These 2024 Designer Items Went From Wants to Needs After I Tried Them IRL

I’ve always taken an approach to shopping that considers the longevity of a piece, especially when it comes to investment-worthy designer items. With prices on the rise in the luxury market, I’ve been thinking about my purchases even more carefully. To make the cut, designer investment buys have to check a few boxes: high-quality, timeless, and versatile. Most importantly, though, I want them to be pieces that fit into my sense of style that I can consider wearing for years and years ahead.

As I look to update my 2024 wardrobe, I headed into stores to test-drive some pieces on my shopping list IRL, including everything from just-dropped items from the spring/summer 2024 collections to iconic pieces from heritage brands that I’ve been considering for years. Ahead, see my top designer shopping recommendations for 2024, including the exact bags, watches, and shoes I want in my closet.

Alaïa Le Teckel Bag

It may be too early to say, but the Alaïa Le Teckel is a contender for the bag to own in 2024. The sophisticated bag is finished with long handles and smooth leather, and the elongated shape falls into the east-west handbag trend that is on the rise. This style is sold out at practically every retailer (a clear sign that demand is huge), so I would recommend snapping it up before it is impossible to find.

Prada Satin Mules

The moment Prada debuted its satin mules on the spring/summer 2024 runway, they instantly landed on my shopping list. Finished with a square-toe silhouette, kitten heels, and glossy satin, they tap into the rise of beautiful, elegant pieces that we are seeing more of this year. The brown and black styles are versatile, while the green and orange versions add a cool pop of saturated color.

Rolex Datejust Watch

I've been interested in investing in a special timepiece and have spent months and months considering the options. The Rolex Datejust is a piece that I've always had the the top of my list but there are so many sizes and colorway options that I headed into stores to see which works best. The frontrunners? A Rolex 31mm Datejust in steel with a silver dial or a two-tone yellow Rolex with a champagne dial—both with jubilee bands and fluted bezels.

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag

I've been considering a new everyday work bag and keep coming back to the Bottega Veneta Andiamo. The bag was introduced in the Italian fashion house's summer 2023 collection by Matthieu Blazy so has already been out for a year, but still feels as relevant as when it was released. That sense of staying power makes me think it's a smart investment piece I would wear now and for years to come.

Tod's Gommino Driving Loafers

The theme of my shopping selections right now? Classic and timeless. No piece falls into that category more than Tod's Gommino driving loafers. The iconic shoes originally debuted in the 1950s and remain as coveted as ever. They're finished with signature rubber pebbles that give them an "if you know you know" element.

Cartier Panthère Watch

Another watch I would love in my personal collection: the Panthère de Cartier. The The watch is an iconic design from the '80s that has made a major resurgence recently—notably oon the wrists of celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Zendaya's character Tashi Duncan in the just-released Challengers film, as well as countless fashion insiders. The Panthère is finished with a delicate bracelet that practically doubles as jewelry that makes it a piece that can easily transition from casual daytime outfits to dressed-up evening looks.

Chanel Ballet Flats

I recently went to Paris and headed to Chanel to try on the brand's iconic ballet flats. We're seeing the continued rise of ballerina shoes and I've been interested in investing in a pair, and perhaps no style is more timeless than the versions from Chanel. After testing out a number of colorways, I left the store with two pairs including a quilted black leather style and a two-tone beige and black style that I already know will be my go-to shoes this summer.