The Sartorial Edit: Investing in worthy pieces + a low buy year

As someone who’s always loved fashion but could never nail down her personal style in just one category, you can imagine how many clothing pieces I’ve obtained over the years. From edgy, to classic, to tomboy femme, to girly, to just tomboy…and then all the experimenting in between. My personal style has been a wild ride since the beginning.

Throughout my twenties, this ambiguous personal style of mine caused me a lot of confusion but now at the tail-end of this decade, I’m actually quite proud and happy with my style. There’s almost a sense of pride that comes from not being able to be categorized under one bucket. Although that, in itself, probably draws from my self-acceptance and learning to love that I’m a multi-hyphenate, un-niche-able human being.

The one common thread in my purchasing and styling has been shifting my focus towards not buying as much cheap, fast fashion items and instead saving for investment pieces that I know I’ll keep around forever. It started with banning Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Aritzia (and some others) from my shopping list. Nothing I bought from those brands really lasted more than 1 or 2 seasons. Then it was figuring out what pieces I wore the most, and how I could potentially trade-up for similar styles made from nicer materials.

In understanding myself better, I was also able to learn what clothes I reached for the most, what I felt most confident in, and what was worth investing in. Although I still sweat a little spending hundreds of dollars on a single sweater, or a terrifying four digital number on a jacket or a pair of shoes—I do feel a sense of pride in being able to confidently invest in pieces I know is worth it*.

I definitely didn’t cut my cheap fast-fashion buying habits instantly. It honestly took me years to learn restraint and discipline when it came to shopping. There are still a few exceptions I’ll make when it comes to purchasing from more affordable brands. I personally still love Garage for sweatpants, tank tops, and leisurewear. Uniqlo is also one of my faves for basics. But walking into Mango, Forever 21, Zara really isn’t something I care to do anymore and that habit has made my wardrobe so much more fulfilling.

*”Worth it” is going to mean different things to different people. Humans place value in different things and since fashion is a big part of my creative outlet, I’m willing to splurge on pieces that I’ll get a ton of wear from.

What to look for in investment pieces

Aka everything I consider seriously before I purchase, especially for my low buy year.

If you’ve also been considering changing your buying habits to only investing in quality pieces here’s what I look for now in (nearly) every piece I buy.

• The material - this is by far the most important thing to me now. Is my sweater actually wool, alpaca, cashmere, or some other natural fibre? Or am I purchasing an acrylic sweater that isn’t worth what it costs and will look awful very quickly?
• The fit - I love a good trend but does this piece actually look good on my body? Does the length, width, texture fit well with other things in my closet? If I’m buying a top, I make sure I can wear it with at least 5-10 bottoms I already own and vice versa.
• The construction - Check the stitching, seams, and overall craftsmanship. Quality pieces have clean, sturdy stitches with no loose threads. Examine buttons, zippers, and other hardware to ensure they're securely attached and operate smoothly.
• The versatility - Consider how many different ways you can style the item. Versatile pieces that can transition between seasons or occasions provide better value and longevity in your wardrobe. Also going back to the point of making sure the item you’re purchasing can be worn with AT LEAST 10 other pieces in your closet.
• Cost per wear - Instead of focusing on the price tag, think about how often you'll wear an item. A $200 coat worn 100 times (at $2 per wear) is more economical than a $50 trendy piece worn twice ($25 per wear).
• The timelessness - Will this piece still feel relevant in 3-5 years? Investing in classic silhouettes and colors that transcend fast-moving trends ensures your wardrobe remains functional and stylish for a long time. Again, I love a good trendy or edgy piece. My style has remained pretty consistent for the past few years so that’s a good tell for me on what types of trendy/edgy/statement pieces I actually would wear for many more years to come.

Create a wish list—and follow it

Something I can thank my younger self for is starting the habit of creating Pinterest boards for saving outfits. I’ve done this since 2018 and I’ve always split the boards up into S/S (spring summer) and F/W (fall winter). Looking back at some of my older boards I am SO thankful that I didn’t end up purchasing many of the pieces. My style has drastically changed since then (thank GOD) and only started to become more consistent in the last 3ish years.

Besides having Pinterest as a time capsule for my personal style, I also have been creating wish list for a few years now. I definitely do not purchase everything on my wish list, I couldn’t afford to. The point of the wish list really is just to give myself some time to consider whether or not I really want that item or whether I was just shopping on whim. Here’s how to do it:

1. Whenever you find something that you really like, instead of impulse buying, put it on your wish list.
2. Budget for shopping! After you know you’ve covered all other expenses, set aside a small budget each month towards a shopping fund. The goal is to only spend what you have within this fund. I’ve been using the YNAB (You Need a Budget) app for about 8 years now and it’s the best thing to have ever happened to my finances.
3. When you’re in a shopping mood, instead of browsing websites and clicking add-to-cart, browse your own wish list. How do you feel about these items after a week? A month? A quarter? A year? Do you still LOVE that piece and want to obtain it?
4. If there’s something that’s been sitting on your list for a while and you have enough to cover it with your shopping fund—buy it. You’ve waited it out, you’ve budgeted for the item, you deserve it.

