Do the words “wardrobe staples” make you think of office supplies? You’re not alone. The term can be confusing, and the items it describes can feel even more perplexing. But when it refers to “luxury wardrobe staples,” there’s that added part of each item costing a small fortune. But are these so-called staples holding your wardrobe together or just holding you back financially?
Investing in luxury clothing for the fantasy version of yourself rather than the reality of your day-to-day life often leads to a depleted bank account and a closet full of clothes you never wear. And when you do dare to wear them, even the smallest mishap, like a ketchup spill, can turn into a full-blown crisis.
Here are 13 examples of touted luxury staples that probably aren’t worth your money.
Trench Coat
Outside of a cartoon spy show, who actually wears a trenchcoat daily? The idea of a beige raincoat as a covetable wardrobe staple is perhaps one of the most successful marketing campaigns from Burberry and the brands that followed suit. Though that signature tartan is always tempting, there is the risk that you’ll look less like a chic Londoner from the 60s and more like Inspector Gadget.
White Shirt
One word—stains. After spending oodles of cash on a crisp white shirt, it’s disconcerting when it inevitably starts to discolor. Finding a shirt that fits well and doesn’t strain between the buttons can also be challenging.
Designer Jeans
Jeans are supposed to be a no-fuss wardrobe essential—perfect for lounging at home, gardening, running errands, or even dressing up for dinner. But when you shell out a small fortune for designer denim, the carefree appeal vanishes. Suddenly, every snag, stain, or scuff feels like a minor catastrophe, making these luxury staples more stressful than they’re worth.
Statement Pieces
Do we really want to make a statement? While bold and unusual pieces can be eye-catching, they often feel like a recipe for standing out in all the wrong ways. Worse yet, these pricey items tend to fall out of fashion just as quickly as they grab attention, leaving you with a closet full of regret. Besides, can statement pieces ever really be considered luxury staples?
Designer Costume Jewelry
Designer costume jewelry is very often made from the same materials as lower-priced pieces. It won’t last much longer and isn’t always better quality, so why fork out your hard-earned money?
Cashmere
While cashmere is often praised for its luxury, the steep price tag can be hard to swallow. Add in concerns about its cruelty-free status, the difficulty of cleaning it, and the fact that other affordable alternatives exist, and it might not be the indulgence it claims to be. Sure, they might not be as soft or feel as luxurious, but your wallet will definitely thank you for it.
Blazer
Blazers might be touted as a wardrobe essential, but they’re not for everyone. If they feel restrictive or remind you of an old school uniform, chances are you’ll avoid wearing one. Investing in something that stays buried in your closet just isn’t worth it. Why buy something that just isn’t you?
White T-Shirt
Discoloration, wear and tear, stains that show up obviously, and yellowing around the collar—no matter how much you spend on a white t-shirt, it will still have these problems. White t-shirts are absolutely sensible wardrobe staples, but a ‘luxury’ designer white t-shirt? Perhaps less so.
LBD (Little Black Dress)
The little black dress is a cinematic icon, glamorized by Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sex and the City. But in reality, finding one that feels elegant rather than overly somber can be a challenge. Instead of timeless chic, you might end up with a dress that feels more suited to a wake than a night out. That’s not to say you shouldn’t buy a little black dress if one catches your eye, but maybe opt for a more reasonably priced option, just in case.
Luxury Handbag
Luxury handbags are mystifying. Often, you could buy a small car for the same sum. Who are these people who can use a handbag without getting any scuff marks on it, have the odd mint crumbled at the bottom, and feel comfortable taking it into a public restroom? Any handbag that needs insurance is surely a headache, not a practical staple.
Pencil Skirt
Breaking news: you can wear trousers to work; you don’t have to shimmy into a pencil skirt like it’s the 50s. Wearing Dior-esque items may be a dream to some, but not being able to take a step wider than 9 inches without your skirt riding up or ripping is not everyone’s idea of comfort.
Ballet Flats
While Audrey Hepburn may have made ballet flats look effortlessly chic, they’re not quite as practical for real life. Whether you’re running for the bus, chasing after the kids, or doing groceries, their delicate design often falls short. Plus, many find that the quality of luxury ballet flats doesn’t live up to the price tag.
White Sneakers
White is a very practical color for sneakers—when you only walk on luxury carpeting and clean marble floors. For the rest of us, maintaining the fresh, white sneaker look is not doable. Even if you clean them after every use, they will get stained and worn. So, are they worth the pretty penny?
Own Your Style
Staples are different for everyone. One person may love their tie-dye hoodies, while another may wear only black. If we all wore the touted luxury staples, we’d all look the same and be out of pocket.
You do you; embrace your own style. It’s okay to have your own financial priorities, and they don’t have to be in your closet.
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