There’s nothing wrong with loving a cheap thrill — we certainly do. But there is something to be said about saving up for that extra-special luxury item and treating yourself. After all, you deserve it.
With spring just around the corner, we polled the savviest shoppers we know — our co-workers — and posed one simple question to them: What investment item are you making the hero of your spring wardrobe? As always, we got responses for every style aesthetic: platform boots in sumptuous suede, gauzy mohair cardigans, diamond-accented flower studs, and a variety of It bags to punctuate every ‘fit pic. Shop all 14 of our choice fashion finds in the slides to come.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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“I am admittedly late to join the cult of Larroudé, the It girl label founded by former Teen Vogue and Barneys fashion director Marina Larroudé, but ever since I got these platform booties, my go-to transitional silhouette in between winter and spring, I am the brand’s biggest fan. Don’t be fooled by the sky-high heel that looks like it could inspire a fear of heights — these are the most comfortable boots that I currently own, which would explain why I’ve been wearing them nonstop.” —Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Larroudé Dolly Boot In Black Suede, $, available at Larroudé
“When I think of transitional spring dressing, I think layering, and I’ve been eyeing both of these versatile pieces for a long time. The Sézane Gaspard Cardigan can actually be worn with the buttons forward or backward. It’s relaxed without being oversized, and I can see myself wearing this over a tank, tee, or on its own as a top. I also love that the knit is slightly ribbed, which would make for a great texture to pair against a leather jacket like this amazing Sandro option I’ve been eyeing. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect boxy, dark brown leather jacket (that isn’t a moto style!) for a longgg time and this one is a stunner.” —Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
Sézane Gaspard Cardigan, $, available at Sézane
Sandro Jude Lambskin Leather Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
“Spring brings with it many things: rain, flowers, tax season, and, of course, weather that makes it near impossible to choose one outfit that works for the whole day (I see you, 30-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons). And while shoulder bags have their place, when I have to pack multiple outfits for a single day — and in the interest of being able to stand up straight 30 years from now — I’ve been on the hunt for a stylish backpack for some time now. This one from Sostter is big enough to fit plenty of everyday essentials and stylish enough that I don’t feel like it’s screaming ‘full of Trapper Keepers’ to people who might see me wearing it.” —Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
Sostter Pewter Soft Metallic Leather Pocket Backpack, $, available at Wolf & Badger
“I’ve spotted Coach’s Pillow Tabby bag on the street more times than I can count, and I think it’s finally time I got one to call my own. The size is perfect — not too big, not too small — and I can’t picture a spring outfit that wouldn’t be leveled up with this purse on my arm. Plus, the chic pale beige colorway feels so right for the warmer months.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, $, available at Coach
“I have a total of 11 piercings across both my ears and have somewhat of an obsession with collecting as many tiny studs as possible. I own several pieces from Jennifer Meyer and count her as one of my favorite jewelry designers — her signature elevated, dainty aesthetic never fails. These whimsical yet utterly chic mini daisies (which also happen to be my favorite flower) are so perfect for the spring equinox, and I think I’m finally out of excuses for not splurging on them.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Jennifer Meyer Mini Daisy Diamond Center Earrin, $, available at Shopbop
“A genuine leather bomber has been on my wish list for ages, but I’ve never quite found “the one”. As a shortie, most vintage options tend to overwhelm my frame, so instead of nailing that oversized, model-off-duty vibe, I end up looking more like a kid playing dress up. Meanwhile, brand-new leather jackets can be quite pricey — costing usually $500 and up.