Tip: I’ve been using the Moonsift app for a few years now to track my wish list. It has a Chrome extension that allows you to quickly save items to specific wish lists. It will also notify you if something goes on sale. It’s been the easiest way for me to keep track of things I’m loving.

Things I’ve invested in

Here are some of the pieces I’ve purchased in the last year that I think were worth the investment. The pieces shown here were all purchased new—I purposely didn’t include items I purchased vintage because there are added rules when it comes to hunting for vintage. Things like price influxes, condition, when and where you buy it. (Let me know if you want a separate article on hunting for vintage investment pieces!)

Acne Studios Leather Jacket - I’ve been pining for an Acne Studios leather probably since I was 15. I ended up purchasing this specific style because while it still has a cool, moto look, the silhouette and style is also slightly more unique.

Nothing Written Pound Sweater - This is a recent purchase. I’ve been looking for a quality v-neck sweater in a chocolate brown and this ended up being the perfect, relaxed, alpaca + wool piece.

Margiela Tabi Boots, Painted Tabi Flats, & Tabi Ballerinas - Another piece I’ve pined over since the Tumblr days. I don’t wear my Margiela pieces all the time (I do live a city that rains a lot) but whenever I can, these are what I reach for.

Remain Sweater - Discovered this Copenhagen based brand a while ago and found this piece on SSENSE on sale for half off. This is one of those pieces that just goes with everything whether I’m trying to dress tomboy femme or like a classic Parisian girlie.

Ganni Striped Dress - Actually found this piece at the Ganni Archive store in CPH. Everything about it is perfect—the fact that it’s a mini, the cut, the way it sits on my body, the way the dress actually compliments my square shoulders.

Behind the paywall, you’ll find:

• Things I’m currently pining for—my wish list since Dec 2024 along with links
• Details on my low buy challenge for the year
• Some of my most worn pieces

Things I’m currently pining for

Here are some things that are currently on my wish list that I’m either debating or saving up for.

1. Sonya Lee Francesca Bag - I’ve been eye this bag for a few years now but as much as I love it, it’s not currently high on my priority list. I do think that this bag would look good with pretty much any outfit. The simplicity in the shape along with the unique strap details and silver hardware would make it the perfect piece to accompany most styles.
2. Almina Concept Sweater - LOVE the cut of this sweater. The cinched waist is everything. I love it on Chloe Mihailovich here. I think the shape of the sweater makes it unique and allows for simple outfits to look a little more elevated.
3. Bottega Andiamo - Can’t decide between black and silver hardware and brown and gold. I wish they would just make brown with silver…that would make my life so much easier. While the black one would look better with 100% of my outfits, I’ve started to incorporate more brown in my wardrobe lately and I think even if I were to wear an all black outfit, the brown statement would be lovely.
4. Paloma Wool Trousers - I have a similar pair from Frakment but I’d let those go for these ones. The cut of these are just a little more refined.
5. Deiji Studios Sweater - LOVE the cross detailing. I think it would compliment my tattoos.
6. Studio Niksen Pants - Learned about these from my friend Vernice (here’s how she styled them). Love the balloon style cut.
7. (And 11.) Tabi Loafers & Tabi Mary Jane Loafers - “But Angel, what if Tabis go out of style one day?” I honestly could care less. I love them, I’ve always loved them. And I’ll be the girl in Tabis forever.
8. Almada Label Sweater - Found this from Moya’s channel. Love the soft alpaca texture. Think it’d be a great piece to layer with.
9. Remain Trousers - Trousers… but sweats…but refined. Need I say more?
10. Deiji Studio Pants - I rarely see brown pinstripes and love the folded detail at the waist.
11. Acne Musubi Bag - Such a unique bag that would still fit everything I need (aka books, journal, lippies, iPad, camera…etc.
12. Paloma Wool Brown Trousers - PW just has the best trouser cuts. Plus the folded detail at the top is perfect.
13. COS Cashmere Sweater - The price is great for this piece considering it’s a heavy cashmere sweater. Everyone apparently also thinks so cause it’s sold out in stores.
14. Frankie Shop Duster Cardigan - LOVE the length of this. Although Frankie Shop doesn’t always have the best materials, their cuts are one of a kind.

