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Over the past few seasons, there has been a growing focus on sustainability and investing in better-quality pieces that will last longer. As pieces are worn over time, the cost per wear (CPW) goes down and ideally, an expensive piece will have a CPW that is actually lower than a trendy, fast-fashion piece. However, it is difficult to decipher which items are pricey because the quality is worth it and which are just getting a name-brand markup.
We sat down with Toronto-based celebrity stylist Erica Wark to learn more about investment pieces and what she recommends saving on versus what to splurge on.
Investment pieces: What you need to know
As a stylist, Wark is a proponent of the capsule wardrobe, the concept of having a refined wardrobe where each item can be worn with a variety of others to create a maximum number of looks with key pieces. Because of this, she empowers clients to invest in pieces that are high quality and can be worn for a long time in many different ways. But one misconception she’d like to debunk? The idea that investment pieces have to be bank-breaking.
“When we use the word investment, I think generally people think that’s going to cost a lot of money, but it really depends on your personal budget,” Wark explains. “Just because we’re saying investment pieces, it doesn’t mean that you have to go into the designer realm and spend thousands of dollars. You can also find investment pieces done in quality fabrics and classic cuts with a timeless appeal, without spending a ton of money.”
“Ultimately when you’re looking for investment pieces, it’s about being a conscious consumer, finding those essential pieces that you can re-wear again and again, season after season.”
Staying neutral versus being bold
According to Wark, neutrals are a great way to maximize your wardrobe, ensuring that nearly everything can be worn together without clashing. By shopping in neutrals like black, white, navy and neutral tans, you’re able to create stylish looks that are simple and chic, taking much of the guesswork out and allowing investment pieces to get lots of wear.
“I’m certainly not saying that every item that we’re investing in has to be neutral, but I do think some need to be because it’ll be easier to style,” she says. “If you’re investing in all of these key pieces and all of them are different colours, you’re going to struggle with wearing them together into multiple outfits.”
To manage this, Wark recommends approaching your wardrobe with a rule of 80/20 – 80 per cent neutrals and 20 per cent bold colours. This, she says, will allow for infinite possibilities that are simultaneously streamlined and fun.
While Wark generally recommends a neutral colour palette, she notes that for those willing to dress colourfully absolutely should, but to be strategic to maximize your outfit potential.
“I think it’s amazing when men and women aren’t afraid to wear colour – I celebrate that,” says Wark. “I will say that if you are going to go bold with a pop of colour, a coat is a great way to do that because you can be wearing neutrals underneath – let the coat be the statement piece.”
She also adds that a statement coat can be a great option because it’s not something we wear every day or year-round. Because of that, it will last long and be impactful each time you wear it.
What to splurge on
Coat
“The maxi coat is going to be huge for fall again this year, which I am thrilled about,” says Wark, who is specifically excited because of the versatility the style offers. “Let’s say you’re running out the door and you’re in workout gear – leggings and a hoodie with high socks and sneakers – but you throw on a beautifully tailored maxi coat, it looks so chic. I always tell my clients to invest in a really beautiful coat, because it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath at that point.”
The Constant Coat, Babaton | $450
Trousers
“Even though I love jeans, I think a trouser has even more wearability across all types of occasions compared to a jean,” says Wark. “For example, I could wear a really great trouser with a pair of sneakers and a tank top in the summer when I’m going to the park with my kid, or I could take those same trousers, pop on a beautiful top and a heel and wear it to a work event. They’re so multi-faceted and they instantly give a cool-girl aesthetic to a comfortable look.”
Danielle Oversized Pant, Reformation | $328
Carrie Pant, ANINE BING | $695
Crossbody Bag
“I have found since becoming a mom, but also as a stylist, it’s so important to have my hands free at all times,” says Wark. “Investing in a really great cross-body bag or fanny pack is so important – I look for one with lots of compartments so that it’s easy to grab stuff when I need to.”
Metro Belt Bag, MZ WALLACE | $186
Belt Bag, ela Handbags | $98
Sneakers
“We have seen how sneakers can be worn with everything,” says Wark. “I love wearing my sneakers with a cute summer dress, but I also love wearing them with a trouser. They’re so functional while also being stylish, so I think that’s always a great investment.”
She recommends a white sneaker for a more streamlined and elevated look, while a vintage style or colourful sneaker can be a good way to implement colour into your looks.
Samba Decon Shoes, adidas | $190
Campo Leather Sneakers, VEJA | $210
What to save on
Saving money while getting great pieces really is possible – if you know what to look for, says Wark.
“It’s really about looking at the fabrics when you’re buying. Anything that has natural fibres and natural fabrics – cotton, Tencel, wool, cashmere, linen – all of those types of fabrics,” she says. “If the piece you’re looking at has elements of those, generally speaking, it’s going to be well-made. There are definitely brands out there who are doing really beautiful things with beautiful fabrics at affordable prices.”
Basic white tee
When it comes to a white t-shirt, Wark recommends saving money where possible. Basics have high wearability and therefore a shorter lifespan.
“They don’t last forever, so it’s great to buy a bunch once you’ve found the silhouette that you love,” she recommends. “KOTN is a brand that I absolutely love when it comes to finding a really great tee, as well as Oak and Fort. I love their stuff – it’s super affordable and they have great basics.”
Women’s 90’s Tee, KOTN | $40
Basic Crewneck T-shirt, Oak + Fort | $32
Fitted T-shirt, H&M | $15
Simple black dress
When it comes to wardrobe staples, Wark recommends having a go-to black dress that can be transitioned for a variety of events and seasons. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be an investment piece and can be a good spot to save.
“You don’t have to spend a ton of money on that to find one you love. There are lots of beautiful options out there in lots of different cuts, styles and fabrics,” Wark says.
She also recommends shopping strategically to find one you love at a price tag you love.
“Shopping end-of-season is a great time to find pieces at a really great price because all of the brands are trying to clear out their summer stuff to bring in the fall pieces. This is a perfect time to find pieces that would normally cost a lot for sometimes up to 70 per cet off.”
Reformation is currently having its Summer Sale, with great styles up to 30 per cent off, which could be a perfect time to grab a pricier piece for less.
Clarabelle Linen Dress, Reformation | $174 (regular $348)
Lace-inset Cotton Dress, H&M | $59
Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.
Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.