"Buy It Nice or Buy It Twice": 8 Investment Basics That You'll (Likely) Never Have to Rebuy
From denim to socks, these are the "worth it" buys that build a stylish and long-lasting wardrobe.
Earlier this year, I made the decision to curb my shopping by setting a spending limit on trendy purchases so I don't end up with a closet full of individual pieces that I struggle to style together and so I can actually save up for worthwhile wardrobe investments that will ideally outlast trends and outsmart the seasons. I'm more interested than ever before in building a wardrobe that's timeless and trend-agnostic and, most importantly, feels like me.
I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, either. Trend fatigue feels like it's at an all-time high, and I think the answer to this exhaustion lies in a "fewer but better" mindset. With that, I've curated my list of the eight highly specific items that I think are worthy of the investment. They're cool, they're classic, and they're ultimately made to last. From ribbed socks and rigid denim to organic cotton tees and handcrafted leather belts, each of these closet staples could very well become the only ones you ever need to own.
1. Flore Flore Tees + Tanks
There's a reason this French label is where every fashion editor buys their basics. The cotton is heavier and denser than what you'll find elsewhere, so the shape holds up wear after wear. Once you own one of the popular styles, like the Car T-Shirt or Kendall Jenner–beloved Esmé Tank, you'll wonder why you ever settled for anything flimsier.
2. Khaite Danielle Jeans
The Danielle has reached bona fide cult-classic status for good reason: The cut is flattering on different body types, and the denim has just enough structure to hold its shape without feeling stiff. Yes, the price tag is steep, but the cost-per-wear math works out fast when the jeans become part of your everyday uniform.
3. Saint Laurent Loafers
There are loafers, and then there are Saint Laurent loafers. The ruched silhouette is sleek but forward, and the gold logo is just subtle enough to still fly under the radar. I'd go for the smooth black leather, but the eel and ostrich-printed iterations are also undeniably luxe. These are shoes that age gracefully, making them a multiyear, if not multi-decade, investment.
4. Déhanche Belts
A good belt is one of the few pieces that immediately ties an outfit together, so in my mind, it's a piece worth investing in for a long-term wardrobe. Déhanche has become the insider's answer to the accessories category. With its vintage-inspired hardware and supple leather, the brand marries quality with silhouettes, colors, and finishes that are just a tick more stylish than your average belt. I have a few of them myself and always come back to the Hollyhock and Louison styles.
5. Vince Bias-Cut Satin Pants
I hate to say it, but not all satin pants are created equal. Bias-cut pieces are especially hard to get right, and after spending some time trying on styles from all the top brands, the Vince pair is far and away my favorite pick. For me, it's the way the elastic waistband is hidden, so from the front, all you see is one smooth flow of fabric down to the hem, and the satin has enough weight to drape beautifully. I don't say this often, but they're worthy of buying in every color.
6. The Anteros Shirting
The Anteros has built its reputation on doing one thing exceptionally well: the button-down shirt. The brand is rooted in shirting that feels chic and elevated but still timeless and versatile. The pieces are all cut from crisp Italian cotton and have become favorites among insiders and WWW editors alike.
7. Éterne Sweaters
Cashmere sweaters come at such a wide range of price points that it feels impossible to know what's really worth it. Let me just say Éterne absolutely is. The knits look and feel on par with their price tags, and speaking from experience, they hold up very well over time. The silhouettes are pared back and considered, and they look just as good on their own as they do layered. Styles like the Francis are thin but so warm.
8. Comme Si Socks
It might seem indulgent to spend real money on socks, but Comme Si makes a compelling case for quality that's worth spending on. The brand uses Italian mercerized cotton that's noticeably softer and more durable than a basic multipack, holding its shape and elasticity through hundreds of wears and washes. Plus, the ribbed texture looks chic with a pair of loafers, and the color range is virtually endless.
