When it comes time to spend money on fashion, we usually opt for fast fashion pieces. Why? Well, for one simple reason: they are much more affordable and don’t send us reeling with sticker shock.
But sometimes it actually pays to spend more on fashion. In fact, certain brands and pieces are excellent investments, and if you can, it’s worth spending the extra money on them.
Classics versus trends: Which is a better fashion investment?
It goes without saying that classic styles are always a safe investment, but what about trends? Is it safe or risky to invest in something that’s a passing, albeit expensive, trend?
Well, it all depends on what type of investment you want to make.
Lindsay Sakraida, the director of content marketing for the comparison shopping site, DealNews, told Harpers Bazaar, “If you hope for your purchase to not only accrue value but to do so in a short period of time, then it’s wise to pay attention to limited edition releases from timeless luxury brands.”
If these items are never available online, they’re even more valuable, says Sakraida, who recommends top luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, Tiffany & Co. and Rolex.
Why? Because they have “persistent value”.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on making a long-term investment, purchase classic styles and timeless pieces instead of come-and-go trends.
This way you’re sure the item will be desirable for years to come.
Even a fashion investment item can lose value
In her bestselling book, Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan for Getting Your Financial Life Together. Finally, Nicole Lapin shares her thoughts on spending thousands of dollars on a luxury item:
Basically you have to look at the cost of the item, and then you divide it by the times you use the item, factor in some maintenance and see whether that amount is greater than 65 percent of the original price.
“I’ve come up with a financial justification for splurging — basically you have to look at the cost of the item, and then you divide it by the times you use the item, factor in some maintenance and see whether that amount is greater than 65 percent of the original price.”
Therefore, if the amount is at least 65 percent, consider it a good investment piece for years to come.
But be aware that even if you splurge on a luxury fashion piece, it can lose its value, too.
That’s because a brand name and the exorbitant price won’t erase natural wear and tear. So, if you do plan on using your investment fashion piece, do so with caution and care. This way, if you plan to resell it, you can still get a substantial return for it.
Never put yourself in financial peril for fashion investments
While a Hermès bag may be a smart financial investment – and a lot more fun than playing in the stock market – it’s still a lot of money to drop on one item. So, remember this all-important tip when it comes time to make fashion investments: Never put yourself in financial peril for an item.
What does this mean? It means taking time to budget and save. This way, you avoid going into debt or depleting your savings for an item. Because let’s face it, luxury items aren’t going to do you much good when it comes time to buy your groceries or pay your phone bill.
7 fashion investment items
If you’d like to make a smart, fashion investment, but you’re not sure where to swipe that credit card, here are 10 pieces that are timeless and valuable both now and for years to come.
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Hermès Handbag
The Hermès Birkin Bag can sell for tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, a vibrant pink, crocodile skin Birkin bag sold for $222,912 at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.
It was a record-setting sale, and not all Birkin bags go for that much. But, it just goes to show just how much value people place in the Hermès brand.
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Chanel 2.55 Bag, or the Wallet on a Chain
Handbags should be as special as their owner, and Chanel bags are no exception. Not only are they timeless, classic pieces, but they also have a high re-sell value.
Take the Chanel 2.55 handbag. When it first sold in 1955, women paid $220 for it. Now, expect to pay close to $5,000.
Of course, you have to take inflation into consideration, but this bag has real staying power. Today, it’s still a piece women want to invest in.
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Louis Vuitton Bag
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Louis Vuitton handbags are another luxury item that have a high resell value. And while this brand creates lots of different styles, good investment pieces would be the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, or the Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag.
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Burberry Trench Coat
Former style expert for Banana Republic, Marissa Web, says every woman should invest in a classic trench coat. And why not consider the ultimate trench brand, Burberry?
Even if you wear it, this luxury piece stays valuable and looks beautiful no matter what the year is.
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Hermès Scarf
Hermès isn’t just great at producing incredibly valuable handbags. Their silk scarves are very desirable, too. Each scarf is made in France, where an artisan silkscreens unique artwork by hand.
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Rolex watch
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Rolex watches are superior to all other timepieces. Sure, even the basic Rolex Submariner can cost close to $8,000.
However, if kept in good condition, it’s a piece you can resell for a sizable profit.
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Gucci loafers
The Italian luxury fashion brand, Gucci, is known for their innovative and progressive design. However, their plain Horsebit-Detailed Leather Loafers are the perfect fashion investment piece.
What’s more, they’re definitely trendy right now, with fashion bloggers, like The Anna Edit and Lily Pebbles wearing them on the regular. Of course, shoes require a lot of maintenance, especially if you wear them frequently.
However, if you take care of your leather shoes, they can maintain value and resell for a decent price if you choose to part with your Gucci loafers.
It might seem strange to invest in a luxury fashion piece. But as you can see, from Hermès to Chanel to Burberry and Gucci, there are many timeless brands that are safe and savvy brands to invest in.
