8 investment buys under ₹20,000 that are worth the hefty price tag
Join the ranks of fashion A-listers who know how to make style sustainable
In Sophie Kinsella’s runaway bestseller, Confessions of a Shopaholic, we meet poor little rich girl Rebecca Bloomwood, afflicted with a crippling fashion addiction. She justifies all her extravagant purchases as ‘investment buys’. “The most perfect little cardigan in the world. People will call me ‘The Girl in the Gray Cardigan’. I’ll be able to live in it. Really, it’s an investment,” she’d say. And so would I. For every following teenage purchase, I was potentially the ‘Girl in the Red Hat’ (which cost an entire summer’s worth of work), the ‘Girl in the Green Jeans’ (which I chose over going to camp) and finally, the ‘Girl in the Golden Lehenga’ (which I managed to swindle out of my parents as a bonus Diwali gift).
The shenanigans continued until age 20, when I started paying my own shopping bills, and all I could afford were high street finds which looked tattered after two or three wears. Plus, you know the golden rule about Zara: if you own that stunning polka dress, so do a thousand other girls in your city and they will choose to wear theirs on the same day as you. Not to mention, the small problem of our planet being in dire need of sustainable decisions.
Reevaluating my buying choices, I started scouring the internet for one-of-a-kind designer and vintage pieces which I would save up for months to buy. And even though they cost a truckload more than my impulsive cheap purchase at the mall, investment buys turned out more economical in the long run. It’s simple math really—₹2,000 on a trendy high street piece you will wear a handful of times or ₹20,000 on a classic that will keep you company through changing trends, jobs and relationship statuses?
8 investment buys under ₹20,000 that deserve your money:
The blazer dress
Why: Simply because you can pair this trend proof blazer dress with long flared pants for a business meeting at 5 pm, get rid of the pants and be at the bar by 7 pm. Price: Rs 20,000
Occasion: Showing a work friend around your city, to attend the derby (paired with a hat of course)
The crisp white shirt
Why: Friends, it has been found that this white shirt from Sara Battaglia possesses superpowers. Don it to make work meetings go your way, kickstart an important day or just when you’re feeling dramatic. Price: Rs 19,000.
Occasion: A fancy dinner date, important pitch meeting
The new LBD
Why: Norma Kamali has become synonymous with sexy multi-use pieces. Plus, the brand is Rihanna-approved. Get your hands on her version of the classic black dress with an internal bodysuit for that hourglass finish. Price: Rs 15,986
Occasion: Company cocktail night, your best friend’s engagement party
The wrap dress
Why: With its fiery hue and topstitch detailing, this wrap dress from Notebook Studio is easy to style and perfect for the day you want to impress without spending too much time putting your look together. Price: Rs 10,500.
Occasion: Day out with your girlfriends, on vacation
The medallion necklace
Why: Designer Rosh Mahtani’s Alighieri jewellery, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, finds itself immortalised in the pages of leading international publications. The Il Leone Medallion necklace is certainly a modern heirloom you will cherish for a long time to come. Price: Rs 18,754
Occasion: Work meeting, paired with a classic white shirt, to serve as a reminder of the lioness in you.
The new classic heel
Why: Miista’s high quality heels are representative of the new feminist era in fashion: beautiful yet utilitarian, and comfortable pieces that you cannot stop reaching for. These ruched heels with their dramatic pointed toe exemplify just that. Price: Rs 8,707.
Occasion: Exploring the cobbled streets of a European town, a night of carefree dancing with old friends.
The hoop
Why: Hoops suit every face shape, and Misho’s sterling silver beauties promise to be your best companions through a variety of looks: from athleisure to office wear. Price: Rs 14,950.
Occasion: A beach sundowner, anniversary getaway to Japan
The sling bag
Why: Everybody needs a sleek sling bag that will be borrowed, begged for but hopefully never stolen. Price: Rs 12, 500.
Occasion: Everyday errands, house party at a friend’s place so you can dance hands-free.