“I was elated when I discovered The Jacket Maker, a direct-to-consumer brand selling genuine leather clothing and accessories at reasonable price points. This sheepskin bomber comes with a beautiful vintage-style finish, and it reminds me of all the oversized jackets I’ve had to pass over due to the fit, but in a more snug and modern cut. What’s even better is the fact that for an additional $50, the brand can create this jacket made-to-measure — all you need to do is submit your height and various measurements over email, and you receive a piece cut to fit your exact build. This is a great option for my fellow petite shoppers with narrower shoulders and shorter arms. There is also free worldwide shipping to sweeten the deal. This is a shoo-in for me in terms of spring fashion investments.” —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
The Jacket Maker Westa A-2 Leather Bomber Jacket, $, available at The Jacket Maker
“As soon as the weather starts getting even a tiny bit more pleasant, I’m ready to slip into a breezy cotton dress. Cozy Earth is a brand that has been winning our hearts with its ultra-soft line of sleepwear and bedding, and its modal clothing collection is also really hitting it out of the park for me. This polo dress is the type of polished yet utterly comfortable outfit that you can just slip into if you just can’t be bothered with thinking about what to wear. The lightweight and buttery soft modal fabric feels just as comfy as cuddling up in a pair of PJs, and the two side pockets are another thoughtful feature I love. I personally find the buttonless, V-neck polo collar helps elongate my neck, and give the dress just the right level of put-togetherness to pass as an office outfit.” —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Cozy Earth Modern Modal Polo Dress, $, available at Cozy Earth
“Miu Miu and I have a complicated history. Whenever I decide to commit to a piece of clothing, shoe, or handbag from the brand, I’m met with the glaring SOLD OUT when I try to add it to cart. The same goes for this quilted shoulder bag. Sadly, the alabaster pink and aqua-green shade I originally wanted are out of stock. My friend suggested the cornflower blue shade, and I can say it’s slowly growing on me, so who knows!” —Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Miu Miu Spirit Small Zip Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
“Every season I peruse the new arrivals from Maje and dream of having the whole Parisian-chic collection in my wardrobe. I have a sweet spot for cardigans with prominent buttons, and this one stuck out to me for spring. Although the contrasting striped trim is my style, the print is definitely different from what I usually gravitate toward. However, something about the vibrant cobalt hue and eye-catching geometric print is drawing me in and is patiently sitting in my shopping cart for the final click.” —Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Maje Melance Geometric Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
“I have too many shoes to know what to do with, yet I’m always stuck with not having the perfect pair, especially during the spring when I don’t know if I should wear a bootie, sneaker, mule, or sandal. I realized the perfect day-to-night solution may then be a wedge or chunky clog heel. In my recent searches for those, I came across these Dolce Vita chunky platform heels and fell in love. I have a narrower foot and was also worried that this style would be too clunky, but a review on Dolce Vita’s website has sold me on them. Jamie H. wrote, “The suede is sturdy and the heel is not heavy. I have a narrow foot, and the width was not overwhelming.” Perfect! I think I’m gonna go with the Mushroom Suede since the color is classic and can match many spring outfits (but I also love the Natural Raffia option!).” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Dolce Vita Emol Heels in Mushroom Suede, $, available at Dolce Vita
“A good loafer should never be underestimated, especially when it’s hand-crafted by skilled Italian artisans. These masterpieces are perfect for spring office days and brunches alike with the low-key yet chic blue suede and statement tassels. ” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Scarosso Leandra Blu Scamosciata Loafers, $, available at Scarosso
“Spring means in-betweener weather, and my go-to in-betweener outfit is a sweatshirt with shorts, jeans, and maybe even a skirt if I’m feeling fine, fresh, and feminine. It’s pricey, but I feel like people underestimate the power of an expensive sweatshirt. I have a vast collection of hoodies, and I can’t wait to put this in my closet.” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Fiorucci Angels Hoodie Black, $, available at Fiorucci
“I hate wearing T-shirts if I’m not going to the gym. My winter uniform is sweatshirts; my summer uniform is sundresses. This leaves me with little to wear in the in-between months, which, in Tennessee, can start in February and last till mid-May, when a switch flips and it’s 100 degrees ’til mid-September. My only solution for in-between outfits is a Breton shirt, which tend to be just a little heavier than a tee but still have all the ease of a casual top. Some older tops from Uniqlo were a bit worse for the wear, so I went on an absolute tear trying every Breton-style top I could get my hands on. I finally settled on these, from an actual French store. Très chic. I don’t know if a $100 top falls in the “investment” category, but it does become an investment when you buy several of them…” —Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
Sézane Colette Marinière, $, available at Sézane
Warmer weather means I finally agree to nighttime plans and find myself in need of a versatile bag that can easily go from work to cocktails. This mini bag by Mansur Gavriel is a great transitional piece because it’s both a crossbody bag and a clutch — just remove the straps and you’re good to go — which makes it a great investment piece.” —Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Mansur Gavriel Mini M Frame Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
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