The Case For Buying Luxury

Ever bought something “so on-trend” that you wore it exactly once before it got banished to the back of your closet? Same. The thing about fast fashion is it feels like a steal—until you realize you’re buying the same black top over and over because it can’t survive the washing machine.

According to McKinsey, people buy 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago but keep each item for half as long. Basically, a closet full of fleeting flings instead of long-term relationships. And the Ellen MacArthur Foundation says $500 billion is lost every year thanks to clothes that sit unused and never get recycled. Imagine the vacations we could all be taking instead.

The alternative? Investing in quality. I’m talking full-grain leather, silk, cashmere—the kind of materials that don’t just exist but age beautifully. Solid stitching, thoughtful construction, classic designs that look good forever. These are the pieces you actually want to wear on repeat. John Ruskin said it best: “Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.”

And let’s be real—trendy is fun for about five minutes. Classics are the real MVPs. A 2022 ThredUp Resale Report found 58% of shoppers are deliberately choosing more timeless, versatile styles to cut waste. Makes sense, right? A tailored blazer, solid denim, a structured leather bag—neutral colors and clean lines that go with everything and never scream “remember 2023?”

Cost per wear is where quality really shines. Do the math: a $1,200 designer bag you use 200 times? $6 a carry. A $60 bag that falls apart after 10 uses? Also $6 a carry, plus the guilt of adding to the landfill. Vivienne Westwood wasn’t kidding when she said: “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.” That’s not just fashion advice—it’s personal finance 101.

Then there’s the sustainability angle. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions—more than aviation and shipping combined. Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste gets produced. It’s kind of horrifying. Choosing better-quality, longer-lasting items is a small but real way to push back. And let’s not forget that many (though not all) high-end brands are better about ethical labor practices and sustainable sourcing.

And here’s the best part about buying well-made stuff: it can actually be saved. Leather can be cleaned, recolored, conditioned. Shoes can be resoled. Bags can be restitched and refreshed. As Orsola de Castro of Fashion Revolution says, “Repair is the radical act of loving what you own.” Radical and extremely satisfying.

So when you’re shopping, think about the long game. Check the fabric content and stitching. Go for classic shapes and colors that go with everything. Research the brand. Sleep on impulse buys. And always ask: will I still want this in five years?

Because at the end of the day, buying quality, timeless pieces isn’t just about looking good. It’s about spending smarter, feeling better, and doing right by the planet. And that’s always in style.