"The cost-per-wear is actually very low." If you hear these words escape from your mouth, it's probably time to admit shopping defeat and step away from the credit card. Right? Wrong.
With many of us now making a conscious shift towards making more sustainable style choices, investment dressing should be high on your radar.
It's not about making a random splurge on one item that you simply cannot live without, rather it's about taking the time to understand what your wardrobe is missing and how one piece can give you an instant style boost, time after time. When it comes to shopping for classic styles, a vintage piece could be the perfect way to feel that you're making a solid investment.
Where to buy classic vintage pieces?
When it comes to buying vintage designer, it's a good idea to keep an open mind. Next time you're trawling through a second-hand clothing shop, you may well strike gold and uncover a hidden gem (we've found nine of the best in London).
© Getty ImagesOr, if you'd prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, there are some brilliant online websites.
A classic piece must be timeless and ultra-wearable, and to give you a helping hand in the matter, H! Fashion has picked out six items that will never go out of style.
Designer items that will never go out of style:
© Getty ImagesQuilted Chanel Flap Bag
The aptly-named Chanel Classic Flap bag debuted in 1983, inspired by Coco's 2.55 Flap Bag from the 1950s. Karl Lagerfeld reworked the design, changing the Mademoiselle lock to the iconic interlocking CC clasp. Wear it as the perfect crossbody or over your shoulder, if you can get your hands on one of these much sought-after bags, it would be the ideal vintage heirloom.
© Getty ImagesBurberry Trench
When the clock strikes midnight on the first of March every year, if you listen very carefully you can actually hear the Burberry trenches flapping in the wind, preparing to clothe the backs of every fashion lover for the next couple of months in their attempts to nail "transitional dressing". Burberry's iconic Honey shade goes beautifully with every skin tone – shopping around for a vintage version of this coat is a great way to own this classic, but with some unique detailing.
© Getty ImagesHermés Scarf
Granted, wearing a silk scarf wrapped around your head while cruising in a classic convertible á la Grace Kelly is hard to pull off if your daily commute sadly doesn't include the vintage car, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in a Hermés scarf. There are so many beautiful prints to choose from and a chic scarf is such a versatile item, whether you wear it in your hair, around your bag or tied under the neck while romping about the countryside like the royals.
© Getty ImagesVivienne Westwood Corset
Legendary designer Vivienne Westwood is known for her signature corset, and for good reason. The fitted bodice has been a key player since way before the days of Bridgerton, would you believe it, and will work perfectly dressed up with high-waisted wide-leg trousers and platform heels.
© Getty ImagesFendi Baguette
The Fendi Baguette, a 1997 creation by Silvia Venturini Fendi, became an instant icon thanks to Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. Dubbed the first It-bag, its compact, shoulder-hugging silhouette exudes effortless luxury. When a mugger demands her purse, Carrie famously corrects him: "It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette!" cementing its cult status.
© Getty ImagesGucci Loafers
Gucci loafers, first introduced in 1953, are a symbol of effortless luxury and sophistication. Their sleek silhouette, premium craftsmanship, and signature horsebit detail make them endlessly versatile. Worn by style icons from Jackie Kennedy to Harry Styles, they seamlessly blend classic and modern fashion, proving that true elegance never goes out of style.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
