Long Term Investment Must-Have Pieces

Investment pieces are the timeless, versatile, high-quality staples in your closet that you can buy once and own for many years.

While they cost more upfront, their price-per-wear is lower than cheaper, inferior products we often buy because they sound good in the short-term.

Beyond being a more sustainable way to shop, filling your closet with the right investment pieces can save you money over time.

Leather jacket

A leather jacket, like most of this list, goes with pretty much everything. It's another piece you can technically buy only once and then own for decades.

Leather itself is also a uniquely good investment; the material is durable, functional, and is one of few that actually gets better with time — molding to your shape to create a custom fit. For this reason, it's alright if your leather jacket is a bit tight in the beginning (but not if it's too loose) — it'll stretch slightly with time.

Crossbody purse

For every outing that doesn't require a heavy tote, but could use space for more than the lip balm and keys in your pocket, the answer is a midi bag. And, ideally, one that can be worn as many ways as possible — crossbody, over your shoulder, and perhaps as a clutch too. This is also an item where fewer and better is advisable. Diversity and accent pieces are great, but if you're relying upon something for its functionality, why not just use the best and most organized version of it every time?

Sunglasses

You'll find yourself in need of sunglasses more often than you'd expect, and ideally, you'll want a pair with UV-blocking protection and polarization (which takes care of glare).

It can take a long time to find a pair of sunglasses with exactly the right proportions and shape for your face. Which is why it's smart, in the meantime, to commit to something pretty universally attractive — like a wayfarer or round frame.

Cashmere sweater

If we could only choose one thing to wear in the fall and winter, it would probably be the cashmere sweater. It's soft, timeless, and cozy enough to feel like you're being hugged by a blanket all day. With care, you can own the same one for years to come and, if you opt for a dark neutral color, you can probably get away with wearing it at least once a week without anyone being the wiser.

A Pair of Comfortable , Low Heels

One life is about two lifetimes too short to be uncomfortable, but there will be occasions in which wearing heels is necessary or desirable. For those events, it makes sense to invest in a pair that you really love, and which come with the kind of insole and heel height that you can spend a few hours in without needing to take a cab home early.

Classic, everyday jewelry

Everyday jewelry pieces don't need to be placeholders for something nicer. Thanks to jewelry startups that cut out traditional costs, if you have £40 to spare you can get yourself a pair of dainty 14k yellow gold earrings over a few £15 pairs you don't care about. Instead of buying cheaper versions for short-term wear until they turn green in the shower and need to be replaced, you can buy basics like hoops or a fine chain necklace once — and then build on that functional base over time.