Timeless Wardrobe Investments: Accessories You’ll Wear for Years (Part 2)

For years I thought of accessories as the icing on the cake. If I had time to throw on some jewelry or a scarf I might add them as an afterthought to my outfit. But I rarely got strategic about the belts, scarves or handbags in my wardrobe. I just bought what looked pretty and struck my fancy as I shopped. But now I realize that accessories are not only the icing on the cake; they’re also the icing that holds together the layers of the cake. In essence, well-chosen accessories are the glue that pulls your outfit together, making it look cohesive and easy on the eyes. That’s why I think it’s smart to have these timeless wardrobe investments in your possession. These are the accessories you’ll wear for years.

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Be sure to check out part one in this mini style series, Timeless Wardrobe Investments: Garments You’ll Wear for Years (Part 1). If you want to enjoy a sustainable wardrobe that doesn’t need to be completely overhauled every year, these investments will help you to create that closet. And you won’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability if you have put in the time, thought and investment to choose these classics wisely.

But beyond those six garments detailed in that previous post, I have six accessories that I think are worth investment, too. Again, I don’t suggest that you necessarily run out and purchase all six of these this weekend. Instead, I encourage you to create a “wish list” and begin researching the types of items you’d like to thoughtfully add to your wardrobe. Think about the colors that will work best in your wardrobe, the types of items that will work best with your real lifestyle and the budget you want to set for each item. Then take your time as you begin to look for the right pieces to add to your closet.

Silk Scarves

I never get rid of silk scarves. I do sometimes store them away. But I’ve noticed that a silk scarf that looks a little “too loud” or “too bright” one year will look fresh and current just a few years later. Silk scarves are one of those accessory investments that you truly may end up passing along to a younger woman one day.

And even if you don’t choose to wear scarves frequently, I think you’ll never regret having at least a couple in your wardrobe for those occasions when they suit the need just perfectly. I suggest having at least one bandana size (17-27″/45-70cm) square silk scarf and one larger silk scarf in the “gold standard” of 90x90cm or 35X35 inches. The smaller scarf is so easy to tie at your neck for a quick splash of color. But the larger 90cm one will provide you with endless possibilities. I’ll be producing another scarf tying video for spring and summer soon. But meanwhile, you can check out the video below for a few ideas for wearing your scarves now.

By the way, why silk? For a sustainable wardrobe, I recommend silk for it’s many fine qualities. Silk scarves offer superior advantages over polyester in comfort, breathability, and luxurious feel. As a natural, hypoallergenic fabric, silk regulates body temperature for year-round wear, wicks away moisture and protects hair from frizz. Unlike plastic-based polyester, silk is durable, biodegradable, and provides a softer, lightweight texture against the skin. IMPORTANT: You absolutely can find beautiful silk scarves for under $100, so don’t assume this is a luxury you can’t afford. If you desire to add this timeless wardrobe investment to your accessory collection, take your time and find the one that’s right for you and your budget.

Where should you “hunt for” a scarf? (Remember, we’re not gathering these; we’re thoughtfully and strategically hunting for just the right one.) I find that Nordstrom always has a beautiful selection of silk scarves, and they rotate in new ones frequently. But you also might consider keeping your eyes open for beautiful silk scarves when you’re on vacation, dropping into little boutiques for souvenirs, or at museum gift shops. I’ve collected some absolutely stunning scarves below to spark your interest. And many of them are indeed under $100.

Belts

A smart leather belt is such a good investment in your wardrobe. Even if you don’t currently fully tuck your shirts into trousers, jeans or skirts, you may need a belt to cinch a dress or cardigan. It’s even quite stylish now to gather a wool coat or blazer with a leather belt.

I do suggest investing in the best belts you can afford because these accessories take a lot of wear. You want a leather belt that is constructed with pristine, even stitches and that features substantial but classic hardware. Right now, with the current pant trends, it’s very on trend to wear belts, so we’re seeing a lot of them available.

Adding a belt to your outfit accomplishes several key style factors. It defines your waist while also adding interest. Additionally a belt provides polish and elevates your look significantly. Finally it contributes to a pulled together look, giving you a more styled aesthetic.

You’ll find some belts, like the Brochu Walker belt above, that do not have a prong or holes, so you can adjust them to fit quite easily. But on most belts you want the prong to fit into one of the middle holes when you wear it. Usually you’ll find that belts fit the same way trousers do. So if you wear an 8 or 10 in pants, for instance, you’d probably wear a medium belt, and so forth. That said, always check the size guides for the belt as you’re shopping online. That will give you the best information for the way a belt fits. And remember, you may need different belts for different rises of pants or jeans. If you prefer a mid-rise pant, you may (depending on your body shape) need a longer belt than if you were to wear a higher rise pant. I suggest finding a belt that fits you well and then measuring the length and noting that somewhere handy.

