Collectively, Who What Wear’s editors see pretty much everything that’s out there in the fashion world at any given moment. Between attending runway shows, going to press appointments, scrolling through outfits on Instagram, and combing the internet for the coolest pieces of the moment, we’re seeing thousands of products each week—but which are the ones worth investing in? To find out, I asked our editors to share which investment pieces are topping their lists and ending up in their shopping carts.
There’s a wide range, but most of us are shoes, bags, and outerwear. Whether it’s a bag with a big waiting list, the most wanted shoes of the season, or Phoebe Philo–era Celine, these wardrobe staples are all worth the splurge. Ahead, see all of the investment pieces our editors are buying, and scroll to the end to see which made it on my list. (hint: It involves Chanel.)
"This trench coat passes for a classic investment piece, but if you look closely, there are elements that make it stand out from the pack, like asymmetrical pocket placement with Western details and a scarf-inspired waist tie."
"Croc is rather timeless, but it feels especially current for fall. The pretty shape of this bag and subtle yet statement-making hardware make it a solid investment choice."
"Even though it's printed, since it's leopard, I feel like this (actually warm) winter jacket will somehow stand the test of time—don't you?"
"I'm going to go ahead and call these an investment as my way of manifesting that the strappy, embellished heel trend never goes out of style."
"I finally added this Anine Bing blazer to my wardrobe, and it's already proving its cost-per-wear as I wore it three out of five days last week."
"Quality boots are always an investment, and these blush booties just made their way to my shoe collection. Check out how I styled them in Milan."
"I love the look and versatility of this bag. It's both on trend and completely wearable."
"I'm obsessed with these classic yet somehow so modern black Acne Studios pumps. Catch me wearing them every day until the snow in NY tells me otherwise."
"I've been thinking about this jacket for months and finally decided that I need it in my life."
"I love that these are cut low, as it makes them easier to wear with jeans."
"I can't wait for it to cool down, simply because I want to wear this sweater."
"I’m not very good at investing in handbags—I usually mull over the decision for months and talk myself out of it. But if I were to buy one simply based on how happy it makes me feel when I look at it, I’d go with this one."
"This is an investment piece as in I will wear it so often the price per wear all plummet to pennies."
"I’ll be mourning the Phoebe Philo-era of Celine for the unforeseeable future, and will be setting Celine alarms on all the resale sites I like. In the meantime, I’ve always wanted a classic pair of black sunnies from Celine and it might be time to pull the trigger."
"My favorite kind of classic pieces are ones that are slightly off. Take for instance the wavy silhouette of these black pumps from the just-launched label, Labucq."
"Let's face it. There's nothing Jacquemus makes that fashion doesn't flip over, and this beautiful asymmetric blazer is no exception. The ruched sleeves and exaggerated silhouette makes me rethink why I ever called a blazer a 'boring' fashion item."
"Staud's handbags have a tendency to cultivate It status on the regular, so I always have my eye on the newest styles the brand drops and just picked up this beauty. I'm in love with the boxy shape and croc effect that lend a polished, timeless look to it."
"I think my jaw actually dropped when I first saw these—they're that good. From the studs to the cream leather, they give off a kitschy '60s mod vibe that I'm heavily into."
"I'm very into suede jackets for fall, and this Ganni version is calling my name."
"A pretty silk blouse is always a good investment for work, and this Silvia Tcherassi version feels fresh because of the necktie and statement sleeves."
I've been on the hunt for a Chanel tweed jacket for years and was very close to buying this one in Paris last winter. I know it would be an investment piece I would wear for years and years. I would style mine with a T-shirt, jeans, and a metal belt—just like this perfect outfit.
I just ordered these faux-croc boots from By Far—my favorite accessories brand of the moment. What I love is that its pieces always strike the perfect balance of classic designs and modern lines.
If you're also interested in some affordable buys, shop 11 under-$100 pieces straight from my closet.