I Hate Investing In Basics, But These Are the 14 I Can't Ignore This Fall

I am so guilty of buying a million cheap thrills, liking them for a short while, and then never wearing them again. Even though I preach to you all the importance of investing in quality basics, truthfully, practicing that in my own life is rather difficult. I will say, however, that whenever I do splurge on a basic, I am always so impressed by how often I wear it. Be it a bag, a shirt, or shoes, the things in my wardrobe that I was really intentional about are, hands down, the most loved pieces. 

This fall, I vowed to myself to be a smarter shopper, and it's starting with the 14 investment-worthy pieces below. Don't worry—I'm not planning on buying all of these immediately, but the basics I've highlighted for you here are the ones I know I will wear on repeat, will keep for years, and will always make me feel like I made a smart shopping decision versus a frivolous one. Since I know most of you might not be as dedicated to investment buys this season, I also supplemented each of my splurges with a similar item that is much more affordable. That way, you can discover all the best steals while I share all my upcoming splurges. 

Rich Brown Handbag

I normally veer toward black handbags at any given time, but this fall, I have been really drawn to rich brown hues. This Wandler bag is objectively stunning, yes, but it also fits quite a lot and sits so comfortably on your shoulder. It's definitely not cheap, but it's a bag that I'll have forever, will go with everything, and to me, is worth every penny. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Faux-Leather Pants

Faux-leather pants are pretty much the canvas for 50% of my fall outfits. I currently have a pair I love, but truthfully, I've worn them to death, and they are starting to look a little too janky. Knowing how much I wore my previous pair, I feel no shame in splurging on a new pair this season. Agolde is usually my go-to brand for the perfect jeans, so buying these feels like a no-brainer. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Boxy Blazer

If you've seen my Who What Wardrobes episode, you are well aware that I already own way too many blazers. But buying a new blazer every fall is just a toxic habit of mine I won't quit. So here we are with my new love, this oversize ACNE Studios blazer. I love the three buttons and the subdued brown, and don't even get me started on how perfectly boxy the shape is. I need it. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Lug-Sole Loafers

These Gucci shoes are not new by any means, but I am someone who likes to think long and hard before big purchases, and I've finally decided these bad boys are worth it. After seeing fashion people style them so many different ways at all times of the year, I am finally convinced that these chunky loafers are well worth the investment. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Ultra-Soft Sweater

Whenever I don't know what to wear in the fall, I throw on a super-soft sweater with tailored trousers and call it a day. Since I don't really know what to wear most days, I tend to wear the heck out of my favorite sweaters, which means it's time to invest in a new one for the season ahead. This striking cable-knit crew-neck from Vineyard Vines is pretty affordable for cashmere, so I'm snatching it up before everyone else does. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Short Wellies

I will not lie. I hated these shoes when they first came out. Now, however, I find myself losing sleep over them. I know they are weird looking, but that's what I love about them. They are practical boots that also make a statement and that are also on-trend. I know this story is about basics, but technically, wellies are a basic, so I'm not breaking any rules. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Wide-Leg Trousers

Lately, I've been wearing tailored trousers more than I've been wearing jeans. I find that no matter what I'm wearing on top—a T-shirt, blouse, or sweater—trousers always feel 10 times cooler than any pair of denim ever could. I love the below pair from MM6 because they have that fashion-forward edge with the spliced waist and misplaced pocket. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Cloud Coat

Cloud coats are a major trend this fall, but truthfully, they've kind of been around for a minute, so investing in this Frankie Shop coat does not worry me in the slightest. I recently moved back to Los Angeles from New York and am already mourning the loss of my heavy-coat collection. Since I have no business wearing big coats in L.A., this lightweight jacket will be just the fix I need… I hope.

My splurge:

Your steal:

Black Knee-High Boots

Sleek knee-high boots are definitely having a moment, and I am ready for a pair that will make me feel like a million bucks. These Reike Nen beauties have so many subtle details that I love. From the square toe to the angular heel, I feel like these boots were made for me. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Flowy Midi Dress

There is nothing more comforting than putting on a flowy midi dress with easy shoes and calling it a day. When the dress is pretty enough, you really don't need much else. That's what I call "worth it." This Tove dress is really something else. It's definitely up there in terms of price, but it's something I feel will never go out of style. Plus, it can easily be dressed up or down. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Chunky Chain Necklace

This necklace makes me so happy. The mixed metals and the cute circular links make a statement all on their own, but I can't wait to style this with a big blazer and loose trousers. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Unique Shirtdress

I've never been a big shirtdress gal, but when I saw this Attico one, my mind was changed. Clearly, I am into brown right now, so while the color drew me in, the strong shoulder and short hemline were what kept me there. If you're not interested in a minidress for fall, then I also highly suggest the stunning ruched midi dress from Who What Wear Collection. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Pointed-Toe Mules

These Manolos are the moment. They're the moment now, they were the moment then, and they will be the moment forever. Wear them with jeans, trousers, skirts, and more. They are a classic shoe style and brand that continuously proves to be worth the investment. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Dark-Wash Denim

Last but not least, denim. I usually don't enjoy dark-wash jeans, but this Slvrlake pair proved that I should. They just read so luxe, and that's the look I'm always going for. 

My splurge:

Your steal:

Next up, We're Picky Fashion Editors, But These Under-$175 Pieces Are Really Resonating