You also want to consider your personal frame when buying a belt. I’m 5’8″, so currently I like belts that are a little more substantial. They balance with my frame nicely and they’re more on trend than the skinnier belts right now. But if you are petite and have a smaller frame, you may find that thinner belts look more proportionate on you.

Hand Bags

You may consider yourself a “handbag gal” and have loads of purses. But do you have the essential one or two that you can carry year-round and for, perhaps, years to come? While some handbag trends come and go, there are a few silhouettes that stand the test of time. And a neutral bag will consistently serve you well.

I suggest investing in one or two beautiful handbags that you can carry for a while and that complete a wide range of outfits. Remember, this accessory is one of those items that truly does help glue your look together. A poorly constructed, outdated and worn out bag will ruin a beautiful outfit. Meanwhile, a well-constructed leather (or faux leather) bag with clean lines and substantial but minimal hardware will instantly elevate a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Your four-season bag could be any size that suits you. And styles that keep their value longest include top handle lady bags (like the one shown above) and simple totes and shoulder bags with minimal hardware and clean lines. And this year the classic East West bag has resurfaced as a popular choice. I got in this leather Gabrielle East West bag in brown from Parisa Wang recently and it is stunning. The lines are simple and clean, the leather soft and luxe. And it has all the essentials I like, including magnetic closure side pockets, a full zip closure and an interior side pocket. I’ll be carrying it on repeat.

I’ve collected other bags below that I estimate to be classic enough to invest in wisely. But again, look for the bag that suits your personal style and lifestyle.

Loafers

Now in fact there are several shoes that are a must-have in most wardrobes: a classic pump, a smart sneaker, a feminine flat. But the iconic loafer is one that holds its value in a classic closet like no other. While other shoes will change in silhouette with the passing years, the classic penny loafer holds its own.

You will indeed see newer versions of this iconic menswear-inspired shoe each year. But you’ll never go wrong sporting a pair of classic leather loafers. For that reason I’ve rounded out my list of 6 timeless wardrobe investments with this simple everyday shoe.

I suggest investing in a classic leather loafer that will hold its style value year after year. I do enjoy wearing a good lug sole loafer occasionally. But when I want to create a more classic, pared back look I always opt for my Gucci Jordaan loafers. In true form, they are an investment. But I can tell you that these are supremely comfortable and timelessly beautiful.

That said, I’ve found so many other classic loafers to share with you below, some of them below $100. And you can always use code KAY15 at M.Gemi to receive 15% off your order, as well as code KAYFLATS at Ally Shoes to get 10% off your first pair of flats (including loafers).

Booties

A good pair of high quality booties will prove to be a worthy investment in your footwear collection, too. Like the other accessories, your shoes should accomplish something for your outfit. They should either set the tone, add interest, elongate the leg and continue the look or bookend your outfit. For tips on how to accomplish this, check out my video 3 Core Principles for Pairing Outfits with Shoes.

Because we are wearing so many full length and ankle length jeans and pants right now, it can be tricky to find the right pair of booties for all of those silhouettes and lengths. You’re safest purchase will be a pair of classic booties with a fairly narrow shaft that fits up under your pants leg nicely. I recommend having a pair of good booties in a neutral you enjoy wearing: black, cognac, brown or tan.

And if your feet can handle it, I suggest a pointy toe boot. These will always look a little more elevated and polished. And they elongate your legs better. Note that you do not have to wear a heeled bootie. If you prefer a flatter style, those can still look stylish and beautiful with your jeans and trousers.

Fine Jewelry

Finally, let’s round out our list of timeless wardrobe investments with jewelry. Adding a pretty piece of jewelry to your outfit will always add interest, a bit of sparkle and beauty. Wearing even just one piece of jewelry will communicate that you took a little time with your presentation, resulting in a more polished appearance.

While there are certainly times to wear costume or fashion jewelry, I also think it’s wise to invest over time in a few pieces of beautiful, fine jewelry. Perhaps you can ask for these pieces as birthday or Christmas gifts. Or you might reward yourself with a piece of fine jewelry when you retire, get a promotion, have a new grandbaby or experience some other milestone.

More than any of the other timeless wardrobe investments I’ve mentioned, this is undoubtedly the one that you will most likely keep and enjoy for a lifetime…and then pass it on to a loved one. I love the fact that I know without a doubt that my daughter will one day enjoy wearing my Haverhill Palmer diamond dome pendant necklace. And I plan to pass on other pieces of my very small fine jewelry collection to my daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Thank you so much for reading along. Do you invest in these timeless wardrobe accessories? I’d love to hear your thoughts today. I do respect that each woman needs to build a wardrobe that reflects her lifestyle and personal style preferences. So tell me how you would tweak this list for your personal wardrobe.

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