When it comes to buying clothes for a new season, it can be easy to get caught up with the latest trends and end up spending a lot of money on clothes you’ll never wear again. So, if you’re seriously considering blowing all your wine (er, rent) money on a studded, leather, peplum, dark burgundy colored dress, maybe it’s time for a little intervention.
A better approach? Buy trendy items from cheaper stores, then splurge on a few key items that are always in style. Here are five pricier items that you’re sure to get your money’s worth from year after year, plus how you can pair them with this season’s trends.
A Leather Jacket
A good leather jacket is always in style, so it would do you (and your wardrobe) good to invest in a really well-cut, well-made leather jacket. Find one that has a little twist—an oversized collar or a diagonal zipper, for example—but is in a neutral-colored leather like black or camel. Style it with oxblood-colored denim, gold loafers, and a peplum shirt to make it perfectly on-trend this fall.
A Pair of Booties
Ankle boots are nothing new, but this fall they’re sure to be everywhere and in every style. Invest in some good leather booties with a chunky block heel so you can dress them up or down. Pair with slouchy boyfriend jeans, a blazer, and a button-down shirt with an embellished collar.
A Statement Necklace
It’s fair to say statement necklaces aren’t going to be going out of style any time soon. And while Forever 21 and H&M are perfect for those neon accessories you need to buy on the cheap, invest in something a little nicer for your signature piece. A quality bejeweled necklace will dress up everything from your plainest of tees to your fanciest of party dresses this fall—and for many seasons to come.
Try Dannijo and ShopBop if you’re really looking to spend big bucks for some gorgeous neck candy, or Minusey and Bauble Bar for lower prices but just-as-amazing jewelry.
A (Good) Pair of Jeans
Not all jeans were created equal—and once you make the decision to buy a quality pair, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on. I just got my first pair of J Brand Jeans at T.J.Maxx (thanks to a steep discount, I might add), and I am in love with them.
Invest in a pair that’s a dark wash (the most universally flattering and sophisticated) and wear them with a classic cable knit sweater with a chambray shirt poking out, a fun scarf, and boots for a perfect outfit in crisp fall weather. Jeans are one of the hardest things to shop for, but I have had good luck with the quality and fit of MiH, J Brand Jeans, Madewell, and J.Crew.
A Black Leather Purse
During the summer it’s a little easier to get away with carrying around fun purses in brighter colors, but as fall creeps closer, it’s smart to invest in a good quality black leather purse (if you haven’t already). Get something durable enough to carry to work everyday, but still fancy enough to wear out on the town. Go for a quality leather bag with nice hardware (in gold to make your bag look even more expensive)—check Gilt, Rue La La, and other sample sites for flash sales of designer bags on deep discount. Pair with anything and everything—but to get in on a trendier look, go for a little pattern mish-mash, like we did with these polka dots and stripes!
