I'm Convinced That These Are the 10 Most Timeless Investment Buys

Timeless investment buys

Trends are part of what make fashion fun—the newness in design and ideas, the experimentation in our wardrobes. While I follow trends closely on the runways and style scene alike as part of my job as a fashion editor, I also think a lot about shopping buys that will stand the test of time. With that in mind, I narrowed in on the top 10 fashion investment items, spanning a range of categories and price points.

Some of the pieces that made the cut are items I already own and can vouch for, including Celine Triomphe sunglasses and Ralph Lauren oxford shirts. These are pieces that I have owned for years and years and will have a permanent spot in my closet. Other items on the list are classics that I've observed in the wardrobes of fashion's best dressed insiders. Ahead, shop the 10 best fashion investment items.

1. Celine Sunglasses

Woman wearing Celine sunglasses.

(Image credit: @jaimeridge)

Style Notes: The timeless oval shape and gold Triomphe motif make these a modern classic.

Shop Celine Sunglasses:

2. Cartier Tank Watch

Woman wearing a Cartier watch.

(Image credit: @christietyler)

Style Notes: Cartier's Tank watches were first introduced in 1918 and remain just as in demand as they were over 100 years ago.

Shop Cartier Tank Watches:

3. Levi's 501 Jeans

Woman wearing Levi's 501 jeans.

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: Levi's designed the first jeans that every other pair is based on, so it makes sense that they are truly the blueprint for great denim.

Shop Levi's 501 Jeans:

4. Manolo Blahnik Callamu Mules

Outfit with Manolo Blahnik shoes.

(Image credit: @amaliemoosgaard)

Style Notes: Manolo Blahnik perfected simple heeled mules with the Callamu shoes.

Shop Manolo Blahnik Callamu Mules:

5. Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirt

Outfit with Ralph Lauren shirt.

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Style Notes: Ralph Lauren is synonymous with classic American sportswear. The brand's oxford button-down shirt is instantly recognisable with its iconic embroidered polo player.

Shop Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirts:

6. Hermès Oran Sandals

Hermès Oran sandals.

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Style Notes: While Hermès has a long list of timeless designs, the Oran sandals top my picks.

Shop Hermès Oran Sandals:

7. The Row Margaux Bag

Woman holding The Row's Margaux bag.

(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

Style Notes: The Row's Margaux bag is one of the most successful bag launches in recent memory and has the makings of a modern classic.

Shop The Row Margaux Bag:

8. Dorsey Tennis Necklace

Woman wearing a tennis necklace.

(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Style Notes: Tennis necklaces will never go out of style. For more wallet-friendly styles, turn to Dorsey for versions designed with lab-grown sapphires.

Shop Dorsey Tennis Necklaces:

9. Rolex Datejust Watch

Woman wearing a Rolex Datejust watch.

(Image credit: @emilyoberg)

Style Notes: A list of timeless investment buys wouldn't be complete without a classic Rolex Datejust watch.

Shop Rolex Datejust Watches:

10. Chanel Slingback Flats

Woman wearing Chanel slingback flats.

(Image credit: @kelseymerritt)

Style Notes: Chanel is known for its classic French staples, including the fashion house's slingbacks.

Shop Chanel Slingback Flats:

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.