YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The idea of a "forever piece".

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The idea of a "forever piece". https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:28:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php quietloud on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334836 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:07:49 +0000 quietloud 2334836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting topic, I loved reading everyone’s thoughts on this. I very much agree with Suntiger’s three points above. For myself, I do aspire to longevity in my wardrobe, and generally tend to keep things for a long time (even if not necessarily "forever"). I have noticed that there are certain garment categories where I tend to have more success than other’s in finding long lasting pieces though, and where I would willingly spend more money, namely coats, knitwear, bags and smaller accessories. I have several wool coats (some bought new and some vintage from the 60’s and 70’s) that I’ve had for more than a decade and that I can’t imagine I will ever get rid of. I have knitwear that my grandmother knitted for herself in her younger days that I have been wearing since high school and that still looks as good as new (while others have not aged quite as well, like some oversized 80’s acrylic sweaters), and simple crewneck cashmere sweaters bought vintage that I’ve had for years and years. The bags that I wear daily are also all more than a decade old (both new and vintage). Other garment categories I don’t expect to last quite as long, like tops, trousers and shoes. Both because they get much harder wear, and also because those are pieces that I tend to use to update my style and keep it more current - like changing trouser silhouettes for example. I think in general it’s getting harder and harder to find that forever quality though, no matter the price point. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that most of my oldest (to me) pieces are vintage. The last thing I bought new that I feel has the potential to be a forever piece was a forest green wool and cashmere coat I got in 2015 that has been in heavy rotation every winter since. It was a true impulse purchase that cost around $500, and I think it was part of the debut women’s line of a local brand, so they had a very small production at the time, which I think contributed to the high quality. That coat has been part of every winter collection since, but sadly the quality looks worse each year while the price increases.  Like some others have said, I think those forever pieces are often serendipitous, but if I were to plan for them there are a few things I would consider: fabric (natural fabrics, and thicker, sturdier fabrics tend to age better), production (like I touched on above, I think brands that have a smaller production can produce better quality), knowing my own taste and the parts of it that has stayed consistent over the years, and if it’s not an iconic/statement piece I would try to aim for a degree of timelessness and restraint by avoiding exaggerated shapes (like very oversized or fitted, too flared, too strong shoulders, etc), and too much detailing. Suz on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334762 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:01:30 +0000 Suz 2334762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting discussion. Thanks for starting it, Lisa.  I have little to add that would not just echo others, so I'll echo Brooklyn, with her concept of "iconic" pieces, and Angie on the value of mixing classic items with more current or trendy items. Like Roxanna, I find it more important to add currency to my closet now than I used to, as I age. But that may be (in my case) because left to my own devices I would choose all boring classics -- the result of a frugal upbringing and also -- well -- a genuine preference for preppy classics (at least some of the time.)  I tend to purchase the "icons" the way Brooklyn does -- I know I may not wear it a lot, but I know I will love it, and it is worth it to me. My Rag and Bone gilet is one of those.  Classic items can either be very high quality -- the best I can afford -- which includes my Reiss blazer -- or less expensive -- like some layering tops in very classic style.  Nothing in my closet will last forever and I don't plan to pass anything down to my kid, who would not fit it or want it. I do offer some items to my stepdaughter now, though -- we're a similar size. My classic items can and do  last up to 10. years, maybe longer. But most don't last that long because they wear out. I need to replace and upgrade them. judy on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334752 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:17:58 +0000 judy 2334752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I forgot about bags! I’ve had some bags for 15 years! And I love a worn in leather tote. I’ve only added one to my collection about three years ago, so all the rest… seven maybe… are about ten years old, and could qualify as forever items as they are great quality and stitching, still in use, and enjoyed. And then there’s raw denim which I have purchased with a “forever” in mind because it only gets better with age. It’s only body changes that have figured in my jeans being more temporary than I’d like in the last 20 years since I started wearing rigid denim again. Anonymous on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334675 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:28:19 +0000 Anonymous 2334675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think a forever piece needs to be 1. True to the wearer above all 2. Very well made (agreeing about the natural fibers) 3. Either classic Or beyond trend- the kinds of things Brooklyn called Iconic. Agreeing that your McQueen scarf would be one! I definitely think there needs to be a balance between the pieces that feel timeless and ones to add to have a refresh. Thinking of the French 5 Piece Wardrobe idea *disclaimer- I tried, failed, and forgot about it til just now or a purchase number limit (as opposed to $ limit). Style Fan on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334668 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 22:34:41 +0000 Style Fan 2334668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember Ports International!  