The Math of Smart Shopping
Cost per wear is a simple way to look at your wardrobe as an investment rather than just a series of impulse buys. If you buy a cheap pair of shoes that falls apart in three months, you're actually spending way more over time than if you'd bought one sturdy pair that lasts a decade. With that in mind, here are 20 items you'd be financially smart to splurge on.
1. A Classic Trench Coat
If it's made well, a trench coat will keep you dry in storms and looking sharp for years to come. Wear it when spring rainstorms hit or while breezing through fall nights. The material won't thin out, and loose threads and buttons won't start popping off.
2. Full-Grain Leather Boots
Synthetic leather will rip and peel after one season of trudging through puddles and slush. When made from real, full-grain leather, they will actually stretch and mold to your feet. The leather will also develop a gorgeous patina as you wear it year after year.
3. A Well-Tailored Wool Blazer
A blazer made from inexpensive polyester will probably never look the same after a few trips to the dry cleaners. A 100% wool jacket will breathe better and retain its sharp lines through wear after wear at the office or out on the town. Not to mention, expensive fabrics just tend to drape and fit nicer.
4. Dark Indigo Selvedge Jeans
Fast-fashion denim is full of stretch that breaks down and sags after a few months of regular wear. Traditional selvedge denim is made on old-school looms and creates a much denser fabric. As they wear, they'll develop unique fading that is customized to your body.
5. A Genuine Leather Handbag
Cheap bags have plastic buttons that will break off and lining that will tear after you stuff your work things inside them once or twice. You'll notice right away that high-end leather bags use double-stitching and industrial zippers meant to last. They can take a beating daily for years and still look professional when you need them to.
6. Cashmere Crewneck Sweaters
Synthetic knit sweaters pill and look fuzzy after the first wash. High-end cashmere will stay soft regardless of how many times you wash it. Sweaters like this are also incredibly warm without being bulky, making them great for layering in any kind of weather.
7. A Professional Winter Parka
Spending a significant amount on a coat that is rated for sub-zero temperatures is a move your future self will definitely thank you for. Cheaper jackets often use thin insulation that loses its loft and warmth after it gets wet or compressed. A nice parka will use high-quality down or cutting-edge synthetic fill that will keep you warm.
8. High-End Running Shoes
Your feet and knees will thank you when you finally invest in a pair of sneakers with the highest-quality cushioning and support. Cheap shoes use cheap foam that compresses easily and won't provide you with enough support. You may feel every step you take, and you could even cause injury to your joints over time.
9. The Perfect Little Black Dress
Buy one expensive black dress that you absolutely love, and you'll never stress about having nothing to wear again. Weddings, funerals, and last-minute date invites… they'll all become easy. When you spend a little more, you'll stay crisp and flattering everywhere you go.
10. A Crisp White Button-Down
A nice button-down is thick and feels weighty in your hands. It's another cornerstone of your wardrobe that looks just as good with jeans as it does with a nice suit. Buy it in cotton, and it won't require dry cleaning either.
Peter Abu-Ekpeshie on Unsplash
11. Durable Hard-Shell Luggage
Frequent flyers understand how destructive baggage claim can be. Polycarbonate or aluminum luggage won't mind getting beaten up and will protect your things from damage. You also won't have to stress about a wheel falling off while you're in another country.
12. A Reversible Leather Belt
Buy a thick belt with a sturdy metal buckle instead of those cheap belts with loose stitches that stretch out and crack along the holes. Leather belts stay stiff enough to hold up your pants and retain their style long after others have fallen apart. Belts are something you use every day, so the initial investment isn't much when spread out.
13. Polarized Designer Sunglasses
First of all, they look great. But unlike cheaper sunglasses, designer shades offer better protection from UV rays, and their lenses won't scratch as easily. They're typically made with flexible acetate or metal that can be customized to your face by your optometrist.
Sebastian Coman Travel on Unsplash
14. A Versatile Silk Scarf
Silk is actually one of the strongest natural fibers out there. It's good at wicking away heat when it's hot out and trapping heat when you're cold. Bonus: it doesn't hold odors like cotton blends do, so you won't have to wash it as frequently.
15. Performance Outerwear for Hiking
A good waterproof jacket can save your life out in the middle of nowhere. It's breathable, so you won't feel yourself drowning in sweat like you would with a cheap garbage poncho. Jackets built for hiking will resist tears should you rub against any trees or bushes on your journey.
16. A Structured Wool Coat
For those who live in professional environments, a heavy wool overcoat is a staple that makes a great first impression. It doesn't hold wrinkles or smells, so you can wear it to work every day throughout winter. You won't find yourself reaching for that bulky puffer jacket every time.
17. Handmade Eyewear Frames
If you wear glasses 24/7, then you need a frame that can handle it. Glasses by designer brands are crafted with durable materials at the hinge and won't fade with time. After spreading out the cost by the number of hours you wear them, they're extremely cheap.
18. A High-Thread-Count Bathrobe
A bathrobe you'll actually want to wear! Cotton robes made with long-staple cotton genuinely feel softer and more absorbent with every wash. Step into your own private oasis every morning without leaving your house.
19. Fine Jewelry Staples
Goodbye, nickel allergy. Solid metals like gold, silver, and titanium are fashionable and won't ruin your skin. And if you wear them often enough, they can become heirlooms to leave behind!
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
20. An Ergonomic Leather Office Chair
While not a piece of clothing, this is probably one of the most important items you can splurge on. An expensive office chair will support your back when your boss wants you to crunch numbers all day. After a year, your cheap seat will have you sitting on rocks because the foam has compressed.
