Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit where each week we curate the best picks from the topic we spoke about on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.
As a financial planner and founder of SugarMammaTV, I'm personally here to debunk the myth that loving fashion and being smart with money are mutually exclusive. Finance and fashion can, and should, be friends!
I believe in making fashion work for your real life and your investment portfolio. The more we save by buying smart, the more we can invest in our financial future.
This week on Nothing To Wear, I spoke with host Tamara Holland all about the big investment purchases to make for your closet and how to make your capsule wardrobe work harder for you.
But first, watch the idea of simple budgeting with a banana. Post continues after video.
So here are my top five "invest" pieces—your wardrobe's long-term lovers—and five "save" items, because some things are just for innocent fun flings.
The wardrobe pieces you should invest in.
Bag.
A timeless, well-structured leather bag in a neutral colour will elevate even a tee-and-jeans look. I'm partial to subtle hardware—classic and chic, it upscales any outfit.
My pick: OROTON Mica Mini Bowler, $429.
Mica Mini Bowler Bag. Image: OROTON.
Blazer.
A well-made blazer in your favourite style and cut will make you look polished, even when the rest of your day is chaos. I love navy or black but feel free to choose what fits your signature style.
My pick: Unison Acetate Tailored Blazer in Soft Khaki, $279.95 (on sale for $139.95 at Myer).
Unison Acetate Tailored Blazer in Soft Khaki. Image: Myer.
Jeans.
Quality denim is a must. You don't need $500 jeans but invest in a pair that makes you feel amazing. Dark-wash, high-rise jeans are timeless and practical.
My pick: HENNE Valentina Jean, $229.
Valentina Jean. Image: HENNE.
Mid-heel shoes.
A versatile pair of leather heels in black or tan can take you from work to errands to date night whilst preserving those tired tootsies. They're long-lasting and suit almost any outfit.
My pick: Tony Bianco Fast Black Como, $199.95.
Fast Black Como Mid-Heel shoes. Image: Tony Bianco.
Coat.
A classic wool coat is an investment piece that you'll wear every winter but also when you travel to cooler climates. Choose a neutral colour for maximum versatility and style.
My pick: The Curated, Classic Coat in Navy, $680.
Classic Coat in Navy. Image: The Curated.
The wardrobe pieces you should save on.
T-shirts.
With makeup, fake tan, and life's lovely messes, tees have a short shelf life. Target and Kmart offer affordable, soft options and come in a wide range of sizes and styles.
My pick: Kmart Short Sleeve Oversized Boyfriend T-Shirt, $10.
Short Sleeve Oversized Boyfriend T-Shirt. Image: Kmart.
Costume jewellery.
Save your money here — trends change fast. For fun, budget-friendly jewellery, look to places like Lovisa or H&M.
My pick: Lovisa Gold Plated Bubble Drop Stud Earrings, $22.99.
Gold Plated Bubble Drop Stud Earrings. Image: Lovisa.
Flats.
Flats get worn out quickly, so choose stylish, affordable options. Tony Bianco and Dazie offer great value for money.
My picks:
Dazie Daphne Flat Sandals, $59.99.
Daphne Flat Sandals. Image: The Iconic.
Sportsgirl Kiarra Leopoard Sandal, $59.95.
Kiarra Leopard Flat Sandals. Image: Sportsgirl.
Workout gear.
I love activewear that doubles as everyday wear. Lululemon or STAX leggings, paired with oversized tees and sweatshirts, keep you stylish and comfy.
My picks:
lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28", $129.
Align™ High-Rise Pant 28". Image: lululemon.
STAX Full Length Tights NANDEX™ Orginal, $89.95.
Full Length Tights NANDEX™ Orginal. Image: STAX.
Seasonal accessories.
Don't overspend on accessories like scarves or hats. Go for budget-friendly pieces in fun colours that let you switch up your look without any financial guilt.
My picks:
Sportsgirl Satin Scarf in Leopard Print, $16.95.
Satin Scarf in Leopard Print. Image: Sportsgirl.
Cotton On Body Laguna Sarong, $24.99.
Body Laguna Sarong. Image: Cotton On.
Seafolly Mirage Woven Tote Bag in Natural, $139.95.
Mirage Woven Tote Bag in Natural. Image: Seafolly.
Seafolly Newport Fedora in Black, $49.95.
Newport Fedora Hat in Black. Image: Seafolly.
Status Anxiety In Reverse Belt in Tan/Gold, $79.95.
In Reverse Belt in Tan/Gold. Image: Status Anxiety.
The key to building a great wardrobe that you absolutely love is investing time to discover your own signature style.
Find the pieces that make you feel amazing on the inside and out and then save on those you'll replace often.
And remember—any money saved from wardrobe wins should go toward your financial future. Your future self will thank you!
Feature image: Instagram @cannacampbellofficial, OROTON, Kmart, Sportsgirl, HENNE.
