13 Wardrobe Accessories Worth Our Time and Investment

Credit: Style My Soul | www.stylemysoul.com | Longevity

Style My Soul Explores…
“What are some wardrobe accessories that are worth the time and investment to sustain their longevity?”

High-End Dress Shoes
I am from Wisconsin and have a pair of Allen Edmonds high-end dress shoes. Allen Edmonds is based out of Wisconsin and when I graduated college, my dad took me to get my first pair of Allen Edmonds shoes and I still have them almost 20 years later.
When you put on high-quality shoes, you can tell the difference right away. There is a lot of maintenance that goes with them. I will polish and clean them before I put them away every time. High-quality shoes will stand out when you have them cleaned and polished properly. There is an investment in having them. I have had the soles replaced twice, but it’s all worth it for the number of compliments I have received over the years from my Allen Edmonds. -- Evan McCarthy, President CEO, SportingSmiles

High-quality Jeans
​How many times have you bought jeans on sale, only to see them look like they survived World War II within a few months and eventually fall apart far too quickly? I know this has happened to me more than I’d wish. To avoid this frustration, I invested in high-quality jeans. Not only did they add style and versatility to my wardrobe, but they also stood the test of time. Made with premium materials like top-notch denim and hardware, these jeans are designed to withstand wear and tear. With unique washes, hardware, and styling, high-quality jeans are a step above basic, mass-produced options, making them a worthwhile investment that will last for years. -- Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD

A Natural Fiber Wardrobe Brush Can Save Your Look
You can have beautiful garments, but if they are laden with lint or dust, their look will be ruined. This is why a high-quality, natural-fabric brush is a necessary wardrobe accessory and investment to keep you looking your best and sustain its longevity.
Clothing collects dust and lint when it is laundered, hanging in a closet, and especially during travel. Dark-colored clothing, which is often worn in semi-formal and formal situations, makes these contaminants that much more visible. Having a high-quality, natural-fiber brush can quickly remove the dust, lint, and grime quickly and easily to restore the look of clothing and, therefore, your overall appearance. By investing in a natural-fiber brush, you will have a wardrobe accessory that not only saves in cleaning costs, but can also save you the embarrassment of showing up to an occasion looking less than your best. -- Cody Candee, CEO, Bounce
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Sunglasses Are the Accessory that People See First
The first place people look when they see or meet you is your face, so one wardrobe accessory definitely worth the time and investment is sunglasses. We may not initially think of it this way, but sunglasses become part of our facial features, and whether we meet someone outdoors or are just coming inside, it will be that accessory that people will first lay their eyes on. So taking the time to find the frames that best fit your face, the tint of the lenses, and the overall statement they make is vital to making that first or fiftieth impression. It is important to remember that sunglasses are one of the few accessories you will wear every day, so taking the time and investing the money into a quality pair can make all the difference. -- David Derigiotis, CIO, Embroker

No Excuse to Not Get a Tie Rack
A tie rack is essential to keep the wrinkles out of all your ties. Keeping your ties in the drawer is a waste of a drawer. Instead, you can hang dozens of ties and take up the same amount of space it takes to hang up one t-shirt. A tie rack also displays all your ties with one look, making choosing easier instead of rooting through stacks, which only causes a mess. Once I got my tie rack, I felt foolish for never having had one before. -- Jonathan Zacharias, Founder, GR0
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A Classic Leather Bag!
A large-quality handbag in a neutral color such as taupe, black, or beige that can go from day to night is worth hanging onto! For example, you’ll likely fall in love with any leather bag that’s big enough to carry a journal and an overstuffed wallet, while being dressy enough for date night or dinner with clients! If you find one in a classic style, you won’t regret putting in the extra effort to keep it in top condition! -- Liza Kirsh, Chief Marketing Officer, DYMAPAK

