Outfits

five wardrobe staples that are worth the splurge

01.18

[halves]Elegant Neutrals and my new Gabriela Hearst Diana Bag

Elegant Neutrals and my new Gabriela Hearst Diana Bag[/halves]

Elegant Neutrals and my new Gabriela Hearst Diana Bag

[halves]Elegant Neutrals and my new Gabriela Hearst Diana Bag

Elegant Neutrals and my new Gabriela Hearst Diana Bag[/halves]

As you guys know, I’m all about investing in high-quality pieces that will last a lifetime. Classic, neutral staples you can wear and re-wear over and over again. Styling possibilities are endless, and it makes getting dressed that much easier. For a more polished wardrobe, here are five key pieces I would recommend investing in.

THE PERFECT FITTING SKINNY JEANS

I’m not someone who owns a hundred pairs of jeans… now leggings, leather and faux leather? I have a lot of different styles of those! But when I find a good pair of jeans I like, I stick with those and wear. them. out. For example, I’ve basically worn the same pair of blue skinny jeans (they’re back in stock – hooray!) for the last year and half. I currently own two of the exact same pair – I wear them so much, I figured I should have another pair to switch off when the other needs to be washed (seriously, that’s how much I wear them… every day). I wore the first pair so much I tore a hole right through them! Because I found such an amazing pair that was flattering, comfortable and classic, I don’t feel the need to buy a bunch of different pairs. Sure, there are times I want to try a trend like the crop flare, distressed look, mom jean, etc… but those are few and far between. I always end up wearing the trendy pairs once or twice, and then revert back to my go-to skinny. What can I say? I like what I like.

Finding the perfect fitting pair may require trying several different brands on. What brands fit me well may not be the right fit for your body type. For example, I’ve got a bigger behind, so I prefer bigger pockets in the back to help minimize my toosh. Lighter washes are also a little less flattering on my hips + butt region. If you have a smaller derriere, you might prefer a brand with smaller pockets that help add some junk to your trunk. Also, as a tall girl length is very important to me. While most brands do a longer seam these days, there are a few that crop a little shorter and don’t look as good on me. I also prefer a high-waisted jean… both because I’m tall and it’s more comfortable, and it’s also way more flattering on me! So with that, below are some of my favorite styles of high-rise skinny jeans! I own a pair in all of these styles and love them.


A SIMPLE CASHMERE SWEATER

Basic sweaters like this cashmere crewneck I snagged at Shopbop are such handy, everyday pieces. Style them with jeans and sneakers for daytime like this, or dress it up at night or for church with a pretty pleated skirt like this. It’s a wear-with-everything essential that’s both comfortable and refined. Cashmere is the softest!!! The colors I reach for most in these sweaters is winter white/ivory, beige and black. I have grey ones as well, but for some reason don’t wear those as often! Shop some of my favorite cashmere crewneck sweaters below:


A TIMELESS NEUTRAL COAT

Forget all the bells and whistles. Find a simple style that flatters your figure and can be worn day or night! The fabric is going to be key. I’d recommend a high-quality wool or cashmere style for feel and warmth! Grab a color you know you’ll wear a bunch – for me that’s either black or a neutral like this stone grey coat I found during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last summer. The lack of extra details is what makes this coat special – the silhouette is streamlined and tailored, it features well-placed pockets and is in a color that I can wear with nearly everything in my wardrobe! It is uncomplicated and elegant. Shop more coats like this below! I also included some other lightweight trench-style options for those of you not wanting to buy for winter at this point:


A SOLID PAIR OF PUMPS

Pumps are a year-round essential for me! I wear them with jeans out at night and to events, with dresses during the fall/winter seasons, with skirts to church… I typically prefer a pointy-toe style to a round one, mostly because it’s a more flattering, leg-elongating look. It also just looks a bit more sleek, IMO. While I think you can definitely get away with a cheaper pair of pumps, the styles that have stayed in my wardrobe and lasted for years have always been the investments! My absolute favorite pair is the Manolo Blahnik Tayler pump (unfortunately it’s an old style that is no longer available) – it’s a stunning d’Orsay style pointy toe pump in nude patent leather. I bought them several years ago (wore them most recently here) and had them resoled last year because I wore them so much – good as new! The construction is very high quality and comfortable, and the shoe itself has been an elegant addition to my wardrobe. If you’re wanting a pair that will last, I would avoid suede and choose regular leather or patent leather. Suede stains easily and is super hard to keep clean! Below are some other pretty pumps by some of my favorite shoe designers – like with the jeans, you may have to try a few brands before finding the designers that fit you and feel best!


A NICE BELT

A high-quality leather belt is a lifelong piece. While designer belts have always been a “thing”, they’re having a major moment right now. Early last year my mom gave me this belt as a gift (thanks, mom!!), and it has been such a useful piece for me! It puts the finishing touch on all of my favorite casual jean looks and is something I’ve been able to easily style year round. After having a few more holes punched in the belt, I’ve also been able to style it as a waist-cincher with certain dresses and jackets. While I love the standard gold double-G belts, there’s something a touch more polished and pretty with the pearl accents on this belt. Sure, it’s a splurge, but I wear it all. the. time. And regarding longevity, remember when the Rockstud look launched? Valentino came out with that style in 2010 and they are still going strong. Everyone thought that was just a trend piece back then, and it has become a classic. I still wear mine! That’s how I feel about Gucci’s Marmont bags and interlocking double-G logo on the belts – they’re here to stay (at least for the next 5-10 years). Worth the investment, IMO! Shop more Gucci and other designer belts below:


I hope y’all enjoyed this roundup of splurge-worthy closet staples! In a couple weeks I’ll be sharing a roundup of wonderful wardrobe essentials you can score for $100 or less, so stay tuned for that if you’re looking for more budget-conscious closet basics and staples…

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