November 30, 2020

The 10 Best Investments I’ve Ever Made In My Wardrobe

…the pieces that were worth spending my pennies on.

This post contains ad affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & gifted items (denoted by ‘ad - gifted). You can read my full disclaimer here.

Want to know where I feel like I’ve best spent my pennies in the wardrobe department over the years? Look no further. Now that I’m finally reunited with all my clothing (WE’VE MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOUSE YAYYYY – more on that at a later date, or keep up to date with our moving vlogs here), it’s so clear to see the pieces that were brilliant investments and have been my repeat go-tos over the years. So here’s a directory of the 10 best items I’ve ever bought, featuring an absolute shedload of stuff that is currently majorly discounted. Fill your (chunky leather) boots…

THIN CASHMERE KNITS

Around five years ago when we first moved to the flat I first discovered cashmere and I’ve never looked back. IT’S SO SOFT. That year I slowly stocked up in a thin-ish cashmere knit in black, grey and white and they are still the exact same ones I own now. They aren’t the cheapest but the Equipment Sanni Cashmere Jumpers* are just wonderful and have stood the test of time, with minimal piling and they wash fantastically. But if you want a more high-street price tag then stick with the Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck – it’s a classic. Opt for the menswear version if you’d rather a more oversized fit.

SHOP THE CASHMERE KNITS EDIT*

CHUNKY KNITS

So last week I unpacked all my clothing and realised that I have about 189798 more pieces of knitwear than the average person could ever need. BUT, in my defence (lol at me trying to justify this) they are basically all I wear from about October time to April. I have a chunky knit addiction and I need to stop. The best I’ve found this season are the ARKET Alpaca Bell Sleeve Jumpers* that are available in black, beige and lilac – SOMEBODY PLEASE RESTRAIN ME FROM BUYING THE BLACK AND GETTING THE FULL HOUSE! They are extremely oversized (I have a M, but I think a S would have been a more appropriate fit), and are so great for lounging with the occasional Zoom, you know?

SHOP THE CHUNKY KNITS EDIT*

A NAVY COAT

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Whistles* do the best darn coats. They are high quality, well made and so deliciously modern but timeless and something that you’ll get out next year and give yourself a pat on the back for buying. I bought a Whistles Navy Peat Coat* four or five years ago and it’s still a delight (I am HERE for their 25% site-wide right now – SHOP AWAY*). A pea coat adds structure without being too structured and is a nice length too. I’m always happy when I wear it. I’d say the Boucle Double Breasted Coat* is the closest dupe.

SHOP THE NAVY COAT EDIT*

A CAMEL COAT

You all know the Whistles Camel Coat* from a few years back?! I LOVED it, it was brilliant and it was my gateway to the world of camel coats. As a brunette, if I wear a black coat I can start to a look a little bit in mourning, so a camel coat has helped me to lighten up the dark winter days and add a touch of brightness to things whilst still being more practical than a cream coat (mine is ALWAYS at the dry cleaners). I’ve since purchased my DREAM coat – the Toteme Annecy Coat* which literally is a dream (and even more of a dream considering I got it for almost 50% second-hand). But seriously, never doubt the versatility of a camel coat.

SHOP THE CAMEL COAT EDIT*

STRAIGHT LEG JEANS

I’ve worn straight leg jeans pretty much exclusively for the past five years now. The skinnys have been gathering dust and the straight legs are out pretty much everyday. I’ve played around with different styles, but if I was going to pick my everyday go-tos, it would be the RE/DONE Originals High Rise Stove Pipe Jeans* – I have them in a few washes and my size tends to depend on the wash. For a classic blue wash I’m a 28, but in an acid wash, black or white I can be anything from a 27-29. If you like a bit of stretch in your denim the ‘Comfort Stretch‘* ones are the ones you want, or if you want a true vintage feel try the ‘Rigid’* fit.

SHOP THE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS EDIT*

LEOPARD PRINT SKIRT

Ok, the Realisation Par Niomi Wild Things Skirt is everything (and currently has 25% off). For a sizing reference I’m a UK size 10-12 and wear a S. The elasticated waistband means you can roll it up senior school style into a mini number, or I wear it as a midi during the summer with bare legs, or during the winter with tights – it’s a true year-round piece and I never get bored of it. The slight fishtail shape means it’s super flattering too.

SHOP THE LEOPARD PRINT SKIRT EDIT*

CHUNKY BOOTS

Now the pair I have were the & Other Stories Winter Leather Boots* (ad – gifted), from three winters ago now I think – isn’t that mad?! I really thought that chunky boots were waaaay too cool for me, but they are my most worn shoe during the winter months – hands down. DOES THIS MAKE ME COOL?! Lol, no definitely not. You might notice that there are no summer shoe picks on here because I tend to flit around a bit more with my footwear in the warmer months, but for winter 99.99% of the time I wear these. They are sadly no longer in stock, but they do a very similar pair*, that have a nice little discount right now.

SHOP THE CHUNKY BOOTS EDIT*

STATEMENT BOOTS

Because the rest of my wardrobe is so darn boring I need statement boots in my life. Whether they are statement in terms of fabric, or texture – they are just something different and trust me, my outfits need it. I picked up the GANNI Callie Leather Boots* around 18 months ago now and they go with everything. I think I’ve realised over the years that it’s a western style boot that I find most flattering – whatever the colour. So whether you want these in brown, white or a more conservative black, they are currently 20% off at John Lewis*.

SHOP THE STATEMENT BOOTS EDIT*

BLACK BOOTS

Oh yes, there is a third entry to the boot category, because my Dear Frances Spirit Boots* are just wonderful. I would argue that there is a need for all three kinds of boots that I’ve mentioned here because my chunky ones are for everyday, the statement ones bridge the gap between casual and formal for me and these are a little high for everyday use and more of a fancy shoe, so are great when I want to look a little more dressed up. I’ve had them for three winters now and they still look brand new despite repeated use. Plus they are currently 25% off with the code BF25 – SWEET.

SHOP THE BLACK BOOTS EDIT*

A PRACTICAL FANCY BAG

It might just be one of the most expensive things that I’ve ever purchased, but my Loewe Small Puzzle Bag in Midnight Navy* is one of my most worn items EVER. I’d recommend scouring Vestiaire Collective* to look for a pre-loved one, or using the code SELFCCE to get 10% off a new one at Selfridges*. It’s a size that actually fits a decent amount in and I love that I can swing it over my shoulder and wear it cross-body if I ever need an extra hand.