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As a stylist, I think some clothing items are worth truly investing in, like handbags and sweaters.

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  • As a stylist, I think some clothing items are worth the splurge and others can be bought cheaply. 
  • Invest in quality shoes, cashmere sweaters, and a great handbag to upgrade almost any outfit.
  • In my opinion, trendy pieces, camisoles, and T-shirts might not be worth spending too much on.

One of the most powerful style lessons I learned was from a former boss who wore Chanel the same way I grabbed a pair of flip-flops before heading out the door.

On one occasion, I assumed she was wearing her usual Armani suit until she mentioned her blazer was from Victoria's Secret. My mind was blown: My boss, who regularly shopped on the Saks luxury floor, was wearing a blazer that probably cost under $100!

She told me that if you wear a budget-friendly piece with really nice accessories, like an Hermès scarf, people just assume the whole look is expensive and high-quality.

Now, as a professional stylist, I use this concept all the time. To stretch a client's budget, I'll invest in an incredible statement piece and save on other aspects of the outfit.

If you're looking to be a smarter shopper, here are some of the best pieces to invest in and places where you may want to save your money. 

Jeans are the first place I encourage clients to upgrade.
Woman wearing two-toned jeans
Invest in a pair of jeans you feel good in.

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Once you experience a flattering cut, unique washes, and exceptional denim quality with a perfect amount of stretch, it's hard to go back (especially when you see how good your backside looks). 

In my opinion, jeans are a great investment. To ease sticker shock, consider how often you wear jeans. Divide the price by the estimated number of wears over a few years, and you'll likely end up spending just pennies per wear over time for a classic, quality pair of jeans.

Beautifully crafted shoes can last decades.
Man wearing brown leather shoes
Leather shoes can last for years.

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If someone taped a "Goodfellas" poster on the wall of their well-decorated living room instead of a piece of artwork, no one would notice how beautiful the furnishings are.

Shoes can serve a similar purpose in an outfit. Think of them like the finishing touches on a house: a low-quality choice can cheapen an entire look.

Meanwhile, well-crafted, comfortable shoes can upgrade any outfit — and last for several years.

I recommend checking luxury consignment sites like The RealReal for high-quality shoes at more affordable prices. I recently found a client a pair of Jimmy Choo evening shoes in excellent condition for less than $100.

Handbags are a must-have accessory.
A man in a black shirt with a black bag

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A fantastic purse does not necessarily have to be an expensive "it" bag. However, spending more on a high-quality bag will elevate the look of your entire outfit.

Plus, if you shop carefully and take care of your designer bags, they may last you a really long time.

Look for strong stitching and durable materials, such as leather. Avoid anything that looks plastic, appears to be glued together, or has stray threads around the stitching.

Well-made sweaters are an outfit maker.
A woman wears a green sweater
Cashmere sweaters feel luxurious.

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A sweater made from natural materials like cashmere, wool, and cotton can keep you warm and tie an entire outfit together.

When you are willing to spend a little more, you can find sweaters with unique details such as statement sleeves, interesting necklines, and eye-catching colors.

Sweater fabrications with more than 30% acrylic might look cute, but they are likely to pill and deteriorate faster.

Be sure to get a solid, warm coat.
A woman wears a hot-pink coat
A well-made coat will be useful during the winter.

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Invest in a coat that will actually keep you warm, and choose one that's chic, too.

To add an instant style extra, pick a color other than black. You'll always be able to find your coat on any clothing rack.

On the other hand, basic T-shirts and camisoles aren't worth the splurge.
Man wearing white T-shirt
Basic T-shirts look similar, no matter how much they cost.

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Sharon Stone famously wore a Gap T-shirt with her Armani coat to the 1996 Oscars. If a basic tee is good enough for a best-actress nominee on Oscar night, it's good enough for you.

There are really nice T-shirts out there, but if you're looking to save, a basic tee from Target, Old Navy, or Gap can be a fantastic closet workhorse.

Furthermore, most layering pieces are not worth paying a premium for, either.

People rarely notice the camisole or tank top underneath another garment, and these simple pieces are just so easy to elevate with high-end accessories.

As long as it's comfortable and has enough length to tuck in, buy it.

Sundresses from budget-friendly retailers are fine by me.
Woman wearing white sundress in a field
Sundresses, cheap or expensive, look flowy and elegant.

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Generally, cheap summer clothing looks a lot better than cheap winter clothing. So, I'm in favor of low-cost sundresses.

When a dress fits well and has a lovely flow, it can look elegant even if it didn't cost much. So, if you spot a cute dress at Target or T.J. Maxx, buy it.

Throw it on with your nicer shoes and bag, and people may even ask you if it's from some expensive brand or special boutique. Just nod along and say yes.

It's often hard to tell if black office pants are expensive.
A woman in a black suit

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Though there are beautiful, well-cut black pants out there, you really can find them anywhere — or achieve the look with the help of a skilled tailor.

Wear a basic pair with your nice coat or expensive sweater, and no one will know they are a budget buy.

Don't splurge on trendy pieces.
Two people wearing colorful sneakers and mixed prints

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It's fun to try out a TikTok trend or embrace a new style, but be aware there's a very limited window before that trendy piece becomes a firm out on a fashion in-or-out list.

Before you spend $550 on a Balenciaga baby tee, show off your best Y2K-style self with an $18 Everlane version instead.

This story was originally published on February 20, 2024, and most recently updated on April 13, 2026.

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