An 'investment piece' means different things to different people. It could mean cost per wear, or an iconic style from a classic brand; it could mean something that will resell for the same price in five years' time, or it could be something you'll pass down to your children.
Whether it's a belt you'll wear every single day or a pair of shoes that'll see you through every summer soiree, there's something satisfying in making a smart purchase, knowing that you'll get tons of wear out of it or that it'll mean as much to you in 25 years as it does now.
Ahead, team Refinery29 share the accessories they'll be investing in this year – and how they'll get the very most out of their purchase.
Georgia Murray, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Why are you investing in this piece?
Investment purchases needn’t mean not being able to pay your rent. Birkenstock, Dr. Martens, Grenson, Converse are shoe brands that you can count on to last a lifetime (with a good reheeling and some leather polish, of course). Swedish Hasbeens also falls into this category, and is the next to be added to my ever-growing shoe collection. These Krillan black sandals are classics and will see me through springs and summers for years to come.
How will you be styling them?
Let me count the ways! I’ll team with flared denim and paisley blouses for a thoroughly '70s look, floral midi dresses and basket bags for sunny weekends, with a cotton shorts-and-shirt co-ord or double denim for a less feminine take... Basically, in a plethora of ways – cost per wear, that's the best investment for my wardrobe.
Swedish Hasbeens Krillan, $90, available at Swedish Hasbeens
Laurene Mpia, Associate Production Manager
Why are you investing in this piece?
I became a big fan of silk scarves through my mama (obviously) and I now have a few that she gave me. I wear them all the time, especially in London when it’s windy but not too cold. And now that I am a grown-ass woman (I think?), it’s time to invest in a good piece that I, too, can keep for decades. Etro is a master of colour, so my choice was obvious.
How will you be styling it?
I love wearing colourful scarves with simple outfits since I am not a 'colour' person, so it goes from a black suit to the white tee/jeans combo with trainers (to keep it cool). Even better, during the summer holidays, I'll wear it as a sarong with a white crop and sandals.
Etro Printed Silk-Chiffon Scarf, $505, available at Net-A-Porter
Tilly Thorns, Client Services Executive
Why are you investing in this piece?
I like long-term relationships with my accessories, so these Ace & Tate sunglasses are next on my list. A clever investment as their usage extends way beyond the summer season. Bright skies in winter, hangovers, staring at people without direct eye contact, eye infections... Sunglasses are a key wardrobe staple!
How will you be styling them?
Ace & Tate’s playful colour combinations are perfect as they add a little je ne sais quoi to my outfits. The best thing about a great pair of sunnies is that they elevate any look, so whether it’s with layering or just my bikini, I’ll be wearing these with everything.
ace & tate Allen Sunglassses, $98, available at ace & tate
Sheloa Nichols, Director of Content Production
Why are you investing in this piece?
"You should always pay good money for your shoes and your bed – because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other." A great woman with fabulous shoes and silk sheets once told me that. These little jewels (literally) are worth investing in because the classic shape means they won’t be going out of style any time soon, and Mulberry does excellent quality leather. You just need to be smart about where and when you wear them as metallics scuff like a peach.
How will you be styling them?
Metallics, especially when embellished, are great for two reasons: they go with every colour and they can instantly dress up a simple outfit. I love wearing my 'fancy' shoes with a favourite pair of jeans and a crisp block colour shirt with massive earrings… I'm giving myself goosebumps just thinking about it.
Mulberry Poppy Jewel Sling Back Pump, $545, available at Mulberry
Anna Jay, Art Director
Why are you investing in this piece?
I can call this an investment piece because I’ve had the very same one for seven years, and it’s finally in need of a replacement. The flash of green stands out in my bag, so no sifting around when I'm under pressure in the queue in Pret.
How will you be styling it?
I wouldn’t really say I'd style this, as it’s mostly hidden away, but I am tempted to get my nails done in neon green to match...
Comme des Garçons Super Fluo W (SA5100SF), $87, available at The GoodHood Store
Meg O'Donnell, Junior Art Editor
Why are you investing in this piece?
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect wedding shoes for some time now and as soon as I stumbled upon these, I just knew (last pair in my size, just saying). They’re the right amount of extra – and if you can’t be extra when getting wed, when can you?
How will you be styling them?
I’ll be wearing these beauties on my legal marriage day teamed with my Ganni Senna satin-jacquard dress, feeling like a Ganni princess. I will also be getting them out for every single summer party in the diary.
Ganni Sabine Leather Slingback Pumps, $132, available at mytheresa
Natasha Slee, Associate Creative
Why are you investing in this piece?
It’s cute, it’s chic, and you know what? I don’t reward myself enough for working hard.
How will you be styling it?
I don’t usually go for black, but it’s a failsafe option for last-minute meetings or work events. I’ll be styling it with my usual look: neutrals with a pop of bright colour, and Converse hi-tops.
Acne Studios Small Black Leather Handbag, $510, available at Acne Studios
Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Editor
Why are you investing in this piece?
The gold horse buckle is cute and gives this belt a classic, almost vintage vibe. Plus, my jeans are never not falling down...
How will you be styling it?
With an oversized shirt tucked into high-waisted mom-style jeans and matching gold jewellery, or fastened around a slouchy ribbed dress to cinch me in. Simple.
Chloé Leather Belt, $470, available at Net-A-Porter
Serena Brown, Art Intern
Why are you investing in this piece?
I’ve never been a bag kind of girl, although I do love a good bum bag. This Off-White shoulder bag really gives me life. Thanks to the logo shoulder strap, this bag is kind of the best of both worlds for me. Easy to wear and casual, too.
How will you be styling it?
I could easily style this with anything in my wardrobe. It would definitely look sick paired up with some chunky trainers and an oversized sweatshirt.
Off-White Mini Leather Stripe Shoulder Bag, $585, available at Harrods
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