How many times have you scrimped on that blazer you found online, only to have it be ill fitting and require a replacement before the season is out? Or you spent your hard earned money on a piece, and found you weren’t getting your cost per wear from it?
When navigating building a lasting wardrobe it isn’t practical to expect every item to be an investment piece, nor is it particularly sustainable to buy everything from the lower end of the market. Obviously it’s important to work within budget constraints so in terms of Spend vs Save, we are working within the spectrum of your budget and what you feel comfortable spending on your wardrobe.
I am sure you have heard of the oft thrown around term of “high-low” dressing. If not, let me explain. High low dressing is the process of mixing and matching price points within a look in order to achieve a more elevated outfit. For example, your jeans and top are from the high street, but through adding a great quality bag and shoe, suddenly your outfit is lifted without the designer price point.
This is a key methodology I live my in my own wardrobe as well as my clients. If you had $1000 to spend on your wardrobe, rather than purchase 10 pieces for $100 and likely not move your wardrobe forward, you might set aside 60-70% for a couple of key pieces which will take your personal style to the next level, and spend the remainder on fun seasonal updates.
The key is knowing which pieces to spend on, and which pieces to save on, keeping a long term mindset in place when it comes to your wardrobe.
Today, we are discussing investment dressing and which pieces should you spend a little more on, in order to elevate your wardrobe?
Pants
Tailored pants are one of those pieces, that can go horribly wrong if the fit isn’t 100%. Cheaper fabrics can cause puckering on seams and they just don’t have the same drape and fall as higher price pointed options making them not very flattering.
Even when you do find a great pair, its always worth working with a tailor to ensure that fit is PERFECT!. They are usually very minor tweaks such a taking up the hem, or nipping in the waist.
These tweaks are a low investment, but can make a huge difference to the way the pant fits you and make them look even more elevated.
Hot Tip: When you are taking your pants up, carefully consider the shoe you intend to wear with them. Remember, you can vary from a sneaker to a 10cm (or higher!) heel. Thats a big difference to a hemline and worth considering in order to get that perfect fall.
Recommended Brands: Viktoria and Woods, Camilla and Marc, Scanlan Theodore
Blazer
A black blazer is a wardrobe staple.It has the capacity to elevate any outfit, it can be worn casual and dressed up and will last you years if you err on the side of quality. The key to a great blazer is looking for a good quality fabric. Fabrics that are lightweight and crush easily will be a sure fire give away of poor quality.
A good in store test I like to do, is subtly scrunch the back of the blazer in my fist and reflect on how well the fabric recovers. This will semi-mimic you sitting in this jacket over a period of time.
Recommended Brands: Toteme, Joseph, Camilla and Marc
Handbags
Never underestimate the power of a great bag to finish off an outfit. In an entirely high street look, a good quality bag can take the look to the next level instantly. While a designer bag is definitely a lust have item, you don’t necessarily have to spend thousands to achieve this outcome. Look for a good quality black leather bag (or vegan leather!) and see the difference one piece can make. A bag with structure will instantly add polish to any outfit.
Recommended Non Luxury Brands: Sans Beast, Polene Paris
Shoes
Like bags, shoes can truely make or break an outfit and being that they are something you are walking around in all day, investing a little more to ensure that comfort factor can really make a difference. I generally always look for leather when buying shoes. As its a natural fibre is more breathable than PU alternatives, and will minimise foot odour making them a long lasting purchase.
I also recommend hunting down a great shoe repair who has experience in high quality shoes. If you are spending a lot of money on a designer pair, its always worth having a Topy sole put on the shoe before you wear them. This will not only protect the sole, but even the parts of the leather which meet the sole (such as the toe). Shoe repairs are also great for having your precious pieces reheeled and general maintenance to ensure they are lasting you for years to come.
If you live in Melbourne I cannot recommend enough, Rekaris Shoe Repair on Russell St. They work with high end boutiques on Collins street and do beautiful work.
Recommended Non Luxury Brands: Tony Bianco, Senso, Dear Frances, Dulce London
Leather
Leather is generally a higher price point category given the fact that its a hide, however there is certainly a spectrum of quality to consider. Lower priced retailers will sometimes have an offering of leather, but in order to get them into cost, they might have a stiffer hand feel and lack the buttery softness we love about leather. Always check the label as retailers will often state the origin of the leather. Lamb leather is very soft and comfortable, however pig leather is very hard wearing and will often have that stiffer hand feel.
Even when we are reviewing Vegan Leather options, it’s important to consider quality. Vegan Leather does contain an element of plastic, which is more evident the lower the price point is-not only in appearance, but smell. ( you KNOW what I am talking about…)
Do your research to find that mock leather quality that mimics the real thing as close as possible. While definitely on the bougie side, Stella McCartney does an INCREDIBLE job of mock leather and is worth considering (especially for her leather pants…)
Recommended Brands: Ena Pelly, All Saints, Stella McCartney
Outerwear
A winter coat is designed to keep you toasty in the colder months. Therefore it only stands to reason that you invest a little more in this piece to ensure not only is your coat warm, but it will last you for many winters to come. The key to a warm coat is looking for a wool content. It doesn’t have to be high necessarily, but it will make all the difference.
It’s also a good idea to opt for a slightly thicker hand feel for that luxe cosy feeling and if you are investing in your key winter coat- always look for lining. Unlined coats are great fashion pieces to inject some fun into your winter wardrobe, but I wouldn’t spend more than $150 on one.
On the topic of the trench coat, I don’t believe you need a Burberry per say. but it really took me years to find a good one that was more affordable.
Consider that a trench is often a bit longer, so you are often sitting on it in the office, at the cafe, or the real killer- in the car. Performing the scrunch test I talked about in the blazer section is imperative for this kind of product as a lightweight crushed fabric is a tell tale sign of low quality.
Recommended Price Point $200+:
To find out about which pieces you should be SAVING on in your wardrobe, make sure you check out my post HERE.
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