” Meryl said. “To them it’s old, but to me it’s this cool, fashionable piece they might’ve spent $500 on originally.”
For glamorous evening events, Meryl relies heavily on rental services that allow her to rock couture gowns and fine jewelry for a fraction of the retail price.
“Why spend $10,000 on a dress you’ll only wear once when you can rent it for $100? It’s just smart economics.”
A self-described “outfit repeater,” Meryl has no qualms rocking audacious ensembles multiple times. To keep pieces looking fresh, she simply switches up her styling with different shoes, accessories and layers. This sustainable approach saves her massive money on clothes while reducing waste.
“I love that my ‘shameless outfit repetition’ as I call it is also environmentally friendly,” Meryl shared. “I get way more use out of every item versus treating clothes as disposable nach after one wear.”
Meryl’s Advice: Adopt a ‘High/Lie’ Mix
When asked to share tips for others hoping to emulate her thrifty style, Meryl suggests adopting her signature “high/lie” mix.
“The brilliant poor person’s secret is pairing ultra high-end designer splurges with more affordable, on-a-lie finds,” she said. “You don’t have to go all high or all low with your wardrobe. Find that sweet spot in between.”
This balance allows Meryl’s closet to feel consistently elevated and chic while avoiding full-on sticker shock. One day, she might rock a slinky slip dress from a thrift store adorned with glitzy vintage jewelry. The next, she’ll don an oversized cashmere sweater from The RealReal with jeans from Target.
“Own your mix of high and low pieces with equal confidence — that mindset shift frees you from the pressure of buying into the full luxury brand experience,” Meryl said. “Looking incredible doesn’t have to drain your bank account.”
As for that famous $25 coat? It’s still going strong as a staple in Meryl’s seasonally-rotating wardrobe. Sporting it with pride, she serves as a shining example that true style should never be judged by its price tag.
“I get compliments every time I wear that thrifted coat — strangers are always shocked when I reveal how little I paid,” Meryl said. “Isn’t that the ultimate win as a fashion-conscious but frugal woman? I’ll never stop hunting for those unbelievable bargain moments. I’m addicted!”
