Great style isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building a wardrobe that feels like an extension of who you are. The pieces I love most aren’t the ones that came and went with the season, but the ones that have stood by me year after year. These are the investments I made with intention, the ones I obsessed over before taking the plunge, and the ones that have paid me back in wear after wear. They aren’t about a fleeting moment; they’re about craftsmanship, longevity, and a certain effortless confidence that comes from knowing you’ll love something just as much in ten years as you do today.
I’ve always believed in quality over quantity. I’d rather have one exceptional coat each season than a handful of trend-driven pieces I’ll tire of in a few years. The beauty of fashion, to me, lies in the curation—the process of choosing pieces that will carry stories, age gracefully, and remain relevant no matter the decade. These ten items are a testament to that philosophy.
Sherman Fields Locket
I bought this locket two winters ago, and aside from my engagement ring, it’s the piece of jewelry I wear most. It’s reversible, with a tiger’s eye on one side and a striking green jade on the other, giving it the feeling of two statements in one. Inside, I keep two tiny pictures—one of each of my girls—engraved with their names underneath. I’ll cherish it forever and wear it for the rest of my life. This is exactly what I love about jewelry: it carries meaning beyond aesthetics.
Chain & Locket
Chanel Ballet Flats
These are, without question, my most-worn daily shoes. My first pair was one of my earliest designer purchases, and I still have and wear them 13 years later. Chanel has mastered the perfect ballet flat—the fit, the silhouette, the subtle yet unmistakable details. Each season, they introduce new materials, colors, and patterns, making them an endlessly collectible staple in my wardrobe. I buy a new pair every year, and I still rotate through every single one I own.
Great re-sale options here
Max Mara Coat
I remember the exact moment I bought my first Max Mara cashmere coat at their San Francisco boutique. At the time, it was the most expensive fashion purchase I had ever made, but looking back, it was worth every penny. I still wear it every single fall and winter—eleven years later—and it remains in pristine condition. This is the kind of piece I can see myself wearing 30 years from now, and maybe even passing down to my daughters.
Similar: Here, Here, Here
Delvaux Wicker Bag
I hesitated before purchasing this bag—it was a splurge—but I had been thinking about it for years. When I saw it in Harrods last May, I hesitated again. A few days later, I passed by the Delvaux store in London and told Thomas, “If they have it in-store, then it’s meant to be.” It was an incredibly limited piece, and there it was, waiting for me. I bought it, and I’ve never owned a bag that receives more compliments or questions. Delvaux is on par with Hermès in terms of craftsmanship—elegant, unique, and all about design rather than logos.
Similar: Here, Here
Khaite Riding Boots
A pair of black riding boots is essential in any wardrobe. They exude an understated, polished ease in fall and winter (and even into spring). I bought my Khaite pair about three and a half years ago, and they remain my absolute favorite boots. The leather has softened beautifully, and they’ve only gotten more comfortable with age.
Similar: Here, Here, Here
Antique Turquoise & Diamond Ring
In 2016, Thomas and I stumbled into an antique jewelry shop, Dary’s, in Paris, where I fell in love with a sapphire and diamond ring. I spent the entire trip trying to convince him to say yes, but it was a firm no. I never stopped thinking about that ring. Fast forward to 2022, right before my birthday, and Thomas surprised me with a note: he’d take me back to Dary’s to choose something special. The moment we walked in, I spotted this incredible turquoise and diamond ring. The wait made it even more meaningful—a reminder that good things are worth waiting for.
Similar: Here, Here, Here
Hermès Kelly 28 Bag
If you followed along on Instagram, you know how long I waited for a quota bag from Hermès. I never fully committed to the Hermès “game,” and for years, none of my online purchases counted toward anything. Once I established a relationship with a sales associate, everything changed. This past winter, while in Paris, I finally landed an Hermès leather bag appointment and got my dream emerald green Kelly. The perfect color, the perfect size—I’ll love it forever.
One of my favorite Kelly colors ever
White Celine Blazer
I love structured blazers for how they balance out the softer pieces in my wardrobe. A white Celine blazer is one of my most-worn layers—it’s sharp, versatile, and works across multiple seasons. In summer, I pack it for cooler nights; in colder months, I layer it up. It’s a go-to piece for elevating anything from denim to dresses.
Similar: Here, Here, Here
Black Cotton Midi Skirt
This is less about the brand and more about the style. I have two—one by Co and another by Prada with a built-in leather belt—and both are staples. A black cotton midi skirt works in every season: with a button-down and sweater in spring, a tank and sandals in summer, a chunky knit and loafers in fall, and layered up with leggings, riding boots, a turtleneck, and a coat in winter.
My Black Co skirt
Similar Prada one
Also love this one
Prada Silk Faille Midi Dress
Dresses make up the biggest part of my wardrobe, so narrowing it down to one was nearly impossible. But this Prada silk faille midi dress is the one I know I’ll still be wearing decades from now. The fabric, the fit, the tailoring—it’s a piece that feels classic yet interesting. A true forever dress.
My dress here
Soft pink version here
Every piece on this list has a story—a memory, a moment, a reason it’s still here. These are the items I keep reaching for, season after season, because they were never about a fleeting trend. They were always meant to last.
xx Julia
I love this! This would be a fun round the table party question.
Julia this article was a spectacular - the inspiration I needed to move my wardrobe purchases in this direction. Quality over quantity. ❤️🙏🏻