14 Luxe Buys on My Wish List and the Affordable Alternatives I Might Get Instead

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

As a fashion editor who basically shops online for a living, it's only natural that I tend to rack up a pretty lengthy list of things I want to buy. Most of the time, that list consists of updated basics and a few cheap, trendy thrills, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't also have a few investment buys floating around in the back of my mind. Let's just say that if money were no object, I'd be all over these key luxury pieces. A girl can dream, no?

For spring, I've edited down my list of editor-approved investment buys to the below 14 items. They range from the classics, such as a great black blazer, to of-the-moment silhouettes, such as a leather bomber jacket. But since my shopping budget isn't endless, I'm also eyeing a few affordable alternatives that just might end up in my cart for real. Like most lists I keep, I figured I'd go ahead and share them with you. Whether you want to add these luxe items to your wish lists or are simply curious to see my wallet-friendly picks, keep reading to shop them all.

1. ACNE Studios Blazer

Perfectly boxy and tailored, an ACNE Studios blazer has been on my wish list for a while now. Actually, make that an entire pantsuit. Every closet needs one like this, and I plan on upgrading mine eventually.

What I might buy instead:

2. Slvrlake London Jeans

My fellow editors have raved about these jeans, so now, I want to try them. To me, they're an ideal fit, wash, and length for everyday wear.

What I might buy instead:

3. Burberry Trench Coat

Another item I think everyone needs in their closet is a great trench coat, and it doesn't get any more classic than this Burberry one. Of course, when it comes to this staple, a mid-length tan pick hits on the silhouette.

What I might buy instead:

4. Maison Margiela Tabi Ballet Pumps

A pair of Margiela Tabis has been high on my wish list for a while now, and if I owned this pair of ballet pumps, I'm convinced that I'd wear nothing else. I can envision them with everything from loose jeans to a little black dress, so I know I'd get plenty of wear out of them.

What I might buy instead:

5. Dion Lee Rib Combat Corset

If you ask me, corset tops are the one trend that I don't forsee going anywhere anytime soon. I plan on investing accordingly and think that no one else does lingerie-inspired bodices quite like Dion Lee. A black corset top is a trendier piece that will easily become a staple.

What I might buy instead:

6. Prada Leather Jacket

This season, Prada has single-handedly brought back the distressed-leather-jacket silhouette, so of course, I'm lusting after the exact style that's spurring the trend. It's a dream jacket, for sure, but the lived-in look can also be achieved by shopping secondhand or via the below picks.

What I might buy instead:

7. HommeGirls Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Oversize button-down shirts continue to be my most-worn staple, and I'm specifically gravitating toward striped versions that lend a slightly preppy feel. Since I wear mine constantly, I want to invest in a nicer option like this one from HommeGirls.

What I might buy instead:

8. Saint Laurent Shoulder Bag

If you, too, love Hailey Bieber's style, you probably recognize this as one of her latest go-to handbags. I love how it's a timeless shape with subtle gold hardware that doesn't overpower the silhouette, details that I'm looking for in a more affordable option as well. 

What I might buy instead:

9. Celine Oval Sunglasses

Celine's new oval sunglasses have caught the attention of fashion types (and myself), who are wearing them with everything from casual outfits to dressier looks, proving just how chic and versatile they can be. Black oval sunglasses are officially on my shopping list because of this pair.

What I might buy instead:

10. Saks Potts Serge Jacket

On the trendier end of the list is this beautiful leather bomber jacket. I've seen a number of fashion's early adopters wearing this exact piece, and it looks even better on them than I would have imagined. I'm pinching pennies to place an order. 

What I might buy instead:

11. Eytys Ortega Leather Boots

Cool, tough, and sleek, these ankle boots check many of my boxes. They look pretty comfortable too.

What I might buy instead:

12. Khaite Lili Bodysuit

Ask any fashion editor about their wish list buys and they'll likely name a Khaite piece. Everything from the brand is a total dream, but this ruched bodysuit makes even casual jeans look like a runway moment.

What I might buy instead:

13. Pleats Please Issey Miyake Pleated Trousers

Plissé pants for the win. Issey Miyake's Pleats Please line is obviously the goal here, but when it comes to these micro-pleated trousers, even the more affordable options look really luxe.

What I might buy instead:

14. Bottega Veneta Wayfarer Sunglasses

Like the Celine sunglasses, I'm eyeing this Bottega pair for its cooler take on a classic eyewear shape: the wayfarer. I always overlooked this silhouette before, but Bottega's slightly chunkier version is making me rethink everything.

What I might buy instead:

Up next, 21 Pleated Miniskirts I Want to Shop for Thanks to the Viral Miu Miu One

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.