Lucy Caldwell is treating short stories like spells and finding the magic
Lucy Caldwell is treating short stories like spells and finding the magic

Sarah Gill

Real Weddings: Stephanie and Patrick’s stunning Luttrellstown Castle celebration
Real Weddings: Stephanie and Patrick’s stunning Luttrellstown Castle celebration

Edaein OConnell

Page Turners: ‘Still’ author Julia Kelly
Page Turners: ‘Still’ author Julia Kelly

Sarah Gill

The expert guide to giving your skin a spring reset
The expert guide to giving your skin a spring reset

Lizzie Gore-Grimes

How a 30-year-old beauty editor preserves her skin
How a 30-year-old beauty editor preserves her skin

Holly O'Neill

Katrina Carroll: A week in my wardrobe
Katrina Carroll: A week in my wardrobe

Edaein OConnell

Why women in their forties are turning to wellness and ritual
Why women in their forties are turning to wellness and ritual

Nikki Walsh

Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West on Big Mood series two
Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West on Big Mood series two

Sarah Gill

The best coffee shops in Dublin, according to the IMAGE staffers
The best coffee shops in Dublin, according to the IMAGE staffers

Sarah Gill

In Her Shoes: Artzone Founder and Art Director Gillian Blaney Shorte
In Her Shoes: Artzone Founder and Art Director Gillian Blaney Shorte

IMAGE

Image / Fashion

Coats, boots and bags: The investment pieces to buy this Black Friday


By Edaein OConnell
27th Nov 2019
Coats, boots and bags: The investment pieces to buy this Black Friday

Black Friday is nearly here and with that comes a myriad of discounts. Here we have compiled a list of the best investment pieces to buy


It’s very easy to get carried away on Black Friday.

Wherever you go, there are discounts galore. It’s prime time to spend money on items you don’t even – especially when it comes to fashion. Stores are selling clothes at more than half price, with the possibility of an extra discount at checkout.

This sounds tempting, but in the long run, you are wasting your hard-earned cash. Many of these items will only be worn once. After that, they are forgotten about or tossed away. And in these eco-conscious times, this isn’t ideal.

Investment purchases

Investment purchases aren’t breaking news. They themselves are a tale as old as time in the fashion world. The theory is simple: buy one really good coat, with a great silhouette and even better material. It might cost a little more than your usual high-street offering, but its longevity is priceless.

The same goes for boots and bags. These are items you’ll wear more than 80% of the time. To work, to events or to dinners, they are with you wherever you go. In simple terms, you get your money’s worth.

Investment buying doesn’t just have a positive impact on your pocket, it’s good for the environment too. Buying less and re-wearing more is what we all should be moving towards. Our wardrobes are treasure troves of inspiration, we just have to look a little harder.

When we do buy, our purchases should be considered. Think carefully about how a piece will look with the rest of your collection. Think about how many times you will wear it and ask, ‘Is it worth it?’

If you are planning on an investment buy, then Black Friday is the perfect time to do it. High-end retailers such as Net-A-Porter had an array of discounts last year and this year will be no different. Similarly, Browns and MyTheresa have already launched their sales, with both having prices slashed by up to 60%.

Tips

Now is the time to make that purchase. However, there are a few things to remember.

  1. Keep it simple. Buying something outrageous just because it’s on sale is easy to do but it will not serve you over time. When spending more than you usually would, look for classic shapes and lines. Keep the colour-palette as neutral as possible unless you absolutely know you will wear a more extravagant colour. And when it comes to prints, go for staples such as check or houndstooth in coats or croc print in boots.
  2. Do your research. When investing, it’s best to gather as much information as you can. Look out for reviews, watch YouTube videos, or ask someone you know who owns the piece what they truly think. Know all the relevant facts before you purchase.
  3. Stick to the classics. When we say classics, we mean coats, shoes or bags. These are items that are always worth the expense. Their cost-per-wear ratio is much better than buying a top or even a dress.

Coats

 

Contrast stitching trench coat, €417 at MyTheresa (was €835)

S Max Mara esturia double-face wool coat, €556 at MyTheresa (was €795)

 

Check wool-blend coat, €665 at MyTheresa (was €950)

Boots

Aeyde Black Lidia mock croc leather boots, €275 at Browns (were €459)

 

Gianvito Rossi Beige 70 stiletto ankle boots, €622 at Browns (were €1036)

Leather chelsea boots, €534 at MyTheresa (were €890)

Bags

Balenciaga Grey Ville cross-body camera bag, €557 at Browns (was €795)

Danse Lente white Jonny Mini leather bucket bag, €304 at Browns (was €433)

Complét black Valery medium patent leather satchel bag, €330 at Browns (was €659)


Read more: Topshop has started their Black Friday offers — here’s everything we’re loving

Read more: 5 stylish ways to wear your summer wardrobe in winter (and still stay warm)

Read more: Grown-up glamour: Fashion Director Marie Kelly’s favourite trends for AW19