How Do You Know if Your Investment Piece is Worth the Investment?
Or: Is that $800 sweater really worth it?
In this season of my life, I’m embracing the wardrobe staples I’ve inherited and am searching for pieces to fill in the gaps. I’m comfortable in my style and I know what works well for me and my lifestyle. I have it figured out, so shopping should be simple… but, in fact, it’s more difficult than ever to find well-made, classic staples that will actually last. I’ve developed a checklist that I refer back to before I purchase any new piece of clothing. Here’s what I look for when buying new clothes.
Fabric content
Look at the detail in this sweater: the delicate stitching of the ribbon, the way the thread precisely matches the color of the ribbon, the boat embossed on the button, and the care that was taken to ensure everything is placed correctly. The details, and the craftsmanship, are of the highest quality; this sweater is about sixty years old and is still worn and loved. It wouldn’t still be here if it was a blend!
This seems like one of the most basic things to get right, but have you looked at the fabric content of “wool coats” lately? When I was pulling together a list of grey overcoats on my blog, I searched literally HUNDREDS of grey wool overcoats and found… seven. Seven coats, out of hundreds, that were 100% wool (or a wool-cashmere blend). Unless I’m buying a fleece or a rain jacket, I only purchase natural fibers. They last longer, feel better, and are better for the environment, too.
One of the comments I remember most vividly was on one of my “What Do I Really Wear?” posts, in which I share my daily outfits, where I acquire each piece in my outfit, and how much I spend on them. A commenter was startled that I was wearing a cashmere turtleneck my godmother’s mother purchased decades ago at Bonwit Teller. Not only do I still wear that sweater (as detailed here), it’s still in incredible shape: quality tells, and I can guarantee you that if that sweater was a dreaded “blend,” it wouldn’t still be here.
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