I had a dress and sweater way back when I was in my twenties from Ports. Interesting discussion. I like the idea of timeless, classic pieces that I plan on keeping for a long time.  Forever is maybe tricky to judge.  My size and taste don't change much, and I don't worry about looking trendy. These are some of my pieces that are staying for the long term: I have a few vintage handbags that I would put in this category.  I rarely buy new bags but look in consignment stores for older ones in good condition. My Burberry trench coat (purchased 18 years ago).  It is not going anywhere. Woolrich sweater (gift 1985).  Love it. Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants (2017).  They are probably going to stick around for a while. Brown Leather Jacket (purchased 20 years ago). Theory Cognac Wool Coat (purchased 15-plus years ago). kkards on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334666 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 22:13:08 +0000 kkards 2334666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes,  Alyssa Beltempo is aiming for a timeless closet, but for some reason in this conversation I didn’t even think of her.   Lisa, Preston Davis is way outside of my norm and my budget, but I like to see what she’s thinking about and then look for/think about these items in my more mid tier budget.  Carla I just watch because she’s so clearly having fun, and because she is just so full of knowledge.  Trinny, well she’s just a master class in fashion, and business.  LJP on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334664 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:50:21 +0000 LJP 2334664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Preston Davis is one of the women I was referring to as well. And she's in a bubble of privilege  so far out of my norm that I stand back in a combination of awe and amusement.  Blue chip all the way with her.  But ......I love the pieces she posts, even if I am never going to buy them.  Carla Rockmore is fun to watch but she scares me with her shoes and accessories - lol.  Gorgeous clothing though and a wealth of knowledge and taste . Carla on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334663 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:48:25 +0000 Carla 2334663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah! @ kkards and SarahD8 I was thinking Alyssa Beltempo - definitely holds onto things a long time (I’ve seen wear marks on her fave (designer) footwear.  She’s much more about styling her (older)stuff in a modern way vs buying new. SarahD8 on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334661 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:42:13 +0000 SarahD8 2334661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you kkards! kkards on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334660 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:35:53 +0000 kkards 2334660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SarahD8- lol, nope not people I know…the 1st 2 are Trinny Woodall and Carla Rockmore.  The other is Preston Davis, her blog and IG is keepitchic.  And as I write this, it strikes me that these 3 women also have an extensive background in fashion, and each possess an understanding of how to dress other people as they have done that professionally.   SarahD8 on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334656 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:16:34 +0000 SarahD8 2334656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ kkards that's really interesting. I'd love to know who the folks you follow are if you feel comfortable sharing (assuming they are social media people and not people in your everyday life). I'm intrigued by the discussion about changing priorities/aspirations with age that's bubbling up here. In the interest of not hijacking I'll start a new thread. kkards on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334622 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:40:46 +0000 kkards 2334622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is something I also have been thinking about a lot lately. And I have many thoughts 2 of my favorite fashion people have a wardrobe of pieces they have had forever. But for both of them, they keep the older pieces looking current bc they mix in a lot of new pieces. And I mean a lot. Both have very large wardrobes so nothing gets worn out and they can and so hold things for years without wearing them. There is another person I follow who has a very classic style and pulls our older pieces often. She doesn’t post a lot of outfit photos, more so she posts outfit and item idea photos. So it’s hard to say, but my overall sense is she rarely looks modern instead she looks the same but with nod to current So 2 very different ways to approach a timeless wardrobe. But both ways imo require a lot of thought and work. If you want to maintain older piece’s whatever you bring in new must be well thought out and with purpose. Both require a lot of outfit effort How will these new pieces integrate with what you’re already got. Which older pieces still fit, which need to be altered and or need maintenance (loose buttons, sagging hems etc). I’m personally aiming straight in the middle of these 2 ideas. Wish me luck notsaf on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334617 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:42:47 +0000 notsaf 2334617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are a few pieces I have that I've had and worn for 10+ years that I don't see going out of the closet. Aside from my grandmother's ring (which I wear everyday as my own wedding band), there are these proud and few in finds. Accessories fall more into the category of LITERAL forever pieces for me, since they get lighter wear. I always have dark wash denim, ballet flats and loafers in neutral colors, black and navy blazers, and chambray button-downs, but the cuts and styles evolve as I wear things and wear things out and replenish with updated versions. The Chanel look is not for me. I'm excited to pull out some old mid-heeled booties that have been in storage now that hemlines are dropped and bootcuts are back in fashion. But the jeans themselves will be new: for me, one way to return the old trend with confidence is NOT to wear vintage. Angie on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334613 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:06:48 +0000 Angie 2334613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LJP, a little less literally, this is a great way to view your wardrobe and future purchases! The goal is to keep more items for longer - which is key. GO FOR IT :) I believe that is how I view my own wardrobe, style, and future purchases. I am equal parts classic/retro and trendy. I am strict about keeping this balance. Trendy on the bottom, sometimes on top, and classic almost everywhere else. The classic and retro items in my wardrobe tend to have the longest lifecycle if the quality holds up.  (As per your response to Peri, it IS an interesting contradiction ) Roxanna on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334611 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:56:32 +0000 Roxanna 2334611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have come to really resent that word ‘timeless’ and its association With privilege and somehow ‘I’m better than you’ sentiment if I wear timeless pieces (admittedly this is mostly on Instagram and not in the context that you stress talking about.) I actually have many, many timeless pieces because I thrift for quality and workmanship - I just LOVE the feel of a well made, well cut garment. BUT my weight shifts a lot and almost all of these pieces are not actually timeless because I can’t wear them through body changes (except my bags, which I treasure.) I also think that assuming for a timeless wardrobe is hard if you want to look current - and this is becoming more important to me as I get older. (A 20 year old wearing ‘timeless’ pieces looks young; me, at 46, in all timeless pieces can look staid and older.) you have taught me that, actually - your important injection of modern style through jewelry and shoes is a lesson I have taken too. LJP on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334610 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:51:35 +0000 LJP 2334610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri - I'm with you on fashion feeling like a necessity rather than a hobby.  I tend to get overly wound-up about wardrobing and fashion - despite it being my life-long "passion" and my career /adjacent for most of my adult life.  I don't like puttering around trying on clothes and making up new combinations and /or tidying my closet.  I don't like the planning and thought that's needed . It's all quite the contradiction for me.   LJP on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece/page/2#post-2334607 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:39:51 +0000 LJP 2334607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I didn't mean to get tangled up in the "passing along" part of this concept.  I was typing the post late at night , kind of free-associating ....and sometimes what's in my head doesn't translate well on-screen   Anyways , I am still interested in seeing what part of my wardrobe I can turn into "forever pieces"  (not literally but bought with an intent to wear as long as possible and not be purged for being out of date or because I am tired of it) and what will remain flexible.  I have always liked looking current and aware,  but I think as I get older and my world changes, I am less interested in what's trending and more interested in dressing in a way that projects "me".  When I sit and people watch, it's the younger women who are dressing in the linen sets, super-chunky shoes ,  whatever the current look is........and that's fine. They can have at it.   And to comment on a recurring theme posted above : yes to natural fibres.   LaPed on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334604 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:25:31 +0000 LaPed 2334604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ DS is 9.5 yo, so there's a pretty clear dividing line in my wardrobe between pre-kid and post-kid acquisitions, and the pre-kid items are all a decade-plus old. Some date back to my teens, so they've hit two decades. <ul> <li>a couple of woven cotton shirts I thrifted in college (one classic striped Lands End oxford, one pretty pink madras-ish plaid from India)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a handful of band and graphic tees from high school and college (a few of them I just handed down to DS, actually; most are sleep/lounge only; two still go out in the world)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a couple of amazing 100% wool sweaters from my teens (one handknit by my mom, the other a thrifted Icelandic cardigan)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a pair of nearly-vintage Levi's cut-offs that used to be DH's jeans (authentic boyfriend jeans, lol)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a pair of heavy-duty khaki chore pants (similar to Carhartts) that are pretty much indestructible</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a Carhartt jacket that I share with DH</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a thrifted merino hoodie that I won't ever get rid of because the local company that made it went out of business (I did manage to buy a back-up a couple years ago!)</li> </ul> Some unifying themes: <ul> <li>no shoes -- the ones I used to wear wouldn't fit anymore. My oldest boots (Doc Martens, Frye) are really only comfortable for short wears/costumes, but nice to keep around for that.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>few pants -- If pants fit well, I wear them right into the ground, til there are holes in the knees/seat. Only the most casual styles lend themselves to being cut-off/patched, so more polished bottoms have to be replenished fairly frequently. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>natural fibers -- they age better!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>secondhand -- I think Rachylou is onto something with the notion that the good stuff finds you; you can't really go out looking for it. Almost none of my longest-term garments were bought to tick a box.