Found in Issue No. 288
LF’s Top 10 Investments Of The Decade
- Edited by
- Laura Fantacci
2014 The Year Of: The Signature Sunglasses
“My mother gave me a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers for Christmas – the same style she has worn throughout her life – and it kicked off a love affair. Finding your own signature frames that you never want to part with can take time but, once you do, they will feel like a trusted friend. I’m currently loving the latest ‘Mega’ iteration of the classic Wayfarer, which comes with thicker arms. Plus, they’re on the lower end of the investment spectrum – win, win!"
2015 The Year Of: The Leather Trousers (or skirt)
“Joseph’s leather trousers were one of the first investments I made and are a wardrobe fundamental we’ve long championed at W. ICONS. Leather trousers (or a skirt, depending on your preference) is a style perennial. I like to imagine myself wearing an item in every decade of my life and seeing if it holds true – and I can see myself pairing my Joseph trousers with cashmere tops well into my grandmother era. And what’s cooler than a grandma in leather trousers?”
2016 The Year Of: The Designer Belt
“I’m a pared-back dresser and I love nothing more than wearing jeans and a cashmere crew neck. But I’m all about adding details that elevate the basics. I bought my first designer belt at the Gucci outlet and have since invested in a number of styles. A logo belt, like my Valentino or Chloé, can take even the plainest of outfits up a notch, while a more understated one, such as my plain black Totême belt, adds that finishing touch that screams ‘polished’.”
2017 The Year Of: The Black Leather Boots
“This was the year I bought a pair of black kitten-heeled booties from Rupert Sanderson, which reconfirmed my belief that quality footwear is one of the smartest style investments you can make. Cheaply made shoes are often far less comfortable than their thoughtfully crafted counterparts, not to mention the risk of them falling apart. In other words, you get what you pay for. A classic black leather boot with a mid-to-low heel continues to be the style I reach for time and again to effortlessly elevate my outfits."
2018 The Year Of: The Knitwear Coord
“After wearing Tibi’s green knitted skirt coord on a shoot and falling in love with it, I bought one for myself. This marked my first foray into knitwear coords, which has since become one of the most useful sections in my wardrobe. A comfortable and quick all-in-one dressing solution, they are the outfit you’ll want to wear every day during the colder seasons. I have been gradually adding to my collection with confidence.”
2019 The Year Of: The Trench Coat
“2019 saw me invested in a Burberry trench coat, a piece that has long held iconic status in my family. In fact, my mother, grandmother and I all wore ours in a special shoot for the Mother’s Day issue of W.ICONS. My grandmother’s coat was from the ’60s, my mother’s from the ’70s, and both had stood the test of time. You can be wearing just a white t-shirt and jeans but throw on a trench coat and you instantly transform a plain outfit into an iconic one.”
2020 The Year Of: The Minimal Black Bag
“Yes, I’m calling it – if you could only have one bag for the rest of your life, make it a black one. Why? It’s the most versatile while also being the most sophisticated. A style without a visible logo and minimal hardwear (or ideally none) is going to look the most timeless. The Bottega Veneta bag I received for my birthday in 2020 remains, to this day, one of my most beloved – and worn – pieces.”
2021 The Year Of: The Perfect-cut Jeans
“I’ll admit, it took me months to buy my first pair of Nili Lotan jeans. They seemed so expensive and I thought I could find a similar pair at a lower price point. However, nothing else had the same construction as Nili's, which are cut with the precision of tailored trousers. Jeans are all about fit and when you find the fit that’s perfect for you, they are worth every penny. I’ve since bought the Mitchell, Flora and Emerson and wear them on repeat.”
2022 The Year Of: The Navy Blazer, With A Twist
“For my 42nd birthday, I gifted myself the grown-up present of all grown-up presents: a navy blazer. However, I decided to go for a less traditional take on the wardrobe classic, opting for a style from Italian label Blazé Milano. Navy blazers walk a fine line between sophisticated and school uniform so, for me, a slightly fashion-forward design was the right choice. It fits beautifully and the thoughtful details, like the inside pen pocket and cute curve on the pockets, give me indescribable joy. A satin style is next on my list, then tweed or corduroy in the next few years. My top tip is to check The Outnet for this brand, as you can find classic styles on sale.”
2023 The Year Of: The Killer Suit
“Since establishing the above pillars of my wardrobe, I’ve started to focus on tailoring. And as I’ve explored the category further, I’ve realised that quality is not something to be compromised on. What cut and style you go for depends on your personal preference, but the brands I always recommend for spot-on tailoring are Blazé Milano, Totême and Joseph. The high street has also come a long way in suiting; Reiss makes a great first dip into the category.”
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