Investment Pieces: Style that Transcends Trends
Hey friend! If you are serious about elevating your style, but not prepared to go on a no-holds-barred shopping spree, the best way to start out is by focusing on investment pieces.
What is an investment piece?
An investment piece can really be anything you are adding to your wardrobe that is of high quality (and therefore usually more expensive and an “investment”), but the most common items considered “investment pieces” are the ones that get a lot of use and exposure in your regular wardrobe rotation: A leather jacket or coat in a timeless silhouette, designer bag, fine jewelry or watches, luxury shoes, a classic tailored suit.
Outerwear: A good coat or jacket is an excellent investment, especially if you live in a cooler climate. It essentially becomes your outfit for the season, as it’s worn so often over your real outfit! Most people feel they have to choose a neutral color, but if you have a signature color or print as a part of your style, then using that can be a great way to reveal more about yourself and your style through your appearance. Hats, gloves, scarves, and other types of wraps can fall into this category too.
Handbags: Often one of the first items that comes to mind when you think “investment piece” designer handbags are one of the most popular items to invest in for your wardrobe. The same rules as outerwear apply to handbags in terms of color or print. Your bag is a great way to express yourself so choose something that you really love, and don’t be afraid of an interesting shape or structure. I recommend avoiding of-the-moment bags and labels (unless you are a collector) because those items can date easily. Be sure that whatever bag you choose is functional for your lifestyle in terms of design, but beyond that, be creative!
Fine jewelry/watches: A nice piece of jewelry or watch is an excellent investment - they can last for years, and even become a “signature” piece in your wardrobe. When it comes to this category, invest the most you can afford, because they will often hold their value, and be something that you can wear daily for years to come without the typical wear and tear issues that come with most other wardrobe items.
Luxury Shoes: Well-made, stylish footwear is very important to your look. You can wear the same pair of shoes more often than a dress or suit, and they impact not just your look, but your whole vibe. When your shoes are hurting your feet, they’re interfering with everything else you are trying to do. Just giving up for the sake of being comfortable is tempting, but you can do better than that! Unless you have a medical issue, I believe there is a pair of amazing shoes out there for you that look just as fantastic as they feel. Once you find that brand, be loyal, and buy what you like in multiples if you really love a certain pair. It’s good for your shoes and your feet to rotate your footwear.
Tailored Suit: A really elegant tailored suit can last you years if you take care of it. And by “tailored” I mean fitted by a skilled tailor specifically to your body. Most stores that sell high-end suits offer tailoring services if you don’t have a tailor you love. These kind of suits are of superior construction, with high-end fabric and are always lined. Choose a classic silhouette and it will serve as the core of your mix-and-match wardrobe.
If you have any questions about investment pieces, DM me on Instagram @aprilclemmerstyling or watch my Instagram Live where I answered a few of your questions here.
If you’re ready to spring for something luxe but your bank account isn't, stay tuned for next week when I’ll be talking about how to shop Black Friday for these kinds of items!
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