This has really made me think about what works for me. I think for me an item has to fit well and is generally quite simple in shape but with something eyecatching about it. And good quality. An obvious one for me is my brown trousers which I got from zara for an interview to get into uni. I've probably worn them at least once a month all the way through uni, my masters and my first year of work. I'm only just looking for something to replace them! A bit of a surprise was the silk tunic I bought half price in the january sales last year. its an amazing colour, sort of electric blue, sea green all mixing like an oil slick (in a nice way). I guessed the size and had it sent from the UK since at 1/2 price it seemed a good risk when I fell in love with the colour. I've worn it a couple of nights out every month since i bought it.

I don't buy dry clean only items because I would never get round to it!