Fashion Editors Think These Popular Items Are 100% “Worth It”

Aside from shopping for a living, we, your trusted Who What Wear editors, love to shop for fun too. That said, just like everyone else, we have shopping hits and misses (let’s hear it for free returns!). But we’re reporting for duty to talk about the hits—those items that we had no regrets about purchasing, and would do it again in a heartbeat. And while—trust me—we love to score something on sale, we believe that these 14 items are worth it even at full price.

As to be expected, in the mix of popular “worth it” items are plenty of basics, but also some investment-worthy trends that we think have staying power. So if you’ve ever Googled the term “Is [insert fashion item] worth it?”, you’re probably going to enjoy this piece of content. From our go-to denim to the once-trendy sneakers that remain an enduring fashion-girl favorite, here are the popular items we never regret buying (and don’t think you will either).

“When I first got these New Balance sneakers almost two years ago, I never thought I’d get nearly as much use out of them as I have (and will continue to). Yes, they were “trendy” at one point, but they’re also extremely comfortable and the perfect neutral shade to complement literally any outfit.”

“Friends have asked me on numerous occasions if buying With Jéan’s viral ruched button-up dress is worth it, and every single time without fail, I say yes. I have yet to see anyone look bad in this dress, and I wear it at least once a week—it is my favorite dress without a doubt. “

“Honestly, I don’t know how I lived without my platform high-top Converse sneakers. They’re worth every penny, plus the platforms are everything.”

“I try a lot of denim brands as a fashion editor but I always come back to my beloved Citizens of Humanity jeans. They have the best fit and silhouettes, and they’re 100% worth their slightly more expensive price tag because the quality is so ridiculously good. They’ll last you a lifetime. The Charlotte High-Rise straight-leg jeans and the Olivia slim ankle jeans are among my absolute favorites.”

“These Birkenstock sandals are no-fail. I wear them all summer long and actually in the fall and spring as well with tube socks. They’re not only chic in my eyes, but comfortable as well. I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it at that.”

“I make a point of investing in great basics and can’t say enough good things about this tube top from Wolford. The stretchy material really hugs your body and you can see how great the quality is. It’s one of the key pieces I wear on repeat (evidence here) and is worth every penny.”

“As someone with easily 30 pairs of jeans in my closet, I wasn’t prepared to be quite so impressed with Agolde’s popular Pinch Waist pair but the style has quickly become my favorite. Thanks to a number of things like the ultra high rise, rigid denim fit, and slim-straight shape, they look so polished and honestly make any outfit I wear with them appear more expensive. I know the price point is a tad higher than your typical Levi’s threads, but given the quality, they’re worth every penny. I’ll be wearing mine forever.”

“Doên dresses (and everything they make) just get dreamier and dreamier. The prints are stunning and the fabrics are top quality, so you know it’s a worthy investment you’re making. Plus, they never go out of style.”

“Totême jackets are the kind of things I really save up for. I have a few at this point, and have worn each a ton of times and always get compliments. They’re a brand that designs epic pieces that start worldwide trends.” 

“Simply put, Completedworks jewelry is stunning. I’ve noticed that every retailer that stocks its pieces is constantly selling out, and with good reason. It has the most unique interpretations on trends, and the prices are justified for such special, well-made baubles.”

“Issey Miyake has had a resurgence lately among the fashion set. I think there’s something very timeless and chic about the pleated pieces, which I put them in the “worth it” category even though they feel trendy right now. I also love that the material always looks dry clean only (aka expensive!), but it’s totally machine washable. I’ve worn my vintage one countless times, as it’s the perfect “basic, but special” type of piece.”

“I know Reformation dresses aren’t the cheapest things out there, but I have truly never met one I didn’t love. I think they excel at pretty prints and great fits, so I’ve always been happy with my purchases and keep an eye out for new arrivals. Plus, the dresses always hit the sweet spot between on-trend and classic, so I never feel like they’re outdated even if they’re a few years old.”

“Whenever I’m ready to make jewelry investments, I never regret going for Cartier. Everything they make is just so timeless, beautiful, and made to last a lifetime. I love the idea of spending money on something that is a future heirloom and that I can wear every single day.”

“Buying this bag was the best investment. I truly have carried it nearly every day since I bought it last summer. The material is so durable and it fits more than you’d think.”

Next up, what to order from 15 outfits thousands of people love.