The idea of a "forever piece". - YouLookFab Forum

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The idea of a "forever piece".

LJP

Veteran

Some of the women I am interested in and follow online refer to items of clothing (and bags and shoes too ) as forever pieces. Part of me is slightly in awe (not in an envious way but in amazement of how different our lives can be , lol) ) of those wealthy enough to collect certain things that they know will still look good years from now and they'll pass on to their daughters . But the other part of me is intrigued by the idea and wondering how realistic it is to adapt for someone on my rung in the socioeconomic ladder.

I don't for a minute consider anything I own to be worthy of passing along, but then....maybe some of my better handbags and outerwear would pass that test. I recall a Ports International (remember that brand?) black wool turtleneck that my mother passed on to me when I was about 25 , and she had already owned it for probably 10 years. I wore that thing until it gradually became an underlayer I wore skiing....another 10 years later. It was that good. That's the kind of clothing I aspire to own .

Anyways, passing along is not the point. The point is using that "forever piece concept" as a bar to set for selecting items for your wardrobe. I'm working toward having that kind of wardrobe : one that has modern -yet - classic, top quality pieces that will never become dated . Which means getting away from shopping for the sake of shopping .

I feel I'm making great headway : I haven't shopped much at all this summer, and my big closet clean-up earlier this summer has made me see my wardrobe in a whole new light. Sure there are things I am "missing" or could use, but they aren't so urgent that I need to run out to look for them. Anyways, I digress. I wonder how much of one's wardrobe is realistic to have as "forever pieces" .

I'm trying to look at any new clothing for fall & winter through this lens and see where it leads me. I can see where it doesn't account for fun or statement pieces, but I wonder how much of that I really need anyways.

There's one of these pieces on my radar right now: a cashmere blend oversize v neck sweater from COS that apparently is so good it could pass for The Row It's available in the Toronto store but not online for Canadians. Ahem.

Anyone have any thoughts on this concept?

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46 replies

Latest reply was from quietloud

Runcarla

Veteran

I understand the concept, bit since I’m of the school that believes in using the good stuff, any forever piece might not last that long!

Irina

Veteran

Why the COS sweater is not available online?
our Canadian stores’ inventory is always slightly different from the website, though.

I’ve lost interest in trends and my buying strategy is to buy pieces I love or need. Would they become “forever pieces “ is hard to say - I understand that quality pieces might last long time but it doesn’t mean I would want to wear them forever, IYKWIM.

For someone to inherit and appreciate my clothes and bags, one would need to share my aesthetic. Doesn’t always happen, not even often enough.

I’m planning to leave my fine jewelry behind. Maybe some bags from the recognizable brands.

Kate

Veteran

I don't worry about passing things along, nor have I ever thought about forever pieces. If I end up with a forever piece in my closet, it'll likely be because I forgot about it!

My buying criterion is pretty simple: I buy something because I love it or it fills a definite need. If it's a real workhorse, it won't last for years, though I'm not too hard on my clothes. I do have several pieces that are almost 40 years old—two of those are even older, since they were vintage to start with—that I still wear on occasion. They were bought because they were beautiful. As long as they hold out, I'll hold onto them.

gryffin

Veteran

I think the concept of “forever” pieces fall into 2 distinct categories. Designer handbags that are iconic, Burberry classic trenches, Cartier tank watch, diamond stud earrings, and kept in excellent condition. Important jewelry either really good vintage or real. Something that maintains monetary value. I don’t think of that “forever” when I use that term. For me a great quality leather jacket my iro Asheville and allsaints Elora, the EF coax booties (10yr), my cactus mountain belt(15 y) my HL cropped tux jacket(12 yr), my VB blazer(7 yr), my SW 50/50’s, Ariat cowboy boots (18 yr) classic or unusual pieces that are beautifully made of fabric that will last that feel wonderful on and make you feel like a million bucks. Pieces that are always dead right when you put them on. Those pieces are sometimes spendy and sometimes not but they are perfect and idiosyncratic. Expensive doesn’t always assure that value. It’s knowing for me that whatever you are buying at whatever the cost (less or more) the piece itself has a long term value on versatility, utility, quality to last barring doom and disaster. Not sure if that’s what you are looking for but that’s how I look at and for forever pieces. Not everything can be forever because they wear out. But even those should last for many years and if you buy multiples (ahem like some of us do) my beloved coach drifter than with “clones” they do last a very long time. But I’m not trend driven and very true to my style so that works for me.

