You Only Need To Splurge On These 9 Style Essentials. That’s It.
Image from Jenni Kayne
by The Candidly Team
Our closets can be chaotic little caves of wonders. Those weird patterned culottes we know we’ll wear someday (not ever). Those paint-splattered sweatpants we keep in case we ever paint again (we will not).
No matter how organized they are (ours aren’t), it can be hard to retrieve the right mix of things to generate looks we love. It’s why we’ve created uniforms and templates and lists of absolutely essential basics. But the truth is sometimes it’s hard, because sometimes, our chaotic, over-crammed closets are missing something key.
Image from Quick Meme
I know. Seems doubtful. But think about it. We all have those “nicer” things that we’ve needed and longed for but would never allow ourselves to “splurge” on. The things we’ve been talking ourselves out of since we were 24 and could very well keep talking ourselves out of until we’re 84. Instead, we bought 17 subpar, cheaper versions of that thing which didn’t fill a hole in our wardrobes or our wishlists. And if we’re honest with ourselves, wound up costing us more.
The good news is that it doesn’t take a whole closetful of high-price items to make up for these gaps and completely elevate how we dress. We worked it out, and here’s what we came up with. Nine.
Nine true “investment” items that we believe to be, not just the essentials but the game-changers in making us look our absolute best. And we’re not saying they hold the key to undying chicness, but we’re not saying they don’t either.
1. The Timeless Leather Boots
Boots are probably the most transformative item we own. Pull them on and poof!! - our outfit is elevated to a whole new level. Which is why it kind of ruins it to have that plasticky effect that some budget pairs can give off. And look, we’re not saying there aren’t some excellent inexpensive boots out there. Believe me, we own them. But having that one (or two) extremely well-made pairs is sort of like owning a super-suit. You can rely on them to look instantly impeccable… and you won’t have to keep buying a new pair every time October comes around.
Madewell The Drumgold Boot in Extended Calf
You may see a fantastic-looking luxe leather boot. But we see a smooth, wide fit that glides over our calves and a stacked heel we’re all about for comfort and durability. They come in classic black and also non-wide calf here.
Price: $298
1. the eternal everyday handbag
We’ve made this case before. A handbag that we will love til death is arguably the most worthy investment in our closet. It’s our beloved sidekick - a thing that never fails us. It doesn’t bow to the whims of our changing size, shape, or age. It’s lasting, which means yes, we can spend on it, but it also needs to have a classic sensibility that makes it eternally chic.
Quince Italian Leather Large Triple Compartment Satchel
Surprise! We found the 100% Italian leather satchel of our dreams at the not-too-splurgey price of $150.
Price: $150
3. The best Jeans you’ll ever own
Listen, there are a lot of wonderful jeans out there that hit at every price point. But if and when you find the perfect fit that accentuates every curve you throw at it, we’re very much of the mind that it’s a time to splurge. Otherwise, we just wind up spending an embarrassing percentage of our budget on one more pair, then another, then another. We keep chasing the dream. But we don’t have to anymore, because we found the best jeans you’ll ever own. And, actually, they’re less than $100.
Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise Skinny Jean
We know there are $500 jeans out there, but the best is the best. This is the first pair we’ve ever tried that easily slides over our bottom and cinches so perfectly around the waist. No gap. Just smooth, structured comfort.
Price: $90 - $100
4. The Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is just one of those stunning staple items that in a split second ups our entire outfit game. Plus, when tailored well, it’s probably the most flattering thing you’ll wear. Because a good one is designed to last, our investment pays off day after “incredible-street-style” day and night after “finally-feeling-glamorous” night. Although, we did happen to find one HERE for $170 that’s damn near impossible to find fault with.
Madewell The Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket
I mean. The lines and weight of this jacket are sheer perfection. It fits the exact way we always wish a leather jacket would fit before it lets us down. It’s luxe and dreamy. And it sizes up to 3X.
And if you’re seeking a leather jacket that’s actually a steal price-wise, you must see THIS ONE.
