Over the years, as I get further into my 30s, I've become more of an investment shopper than a fast-fashion shopper. While I love a good Zara find, I try to reserve the majority of my wardrobe budget for pieces that will still be cool years from now. In doing so, I've become well versed in those specific fashion items that have maintained the majority of their buzz over the years and grow more and more timeless in the process.
The 19 timeless investment pieces below may not all be affordable (some are!), but think of how much money adds up with those cheap thrills we all have a tendency to stock up on each season. You probably aren't still wearing many of them when the next season rolls around, right? The cult classics I've rounded up below will stay at the front of your closet for years to come because they're tried and true. They're well made, they hold their value, and they work well with other pieces in your wardrobe. Those are all of the boxes I like to check.
Shop the investment-worthy fashion items that you'll want to save up for below.
Re/Done x Levi's Jeans
When Re/Done launched in 2014, it changed the denim industry and the way women shop for vintage jeans. The obsession over the brand's line of reworked Levi's shows no signs of fading.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
Chloé Drew Bag
Of all of Chloé's iconic It bags, the Drew bag is the one you'll find on sale the least often. The new creative director of the brand, Natacha Ramsay-Levi, just reinvented the style with the similar Bijou bag, proving that it's here to stay.
Common Projects Sneakers
You can buy into the latest sneaker trends, or you could just invest in a pair of timeless Common Projects that you'll wear for years.Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Wwake Opal Jewelry
Wwake made opal jewelry cool again, and stylish women can't get enough, years later.
Givenchy Antigona Bag
When in need of a classic leather bag that will never go out of style and will always hold all of your stuff without looking bulky, Givenchy's Antigona bag has your back.
Chloé Susanna Boots
Sure, they're not as much of an It item as they once were, but Chloé's Susanna boots are still sold by every luxury retailer, so people are still buying them. (Bonus: The Western trend is currently very much a thing.)Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Gucci Belts
Gucci belts are inching closer and closer to classic status as the brand continues to maintain its enormous popularity. I'm particularly fond of this new style from the 2019 Cruise collection that just debuted.Available in sizes 70 to 105.
Wolford Bodysuits
There's a reason celebrities swear by Wolford's bodysuits: They're the perfect layering piece.Available in sizes XS to L.
Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps
Meghan Markle and millions of other women agree: Manolo Blahnik makes the perfect, flattering pumps. And relatively speaking, the price could be worse.Available in sizes 4 to 12.
Chanel Flap Bag
Chanel's Flap Bag needs no introduction. It's highly coveted and highly timeless.
Iro Leather Jacket
As an owner of this jacket, I can confirm that it's the best: buttery soft, perfectly cropped, and lightweight. That's why Iro continues to make this style.Available in sizes 34 to 44.
Louis Vuitton Tote
Whether for travel, work, or the gym (which I see a lot), Louis Vuitton's tote is the only tote that many women who wisely invest in it care about.
Castañer Espadrilles
Castañer espadrilles are an affordable investment that stays in style summer after summer, thanks in no small part to the influential French girls who wear them.Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Réalisation Dresses
Another wallet-friendly investment, Réalisation dresses sell out all the time and hold their value. Available in sizes XXS to XL.
Isabel Marant Dicker Boots
While not the buzzy boot style that it was a bit earlier in this decade, Isabel Marant Dicker boots are still around, and they're still the perfect, subtly Western-inspired ankle boots.Available in sizes FR35 to 42.
Adam Selman x Le Specs The Last Lolita Sunglasses
Yes, everyone has these, but there's a reason: They're surprisingly universally flattering, and they effortlessly make any outfit chicer.
Levi's Ex-Boyfriend Jacket
Perhaps the most-worn jacket in my closet is my Levi's Ex-Boyfriend denim jacket. This is why cool e-tailers like Shopbop and Aritizia keep restocking them.Available in sizes XS to L.
Gucci Loafers
Gucci loafers are lauded as being the most comfortable, classic loafers on the planet. Many would agree (including me) that they're worth every penny. Available in sizes 4 to 12.
The Row Coco Mules
The Row's Coco mules are another pair of shoes that I never see go on sale. The reason? They make any outfit prettier, and Mary-Kate and Ashley designed them, so isn't that reason enough to invest?Available in sizes 5 to 12.
Next up, the most searched-for fashion items across the world.
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