It’s no secret that us Who What Wear editors love to find chic buys at a more affordable price point. Of course, there are some great value, classic pieces to be found on the great British high street that will last a long time in your collection. But sometimes, when curating your forever wardrobe, you’re looking to spend a bit more on quality, luxury items that then elevate the rest of your wardrobe effortlessly. And while we do love an expensive-looking bargain, as experts in the industry we also know a thing or two about a smart designer fashion investment.
So, as we close out 2023 and all start thinking about those special gifts we could ask Santa for (it’s worth a shot, right?), or about which pieces we’re looking to invest in for the new year ahead, I thought I’d put the question to my fellow editors: what’s on your luxury wish list right now? And their answers didn’t disappoint. We’re talking beautiful, buttery-leather bags, super-soft cashmere knits and iconic camel coats. Pieces that they love now but will also stand by forever. One thing’s for sure, these women know how to elongate someone else’s wish list in a heartbeat—you’ve been warned.
Below you can see and shop their current luxury shopping picks and my own. Not everything on our lists is wildly expensive—some are little luxuries— but rest assured when they do come with a higher price tag, it’s on there because we believe it’s worth every penny. There’s some all time classics we’ve been lusting after for a long time, and some fresher new-in pieces that already seem just as timeless. Any one of these buys, though, feels rightly special, and will add polish to your everyday wardrobes for many years to come. Keep scrolling for some luxurious shopping inspiration…
“I’ve been completely sucked in by the chocolate brown trend this year, mostly because it sits so well with my wardrobe of classic neutrals that I own already. It feels slightly more fresh than black, but it’s still a colour that I can feel confident turning to year after year. which is why I’m convincing myself this stunning Tove coat is a wise investment (I blame Monikh).”
“I told you I was into chocolate brown. These boots have been on my wish list for years now and they still feel completely relevant. That’s the kind of backing I like my investment pieces to have.”
“Although I mostly wear a palette or neutrals, there’s something I find really fun about introducing a pop of colour every now and then. Red is my current crush, and it looks so chic paired with dark browns, camels, creams and blacks. I’ll throw this on over a white thermal top, and some blue jeans with The Row boots below and the Tove coat too.”
“I already own Toteme’s scarf coat in the charcoal with a creamy contrast stitch (see above) and I wear it all the time. So I know I’d get even more wear out of the extremely versatile, all-black style.”
“The things I value most in a designer bag are versatility and ease of use; with its roomy interior and very classic design, the Savette Tondo is one of the best arm candy investments out there as far as I’m concerned.”
“I don’t wear a lot of colour but, when I do, you can bet it’ll be by way of some fabulous shoes. I’ve been a fan of Malone Souliers for a very long time—these ruby-red slip ons are all I can currently think about.”
“Not exactly the newest Loewe item, but these jeans have lived rent free in my head since they dropped. They’re such a fashion girl ‘It-piece.'”
“Lord knows I love a Gucci shoe. As I’m not much of a high heels girl, these satin mules have my name written all over them.”
“I wore this in cream for my wedding day a few months ago, and already I have my eye on its black velvet counterpart for the festive season. I’m in love with the silhouette the peplum gives, I’d wear it with jeans and heels for dinner dates, or the matching velvet mini skirt for fancy Christmas parties.”
“Every winter, I find myself searching for the perfect black knee-high boots. The high-street pairs I previously thought were ‘the ones’ have left me highly disappointed, so this year I’m considering going big. These boots are sitting high on my wish list and it’s taking every bit of restraint for me not to hit check out.”
“Have you seen a more perfect cardigan before? Yes, it’s a hefty price tag but Khaite’s Scarlet cardigan is a forever buy that can carry you winter after winter.”
“Picture this… mid-rise baggy jeans, crisp white shirt, and oversized coat and these super-comfy shoes on the feet.”
“Whilst I won’t be completely forgoing my favourite neutrals, I’ve been trying to embrace more colour into my wardrobe of late, and this sunny yellow dress is sure to make an impact at any event.”
“I’ve long admired Toteme’s exquisite knitwear, and this season I’m finally ready to invest. The relaxed polo shape combined with the vibrant red shade will certainly take my jeans-and-tee blueprints to new heights.”
“The cooler days demand cosy accessories, and Khaite’s fair isle gloves tick all the boxes.”
“In my years as a fashion editor, I’ve never laid eyes on such a perfect silk shirt. The slightly loose cut and long draping sleeves set this chic design apart from the rest.”
“This party-season I’m parking my heels in favour of chic, comfortable flats, and this deep burgundy style is ticking all of my boxes.”
“From November until February there’s nothing I’d rather reach for than a cosy cashmere knit, and Barrie’s timeless striped design is tempting me every single day.”