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>nothing dressy -- for me, there wouldn't be a lot of appeal in hanging onto very expensive pieces that sit in the closet 99% of the time. Clothes are meant to be worn, but that means they wear out. I'm okay with updating my smart and dressy options when they no longer look polished, but for casual, I actually like some patina and scars. The items that stick around the longest are those that look as good or better with visible wear. </li> </ul> Peri on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334603 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:24:38 +0000 Peri 2334603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't really think this way for so many reasons, the main one being that I don't think there is such a thing anymore. That timeless classic perfect thing is going to look dated at some point no matter what. I have a red cashmere twinset that would be the closest I ever got to thinking this way. I wore it for years, but not for the past 15. It is still in perfect condition but times and tastes have changed. It is oversized in a short, boxy way, and as a twinset would be dated at this point anyway. Maybe I'll start wearing only the cardigan at some point. That's all said with the knowledge that most of my closet is dated because I don't keep up with trends. I'm just thinking it's impossible to predict "timeless". As far as passing something on, I don't have kids but even if I did the chance of this working is slim. The person who wants someone else's old treasures is rare.  And finally, it's just one more thing to obsess over. Fashion and style easily overwhelm me. It's a necessity, not an enjoyed hobby as it is for most of you. On top of every other decision involved in what I wear, I sure don't want to add "but is it timeless?" to the list. I will buy what I want, wear it until I can't stand it, end of story. Most people on a fashion board will be more enthusiastic I'm sure! judy on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334601 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:18:37 +0000 judy 2334601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, the concept of “forever” changes the older we get huh? At 68 I do own clothes that I love and will serve me the next ten to twenty years. I also enjoy new shapes, textures and silhouettes, so look forward to newness. And yes weight and body fluctuations influence that too. While some of my clothes are very nice quality and will last a long time, I am also realistic that few of my relatives will want to inherit them, as they have their own style. So I’m happy with how things are and I don’t aspire to the concept of forever clothing. Janet on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334599 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:10:47 +0000 Janet 2334599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped makes a good point about serendipitous finds. I did not seek out a Burberry trench or a cobalt blue leather moto jacket, but when they popped up in my awareness and so clearly spoke to my style, the choice was pretty easy to make, stylewise, once I justified the cost. But when I’ve sought out some “ideal” (LBDs are seemingly doomed in my closet), it usually fails to be worn. Theodora on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334596 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:22:04 +0000 Theodora 2334596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, I should make a new post about this, but I am the worst at replying to everyone’s kind comments!  I have quite a few pieces that I could label “forever” or timeless for me.  Some are just 10 years old, but some are over 30 years old, so that could be a great post- to figure out what has made them last so long sartorially in my wardrobe. I have been lucky to remain within 5-7 lbs of my weight over the years, so that helps, but, to be honest, the best skirts and pants are or became too tight, so are either gone or in storage.  Most of what I have in this category are tops, jackets, sweaters, but even some dresses.  Worth a look at, as it could be so informative as to what makes them timeless… Dee on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334595 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:21:11 +0000 Dee 2334595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The idea of a “forever” piece being something that transcends trends and doesn’t look dated through time is interesting. I think that’s why certain clothing items that are considered classics are classic for this very reason. Chanel jackets, jean jackets, Levi’s 501s, ballet flats, trench coats, Breton tops etc.. all do seem to stand the test of time and can easily be blended with whatever the current trends are. So to me these are what I consider as potential  “forever” items. unfrumped on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334593 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:46:42 +0000 unfrumped 2334593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I liked points made by rachy and Brooklyn. One, tgat “ enduring” pieces can’t always be acquired by just the greatest effort made— there’s some serendipity involved. I haven’t often been able to just shop/ scroll my way to perfect blazer or pants. Then, the “ icon@ concept for things that just work so well for the right occasions that you can keep bringing them out for years.( For me there’s a bit of overlap between the right sort of those items, vs. imaginary lifestyle, or too- limited- seasonal.) I know that a few times when I bought something because “ it’s so well-made! It’s ( Theory, other)” but it was wrong color or fit was slightly off, or in a few cases, my little inner voice said it wasn’t my true style), it didn’t get worn and eventually got culled. This is often associated with sales- goggles and FOMO that a certain brand or quality level is right there within reach. Whereas, enduring pieces are almost always one of my own “ enduring style” or silhouette items. I think the thing that seems more discouraging to me is finding some mid- range brands that have a favorite aesthetic, so that their items do tend to last and re-mix well, but finding that year by year, or maybe suddenly, they changed ( lowered) the fabric or construction quality. Irina on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334590 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:28:36 +0000 Irina 2334590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think what comes out as “forever “ pieces, it is almost certainly designer items. They can withstand time since they mostly done by using better quality materials and design itself. So, your MCQueen scarf , for example is a such piece to me, since the signature design will not ever feel dated. Even good quality brands like COS are uneven in this regard.