Although the majority of you ask me to prioritise sharing as many affordable/budget options as possible in my workwear tips, quite a few of you also ask me what sort of items you should invest more pennies in – and where you can actually get great quality workwear.
You’ll (hopefully!) have read in my previous blog post that I’m also trying to buy less, but better quality, workwear, too.
So, today I’m going to focus on something a bit different!
Which workwear items to invest in
I feel this is different for everyone, depending on which items you find yourself reaching for the most.
While it’s tempting to spend £££ on one stand-out beautiful item, realistically, it’s the items you wear again and again which warrant more of an investment, in my book – so that they’re (hopefully) higher quality and therefore more durable.
So I guess it’s just a case of reflecting on what those items are for you!
For me, my most beloved and most worn items are:
- My work handbags
- My heeled court shoes
- My patent leather loafers
- My knitted tops/lightweight sweaters
- My high-waisted trousers
- My tweed jackets
- My smart/tailored coats
So… my takeaways would be: invest in high quality basics, real leather/suede accessories, and smart outerwear!
My wishlist
Now for the fun bit! Here are the investment pieces I’m lusting after…
1. A posh coat
A smart, high-quality coat is an investment piece you’ll use for years and years to come. One day, I’d love to upgrade my classic camel coat – there are some great mid-range options at The Curated and Reiss, and the ultimate designer splurge would be Toteme’s version, in my book.
2. An oversized, wool or cashmere scarf
In a climate like the UK’s, scarves are essential for pretty much a third of the year. Plus, they’re super handy worn pashmina-style if the office gets a bit chilly. Wool and cashmere options last so much longer and I’d love to upgrade my current, thinner styles to a lush, oversized style like Acne‘s!
3. A classic, suede pump
At this point I have a very, very well established love affair with court heels! So I definitely think an investment in a designer option, one day, would be worthwhile. The 85mm Gianvito Rossi pump has been on my wishlist for yonks after seeing Cyran from Corporate Style Story wear them so well! The shape of the stiletto heel is just so elegant. But I could also be seriously tempted by the Aquazzura options…
4. Allllll of the luxe basics, from Everlane!
THE destination for high-quality basics, and beloved by minimal wardrobe aesthetic fans. There’s not much from Everlane that isn’t on my wishlist! But here are some of my current faves:
- The Insta-famous, collared sweater – a solid dupe of the iconic Khaite version, for a fraction of the price! I wear my H&M collared knits constantly, so I know I’d get wear out of this upgrade.
- The cashmere turtleneck. I get serious mileage out of turtlenecks in the winter, tucking them into jeans, tailored trousers and skirts. So a cashmere upgrade would be super welcome!
- The cotton crew neck sweater – a solid basic for business casual dress codes, as well as off-duty looks.
6. A bouji jacket from The Fold
The design-led jackets and blazers that The Fold produces are unmatched for the price point, IMO. I’ve got my eye on this gorgeous structured blazer. But to be honest I’d happily wear most of their pieces!
Where to shop for high-quality workwear
Some of my favourite destinations for quality items are:
- Marks & Spencer for cheap but high quality merino and cashmere knits, and affordable wool-blend trousers
- Uniqlo for entry-level price cashmere scarves and jumpers, and – as someone who’s always cold – their thermals are also a lifesaver for frigid office conditions, too!
- Karen Millen for super chic workwear that’s on the dressier side – think serious boss-b vibes shift dresses. The ‘Forever’ dress is just iconic.
- Reiss – just all of it to be honest!
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I hope this is helpful! What are your wishlist items, and your thoughts on what workwear to invest in? <3
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