Leather Belts
One accessory that is worth investing in is a leather belt. This is a wardrobe item that is worth the time and investment to sustain its longevity. They are versatile, stylish, and durable, and if cared for properly, they can last for many years. Leather belts are a worthwhile investment due to their durability and versatility. Leather is a sturdy material that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting accessory. Additionally, leather belts come in a variety of colors and styles, making them easy to pair with a variety of outfits, from casual to formal. Unlike synthetic materials, leather belts develop a patina over time, giving them a unique and vintage look. Overall, leather belts offer a classic and timeless look, making them a great investment for any wardrobe.
-- Sean Harris, Managing Editor, FamilyDestinationsGuide

A Classic Trench is Worth It
A classic trench coat never goes out of style. Invest in a high-quality one in a classic color such as khaki, navy, or black. Then, take care of it. If you find a stain, try to treat it by hand first. If you do need to put your coat in the washing machine, be sure to remove the shell from the lining if possible. Air-dry for optimal longevity. -- Kim Walls, CEO and Co-founder, Furtuna Skin

Watches Are Long-lasting Jewelry Pieces
​A wardrobe accessory worth the time and investment to help maintain its longevity is a jewelry watch. Not only does this long-lasting piece offer an aesthetically pleasing design, but with proper care, it will maintain its quality for years. What sets a watch apart from other accessories is that it can remain functional for generations, provided care instructions are learned and followed — regular battery changes, water resistance checks, and general servicing. Taken care of properly, a quality watch can be passed through family members as heirlooms because they stay in great condition over longer periods of time.
​-- Grace He, People and Culture Director, teambuilding.com

Leather Wallets
One worthwhile accessory is a leather wallet. A good quality leather wallet is a wardrobe accessory that is worth the time and investment to sustain its longevity. Leather wallets can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment in terms of both cost and functionality. Leather is a sturdy material that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting accessory. Additionally, leather comes in a variety of styles and colors, making them easy to pair with a variety of outfits, from casual to formal. Unlike synthetic materials, leather accessories develop a patina over time, giving them a unique, vintage look. -- Cynthia Hamilton, Marketing Director, Oglf

Quality Hangers
​Making the most of your closet space will help you keep your clothes orderly and prevent them from bunching and wrinkling.
Quality Hangers: Because your clothing will spend significant time hanging in your wardrobe, investing in top-quality hangers is critical to preserving your garments. It is also critical to use the proper hanger. For example, using a shirt hanger for suits is not ideal since it is too thin and may harm the suit jacket’s shoulder. Suit hangers should be large enough to span the back of the jacket and wide enough at either end to support the shoulders, allowing the suit to keep its form. Suit hangers of the proper size can extend the life of your suit jackets. -- David reid, Sales Director, VEM-Tooling Co. Ltd.

The Unstructured Blazer Provides Flexibility
The blue sport coat is a common accessory, but it tends to be used more for semi-formal occasions. To have an item that can be worn in both a business and relaxed atmosphere, like you get with the unstructured blazer, is worth the time and investment. Especially for Millennials and Gen Z, sporting a fashionable but casual look for the office or a social event is necessary, but there is also a need to have something that can be utilized for more serious occasions. An unstructured blazer can go well with a polo or informal button-up shirt for those casual affairs, but can also be paired with a tie or a dress shirt when the need is for a more business-like appearance. The flexibility of an unstructured blazer to be matched with almost any occasion or situation is invaluable, and it is an accessory definitely worth your time and investment. -- Alexandre Bocquet, Founder and CEO, Betterly

A Cashmere Wrap
I had to have an appendectomy while out of town visiting my mother. I decided to upgrade myself to a first-class ticket to make the long journey back from Boston Logan to Phoenix, and while out shopping I found a stunning cashmere wrap. I decided I had “earned” a little present, and even though it seemed pricey, I loved the color, the softness, and knew I would use it often. Fast forward six years, and this is my go-to on every plane ride. Airlines seem to think that arctic cabins make for a pleasurable travel experience, so I have resolved this by always traveling with my trusty wrap. Did I mention that it’s large enough that I have even shared it with my husband when he feels that chill! I use this wrap for evening outings and have even used it as another layer of cover when I sleep at night. Cashmere can literally last for decades if stored with cedar to repel the moths that make holes. Well worth the expense!
-- Robin Lukason, Executive Business Coach, Robin Lukason