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rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. My first thought is no pair of shoes can ever last forever (lol). My second thought was of Pricess Eugenie - or was it Beatrice? - who wore someone’s dress, maybe the Queen’s, as her wedding gown BUT it had been modified. As Angie points out, classics get modernized. Or your essentials can stay the same, but it’s unlikely a specific item will last forever. My third thought is, some things do, though, have quintessence, like an old tank watch. Or a statement piece, like … a tiara? Lol. Things like that certainly generation after generation can wear. My fourth thought is I’m still on my one Gucci purse and one Hermès scarf, but if I bought these brands today, I have my doubts they’d have the same longevity. I could be wrong; I could be too satisfied with what I have, but I’m not that inspired now. And my fifth thought is, I also have a lot of really cheap items that are going strong, like a two tone brown v-neck sweater… but also from yesteryear.

Anyways, I’m not sure how one would know in advance that something could be so great…

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

First off, the notion of forever shoes makes no sense to me. If they are worn they will wear out. As for bags, I am not sure. I do have a small collection of vintage designer bags and I could see giving them to my kids one day, so I guess they are potentially "forever". Actually a lot of my wardrobe is forever in the sense that it is not recently made and therefore not subject to the whims of trends in the same way as new things are. Anyway, what I do agree with is the idea of buying one very good thing instead of ten so so things.
You know what I think is forever actually - my Issey Miyake Pleats Please items. They will last forever .

Penny

Veteran

Interesting concept, although it seems to me this might be a way to justify paying more for a piece - and if so, if the piece doesn’t end up being beloved and maintained, it might be disappointing. I think if a piece is one you love and serves your needs today and potentially for years to come, that’s about as good as you can hope for. We can’t control whether future generations will welcome having these items (if they are in good shape to pass on when the time comes), but we can strive to make choices for ourselves that will hopefully bring us joy for many years.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I don’t think there’s anything forever unless it’s Chanel.

Maybe second place, the Row or Toteme, but that’s more a matter of achieving luxurious generic.

With regard to l looking luxurious generic: I’d like to look like me, but with the blue eyeliner, pink and lilac and white and navy, laid over the top. I never want that ultra beige and black all by itself.

LJP

Veteran

I can see that what I wrote reads like a more literal interpretation of the idea than I intended ! Of course shoes , well anything really , don’t last forever . To me it’s the idea that something transcends trends and will not look dated in a few years . Or - if something gets put away for a few years - it’s still relevant when it’s reintroduced .

One thing that’s the biggest obstacle to keeping clothes for years is constant weight and shape fluctuations .

Runcarla

Veteran

Back to see what other folks have to say…and to add that I have been thinking about some things in my closet as being ’the one thing’ for the rest of my life! However, it would have to last around 20 years! My counting wears experiment reveals that no matter how amazingly well things are made, they tend to look worn out once you get beyond the 60-100 wears mark. I don’t think the concept of ‘forever pieces’ meshes with an active wardrobe.

So, unless you are a collector who rarely gets those special items out in the real world, or you have a high tolerance for the patina of age, you won’t have items to pass on.

I have a few candidates that will have a long life in my closet, and some I hope to have for a long time, but I’ve noticed my beloved Lepliage is showing signs of wear at the corners, and my ball skirt is now one size too big.

Bijou

Veteran

Lisa, I have a few items that I expect to have in my wardrobe for many years, mainly handbags and outerwear. Like Gryffin, these are items that I like regardless of trends.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I've never had a forever piece, and I don't know if I will. I enjoy being able to give my clothes a beating.

However, my parents kept good care of things. My mother had a pristine cranberry corduroy jacket from childhood, with a satin lining that had a Donald Duck pattern. I was not so into it as a child, and I think it broke my mother's heart I wasn't as excited.

In high school I wore my Dad's high school soft leather jacket, which had that sort of Creedence Clearwater blazer look. He had also kept it pristine--I wore it out in a couple years.

I guess I'm with you in that I don't know if I'll spend the big bucks for a "forever" piece. But with the right care, like my parents gave, anything can probably be a forever piece.

bj1111

Veteran

This is such an interesting question. I like @gryffin’s definition. In my family “forever” pieces are jewelry as stores of wealth in case you have to flee or currency gets massively devalued.

I have a few jackets and bags that even vintage will likely retain enough value and therefore are likely to remain “timeless.” Also “timeless” items still have a shelf life for the individual even if the item itself has no expiration date. I probably won’t wear these jackets or purses as much after I stop working and may consider passing them down at that point.

