There are certain items that can be used day after day, year after year, decade after decade, etc. When something is sure to get a lot of use, there is less guilt in forking over a little more cash to make certain the piece will last as long as you'd like. Whereas trendy pieces go in and out of style after a few weeks or months, classic items will become lifelong staples in your closet. OK, "lifelong" might be pushing it a little, but with these pieces you are sure to get your money's worth. The key to finding investment-worthy items is to focus on basic styles and good quality. Remember, basic does not mean "boring" and quality does not necessarily mean "made from rip-stop material." You can keep the looks fresh and fun while still maintaining the status quo for quality and necessity.
1. We recommend investing in a basic pair of sunglasses for summer, and we turned to the trusty Ray-Ban website for some good examples. Wayfarers were made famous in the classic Risky Business scene where Tom Cruise danced around in his underwear, his Wayfarers, and not much else. Celebs have been wearing them for a few seasons now, and although some may label them "trendy", we think they have real staying power and can be pulled off for years to come. The Wayfarer comes in many colors this season, but we recommend sticking with a basic black or tortoise shade to make the style last. The classic aviator style was epitomized by Ray-Ban and the original shape hasn't changed much, which shows that this pair of sunglasses is here to stay. Aviators are universally flattering for all face shapes and the UV protection is a definite plus.
2. A good pair of jeans is a wardrobe must. The most important aspect is the fit, so make sure they are not too tight (i.e. muffin top), but not too loose (i.e. looks like you're wearing your boyfriend's jeans). Also, to achieve a classic look, stay away from trendier cuts, like big bell-bottoms or skintight stovepipes. Distressed and embroidered looks will not be in it for the long run, so look for classic boot cut or straight-legs in a medium-to-dark wash (please, no acid wash!). 7 for All Mankind's Stretch Bootcut in New York Dark is a good choice for investment-worthy denim.
3. Whoever said cashmere was just for winter must have had some sort of vendetta against the luxury fabric, because there is no reason cashmere can't be worn during the warmer months. Sure, we wouldn't recommend that you wear a bulky cashmere sweater at the beach, but a lightweight cashmere cardigan in a bold color adds splash to any outfit, and makes for a great layering piece. J. Crew has tons of variations in every color of the rainbow, but we personally favor the Featherweight Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan in orange. Wear this draped over your shoulders on cooler days or buttoned up over a printed summer dress on breezy nights.
4. As far as summer purses and beach bags go, we adore the classic Longchamp Le Pliage because it can be used for several different occasions. It is beach-friendly, easy to wash, and even easier to wear. The bag is available in several different colors and sizes. Pictured is the small Royale with short handles. Although $100 may seem a little steep for a basic nylon bag, we have yet to come across a bag like it comparable in style or wearability.
5. Everyone is looking out for the perfect summer sandal, but with thousands of options out there, it is almost impossible to single out just one pair. Lately, we have been eyeing the Metallic Gladiator from Urban Outfitters. The gladiator style has stuck around for a few years now, which is impressive because most people thought it was a one-season trend. However, each summer these flat strappy sandals are coming back better than ever, and they have really grown on us. Although we do love some of the wild and crazy choices out there, we feel that plain, thin strap sandals are the way to go. The three simple straps make this sandal wearable without looking gimmick-y, and the metallic gold color goes with practically everything.
6. Audrey Hepburn put Tiffany's on the map for young girls everywhere. While every girl dreams of the day a man gets down on one knee and presents her with a tiny blue box, there are other (more attainable) ways to enjoy the Tiffany's legacy of luxury and sophistication. We selected a plain pair of sterling silver studs because they can easily be dressed up or down depending on the accompanying outfit. There's nothing wrong with wearing these everyday, but make sure to keep them looking shiny and new (not a problem since the bag they come in doubles as a polishing cloth!)
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