This Is How To Build An Investment Wardrobe

If you’ve watched some of your favourite superstars on tour or stalked your style icon’s Instagram, you might’ve wondered how they look so damn good, like, all the time. Of course, some celebs have a great fashion sense, but almost anyone who’s high profile and in the public eye has a stylist nowadays. And, speaking of IG, professional stylists have been using the app like a portfolio and displaying their handiwork with clients. Tiffany Briseno is one of those stylists, and she’s gained popularity for not only her working friendship with Canadian boy Shawn Mendes, but her thrifty style tips and killer personal wardrobe.

You may have also recognized Tiffany’s work on clients such as Euphoria’s Fez (a.k.a. Angus Cloud), Jack Dylan Grazer, the cast of Schitt’s Creek, Canadian figure skating sensations Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue, and country music star Kane Brown. I was lucky enough to sit down with Tiff on my podcast, $HMONEY Radio, and learn some of her pro tips on how to build an investment wardrobe. Investing in a quality wardrobe is a lot like getting into real estate, and that’s why I enlisted her help so that you can build yours cost-effectively. –Anastasia Barbuzzi

How to Build an Investment Wardrobe

When you’re first starting to gather investment pieces for your wardrobe, the high price tags and number of options available may seem overwhelming. Tiff’s mantra is simple: “If it makes you feel good, buy it.” Even the best wardrobe investment pieces don’t need to be expensive, and sometimes, your wallet doesn’t allow for such splurges (even when the moment feels right). Keep these things in mind when choosing to add something to your cart: 

• Is the item you’re interested in a statement piece or a work of art that you have to have? 
• Will you regret not buying the item later? 
• Does the item fit you like a glove? As Tiff likes to say, “fit is king!” 
• Is there potential for you to make a large profit off the sale of the item at a later date? 

6 Investment Pieces Every Woman Should Own

According to Tiff, there’s a few wardrobe “non-negotiables,” and you might’ve heard the following items being referred to as investment pieces before:

1. A great pair of pants. Whether they’re jeans or trousers, make sure they’re versatile, comfortable and fit you well.
2. A chic blazer. Boxy, oversized, or fitted, you can throw one over a vintage tee (Tiff’s fave) at a moment’s notice and voila, you’ve got an outfit! 
3. A solid white tee. Tiff’s a fan of John Elliot’s.
4. A Little Black Dress (LBD). Be sure to pick a silhouette that you feel most comfortable in.
5. A classic suit. For both men and women, a matching suit that you can break up into separates can be one of the most timeless components of an investment wardrobe. 
6. Jewelry. Don’t forget to accessorize! One of Tiff’s favourite ways to breathe life into a look is to throw on some jewelry.

How to Make Your Wardrobe a Worthwhile Investment 

Whether you want to believe it or not, clothing and accessories can make for sentimental belongings, but they can also become very lucrative investments. When you buy quality clothing, its lifespan cancels out the cost. And when you buy designer items, you can look forward to a future in the resale market. 

Finally, here are some of Tiff’s best tips on how to get the most out of your investment wardrobe:

• When buying jewelry, look at estate pieces that hold sentimental, cultural and historical value. Take for example, a Rolex watch. A pre-loved model you buy for under $5,000 may be worth over $25,000 one day. 
• Keep an eye on luxury brands (a.k.a heritage houses) that continue to increase in value. According to The RealReal, Goyard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton prices rose 30% in 2021. These will earn you the most at the resale level.  
• Pay attention to up-and-coming designers too. Tiff has her eye on the one-of-a-kind Bode. 
• Check out resale apps for all the best deals on gently-worn pieces. The RealReal is one of her go-to’s.
• If you’re planning on selling an item, do your homework. Resale apps and sites like StockX can be helpful when comparing prices to models that are still on the market. 

Want to hear more from Tiff? Listen to How to Build an Investment Wardrobe here. Anastasia Barbuzzi is a freelance journalist as well as the host and founder of $HMONEY: a judgement-free zone for millennial women to learn about personal finance and dismantle the money taboo. Her podcast, $HMONEY Radio, is available wherever you listen to your favourite shows.