What does an investment piece mean?
An investment piece is an item in your closet that you consciously purchased to match everything knowing you can always go to it. This piece will evolve with your fashion taste as time and trends go on. It’s the feeling when you put an item on and you know INSTANTLY there is a connection. It clings to your body perfectly, the color compliments every tone in your eyes, hair, and complexion. It’s something you’ve already pictured yourself wearing in at least 5 different scenarios. It’s a piece that will outlive what was spent on it and more! If you wore it twice, it was not an investment piece. If it has been in the back of your closet for over 2 years, it isn’t an investment piece. If you bought something thinking it would be perfect for only one specific event, it’s not an investment piece.
So, when you are out there looking for this diamond in the rough that was made for you to find, think of these questions:
- Do I already have one? Is this one better?
- Is it quality enough to last a while?
- Does the price match the quality?
- Does it speak to me?
- Would I wear it?
- Can I see myself wearing it in 10 years?
- Is it easily incorporated into my closet?
- Can it outlive trends?
- Who am I supporting by buying this? (You should always think that when you shop)
Everyone is different on what appeals to them. It is the same when it comes to investment pieces. A biker loves his leather chaps, a cowboy has his best hat and boots, and a surfer has their favorite swimsuit. But how do you find yours in the large, ever expanding, over saturated world of fashion and clothing? Not to mention thinking sustainably through it all! For the record, finding investment pieces that you can carry with you for the rest of your life; Is taking a step of being more sustainably conscious.
Is it worth it?
I tried to come up with a theory and calculation on how the best investment pieces are found and kept. My calculations led me to this equation:
Personal + practical + longevity = an investment piece.
Local buyer and seller of high fashion Kobe Wolfgang says it is a subjective thing, but for him it comes down to an emotional decision almost impulsive at times. “When you know you know” kind of approach. Although, he also considers the amount of money spent times the number of times it’s worn. A calculation of money vs. wear.
Hayden, fashion enthusiast, says when she buys something she considers an investment piece, she looks at it as an investment in herself. For example, her favorite designer is Chanel because the Chanel woman embodies how Hayden sees herself and how she wants the world to see her; Elegant, classy, gorgeous. She didn’t just buy an item she also bought into the branding. It’s not just the item, it is the energy it can bring. She feels she can conquer the world with her favorite Chanel bag by her side and it never fails her. She is satisfied with herself for purchasing a piece so close to who she is, and she is proud to wear it.
For Sage, frequent buyer and seller of high fashion, he looks at what the resale value could be. He thinks in terms of numbers and money to determine an investment piece. It is also interesting to note with the high education of fashion that Sage has, he can recognize a piece that has been designed several years or decades ago, that the brand may no longer make, and those designs will sell for up to 3x what it was originally priced for. Are you buying into something that is going to make history or be iconic for years to come? Sage also considers the price in terms of what it emotionally means to an individual. If it’s a leather jacket (Sage’s investment piece of choice) you know is quality and cost a thousand dollars, are you as emotionally attached to it as if it was a cheaper hundred dollar one?
In other interviews some felt differently in the sense that the pieces could be found at a thrift store, and it could mean so much, even if it cost five dollars. It could be so wildly unique to you, it doesn’t matter the investment, five dollars or five hundred dollars! If you are trying to find your perfect piece, go shopping with an open mind, if you’re open to all the possibilities, you’ll be amazed at what falls into your lap. Manifest it baby!
Investing in yourself for now… and later!
For me, as a wardrobe stylist, what it comes down to is shopping with intention. Not buying into the trends and consumerism that surrounds us today, but thinking am I going to wear this? Do I identify with it? Is it worth the cost? Always thinking when we shop! There’s always room in life to slow down a bit, and when we do, we tend to make better, wiser decisions. Every purchase can become an investment piece. Can you imagine your closet then? It would be the closets we all dream of! I challenge you to ask questions when you shop, and I challenge you to think about each purchase. The more you do the more you learn, and the more you go shopping with intention. But alas if this just sounds like a lot of work you can always call your local stylist like me, who has done hours and endless research to make sure you find the pieces in your closet that mean the most.
“a man should look as if he bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, then forgot all about them” — Sir Hardy Amies