Buy Now, Wear Forever—These 29 Chic Fall Finds Are Meant to Be Passed Down
If there's one thing I'm adopting as my early 2024 New Year's resolution, it's adopting the "buy it for life" mentality. After years of hopping on short-lived micro-trends and ill-fitting fast-fashion clothing, I've spent the last few months thoughtfully curating my wardrobe with timeless pieces that not only set a foundation for my style but also make me feel excited to get dressed again. As a result, my spending has dramatically decreased (my credit card is thanking me!), and the amount I'm spending on individual pieces is going up. While you'd think that doesn't make the most sense, let me girl-math it for you.
When speaking to my fashion friends and fellow Who What Wear editors, we've agreed that investing money into higher-ticket items that'll last for years to come is actually one of the smartest investments you could make. Instead of rebuying the same fall sweater once every three months, opting to put your money toward high-quality pieces that will go with everything seems like the smartest move. Ahead of the fall weather and in the spirit of my anti-gatekeeping agenda, I've decided to share all of the "buy it now, wear it forever" finds that I'm eyeing this season. From immaculately constructed jeans to cozy cashmere knits, these 29 pieces are some that'll live in your closet forever if you take good care of them.
As a proud owner of this sweater, I can attest to how good the quality is.
This pair of slouchy Levi's ranks high on everyone's list of items they'll rewear over and over for years to come.
It's never a bad idea to invest in a good, high-quality winter coat.
This has to be one of my smartest, most well-loved purchases I've made in the past year. No question about it.
These Franco Sarto boots would look so good with anything in your closet.
The Insta-famous scarf is back in stock, and yep, it's as cozy IRL as it looks online.
If you're convinced to buy one thing on this list, let it be the TikTok-viral J.Crew cardigan that looks incredibly luxe for a fraction of the cost.
If you're looking for a long-lasting, casual bag to run errands in, look no further than this black leather sling from COS.
After Sofia Richie wore a stack of these cuffs and editor and stylist Indya Brown posted about how timeless these are, I had to ask myself, Are David Yurman Cable Bracelets really back in? Given how beloved they've been over the years, regardless of the trend cycle, I have to say yes.
If you want a fashion set–approved pair of jeans, buy this under-$500 pair from Khaite.
The contrast stitching on this Madewell scarf makes it look 10 times more expensive than it actually is.
If I could live in Ring Concierge's no-tarnish gold hoops, I would.
After test-driving this incredible Kaai clutch over the last few weeks, I can say it'll stand the test of time due to it's toned-down silhouette that goes with literally every single outfit I own.
This Insta-viral fall puffer has lasted my sister three-plus years with no signs of stopping.
Not everything that's timeless needs to be boring and neutral—this cashmere pink sweater is the perfect blend of high-quality materials with feel-good design.
If you're looking for a somewhat-trendy accessory that still feels easy to wear without thinking too hard, this studded belt is calling your name.
After seeing this cardigan on our editor Anna in the office, I was sold. Not only is the design something that'll go with every single outfit, but the hefty knit also makes it feel extra luxe.
Not every single watch that's passed down needs to be thousands of dollars—this Breda timepiece has to be one of my favorite low-cost, high-joy timepieces that feels like it'll last a lifetime.
Hands down, buying one of Ray-Ban's classic styles has to be one of the smartest things you could do if you're looking for a pair of simple, elevated glasses you'll wear over and over.
While you'd think a sturdy backpack wouldn't rank high on the list of things you need to buy, think again. After testing and wearing my Augustnoa backpack and wearing it nearly every single day to work, I have to admit it's something that I wish I got sooner. With a simple, elevated design and sustainable focus in mind, this backpack is a true "buy it now, wear it forever" work staple in my eyes.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)
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