I am so guilty of buying a million cheap thrills, liking them for a short while, and then never wearing them again. Even though I preach to you all the importance of investing in quality basics, truthfully, practicing that in my own life is rather difficult. I will say, however, that whenever I do splurge on a basic, I am always so impressed by the amount I wear it. Be it a bag, shirt, or shoes, the things in my wardrobe that I was really intentional about are hands-down the most loved pieces.
This fall, I vowed to myself to be a smarter shopper, and it’s starting with the 15 investment-worthy pieces below. Don’t worry, I’m not planning on buying all of these immediately, but the basics I’ve highlighted for you here are the ones I know I will wear on repeat, will keep for years, and will always make me feel like I made a smart shopping decision versus a frivolous one. Since I know most of you might not be as dedicated to investment buys this season, I also supplemented each of my splurges with a similar item that is much more affordable. That way, you can discover all the best steals while I share all my upcoming splurges.
I normally veer towards black handbags at any given time, but this fall, I have been really drawn to rich brown hues. This Wandler bag is objectively stunning, yes, but it also fits quite a lot and sits so comfortably on your shoulder. It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s a bag that I’ll have forever, will go with everything, and to me, is worth every penny.
Faux leather pants are pretty much the canvas for 50% of my fall outfits. I currently have a pair I love, but truthfully, I’ve worn them to death and they are starting to look a little too janky. Knowing how much I wore my previous pair, I feel no shame in splurging on a new pair this season. Agolde is usually my go-to brand for the perfect jeans, so buying these feels like a no-brainer.
If you’ve seen my Who What Wardrobes, you are well aware that I already own way too many blazers. But buying a new blazer every fall is just a toxic habit of mine I won’t quit. So here we are with my new love, this Acne Studios oversize blazer. I love the three buttons, the subdued brown color, and don’t even get me started on how perfectly boxy the shape is. I need it.
These Gucci shoes are not new by any means, but I am someone who likes to think long and hard before big purchases and I’ve finally decided these bad boys are worth it. After seeing fashion people style them so many different ways at all times of the year, I am finally convinced that these chunky loafers are well worth the investment.
Whenever I don’t know what to wear in the fall, I throw on a super soft sweater with tailored trousers and call it a day. Since I don’t really know what to wear most days, I tend to wear the heck out of my favorite sweaters which means it’s time to invest in a new one for the season ahead. This striking cable-knit crewneck from Vineyard Vines is pretty affordable for cashmere, so I’m snatching it up before everyone else does.
I will not lie, I hated these shoes when they first came out. Now, however, I find myself losing sleep over them. I know they are weird-looking, but that’s what I love about them. They are a practical boot that also makes a statement and that is also on-trend. I know this story is about basics, but technically, wellies are a basic so I’m not breaking any rules.
Lately, I’ve been wearing tailored trousers more than I’ve been wearing jeans. I find that no matter what I’m wearing on top—a T-shirt, blouse, or sweater—trousers always feel ten times cooler than any pair of denim ever could. I love the below pair from MM6 because they have that fashion-forward edge with the spliced waist and misplaced pocket.
Cloud coats are a major trend this fall, but truthfully, they’ve kind of also been around for a minute, so investing in this Frankie Shop coat does not worry me in the slightest. I recently moved back to Los Angeles from New York and am already mourning the loss of my heavy coat collection. Since I have no business wearing big coats in LA, this lightweight jacket will be just the fix I need…I hope.
Sleek knee-high boots are definitely having a moment and I am ready for a pair that will make me feel like a million bucks. These Reike Nen beauties have so many subtle details that I love. From the square toe to the angular heel, I kind of feel like these boots were made for me.
There is nothing more comforting than putting on a flowy midi dress with easy shoes and calling it a day. When the dress is pretty enough, you really don’t need much else, and that’s what I call “worth it”. This Tove dress is really something else. It’s definitely up there in terms of price, but it’s something I feel will never go out of style plus it can easily be dressed up or down.
This necklace makes me so happy. The mixed metals and the cute circular links make a statement all on their own, but I can’t wait to style this with a big blazer and loose trousers.
I’ve never been a big shirtdress gal, but when I saw this Attico one, my mind was changed. Clearly, I am into brown right now, so while the color drew me in, the strong shoulder and short hemline were what kept me there. If you’re not interested in a minidress for fall, then I also highly suggest our stunning ruched midi dress from Who What Wear Collection.
These Manolos are the moment. They’re the moment now, they were the moment then, and they will be the moment forever. Wear them with jeans, trousers, skirts, and more. They are a classic shoe style and brand that continuously proves to be worth the investment.
Last but not least, denim. I usually don’t enjoy a dark wash jean, but this SLVRLAKE pair proved that I should be. They just read so luxe and that’s the look I’m always going for.
Next up, We’re Picky Fashion Editors, But These Under-$175 Pieces Are Really Resonating.