Price: $525
5. The Live-In Luxury Sweater
Did it take Katie Holmes in an iconic, carefree moment to convince us that an oversized, luxury sweater is actually chic? No. We already knew its versatility was pretty much endless. But because it’s both an at-home staple (that should feel like a literal cloud) and a beautiful thing we wear e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e, we want to spend wisely and go for gold. We’re big believers in buying your dream sweater, because in real life, you will live in it more than anything else. There’s one brand known for specializing in dream sweaters. However, we also found an almost exact dupe for pretty much third of the price.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
We chose this one, because it immediately bests our five nicest sweaters. Honestly, we can pretty much replace every last one we own once this one graces our closet. Heavenly cashmere. Slouchy. Layerable. Next-level cozy. And somehow lightweight? But also please just look at the colors.
Price: $445
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater
Right? Can you even tell the difference? Still cashmere. Still the most glorious oversized fit. Just $300 less.
Price: $140
6. The Comfortable Heels
We admit, there have been days we’ve wanted to throw out every pair of heels in our closet. We didn’t really believe it was possible to find a stop-us-in-our-tracks, stunning heel, perfect in height and shape, that is also supremely comfortable. And, at this point, if it’s going to be worth it, it neeeeeds to be supremely comfortable.
But we found one, and it changed everything.
We yearn to wear them. We love to walk in them. Having them on makes us feel sophisticated, unconquerable, all the things we’re supposed to feel when we fall in love with a shoe but have never felt before, because it just wasn’t the real thing. Ok, maybe we sound crazy, but these shoes are that special.
M. Gemi The Esatto 90mm
The only possible excuse to spend this much on a heel is perfection. Every single detail would have to be better than anything we’ve ever seen (or felt) on our tired, precious feet to even consider it. And this shoe is truly one of those cases where you’re paying for a whole other level of care and craftsmanship. Padded soles. Luxe Italian leather. Brilliant, lasting construction. Plus, when you factor in the fact that you’ll wear them constantly and will no longer feel the need to buy that biennial pair of plasticky looking pumps with zero support and immediately peeling heels, you pretty much make your money back in no time.
Price: $345
7. The dream Coat
A really stunning coat has the power to make us want to walk out the door and wander the streets like some iconic movie star from… well, pretty much any decade in the past 100 years. Coats speak for themselves. They’re built to endure whatever elements and trends are thrown at us throughout the years. And this one definitely will.
Marcella Elizabeth Coat
The elegant, relaxed silhouette of this Italian wool fantasy coat make it a pure joy to wear. A lot of coats of this caliber cost around $1000, which is why this one is suuuuch a find. We love it in cream but it also comes in black.
Price: $325
8. The Perfect Fit Blazer
Blazers are not always easy. They pinch. They restrict. They bore. We want to rip them off and run to our favorite sweater. And look, we’ve found some fun, even gorgeous ones over the years. But when you find one that’s shapely, expertly tailored, a luxe fabric, and a fit that flatters beyond reason, it can easily become the most valuable piece in your wardrobe.
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Blazer
This smooth, waist-nipping blazer makes any unkempt thing we layer under it look striking, polished, sleek, and put-together. It’s pricey, but it’s an item you will be thankful to own each time you pull it out, which will be all the time.
Price: $328
9. The lasting Loafers
In the world of flats, a loafer is the one we feel is most worthy of investment. Why? It’s classic. It's versatile. It’s comfortable. But it’s also a beast when it comes to durability. And that’s what we really need from something we literally clomp around in all day. A truly special loafer has all the elegance of a ballet flat but with a touch more character and some solid stamina. And, a bit of a plot twist… We LOVE it with a lug sole. You’ll see why.
Madewell The Bradley Lugsole Loafer in Leather
Maybe it took you a minute with these. Us too. We’re used to seeing a loafer in a very slimmed down classic design, but here’s the thing. 1. Feet have arcs. They need support and something incredibly comfortable to slip into. 2. Outfits need balance. A heavier heel is an incredible trick to create perfect proportions, so we don’t look top heavy.
And if you’re not there yet with the lug, we get it. HERE are the most elegant of loafers that are pretty much an exact replica of Diana’s.
Price: $158
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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