For the rest, I know I’ve done right when I wear the piece all the time, will be sad when it eventually wears out and I put back any items I think of as possible replacements because nothing will be as good.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think some degree of timelessness is possible but can be a pitfall or false god, holy grail type distraction if applied to the whole wardrobe. Not to mention, some of the timelessness remains in the eye of the beholder, and wearer, the wearer having a higher appreciation of the garment and lower need for a change. But seems most achievable when a few timeless pieces are remixed with intermittent new items that may be more ephemeral.

I also think it applies more to cooler weather items or at least fabrics that are tougher- leather, some woolens( sans moths), tightly woven twills. Hard to achieve in the 95+ degree summer wardrobe.

Also , in my wardrobe a few very long- lived, well- worn items are in fact 15+ year old summer casual items that “ they’re not making like they used to”. Some Eddie Bauer T shirts , 100% cotton and not a pinhole in sight. Same shirts now are made of poly- cotton knit and pill after awhile. Some Columbia cargo shorts that have taken hard wear every summer. These are not the typical timeless, luxury type items but I have not had to replace them nor felt the need to upgrade.

I agree with issues of weight changes and, erm, redistribution, plus mobility issues. So I think it’s the rare person who can wear the exact same things for 25 years especially from say age 45 to 65, or to 80. And certainly not if there’s tailoring and really fitting the current body ( as opposed to flowy forgiving shapes, elastic). That’s why I would resist expecting TOO much, and spending that way. And FEET! But it’s reasonable to expect more than fast fashion, or to think in longer cycles of outfits.

Best of all, that I’m still struggling with, is to run a smaller wardrobe overall where everything gets worn a lot and either wears out “ honestly “ or my shape changes and something different is needed, plus some room for updates ( I think there’s a big difference between “ chasing trends” and adding something new and interesting to ME— which might well be also related to, same styles or fits don’t work as well and hence are not fully “ timeless “.

SarahD8

Veteran

I have been thinking about this topic a lot since my recent philosophical shift towards keeping a larger wardrobe. That decision was sparked by frustration at things wearing out before I am "done" with them (which is actually the goal of many people on the forum, and makes a lot of sense -- but it stresses me out!) and being unable to replace their function in an easy or timely manner. So the idea that I've been toying with is to have a larger collection of items so that when one thing wears out there is already something with a close-enough function in my wardrobe so that I can release it without stress.

So this is not "forever" clothes but I don't think you mean that literally anyhow -- I am thinking more along the lines of holding many items for 10ish years?

You have hit upon some of the potential pitfalls in your follow-up post in the thread:
-tastes change
-bodies change

One thing that I've been thinking about is that while I am not a trend-driven person I do enjoy novelty (as I think a lot of us do...you know, that back-to-school new clothes for fall feeling!). So I am thinking about:

-items that will not particularly date so that I can put them away for a while when I'm "off" them and bring them out again in a year or two
-figuring out new ways to wear existing items (e.g., this summer I have had a bee in my bonnet about summer neutrals so I bought a handful of neutral things and I'm wearing them together..rather than pairing them with colorful things as would have been my previous inclination. I still like my colorful summer things! I'm just digging exploring/playing with something different right now.)

I do think as Runcarla (and others) says that it would be very difficult to keep items in a very minimal/pared down wardrobe for a very long time. Things wear out! Of course occasionally there is the item that for whatever reason ends up lasting and lasting and lasting. But I think it's pretty tough to be confident about that, even if the signs of quality are there, at the point of purchase.

kellygirl

Veteran

Such an interesting concept. Forever for me would be more along the lines of timeless--something that would be of use to me for the foreseeable future. My white linen trucker is the first thing that comes to mind--my Allsaints Moto (although it's a little snug now...) I can see getting years out of those but they're not something I would pass on to DDs. Just not their style... plus we have totally different body types. They might want one of two of my handbags, jewelry, but that's probably about it.

rachylou

Veteran

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.

Sal

Veteran

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.

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Brooklyn

Veteran

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.

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Olive Green

Veteran

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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

Irina

Veteran

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.

unfrumped

Veteran

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.

Dee

Veteran

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.

Theodora

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…

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

judy

Veteran

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.

Peri

Veteran

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!

LaPed

Veteran

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.

a couple of woven cotton shirts I thrifted in college (one classic striped Lands End oxford, one pretty pink madras-ish plaid from India)

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)

a couple of amazing 100% wool sweaters from my teens (one handknit by my mom, the other a thrifted Icelandic cardigan)

a pair of nearly-vintage Levi's cut-offs that used to be DH's jeans (authentic boyfriend jeans, lol)

a pair of heavy-duty khaki chore pants (similar to Carhartts) that are pretty much indestructible

a Carhartt jacket that I share with DH

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!)

Some unifying themes:

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.

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.

natural fibers -- they age better!

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.

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.

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