<div> </div> Janet on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334580 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:43:30 +0000 Janet 2334580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is a really interesting concept to ponder. My feelings are very similar to SarahD8. I don’t necessarily aim for forever pieces, but some items in my wardrobe qualify, and yes, they have tended to be higher quality, more expensive items. The first that come to mind are: - my teal Burberry trench, purchased almost 12 years ago and I will never give it away. I don’t wear it a lot but love it when I do. It’s classic but the color is distinctive, and it’s well-made to last. - my blue IRO leather moto. Ditto to all of the above. It was a solid workhorse when I was a size smaller and it’s a little less useful now since zipping it up or wearing it over anything bulky is not comfortable, but it’s truly a classic *for me* item. I also count my Rockstuds, very old Old Gringo cowboy boots, LD Tuttle sandals, and Bao Bao backpack in that category. With each of those purchases except for the Burberry (which was on sale and the last one in that color), I deliberated the expense and even did some sleuthing out on a deal on the Bao Bao. Other times I have been more impulsive with expensive items, with very mixed results, so I have learned a few lessons (and thank goodness for being able to recoup some costs with resale). But it’s no coincidence that my more “forever” items tend to be jackets/outerwear, footwear (but not the everyday type), and bags. I do consider my scarves forever items too. And jewelry, particularly rings and my few watches. I’ve never thought about a purchase in terms of whether it’s something to be passed down, probably because I don’t have children. My stepsons’ respective wife and girlfriend are such different sizes from me that nothing of mine would be useful to them, except maybe bags. My eldest niece would be the recipient of my best stuff, should anything happen to me. The notion of that kind of longevity and value is interesting though — my husband has two beautiful watches, one of which is to go to each of his sons if anything happens to him. Each of those watches are the kind of item that truly counts as an investment. Olive Green on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334576 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:24:58 +0000 Olive Green 2334576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think of articles touting “investment pieces” as very close to this concept of forever pieces. A way to justify some really high price tags. And as I think of some woolen plaid skirts, sweaters, and coats I had as a kid and teen,  it used to be true that you could invest in strong pieces, but that hard wearing quality is  hard to find now. If you do find it, it is a large investment!  I invest in winter warmth, as a good coat and boots and under layers will save your life, and wear well.  Everything else is reasonable quality, but nothing special and worthy of being passed on. That is going to be art and musical instruments.  Brooklyn on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334568 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 05:06:57 +0000 Brooklyn 2334568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t aim to keep anything forever but, as I’ve mentioned before, I do have some pieces in my wardrobe that I aim to keep for a long time. 10 years plus. I call them icon pieces. It’s not so much about giving myself permission to spend a lot of money on a particular item, it’s more about giving myself permission to buy it at all, when I know it’s unlikely to get a lot of wear. Sometimes I see something I love that I know will only get worn a few times a year: usually because the fabric is precious (eg silk, velvet, brocade) or it’s too dressy for everyday wear. If I think it’s timeless and unique enough, and represents a look I’ve been drawn to for a long time, I will buy it with the intention of keeping it a long time and wearing it when I can. I have a few things in this category, and they are mostly cool weather items: jackets, coats, pants, a few skirts. (My warm weather items get worn out much faster than cool weather.) There is a bit of a gamble/crystal ball element to this, but I think it’s worth it because I would say wearing my icon items give me more joy than anything else in my wardrobe by far. There are only so many days in my life I can wear something super practical, like jeans or a cotton skirt and a tee, and feel fabulous. Sal on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334559 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 04:39:11 +0000 Sal 2334559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find it interesting too - and haven’t really achieved it often - if at all. Some of my most long lived pieces were not bought with this intention - but they have proven to be classic quality pieces for me. - camel boots and pleated dress. Both are over 8 years old. And a couple of things I thought would be long lived - I have tired of more quickly. The teal coat and the sheath dress. The dress feels a bit dated but I still own it - the coat has been donated. The sorts of things that could have great longevity are shirts in natural fabrics, toppers, scarves, bags and some leather footwear. But I don’t think it’s easy to pick. rachylou on "The idea of a "forever piece"." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-idea-of-a-forever-piece#post-2334550 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 04:19:24 +0000 rachylou 2334550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve had a sixth thought… perhaps forever pieces in the ‘spiritual’ sense (as opposed to simply wearing like iron), perhaps such pieces find you more than you find them. I mean, you have to put yourself out there and go shopping, but reality has a way of disappointing reality. If I seek a ‘special blue blazer’, I will probably end up with just a blue blazer that eventually bores.