What things in your wardrobe are most useful?

[Celia1978]

And therefore worth spending a bit more on? I've just had a massive clear-out and am starting (almost) from scratch. In the past I've done the stupid thing of spending £££ on, for example, an amazing (ie unwearable) pair of shoes or a fancy dress that I can wear once a year, and the stuff I wear day in day out is cheap. So I want to reverse it by buying say five amazing staples.
So what are the best things in your wardrobe? Something that gets worn a lot but that always makes you feel good? Wondering about accessories - a great bag/sunglasses? Is expensive denim worth it? Thanks!

[ParsnipSurprise]

Pants and hats.Socks are always useful too.

[dexter73]

I would say a coats and jackets are worth paying more for. I don't find expensive jeans or t-shirts any better than cheaper ones tbh. I get mine from Uniqlo mostly and they are very good quality. I think expensive cashmere like Brora is miles better than cheap cashmere.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Personally I don't think expensive jeans are worth it. I have one pair of designer jeans (bought in the sale at 70% or more off!) and, whilst they are nice enough, they are not that much better than my M&S and Topshop ones.

For me (and bearing in mind that I don't buy anything really expensive), leather Converse are worth every penny. Also, leather biker jackets - I wait for the sales and wear them all the time. Finally, good quality boots - ankle or knee length.

[ParsnipSurprise]

Sorry, you said five so I will add bras jeans.

[BikeRunSki]

Decent black boots; ankle or knee length, or both.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Fantasie bras - not cheap, but work well on my 32Es!

[Artandco]

Blazer - makes casual jeans and tshirt smarter

Woollen winter coat - again smartened up whole look

Casual shirts x2

Cashmere jumper

Decent pair of boots and shoes

Tights

Black, navy and a grey smart casual dresses

[atticusclaw]

Cashmere poncho. In fact Ive just logged on to buy a cashmere wrap to take on holiday. Its the only thing I'm buying for the holiday but I know I'll use it every evening.

[Floisme]

This summer I've bought a couple of cotton Ts from Toast for exactly this reason. The price made me weep and I'm still not sure if they're worth it but so far they're washing well and keeping their shape.
After that it's:
Specs - cos I wear them every waking minute.
Agree about bras.
Cashmere - which means I only buy second hand now.
And a haircut if that counts?

[dexter73]

Just thinking about this. I think that if you see something and love it, then that is worth spending your money on regardless of what it is. I find I don't spend much on basics but I will spend money on something that I fall in love. That tends to be something a bit different and not staples like jeans or plain jumpers.

[dun1urkin]

YY to a really nice blazer, and to a coat.
A good for anything dress that'll work for casual, work, dinner, wedding etc depending on accessories.
Also echo the good bras suggestion.
For what it's worth, I spend the most money on the clothes I wear the most - so workwear for me.
I spend the least on items worn / used least frequently.
it has taken me years to stop keeping things for best like my mum used to tell me when I was a kid

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I really need a new black casual/non work blazer. Anybody seen any nice ones? Ideally I want cotton/elastane mix.

[maybemyrtle]

In terms of CPW, I reckon my best buys have been:
A good winter coat
Black trousers that fit properly and flatter
Black wool pencil skirt that fits well and flatters
A versatile dress - a Hobbs NW3 one is my current favourite and has coped with work, weekends, parties and weddings
Footwear (my most used are a pair of work flats, heeled ankle boots, biker boots and Havaianas).

Also worth spending on bras. And tights.

[Pixi2]

Underwear, ideally matching sets.
White cotton tops
Leather biker jacket
Wool coat
1 pair of very decent shoes/boots for every weather/season

Of course you need jeans or dresses too. I've always said its easier and cheaper to buy a dress than it is to match a skirt and top.

[dun1urkin]

Remus have you got big boobs? My most frequently worn, goes with nearly everything blazer is from
Bravissimo/Pepperberry
Looks miles better than in the pics:
www.bravissimo.com/m/pepperberry/#products/coats/jackets/ponte-blazer/black/pc138blk/

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thanks, Dun. I really want cotton though.

[atticusclaw]

I've been looking for a blazer too. Not found any decent ones anywhere and my current one is on its last legs. Kicking myself for not buying the navy one I saw in House of Fraser a few months back.

[BlairWaldorfLovesShopping]

I agree with this article: www.whowhatwear.com/spend-vs-save-smart-shopping-guide-2014?search=never%20waste%20your%20money

It's a bit fashion-oriented but it works in principle. Outerwear, shoes, bags and classic items (black trousers, cashmere, blazers) are what to spend on - I know not everyone agrees re jeans.

Remus I bought a gorgeous cotton blazer this season from Massimo Dutti, not black, but I'd definitely look there first for another. Hopefully the shops will be full of them in a couple of months.

[RoaldFarl]

Atticus - do you have a link for your cashmere wrap please? Sounds like something beautiful

[atticusclaw]

www.willowcashmere.com/cashmere-wraps-and-scarves.html

Here . There is a discount on the extra large cashmere wrap until midnight tonight but I'm now being tempted by the superfine poncho. Can't make up my mind.

I have a winter 4 ply poncho from willow cashmere and it is my favourite item of clothing. I think I have had more wear out of it than anything else I've ever bought.

[MadisonMontgomery]

Shoes, coats, bags, jumpers. Jeans, tshirts etc I wouldn't really spend loads on unless I loved them.

[mrsmeerkat]

I have a navy poncho from jigsaw that is great and I throw it on when going wherever and feel a bit more 'done'

Shoeboots - mine are lovely (I think) heels

A decent black dress

Good everyday mac - print one

Good smart coat

[Twinkie1]

Oooohhh I need one of those ponchos. Will 4 ply come in in autumn as only have 2 ply at present?

[WaitingForEgg]

Jeans are worth splashing out on, but try to get them in the sales, find a cut that works best for your shape
Shoes/boots- leather, good quality
Bag- Leather preferably
Coat- Will last for years

[Celia1978]

Ooh thanks everyone!