I have been through a lot of gear and came back full circle to my original budget gear. The biggest boon from paying more is boots, hands down. I have riding suits, two piece high end gear, and everything in between. This gear is flexible and goes over my business formal attire. I carry my dress shoes. This gear is inexpensive to replace, sturdy, and incredibly flexible. The below is my final set list:

Helmet: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hjc-cl-17-helmet

Jacket: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/joe-rocket-velocity-mesh-jacket

Vest (winter, heated, usually comes with wiring): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Widder-Lectric-Heat-Vest-Motorcycle-Heated-Electric-USA-Made-VEST-Fits-SIZE-44/323977252981?hash=item4b6e8c9075:g:YWAAAOSwtjBdygxf

Pant: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-wake-air-pants

Glove (summer): https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-dx-3-gloves

Glove (winter, heated, make sure it comes with glove wiring that attached to vest): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Widder-Lectric-Heat-Thinsulate-Gloves-Medium-Very-Good-Condition/193197841767?hash=item2cfb7d1d67:g:bCYAAOSwEFhdxD65

Boot: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-air-plus-v2-xcr-gore-tex-boots

Neck (winter): https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-tech-neck-warmer

Rain Jacket: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/frogg-toggs-road-toad-rain-jacket

Rain pant (for fisherman, not the moto one so you don't get a wet crotch): https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Pro-Advantage-Bib/dp/B07G51L5NZ/ref=pd_sbs_200_t_0/132-3940543-5959211?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07G51L5NZ&pd_rd_r=f9169fec-6648-4740-893c-801db1f7133a&pd_rd_w=wLZoe&pd_rd_wg=vAsv2&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=5JZZZ8FQMAT7ZWXXB9WS&refRID=5JZZZ8FQMAT7ZWXXB9WS

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I ride from 105 degrees down to the 26 degrees we have had this week for my commute. I keep all this gear in my saddlebag so I can adapt to any riding condition. You sweat when it is hot and you can sweat when it is cold. I turn the heated gear to maybe 25%. This is probably the most versatile gear set up you will see recommended. All of the gear is high quality for value. I use it every day rain or shine.

Total cost? $1000

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You will see a lot of statements like "what is your life worth" and "buy once, cry once" and "buy the best you can afford."

All that will do is leave you with less money. Go with flexible, inexpensive gear with good safety ratings. You will learn what you like and don't like after living with it for two years. Then when it wears out switch to something that satisfies those desires. My Shoei helmets are not that much better than my HJCs (and I still wear my HJCs). Hell, my Bilt Raptor was 90 dollars and it is just as comfortable as my Shoei, but louder.

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You don't have to spend a lot of money to be safe. You need to spend just enough money to get gear that you will wear as often as possible.