Photography by Audrey Soileau
I’m all about mixing affordable/trendy pieces into my wardrobe. Trends are coming and going faster than ever, and I’m not about to break the bank to “keep up”. I look for quality in wardrobe staples that I know I will have for a long time, so I don’t mind spending a little more. Investing in pieces like this is going to prevent you from buying the same $10 fast-fashion store tee shirt 20 times that keeps shrinking in the wash, and it’s a lot more sustainable. After all, sustainability (while a little more expensive) is sexy! Here are my top items I invest in:
- Handbags
- To me, investing in handbags makes the most sense. If you think about it, every time I leave my house I have a handbag attached to me. It’s something I use every day, and I need it to hold up. I like to justify it by simple math. If the handbag is $1,000 and I wear it 100 times, then that’s going to cost me essentially $10 per use (although I know I will carry them more). I bought my first designer bag, the Chloé Marcie Saddle as a gift to myself when I graduated college. Opt for a classic style that will withstand the test of time.
- Basics
- Speaking of that white tee, I suggest investing in basics as well. As tempting as it is to scoop up that $8 white Zara tee, it’s probably see-through and will have holes in it very soon. I’m speaking from experience here. I have a couple of tanks and tees in various neutral colors that are continually my go-to’s that I spent a little extra on and they’re worth every penny.
- Denim
- When it comes to denim, you don’t have to choose the $250 ones for a good quality pair. Levi’s are a great example of quality meets reasonable price. Their denim stands the test of time and won’t break the bank. Seriously, I wear my dad’s Levi’s denim jacket from over 35 years ago. It’s still in perfect condition. When looking at denim that will last, it’s important to look at a couple of things.
- Firstly, look at the material. The more cotton it contains the longer it will last. Pairs with a lot of elastane or other stretchy fibers will stretch out completely over time, giving the denim a rippled look, eventually creating holes. Think: jeggings. I usually choose pairs with at least 92% cotton. And secondly, think about the wash. I usually aim for a medium wash because extreme light or dark washes become dated quickly.
- Various Accessories:
- Sunglasses:
- I remember paying $150 for my first pair of Ray-Bans in high school and I almost had a stroke. To this day, I still have them and they are in perfect condition. They are 12 years old!!! You only have one pair of eyes so it’s best to protect them with the real thing.
- Shoes:
- You should at least own one great pair of tennis shoes that support your feet. I also suggest finding a sexy heel that you can walk in for a long time.
- Jackets:
- This depends on where you live. As a rule of thumb, I would have one nice “night out” jacket that can be paired with a dress and heels or look bomb with jeans and boots. Denim and leather jackets are always a classic.
- Sunglasses:
What are your favorite wardrobe staples to splurge on?
