These 5 Winter Investment Pieces Are Worth the Splurge

Winter
Written By Lily

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Dressing during the winter months often feels expensive. Bulky coats, cashmere accessories, and leather boots often come with a high price tag. This doesn’t mean we should opt for cheaper alternatives to fill our closets for the cold season. Instead, it’s important to think intentionally about the styles and materials to invest in for a long-lasting, versatile wardrobe. In this post, I’m sharing 5 items that I believe are worth investing in for this season and many to follow.

 
 

Investing in durable pieces is dually practical — our clothes last for multiple seasons and we stay warmer thanks to higher quality fabrics. During the winter, it seems particularly useful to spend more on your clothing and accessories too, since the same classic pieces appear year after year. I’m personally more susceptible to trendier styles during the spring and summer seasons.

Lastly, remember that your wardrobe should be built based on your budget. Buying higher quality pieces can seem out of reach for many of us, but investing doesn’t require spending a lot. A $100 coat and a $1000 coat can both be considered good investments depending on how much you have to spend and how you choose to curate your wardrobe. Quality over quantity is the key. If you feel like you’re still spending a lot on lower-quality items, consider shopping second-hand. I’m always checking Vinted, The Real Real and other consignment stores for newly added pieces from my favorite brands. Purchasing gently used clothing is a great way to invest if you want better quality for less.

1. 100% Wool Coat

A 100% wool coat is the ultimate outerwear piece that you’ll wear season after season. Layer it over casual or formal outfits — it’s a versatile option that you can style with almost anything. Opt for a solid color or a classic pattern like houndstooth or plaid, but choose a neutral color like black, gray, camel, etc. to get the most out of your wool coat.

  • What to buy. A lined, neutral-colored wool coat in a classic style. Choose one with a belt or buttons to accentuate your silhouette. Try on your coat in stores or find the measurements for your coat online to ensure it is the appropriate length. A wool-blend coat is also a nice option to invest in if you can’t find a pure wool one, but be sure to check the composition to ensure the quality of your coat.

  • What to avoid. Skip poorly-made buttons and visible stitching. If you’re buying a lower-quality coat, opt for a darker color since whites and creams can sometimes look cheap.

  • How to take care of your wool coat. Use a lint brush or soft suede brush to clean your coat after each wear. Hang on a sturdy hang between uses. Take your wool coat to a dry cleaner at least once a year to keep it clean. Store it in a garment bag during the warmer seasons to prevent moths and other insects from infesting the wool.

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2. Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater is a closet staple that makes putting together outfits easy. Wear it as a foundation piece for almost any winter look. You can find a variety of colors and styles that will serve you for years to come — I personally love a classic crewneck or turtleneck version in any neutral color.

  • What to buy. A neutral-colored cashmere sweater in a classic style. Although 100% cashmere will be of higher quality, cashmere-blend fabrics can also be worth the splurge. If you’re uncertain about the quality of the cashmere, research online, read reviews and check out the item in-store to ensure it’s a true investment piece.

  • What to avoid. Pass on eccentric prints and bold detailing. You’ll get much less wear out of your sweater if it’s not very versatile. Do your research before buying cashmere from cheaper brands, since they can often be lower quality, and ultimately not worth the lower price.

  • How to take care of your cashmere sweater. Hand wash or dry clean your cashmere sweater. Never tumble dry your cashmere sweater; if you decide to hand wash it, reshape it and let it dry on a flat surface. Gently fold and put it away in your closet or drawer; do not hang it. Store it in a garment bag during the warmer seasons to prevent moths and other insects from infesting the wool.

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3. Wool Trousers

Another timeless investment piece to have in your closet for winter is a pair of wool trousers. It’s a versatile piece that you can wear to work with a pair of heeled booties and a cashmere sweater or for every day with a pair of sneakers and a comfortable sweatshirt. Choosing neutral colors is best when purchasing a pair of long-lasting pants, but you can also experiment with classic patterns too.

  • What to buy. A pair of well-structured wool trousers in your favorite color and length. Pick a closure that works for you whether it’s a button, hook or even just a cinched waist. Try on regular and high-waisted trousers to find a style that suits you best, but avoid ultra-low or high waist that generally go out of style. Always check if the pants have pockets, and choose a pair that meets your preferences.

  • What to avoid. Skip trendy styles and bright colors when investing in your wool trousers. Bold textures, large cut-outs, and zipper details should also be avoided if you want to make the most out of this investment piece.

  • How to take care of your wool trousers. You can machine wash some wool trousers, but hand washing is always the safest method. Never tumble dry your cashmere sweater; lay them flat on a towel or hang them to dry. Use a steamer or fabric spray to remove any wrinkles. Store it in a garment bag during the warmer seasons to prevent moths and other insects from infesting the wool.

Shop Wool Trousers

 

4. Cashmere Accessories

Cashmere accessories are equally stylish and practical investment pieces for your winter wardrobe. No matter what you’re wearing, a cashmere hat, scarf and gloves make the perfect accessories. They’re also easy ways to add some color to your outfit if you’re obsessed with neutrals like me.

  • What to buy. A cashmere hat, scarf and gloves in your favorite color and pattern. I’m a huge fan of neutral-colored pieces, but accessories are the best way to experiment with bolder styles. Although 100% cashmere will be of higher quality, cashmere-blend fabrics can also be worth the splurge. If you’re uncertain about the quality of the cashmere, research online, read reviews and check out the item in-store to ensure it’s a true investment piece.

  • What to avoid. Skip thinner cashmere accessories; these won’t keep you as warm. If you can’t find a warm cashmere accessories within your budget, it’s better to opt for thicker, knit options. Do your research before buying cashmere from cheaper brands, since they can often be lower quality, and ultimately not worth the lower price.

  • How to take care of your cashmere accessories. Hand wash or dry clean your cashmere hat, scarf and gloves. Never tumble dry your cashmere accessories; if you decide to hand wash them, reshape and let them dry on a flat surface. Store them in a garment bag during the warmer seasons to prevent moths and other insects from infesting the wool.

Shop Cashmere Accessories

 

5. Winter Boots

Winter boots are another classic investment piece for the colder months. With a variety of styles and colors, you can find a shoe that works well with your wardrobe and lifestyle. Not only are they stylish, but they’re incredibly practical, especially when the cold, snowy weather arrives.

  • What to buy. A pair of wool, sherpa, or faux fur-lined boots in a style that suits your preferences. Look for boots made from waterproof or water-resistant materials like Gore-Tex or treated leather to keep your feet dry. Insulated options, such as those with Thinsulate or faux fur lining, provide warmth in cold temperatures.

  • What to avoid. Avoid boots that aren’t specifically designed for winter conditions or lack proper insulation and waterproofing. If possible, try on the boots in-store to ensure that they are comfortable; never sacrifice comfort for style.

  • How to take care of your winter boots. Don’t wear your winter boots every day; give them time to “breathe”. Wipe off any dirt or salt stains using a damp cloth or brush designed for the specific material of your boots. Use a mild soap if needed, then rinse and let them air dry naturally. Clean your boots and apply a protective coating before storing them in breathable bags or boxes until the next winter season.

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What are your favorite investment pieces for winter? Let me know in the comments below.

 

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By Lily

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