Investment Pieces That Are Actually Worth the Money

last updated 14 August 2019

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When you work in this industry, you’re confronted with $$$ pieces at every turn, whether that’s on the runway, out on the streets during fashion week, all over your Instagram feed, on your co-workers, on your computer as you research market for your latest roundup… Well, I can assure you that as tempting as it can be to try to keep up, unless you want to face down some serious credit card debt (or have some serious wealth at your disposal), you’re going to have to pick and choose pieces to invest in.

I’m not here to tell you that the only pieces worth investing in are boring minimalistic basics, though. That’s not really my style. When I look for pieces worth scrimping and saving for, I look for things that really spark joy, well-made pieces I haven’t already seen plastered all over the place. I also keep cost per wear in mind because I love doing mental gymnastics that help me justify making a wildly extravagant purchase. Keep reading to see 25 investment pieces I’ve deemed actually worth the money.

1. SOLID BOOTS

As someone who’s a bit too hard on her shoes, I might admit to regretting many of my more-extravagant shoe purchases. The ones I never regret, though? Sturdy, well-made boots in seriously hard-wearing leather.

Rosetta Getty

Patent-Leather Ankle Boots

If there’s one material I have a special weakness for, it’s patent black leather.

Chloé

Rylee Glossed-Leather Ankle Boots

The Victorian trend is one of my favorites of fall, and I love Cuban heels, a subtle nod to the equally on-trend Western sensibility.

Off-White

For Walking Embroidered Knee Boots

Speaking of the Western trend, it’s also present in this street style–beloved (read: not for the faint of heart) Off-White pair.

Giuseppe Zanotti

Notte Metallic Leather Sock Boots

Shiny silver boots might not seem like a wise investment, but what can I say? I like to walk on the wild side. Besides, I see metallics as something of a neutral.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Lune Patent Tortoise Boot

I’m already thinking about how good these will look paired with some of the season’s best midi dresses.

2. VINTAGE-INSPIRED JEANS

I’ve spent countless hours scouring flea markets and thrift stores in search of the perfect pair of high-rise, slightly wide-leg true-vintage jeans, and I can thus tell you with authority that they’re hard to come by. Here are a few new-old styles I swear by; maybe snag a pair to wear while you continue your search.

Grlfrnd

Linda Distressed Cropped High-Rise Flared Jeans

Cropped flares have been big for a few seasons now, and they’re great for showing off a good pair of boots. (You know, like the ones I just showed you?)

MM6 Maison Margiela

Panel Detail Wide-Leg Jean

My boyfriend hates my wide-leg jeans, and that’s only intensified my love for them.

Re/Done

Originals High-Rise Stove Pipe Jeans

Also hard to come by? Black jeans that don’t become mottled gray jeans after one wash. (As always, though, I’m here to remind you to wash your colored clothes carefully, people.)

Nobody Denim

Charlotte Super-High-Rise Ankle Jeans

This style is super ’90s, from the length to the leg width to the rinse.

Eckhaus Latta

El Wide-Leg Jeans

Did I mention that I really, really like wide-leg jeans? Especially when worn with my go-to Dr. Martens?

3. A STANDOUT MIDI DRESS

I’m always on the lookout for a good midi-length dress—the kind you can dress up or down depending on the way you accessorize. Okay, and also midi dresses of the OTT variety… the kind that can really get a party started.

Gucci

Hawaiian Print Linen Dress

I’ll be saving for a while for this one, but I’ll also be wearing it forever.

Rixo London

Laura Jackson Daisy Sequined Crepe Midi Dress

This investment’s a bit easier to swallow, and it’s by fashion editor–beloved London-based brand Rixo.

Rejina Pyo

Renata Tiered Crinkled-Crepe Midi Dress

After missing an on-sale similar style, I’m really feeling tempted to add this beauty to cart ASAP.

Batsheva

Floral Print Cotton Dress

Because I was a fan of Little House on the Prairie well before F/W 18’s biggest trend.

Attico

Gathered Velvet Midi Dress

This color! In velvet. In my closet. Or bust.

4. A GENUINE OR FAUX-LEATHER JACKET

I think I’ve hit my max on biker jackets, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of good leather styles catching my eye right now. Also, it takes some serious $$$ to make vegan leather look good, so invest accordingly.

Yves Salomen

Belted Patent Leather Coat

This is basically the dream, no?

Nanushka

Hide Oversized Quilted Vegan Faux Leather Jacket

This one’s really making the rounds, and for good reason.

Isabel Marant

Daya Fringe Trimmed Suede Jacket

Seventies-inspired, obviously, but always in fashion.

Ganni

Passion Leather Jacket

A classic silhouette in a less-than-expected hue.

AlexaChung

Vinyl Jacket

Remember how I mentioned my fondness for patent black finishes? (PS: AlexaChung’s red leather jacket is another favorite of mine.)

5. GOLD JEWELRY

Jewelry trends certainly come and go, so I see the appeal in testing them out via high-street buys. That being said, when I come across one that really fits with my personal style, I never feel guilty over taking the plunge—jewelry is truly built to last. Personally, I’m always on the lookout for solid basic gold pieces to add to my collection.

Love, Los Angeles + Never Basic Hoops