When shopping for new items to spruce up your ever-evolving wardrobe, there are many things to consider. A few important elements are the fit, the fabric, the color and of course, the price tag. The question inevitably becomes: Which pieces are worth the splurge, and which should you scale back on in the interest of your budget?
Curating your ideal wardrobe means finding a balance between those timeless pieces that pull any ensemble together and some trendy pieces to add a dose of intrigue. The former, of course, are the pieces that are worth spending a little more on. Why? Because they’ll never go out of style — and since you’ll be reaching for them season after season, they’re obviously well worth the investment. But how do you make the call? Here are six investment pieces we think every woman can justify.
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A quality purse
Picking out the perfect bag is no easy feat. Not only does it have to have the right size and structure to fit all your daily essentials, but it also has to have the right color, style and details to match any outfit in your wardrobe. So, if you find a quality bag that goes with everything, it’s definitely worth splurging on. Of course, “quality” is the key word — a bag that’s well made is more likely to last you much longer, meaning you’ll truly get the most bang for the buck. When investing in a high-quality bag, it’s advisable to opt for a neutral or nearly neutral shade — versatility is key, and while a fun, punchy color may look attractive at first glance, it won’t go with very much in your closet. That doesn’t mean you have to opt for safe black or brown, however — soft gray, a blush-tinged beige and navy are all spectacularly flexible options as well.
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Flawlessly fitting jeans
When you put on a pair of jeans that fit just right, you feel like you can conquer the world. And that’s precisely why it’s worth spending a little more on this classic piece. Whether you prefer a boyfriend, skinny or boot cut, it’s all about finding a pair that’s well made, flatters your particular figure and features a wash that works well with the rest of your wardrobe. All this comes down to personal preference, of course, but you can never go wrong with a pair of mid-rise, straight-leg jeans in a darker wash — they’re always in style, and they work with nearly any body type.
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Luxury lingerie
What you wear underneath your clothes is just as important. Why? Because it serves as the foundation for every outfit, meaning it can affect the way everything fits — and the way you feel since those garments are closest to your skin. As such, don’t hesitate to splurge on luxury lingerie. Not only can high-quality designer lingerie make you feel sexier than any garment you wear over it, but it’s also designed to last. This is especially true for bras: A well-constructed bra is more likely to offer the level of shaping, support and lift you seek to flatter your bust line.
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A leather jacket
In case you haven’t noticed, leather jackets are always in style. As trends have come and gone, this piece has remained — and while it may see many iterations through the years, from cropped versions to the oversized bomber look — it’s one garment that you’ll be glad to have in your closet. For the sake of versatility, consider a leather jacket in basic black, chocolate brown, camel or charcoal gray. Though trendy accents may be tempting, opt for a simple, sleek cut that’s fitted at the waist and hits right at the top or middle of the hip.
You might be surprised at how many different looks you can create with this single piece, too. Toss a leather jacket over a dress to toughen it up a bit. Pair it with basic jeans and a T-shirt for an instant edge. Did we mention it’s the perfect layering piece for the transitional seasons? A leather jacket is the perfect compromise on chilly nights when you need an extra layer but aren’t ready to pull out a heavy coat.
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A classic trench coat
Audrey Hepburn wore one. Jackie Kennedy wore one. Even Kate Moss wears one. There’s no denying it: A trench coat has an inherently ladylike vibe, which is why some of the chicest women in our history consider this piece a closet staple.
It’s classically elegant, and better yet, it can instantly pull together any outfit. So, it makes sense that the trench coat has remained in vogue through the decades. Whether you throw it on over a basic black dress or jeans and a blouse, you’re bound to look polished. While they come in a variety of styles, colors and cuts, we recommend choosing a calf-length belted trench in classic beige, as it will match with more items in your closet.
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Heeled boots
When it comes to footwear, there are several styles that every woman may want to incorporate into her collection — like a classic pair of flats and neutral pumps. As for a pair of killer boots with a flattering heel, don’t be afraid to spend a little more. Boots that are made with high-quality materials like genuine leather or suede are more likely to last, and since a boot obviously requires more of that material, it’s worth the cost. Plus, a quality boot is designed with both style and comfort in mind, and you can’t put a price on looking chic all day long without your feet killing you. To get the most wear out of them, look for a pair of boots you can just as easily rock with an LBD as you can with leggings and a slouchy sweater.
There’s no reason you can’t stick to your budget when shopping for new pieces — the key is to figure out which ones are worth the splurge. Each and every item on this list is universally flattering and totally timeless. In other words, you can spend a bit more on them for the sake of quality and know that you’ll be turning heads for years to come.