How to Shop For Investment Pieces
With age comes experience and some wisdom which has saved me a lot of money. I accidentally discovered investment dressing when I noticed I was wearing the same pair of pants (which looked brand new) ten years after I had purchased them.
Today I’m sharing tips on how you can shop for investment items for your wardrobe.
What Is An Investment Piece?
An investment purchase is an item that you know will serve you long-term. It goes with most/many items in your wardrobe plus you always feel confident and fabulous when you wear it.
Your investment items will vary according to your budget. Most of my investment pieces were purchased many years ago. Some were expensive, many were not.
For me to consider an item an investment it must be a chameleon in my wardrobe or a building block I can create many looks around.
How To Choose An Investment Piece
- Neutral colors are the most versatile so the easiest to coordinate with other colors and patterns.
- Choose classic or near-classic shapes that are timeless or…
- Choose unique items that you’ll adore wearing every time you bring them out.
- Be sure the item will play nicely with 5 or more items in your wardrobe.
- Buy the best you can afford with quality details that will hold up to repeated wearing.
- Be ready to care for your investment items meticulously.
- Accessories can be some of the smartest investments.
What’s been one of your surprise investment pieces?
I love the coat! It was really a perfect fit and style for you. It’s definitely a keeper!
I think we all have a color or style or fit that makes us feel comfortable.
It’s really pretty simple, follow your instincts and you’re probably going to add your own special “keepers” to your wardrobe!
You make my day !
I adore that coat! I have 2 evening coats – one a brocade and the other in velvet that I bought back in the 90’s and still love to wear. I also regret donating a few pieces that I should have kept – oh well, live and learn.
Agreed! Live and learn and keep the good stuff:)
I’d love to see a continuation post where you show pictures of items in your closet you consider to be investment pieces.
I can do that Sandy and I will. Great idea.
Great coat! I’m a big fan of investment dressing. I have some ancient pieces that still go strong. Cheaper than throwaway trendy stuff. xo
I agree, Jen. This coat I’m wearing is old, old, old…but I will wear it until the moths get it!
I know what you mean Jennifer, the confidence a lovely item gives you is great. I have a couple of pieces that are fabulous every year. I have my Mother’s 1950’s purses that are wonderful.
Lucky you!! They must be wonderful
Jennifer, you look fabulous in that coat. It fits you perfectly and it has a classic, and even possibly vintage, look. Don’t ever let it go. It suits you and compliments your look wonderfully.
Thank you Debbie. I can freely admit it is the most treasured garment I own. I will be very sad when the moths get it.
That’s such a stunning coat, and has unique details that make it timeless.
It’s one of my all time favorites!
I’ve been shopping in the back end of my closet and realized that, inadvertently, I have a number of investment pieces. Which is pretty damn cool!
It is cool! That’s pretty much how I discovered it for myself. I noticed the age of some of the things I kept reaching for and realized they had been investments!
Great advice, Jennifer. For me the fit and the fabric are more important to me now and made it worth the investment for some pieces. You look so great in your photo!
Fit is critical for so many of my things. Being short makes it a priority for sure. That photo was from when I first met you at the blog convention!