Stepping out of the fast fashion cycle in favor of investing in pieces designed for long-term use is a rite of passage for many. Though the model of fast fashion has been designed for convenience and affordability, good quality garments are often a smarter choice, both environmentally as well as economically.
Although high-quality clothes generally tend to be more expensive, they actually end up costing you less over time as these quality garments will rarely need to be replaced. That, coupled with the added bonus that you’ll be looking stylish round the clock, breaking out of the fast fashion game becomes a genuine no-brainer.
It can be hard to know what to purchase, but with the right research, your wardrobe will never look better. Read on for a few suggestions on how you can start truly investing in your wardrobe rather than being a passive consumer in the realm of fast fashion.
Classic Designer Handbags
Designer handbags and other accessories are a great place to start. Goods like Prada bags and Burberry scarves are pieces that you will not only be able to tout for years but they are also guaranteed to retain their value over time. Many industry leaders in the world of fashion consider handbags to not only be a great fashion accessory but also often a better investment than art. Certain classics not only retain their worth but can actually increase in value over time, meaning that you can sell your acquired pieces for a considerable profit if you ever grow tired of them.
Not all bags are created equally, however. You want to look for classic designer pieces, like the Chanel boy bag, Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag, or (if you really have money to burn) a Hermès Birkin. If you’re not interested in making a profit, staple bags like the Gucci Dionysus or the Balenciaga city bag might not increase in value, but they do retain their initial worth.
Perhaps even more importantly, classic designer handbags are typically crafted from high-quality materials, so the bag you buy tomorrow could even end up being passed down to your grandchildren.
High-Quality Shoes
You wear shoes every day, and you want your shoes to carry you through everything your day throws at you, so it’s important to invest in pairs that won’t fall apart. It’s worth noting, however, that shoes do come in a wide range of styles.
It’s a good idea to have a pair of real leather boots in your arsenal, as well as a pair of sneakers that are comfortable and can handle being worn for long distances. Whilst you want to make sure that any sneakers you purchase are practical and well-made to ensure that they can be worn for months on end, certain pairs of sneakers can also prove themselves to be just as much of an investment piece as designer bags. The secondary market for sneakers is currently booming, so you can protect your feet and even earn some money along the way.
Be sure to always do some independent research if you find a pair of shoes that catches your eye, just to ensure they are crafted from quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Outerwear
As your first line of defense against the elements, coats, blazers, and jackets are other items that you should never skimp on. If you invest in timeless coat or jacket styles like big trenches and stylish leather jackets, your chosen outerwear can also be reworn season after season.
Most outerwear can also be styled in a myriad of different ways, so investing in quality coats or jackets can ensure your wardrobe stays adaptable. For instance, neutral outwear can be paired with your entire wardrobe, whereas bright-colored outwear can add a pop of color to an otherwise beige ensemble. It’s all about knowing just how to make your pieces pop.
In order to ensure that your outerwear will last you years, be sure to always invest in high-quality pieces wherever possible. It’s also worth investing in some essentials, like the aforementioned leather jacket, as well as an elegant black blazer, thick wool coat, and other outerwear that transcends trends.
LBD
We all know how tricky it can be to rewear clothes that were once worn to big events, especially if photos of you attending that event are plastered all over social media. With a favorite ‘little black dress’, however, your formal look can always appear sleek and fresh, allowing you to rewear this stylish fit to your heart’s content.
The drawing card of the LBD is its versatility – think of the dress as a canvas for your creative styling. Different accessories, shoes, outerwear, and of course, hair and makeup can completely transform the look of that same LBD you’ve already worn three times. For this reason and more, it’s well worth investing in a dress you love, as well as one you feel comfortable in, to ensure that you’re always black-tie ready.
It’s clear to see why all of these pieces are widely seen as ‘wardrobe essentials’. Their versatility, coupled with their potential longevity of use, make them all sound investments for any fashion-conscious citizen.
Be sure to take your time acquiring these essential pieces, and conduct your own independent research, to ensure that all of your new investments align with your personal style and taste.
