6 Pieces That Have Changed Our Wardrobes for the Better

Every now and then, you make a purchase that changes the way you look at the rest of your wardrobe, an item that seamlessly pulls together the bits you’ve discarded, forgotten or simply have struggled to make work. We’re not talking about the classics that make up a uniform, but the more unexpected heroes: we call these our fashion game changers.

Both of us have bought a few things recently that have acted as major game changers for our wardrobes. As we get older, we make more considered fashion choices—we try to think about cost per wear, and as much as we love the high street, we’re not about disposable fast fashion. We like to invest in pieces that work hard for us—but we’re learning that this can still result in exciting additions to our existing closets.

Thinking about whether something truly is a game changer or not can help you make sure you’re making the right choice before parting with some cash. Questions we ask ourselves would be…

1. Tick off three places or situation you’d wear it to.

2. Think of three things you’d pair it with.

3. Select three different outfit combinations.

If you can do all of the above, you’ve got yourself a winner, and it’s worth making an investment. Keep reading to see and shop the recent purchases we’ve made that are true fashion game changers for us.

On Em: Isabel Marant Étoile Yukio Tiered Maxi Dress (£380); Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 High (£65).

If I can team something with my Converse, I know I’m going to get wear out of it. I’ll be using this all summer long, but it will even work in winter with my chunky boots and a matching jacket.

On Lou: Gucci Princetown Leopard-Print Calf Hair Slippers (£660).

Being 5’2”, I’m not usually a “flats girl” even though I love the look. But I couldn’t resist these leopard Gucci slip-on mules. I’ve not had them off my feet, and since they’re leopard (the most neutral of prints, right?), they fit into my wardrobe seamlessly.

On Em: Reformation Valero Jacket (£177) in Suduko; Anine Bing Linen V Neck (£79); Topshop Moto Dree Jeans (£38); Saint Laurent Silk Choker (£260).

Being a jeans-and-tee kinda girl means I often feel like I’m wearing the same outfit. This oversize checked blazer adds a point of interest to my day-to-day style uniform. It also looks great teamed with a black dress or denim cutoffs. See? A game changer.

On Lou: Ganni kimono.

This kind of kimono fits perfectly with my laid-back aesthetic. It’s such an easy piece to style: Just throw it on over a plain outfit, and you’re ready to go. I was instantly drawn to the print—it’s quite different from anything else I have, but the dark accents mean it goes with all of the basic black pieces I own.

Related: Autumn/Winter 2017 Fashion Trends: The 11 Looks You Need to Know

On Em: Raey V-Neck Cashmere Sweater (£225); Ganni Leclair Skirt (£225); Saint Laurent Grace 105 Sandals (£510).

Another Ganni piece. This brand has such good price points for the kind of pieces that are always a statement without being tricksy. It’s why this label has become one of our favourites. This statement skirt will see me through many a night out, but it’s also really easy to apply to your downtime wardrobe with a simple knit and plain sandals, like the Saint Laurent heels I wear everywhere. Let the polka dots do the talking, and keep everything else plain.

On Lou: Saint Laurent No Smoking and Hearts Silk Shirt (£770); Gianvito Rossi Portofino Sandals (£495).

Technically two game changers in one look here. A red shoe and a printed silk blouse may not be the most obvious pieces to invest in, but there’s something about scarlet heels that can lift an entire outfit and a patterned blouse works hard 24/7, from meetings to parties. Plus the motif—look closely, and you’ll see the red lips—always starts conversations.

Next up, how to find your personal style and stick to it.