I Work in Fashion and Always Save on These 4 Items (But Splurge on These 3)

I’ve been following San Francisco–based stylist and designer Amber Richele or a while now. Her inspiring Instagram feed is a master class in high-low style. It’s really no surprise that she just gets it when you consider she has cool personal style mixed with the fact that she also works in the fashion industry. Fun fact: She’s a visual merchandiser for J.Crew and the owner and designer of her own namesake label.

Given her heightened sartorial point of view with high-low styling, I thought it could be intriguing to tap her for insights into the items she thinks are worth saving on, along with the pieces she’s okay with splurging on from time to time thanks to their timelessness and cost per wear. Of course, the items in question are all based on her own preferences, and your clothing mix should always be based on what works best for you.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to uncover the pieces Richele saves and splurges on, complete with visual and shopping inspiration if something special does catch your eye.

The Saves:

White Tees

"If you see me in a plain white tee, it’s definitely Hanes. I love a crisp white tee, and the Hanes men’s undershirts are the perfect fit for me (easily tucked but still figure-flattering). And they’re 100% cotton and soft." 

High-Rise Jeans

"The Levi’s Wedgie fit are my favorite high-waisted jeans hands down. I have them in every wash."

Leggings

"I don’t wear leggings often, but when I do, I usually get them from Nordstrom. The Bp. leggings are fantastic and such a great price point!" 

Outerwear

"Don’t get me wrong, I’ve splurged in this department (I own an old Céline camel coat and a Burberry trench coat), but there are some good budget finds in my closet too. I have a gorgeous faux-suede burnt-orange trench coat I bought from ASOS last year, a houndstooth coat I got from H&M earlier this year, and an oversize gray wool coat I scored during the Zara sale at the end of 2019."

The Splurges:

Handbags

"Until about two years ago, I didn’t care about my handbag collection much. I’m more of a shoe gal. But now that I’ve invested more in my handbag collection, they’re definitely worth the splurge, in my opinion. You’re going to carry it almost every day, so it should be an investment. And my pride and joy of my collection is my Fendi baguette. Her name is Babs."

Wardrobe Staple Shoes

"Neutral pumps, boots, and flats are worth splurging on. You’re going to wear these the most. Manolo Blahnik BB pumps are my go-tos. I have them in black suede and white leather. Super comfy! My first pair of designer boots were the infamous Stuart Weitzman Highland OTK boots in taupe. I bought them in fall 2015 when I first moved to NYC because I figured that since they had real winters, I’d get miles out of them. I was right (wore them at least three times a week during fall and winter), and I still have them to this day! Finally, I’ll admit that I’m not a huge flats girl, but the Gucci Princetown mules changed my mind in 2017. Five pairs later, I’m still in love."

Sweaters

"I live in San Francisco, where it’s sweater weather year-round thanks to Karl the Fog. For that reason, I splurge on sweaters. My favorite that I splurged on was a black-and-white Dior sweater. I got it on sale from Saks in Beverly Hills, and it’s fabulous. A close second would be my old Céline sweater in this gorgeous taupe color."

Next, check out more cool styling tricks.