Invest and Buy Less

by: Jessica Leff

With fast fashion on the rise, it’s helpful to stop and think: is it really worth it? We gravitate towards the pieces made for the present and the incredibly cheap price tag that comes with them. Oftentimes, we don’t realize how poorly made these items are and how small of a lifespan they’ll have in our closets. Counteracting fast fashion is slow fashion. Slow fashion is a movement aimed at promoting mindful manufacturing, fair labor rights, environmentally conscious practices, and lasting garments. To update your closet and be more sustainable while doing it, investing in pieces that are of better quality and mindfully produced is the answer. Investment pieces are defined as items that are versatile and timeless, allowing you to get the most use out of them. They can be adapted to many different outfits and work with new trends across multiple seasons throughout the years to come. While filling your closet with cheap garments may not break the bank, it will impact the environment and the fast fashion industry workers who made the items. By spending a little more, you can get higher quality, longer-lasting items that do not have nearly the same adverse environmental or ethical implications. These pieces are timeless and will truly never go out of style. Want to transform your closet by adding some investment pieces? Below are just a few of my favorite pieces that everyone should own in order to elevate their wardrobe.

Leather Jacket

As an investment piece should be, leather jackets truly go with everything and are essential in everyone’s wardrobe. No matter the occasion, a simple leather jacket can work. You can dress it down with jeans and a t-shirt or elevate it with a dress, but it will always look effortless yet stylish. Leather jackets have continued to evolve over the decades, so it’s clear that they are not going out of style anytime soon. Sunglasses

You may find yourself in need of a pair of sunglasses more often than not. It can definitely take some time to find the perfect pair for you when it comes to style, shape, color, and proportion to your face, but, it’s a search worth exploring. Invest in a pair with UV-blocking protection as well as polarization, which assists with clearing any glare. Opt for a universal shape (such as round, aviator, or wayfarer) in a neutral color that is not too out of the box to ensure that they withstand the test of time.

Models Megan Burke and Samira Mudd

Purses

Not every outing requires a large purse or tote bag. Sometimes a small bag to hold the essentials (lip balm, money, and your keys) is all you need. Bags with fun colors and accent designs are always great, however, for a staple piece, neutral is better. Opt for a simple crossbody bag that’s both functional and stylish. Wear it casually while you’re on the go running errands throughout the day or throw it over your outfit for a nice Saturday night dinner. The possibilities are endless. Everyday Jewelry

Don’t devote your entire jewelry collection to cheap versions of timeless pieces. Why waste your money on short-term wear jewelry that turns green and rusty and needs quick replacements? Instead, invest in basic everyday jewelry pieces such as mini gold hoops and simple chain necklaces. You can build new and unique looks with a few simple necklaces by layering different lengths and styles as well as mixing and matching the pendants. It would be nice to wear your jewelry confidently every day without having to worry about replacing them.

Versatile Jeans

Whether you are an avid denim wearer or more of a sweatpants/leg gings type of person, everyone can agree that there is nothing better than the feeling of slipping into a pair of jeans with the perfect fit. There are a million different styles of jeans out there, each complimenting a different figure and body type. Once you find the perfect pair, it will be worth the splurge since you will get a huge amount of use out of them. A flawless and flattering fit is timeless, no matter what style of jeans is trending. When it comes to fashion, quality over quantity is the takeaway here. Adjust your mindset when shopping and change what you splurge on. Instead of spending your savings on tons of cheap clothing, spend it on something you will want to wear every day. It may be the only item you purchase that month, however, you’ll have it for years. Save up, invest, and buy less.