It’s usually around this time of year that I feel inspired to introduce colour, vibrance and print into my wardrobe, but for a change, I’ve found myself taking a step back. Instead, I’m thinking long game; investment buys that I’ll have (and love) for years to come. While this isn’t exactly news – I’ve been opting for well-made quality items over fast fashion for years – I thought it might be a good time to talk about investing in your wardrobe as this time of year is when we are often planning out our closets for the seasons ahead.
Wearing Marks & Spencer cotton sweater (sold out but love the cardigan version), Everlane a-line skirt, The Curated camel coat, Vaneli two-tone pumps, Oroton icon frame clutch, Holly J pearl earrings, Muru Jewellery tanit necklace, Muru Jewellery venus necklace, Linjer watch
I’ve shared my love of using shopping rules like the 30 day shopping rule, and having values around what I spend my money on, and they’ve done wonders to dash any will to impulse shop. While I still make the odd fashion mistake (don’t we all?), I’m finding that more and more of my key investment buys are the ones that I not only wear all the time, but that have real staying power in my closet.
Trends are something I will rarely buy into. It has to be ‘classic’ enough or at the very least have core elements of my personal style attached for me to switch gears from my favourite basics. Rather than indulge in my favourite trends of the season, I’d rather put my shopping budget into creating an everlasting wardrobe. Well-made pieces that’ll still garner my attention, six months, a year, or even five years from now. While investing in your wardrobe can be a little more expensive in the short term, finding those high quality, well made, yet classic designs you can wear over and over will pay off long term as these pieces will need to be replaced less frequently.
Where I like to invest
Outerwear | Sydney winters are notoriously short, and mild compared to most, but outerwear is still somewhere that I like to spend a little extra. It’s the finishing piece of your outfits for a number of months, and a lovely cut in a beautiful fabric can instantly elevate a look. Not to mention, it’ll be a piece you’ll have for years. I invested in one from Stella McCartney last year, and two winters on, it still looks like new.
Knitwear | I’ve found without fail, poor quality or cheap knitwear doesn’t last longer than a season. Sometimes even less if you’re wearing and laundering it frequently. Instead, I like to spend a little more on simple cashmere crew necks (my favourites come from Everlane, Grana, Mott & Bow, Naadam and Boden). These feel super luxurious, and while they might be a little more high maintenance (I hand wash all of mine), it’s totally worth it. Again, you’ll have these for years and unlike their synthetic counterparts, they hold up and only get softer with wear.
Good quality shoes | I learned the lesson of opting for good quality shoes at a young age, after getting a painful bunion in my early teens. You don’t need to opt for designer; most mid-priced brands will offer great quality styles you can wear for years. My go-to brands are Sam Edelman, Jo Mercer, and Everlane.
Tailoring | Similarly with outerwear, I usually like to spend a little more on tailoring; whether that be a great pair of trousers or a crisp blazer. I’ve managed to get lucky the odd time at H&M with a checked number that is a total favourite in my closet, but more often than not, I find you get what you pay for. If you’ve got the budget to spare, I can’t recommend Stella McCartney (again) for her blazers enough. I’ve owned a few over the years and the quality has always been impeccable.
How to shop smarter
Start with a list | I’ve been getting multiple alerts daily about all the new season stock landing on virtual shelves, and it’s pretty easy to get swayed by that snuggly sweater or snazzy skirt in the moment. Taking my own advice, I’ve penned a short list of some key essentials I’d like to add over the coming months, and I’m planning on sticking to it. I tend to save any appropriate options to my bookmarks or Shoptagr account, and I’ll check them periodically to see if there’s a flash sale I can’t take advantage of.
Give yourself a cooling off period | There’s a feeling of excitement when you’re in a changing room and trying something on for the first time. It’s that “brand new” glow, which can dull pretty quickly on impulse purchases if they aren’t really right for you. One of the smartest steps I made – and that might help you with investing in your wardrobe – is to institute some kind of cooling off period. I find 30 days works well for me; most items I want to buy are slightly higher priced, so they aren’t flying out of the shops. So even at the end of the “waiting period” there’s still availability in my size. If that’s too long for you, perhaps two weeks, a week, or even 24-48 hours might be better. Give yourself some time to think away from the store, and identify whether you actually want to go through with the purchase.
Shop pre-loved | My favourite way to shop these days. I’ve made little secret about how some of my best finds have come from the pre-loved market. It can be a little more time-consuming, especially if you’re on the hunt for something specific, but it’s ultimately worth it in the end. This is a great way to help extend your budget, and stretch your dollar further. I often shop on The Real Real and eBay, though it’s important to be mindful of returns policies before going through with your purchase, as these are often less lenient than traditional e-boutiques or stores.
Ask yourself, do I own this already? | I’m often guilty of breaking this particular rule, but it can be effective in helping manage your budget and also avoiding double ups. If you’ve bought good quality the first time around, chances are you won’t be needing a second, or a third, or fourth… unless it’s a style you wear almost daily. Good jeans and simple tees come to mind as staples you may want to own multiples of, but statement or lesser worn pieces like a leopard print midi are items you’d likely only need one of.
