Hello, dream wardrobe. I've made the executive decision that 2023 is going to be the year that I stop making impulsive purchases and actually save up for the worthwhile wardrobe investments that will outlast trends and outsmart seasons. It's definitely easier said than done, but this year, I'm setting out to make my closet stronger and much longer lasting.
Maybe it's the heady optimism of the New Year still at play, or maybe this resolution is a sign that I'm becoming a more responsible shopper. Regardless, I'm starting to feel sick of constantly having to purge my closet just to stay up-to-date for the season. 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. We're reaching a point in fashion where many of us are experiencing trend fatigue, and while I personally don't foresee trends ever ceasing to exist, I think the answer to this exhaustion is twofold: narrowing in on a personal style that isn't so easily swayed by fleeting trends and being a pickier shopper—a much pickier shopper.
With this "fewer but better" mindset, here are 29 of the best investment buys of 2023 so far. They're cool, they're classic, and they're made to last.
This top is going viral on TikTok right now, and it looks wildly chic on everyone who wears it.
Nothing says wardrobe investment quite like a classic timepiece, and at the very top of my wish list is the iconic Panthère de Cartier watch, a dainty gold piece that's favored by celebs and watch collectors the world over.
A cool-girl pantsuit is a definite 2023 must.
Hi, perfect trousers.
I have cashmere sweaters that were passed down to me from my parents (and their parents), so the longevity of a classic knit like this should speak for itself.
Nowhere does "fewer but better" apply more than to my T-shirt drawer.
Everyone may be buzzing about the latest Bottega Veneta bag, but I'm on the hunt for a vintage oversize style like this as my next everyday bag.
These are a cult classic for a reason.
Kendall Jenner swears by these classic-fit jeans, and I'm inclined to join her.
These are honestly a pretty good alternative to Bottega Veneta's famed drop earrings. They may be on back order for another month, but the wait will be worth it.
Everyone needs a good one.
Phew, this drop-waist number is making me emotional. Please tell me I'm not the only one.
The shoes that have occupied 90% of my thoughts for the past two months.
I'm convinced that my closet won't feel complete until this coat resides in it.
Because the '90s are forever.
The definition of a quiet-luxury bag.
We've talked a lot about oversize leather jackets this year, but a proportionately sized moto jacket will last for a lifetime.
I don't think a double-denim ensemble will ever go "out."
An outfit-finishing detail.
Fashion people adore these specific ankle boots, and I can attest to their comfort and buttery-soft leather.
No other going-out tops need to apply—like, ever.
Celebs like Hailey Bieber can have anything, so it means a lot when they consistently reach for one bag over the others. The sheer number of Bieber outfits with this shoulder bag tells me that it's a wise investment.
I mean, do I even need to explain?
Why buy a different dress for every cocktail event and wedding on your calendar when you can buy one that ticks many boxes?
The kind of piece that looks just as good with jeans as it does with a silk skirt.
When I tell you the fit and quality of these come close to perfection, you should trust me because I've done the legwork. I've tried on more black trousers than I can count.
Black pumps should be a staple in every closet, but this sculptural shape really takes things to the next level.
I've been crushing on this bowler bag for a while now. To me, the shape and color strike the perfect balance between vintage inspired and modern.
This lesser-known Korean label makes some of my favorite closet staples.
Next: Quiet Luxury Is in the Lead—10 Low-Key Brands That Are the Epitome of Chic