We love us a good Forever 21 dress or Zara shirt, the sort of thing we'll wear for a few months then swap out for something trendier. But the wiser move would be to shop for investment pieces, the kind of trusty, high-quality items that we'll still love -- and actually wear! -- in 20 years.


So we consulted with the women of HuffPost and gathered up the ultimate list of items to buy now... and to never, ever get rid of.


A black leather jacket

Go for high-quality, and it could last for decades.


leather jackets


Kenya-Ap Jacket, Mackage, $650[1] ; Veda x Madewell Black Leather Moto Jacket, Madewell, $555[2] ; Belvedere Leather Jacket, All Saints, $490[3] .


A leather handbag

Get one that's sturdy, high-quality leather and ideally medium-sized (not too massive, not so small it's useless). Store it properly, with love and care.


black leather bags


Classic Q Hillier Hobo bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $428[4] ; PS1 Large Leather Satchel, Proenza Schouler, $1,995[5] .


Nice sunglasses.

They don't need to be super expensive, but when it comes to sunglasses, price is often correlated with quality. Sunnies by Ray-Ban or Vuarnet, in timeless styles like aviators, will become your prized possessions.


sunglassses


Aviator Large Metal II, Ray-Ban, $145.[6]


A tailored black blazer.

Investing in a quality blazer that won't tear, wilt or go out of style will serve your wardrobe for years. Has there been a recent era in which blazers weren't in style? Our point exactly.


black blazer


Stretch Crepe Blazer, Kensie, $89[7] ; Donelly Edgewood Twill Blazer, Theory, $475[8] ; Solid Ponte Blazer, Juicy Couture, $148[9] .


A real Irish sweater.

Whether you buy it in Ireland or online from a heritage brand like Aran[10] , these chunky sweaters will last. They're so untrendy, they're never not in style, and they'll be the warmest thing in your wardrobe by far.


irish sweater


Irish Fisherman's Button-Mock Heritage Sweater, L.L. Bean, $159[11] ; Merino Sweater, Aran, $86.95[12] ; Black Sheep Irish Fisherman's Sweater, Orvis, $109[13] .


Crystal jewelry.

It's not diamonds, but it still sparkles and will never not be in style. You'll wear those crystal drop earrings forever.


crystal necklace


Crystal Triangles Necklace, J. Crew, $135.[14]


A diamond tennis bracelet.

But there's nothing wrong with diamonds, either. If you can afford the investment, a simple strand of diamonds around the wrist always makes for a tasteful accessory.


timeless clothing


Certified Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold, Bloomingdale's, $$4,500[15] ; 4K Round Diamond Tennis Bracelet, $3,395[16] .


Leather sandals.

Whether they're from a high-quality store or bespoke, sturdy huaraches will last for decades as long as they get resoled every few years. And you'll never not want nice sandals for the summer.


leather sandals


Alcyone Sandals, Ancient Greek Sandals, $168.[17]


A black wool winter coat.

If it's made of a quality material (read: not something blended with polyester), a wool coat should last you years. Just keep it clean and store it well!


black coats


Curator Coat, Madewell, $275[18] ; Wool Coat with Hook and Eye Closure, Zara, $239[19] ; Bromley Wool Coat, Babaton, $350[20] .


A leather wallet.

Again, the material matters. A designer leather wallet or one of that caliber should work for years -- and luckily, "wallet trends" don't really exist. When it comes to style, a wallet is a wallet is a wallet.


michael kors


Textured-Leather Continental Wallet, Michael Michael Kors, $140.[21]


A soft, luxurious scarf.

Some women swear that their Hermès scarves were worth the cash (and they just might be). For those who can't afford to splurge on Hermès, a simple yet luxe-feeling scarf in a material like cashmere (think Loro Piana) is a worthy investment.


scarf


Reva Scarf, Tory Burch, $165[22] ; Check Merino Wool Scarf, Burberry, $295[23] ; Lynx-Print Melange Cashmere Scarf, Loro Piana, $995[24] .


A Rolex-like watch.

It doesn't have to be Rolex, or Cartier or Piaget for that matter. But a silver- or gold-tone watch with a sporty, yet classic feel is always cool -- and it always feels supremely grown-up.


watch


Retro Traveler Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch, Fossil, $99[25] ; Marci Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $129[26] ; Men's Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, Seiko, $216[27] .


Diamond stud earrings.

Expensive, but you only need the one pair. And if you don't lose them, they'll last forever.


earrings


Diamond Earrings, 14k White Gold Diamond Spiral Bezel Stud Earrings, Macy's, $1,049[28] ; T.W. Diamond Frame Stud Earrings, Brilliant Value, $399[29] .


Black leather heels.

If you want to go big, invest in a brand like Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik, or go for something slightly more affordable. Either way, a classic black pump or kitten heel will serve you well and never feel dated. Just remember to get them resoled.


black heels


Decollete 554, Christian Louboutin, $625[30] ; Leather Pump, Manolo Blahnik, $665[31] .


A special, big purchase from a trip abroad.

Meaningless tchotchkes and trinkets gather dust after trips. But that one special item bought on a major trip, you'll always keep and cherish. And it will bring back memories for decades to come.


More styles that we think are timeless:



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  • Tweed


    Elizabeth Banks




  • Wedge Shoes


    Kate Middleton




  • The Little Black Dress


    Jennifer Aniston




  • Bright Colours


    Kerry Washington




  • Peep-Toe Shoes


    Jessica Alba




  • Feminine Suits


    Julianne Hough




  • Full Skirt Dresses


    Kristin Davis




  • Animal Print


    Kelsey Chow




  • Skinny Jeans Or Trousers


    Kate Middleton




  • Ballet Flats




  • Trench Coats


    Tyra Banks




  • Lace


    Emily Blunt




  • Bold Prints


    Jessica Alba




  • Aviator Sunglasses


    Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen




  • Red Lips


    Rihanna




  • Fur


    Cher Lloyd





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