I'm Not Supposed to Shop, But Resisting These Items Feels Seriously Wrong
I'm really not supposed to be shopping right now, at least not for myself. After one too many sample sales (What do people expect? For me to resist 90%-off runway items? As if…), I've been placed on a serious spending freeze, which is why I've chosen to look ahead and start planning those buys that take a little bit more time to decide on. That way, by the time I can shop again, I'll already know exactly what I want to add to my wardrobe next.
Investing in a high-value item isn't easy, and you probably shouldn't just do it in the blink of an eye. It requires proper research and consideration to help you pick out which items will get the most use; decide what size, color, and style will pair best with your existing wardrobe; and find as many discount opportunities as possible. But in my experience, going for quality over quantity is always worth it in the end—especially when you can walk out of a store feeling giddy after a glass of champagne and knowing that the contents of the shopping bag looped around your forearm include something you'll wear again and again for decades to come. I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
After doing my due diligence, I've rounded up 39 of the best luxury items on the market right now, all of which are short-listed for my next big shopping excursion. You'll have to wait and see which one (or two) end up in my closet. And I'll be doing the same for you, of course.
Like clockwork, every time I see someone wearing Celine eyewear, I compliment them. They just get it.
This skirt has been taking up valuable brain space ever since it debuted on the runway. It's perfect flat, but when it moves, wow.
These chocolate-brown Maysales just dropped, and I can't believe every size is available.
These are the perfect way to add a little bit of color into your outfit.
These pants might not be as big of an investment as a watch or pair of shoes, but just know that they're still very much luxurious.
For traveling up and down the Eastern seaboard.
I'm a sucker for anything with a halter neck, it's true. The color of this fitted midi only adds to its appeal.
This linen version of Loro Piana's viral vanity-case Extra bag has me digging in between my living room couch cushions for every last penny.
Everyone I know who owns one of Attersee's vests wears it constantly and always looks chic. It's definitely a closet staple that I need to get my hands on ASAP.
I just know that if I owned these trousers, I'd wear them at least once a week. Probably two or three times really.
Laura Harrier literally just wore this Toteme button-down shirt. And if she likes it, you bet that I do.
You can't tell in this photo, but these are burgundy and so so chic.
I'm low-key obsessed with Adriana Degreas's swimwear. This one would be great for a honeymoon.
This scarf could be worn as a bandana, a top, a belt, a neck tie, or even a handbag if you're crafty enough.
I almost bought this bag when I was in Monaco recently but didn't have time to go back to the store to pick it up. I've regretted it ever since.
Everything High Sport is making right now has me in my feels.
I keep seeing editors wearing these at events around NYC, and with each sighting, my need for them grows.
I was lucky enough to wear this dress at the Monaco Grand Prix, and ever since, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Before summer's end, I'll own it. I just need to do some saving first.
This is the sort of billowy mixed-media dress that makes getting dressed in the summer so easy.
If it's good enough for Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding weekend, it's good enough for me—period.
This watch is so dreamy. I have a Cartier Tank and have been doing a ton of research to determine which timepiece I'll add to my collection next, and this beautiful Ballon Bleu de Cartier is making a strong case for itself.
There's arguably no clothing item more timeless and iconic than Dior's Bar Jacket. I've wanted one for years and am busy every morning scouring the secondhand market for one that's affordable, in good condition, and available in my size. If you want a quick solution for my same problem, though, you can always go straight to the source.
I own four Liberowe items and am slowly but surely building a larger collection. Everything the brand designs is not only beautiful but perfectly constructed.
COS's latest Atelier collection has me seconds away from breaking my shopping freeze.
Ugh, is there anything chicer than a Gucci bikini? That's rhetorical obviously because there's nothing chicer than a Gucci bikini.
I recently went to an event for Veronica de Piante, and someone was wearing this exact shirt. It's literally the most gorgeous yet simple top I've ever seen.
Anything by Another Tomorrow is going to tempt me to shop. It's practically guaranteed.
I own this bag in brown suede and carry it daily for work. This summer raffia version is next.
I recently saw someone wearing this cape in brown to a wedding on top of her dress and thought it was beyond genius. It makes every dress, tank, T-shirt, etc. look one thousand times chicer.
I mean, I don't think I have to explain why I want these. They're universally beloved.
I'm obsessed with this new colorway that Tory Burch recently dropped. Everyone I know who has these raves about how comfy they are, and as someone who walks a lot, I desperately need that.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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