“Buy Nice or Buy Twice”: A Chic Grandma’s Rule for Building a Timeless Wardrobe

My boyfriend’s 94-year-old grandma has the epitome of classic, timeless style. She lives in cashmere sweater sets and Chanel makeup, with an unwavering loyalty to what she likes; always looking polished and put together.

We were visiting her for a weekend recently, sitting at dinner, when she pulled out her Rouge Coco in the shade 440—the exact one she’s been wearing for years. When I asked if she had any shopping advice she swears by, she didn’t hesitate at all: "Buy nice or buy twice." I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s simple: invest in item you love, wear them on repeat, and create your own signatures.

The next day, my curiosity turned into a trip to her favorite store, Saks Fifth Avenue, followed by a tour of her closet. Inside were matching cashmere sets (many identical pairs from Saks’ in-house line), St. John basics, and an extensive shoe collection spanning brands still designing today alongside labels now considered vintage, such as Daniel Green, Ferragamo, Mephisto, Rangoni Firenze, Sesto Meucci, Stuart Weitzman, and Vaneli. There’s a consistency and uniform approach to her wardrobe, with mainly black and other neutrals aside from the color red. Nothing feels trendy; everything feels understated and intentional.

Below, a roundup of enduring staples that stand the test of time, inspired by her shopping philosophy.