I’d just like to make it clear that although these things are on my wish list, I realistically only end up purchasing a handful of pieces every year. I’m at a place where I’m pretty satisfied with my wardrobe and when I do purchase it’s cause I’ve found a gap in what I own OR I’m trying to upgrade a piece I already know and love.

A low buy year

With an international move in my horizon, this year especially, I’ve committed to a low-buy year. There’s one main rule: only buy pieces on my wish list. I talked about my wish list earlier but more than just being a place to keep the things I want, it really is the holding space that gives me time to consider whether I really need the piece.

I’m a firm believer that having a goal makes the journey so much easier. Transparently, knowing that I’m moving and that I’ll have to purge a lot of my wardrobe is a great safeguard for how I shop. Changing your shopping habits take time (and that’s okay!) It’s mendacious for me to say that I’ve been disciplined about my shopping for years. Even now, being conscious where I spend money is something I try to pay a lot of attention to and work on month after month.

I still definitely have shopping cravings and especially with my social profiles being so fashion driven, I can’t deny that looking at inspiration all day gives me that itch. A quote that my friend Terri shared last year, that really stuck with me is “discipline is the greatest form of self-love.” I think about that quote often and it comes to mind when I’m looking at purchasing new things.

Although there is just one main rule, here are some other guidelines I’ve set for myself:

• Is this the best I can get? Besides considering the price, knowing that I’m planning a move to Europe makes me seriously reconsider certain purchases. If you’re lucky enough to be located in Europe, the vintage and new shopping selection there is just so much better. So I always ask myself: can I get something better/cheaper in Europe?
• Would my ideal self wear this? I’ve been thinking more and more about my personal branding and who I am this year so this is a fun new question I’ve added. Would my ideal self love this piece? Would Milan me wear this? Would Paris me wear this?
• Is it worth the price? This question always feels a bit vague because “worth it” will mean different things to different people. For me it’s all about the material, how often I’ll wear it, and it’s unique enough or enough of a staple that I wouldn’t be able to find it elsewhere (for a better price).

Some of my most worn pieces

You’ll see from this list that not everything I own is an investment piece! Especially when it comes to basics, I still love a good affordable alternative. As long as I know that the materials are decent and the fit is good, I will opt for the more affordable option.

1. Flattered loafers (gifted) - These are SO comfortable and have stopped me from investing in a designer loafer for years.
2. Balenciaga city bag (vintage) - Never did I think I would use a pink bag this much. But since most of my outfits are neutral-toned, I actually reach for this bag the most.
3. Massimo Dutti black wool coat - I got this in the fall of 2024 and it’s been a staple for this winter season. I do wish it was lined but the thinner material does allow me to layer more underneath.
4. Revolve brown coat (gifted) - Love the oversized fit of this! Definitely adds some pizzaz to a basic jeans + top combo.
5. Acne leather jacket - My promise to myself was to replace all of my other leather jackets with one that I love. This was the one I picked. I did end up keeping two others (one with a more refined shape and a special racer style one from Diesel).
6. Soft goat alpaca cashmere sweater (gifted) - Probably my favorite sweater that I own. It’s so soft, I’ve had it for 3-4 years and it still looks amazing. This really proved to me that quality is everything.
7. Salomon xt-6 - I find myself reaching for these the most whenever I question my shoe choice. I have them in both black and tan and they just seem to be an easy pairing to make an outfit a little more unique.
8. These random jeans from a brand called “Scout” - I found these at a boutique in Milan and have never been able to locate the brand since. They were definitely my most worn pants of 2023 and 2024 (and for 40 euros!)
9. Garage clothing tank - The Tankair tank has tempted me a few times but honestly this one from garage (that I own in 4 colors) is all I wear.
10. Jaded London faux leather pant - When I’m not wearing jeans (rare), these are what I reach for the most to spice up an outfit.
11. Sezane cardigan - Love a grey cardigan but I want to upgrade this at some point. I love everything I own from Sezane but a part of my “investing in nicer pieces” journey is to shift all my sweaters to full natural fibres.
12. Sezane sweater - This was definitely my go-to sweater for this past winter. But again, looking to upgrade this at some point to something with all natural fibres.
13. Bottega jodie bag - I love this bag so much more now that it’s worn in and has that amazing slouch. Another piece that pairs so well with the rest of my wardrobe.

Building a fulfilling wardrobe also takes time. I used to feel so impatient about now owning the pieces I loved but I often remind myself that the longer something sits in my wish list, the more certain I can be that it’s something that I really want.

And as cheesy as it sounds, anything worth having is worth waiting for. Take care of your life expenses first, set money aside, and when the time is right, treat yourself to that something nice.