24 Investment-Worthy Staples I Can Promise Have Major Longevity
As I've gotten older, it's become increasingly important to me to save up for wardrobe investments as opposed to just buying every bright, shiny object that strikes my fancy. I finally acknowledged that said bright, shiny objects were keeping me from buying the quality things I had been wanting for a long time, and lately, I've been making it a point to diligently save my funds for items that are actually worth the splurge.
So what makes an item worth the splurge, you ask? In a word, longevity. If it's something that you can wear for years (and multiple times within each year), the cost per wear is low, which justifies the splurge. With this longevity factor in mind, I curated a selection of some of my favorite bags, shoes, clothing items, and accessories that will truly improve your style (or at least a lot of your outfits). So if you're ready to make an investment, or at least start saving up, keep scrolling to find out why these 24 items are so special.
Bags
While those massive Bottega Veneta totes the street stylers are carrying are certainly chic right now, if you want something that you'll carry for years, the new structured Daisey style is it.
When it debuted in 2014, Loewe's Puzzle Bag became an instant classic. It's pricey, but it's so beautiful and timeless.
This Burberry bag is a newer style on the scene, and it's the perfect size, in my opinion. It's one of those bags that you can carry every day and you never have to swap for another one (unless you want to) because it complements everything.
This little Prada tote is perfect for day or night, but if you want something that's more suitable for work, it also comes in medium and large sizes.
Wandler's latest handbag release instantly became an It bag after debuting just a few weeks ago. I think that the subtle '90s shape and holds-everything-without-being-too-big size make it an excellent contender for your new go-to investment bag.
The Row is so good at designing accessories that are instant trends but that stay cool season after season. Case in point: this beautiful satin tote.
Clothing
First of all, those buttons. Second of all, Kate Middleton has worn a similar Alessandra Rich dress on repeat occasions. Third of all, it looks amazing with red shoes (always a good thing, if you ask me).
Fashion people rave about Khaite jeans and for good reason. They're beautiful, sturdy, and reflect current trends without being too trendy.
Totême outerwear consistently blows me away, and if you're in the market for a gorgeous camel coat, I would highly recommend this ridiculously soft and chic one.
Nanushka vegan leather is a splurge, but the way it feels and hangs on the body definitely justify the price. This flattering dress is one you'll reach for again and again. (Trust me.)
I can't handle how amazing this layered Proenza Schouler blazer is, from the raw hems to the easy fit. Invest in the matching pants or just wear it with jeans and a tee and call it a day.
I've heard people rave about Vince's slip skirts on multiple occasions, and they always seem to sell out, so that's enough incentive to buy for me. Plus, just look at it—it's beautiful.
Shoes
If you want a solid pair of pumps that make your feet look amazing, are actually comfortable, and won't wear out anytime soon, you can't do better than these OGs.
These basically started the whole minimalist-sandal thing, and as with other The Row accessories, don't expect stylish women to stop wearing them anytime soon.
I can't stress enough how comfortable and walkable By Far boots are. I love the heel height and square toe on these and that they work with every pair of jeans I own (since they're slim around the ankles).
Golden Goose sneakers have been wildly popular for years and I don't think that's going to change. If the pre-scuffed-up styles don't suit you, I recommend investing in this crisp white pair.
If you want to look incredibly polished year-round without trying, you need these Bottega Veneta kitten heels. Bonus: The rubber pebbles on the soles will keep you from slipping. Genius.
I've always really loved how classic Chelsea boots are, and the addition of the rubber sole on this Isabel Marant pair makes them feel fresh.
Accessories
The Row and Oliver Peoples are clearly a perfect match. I've yet to see someone wearing these sunglasses who doesn't look amazing in them. They really seem to flatter a variety of face shapes.
I think that a beautiful watch is an amazing thing to invest in. I would very much like to invest in this beauty someday myself. HBU?
This is my go-to scarf during the cooler months. It's warm without being bulky and never pills. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors.
I love that this is a little subtler than most logo belts on the market. Plus, pebbled leather wears quite well as it ages, and doesn't show scuff marks.
This chain bracelet is chunky enough to stand out, but if you like to just keep your bracelets on while showering, sleeping, etc., it's lightweight enough to not get in your way.
I love this mini wallet because so many bags are mini these days (which doesn't seem to be likely to change anytime soon), and the idea of going sans wallet doesn't mesh well with my hyper-organized side.
Next up, everything our editors are buying and donating this fall.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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