Aïda wears the timeless Khaite cardigan.
When it comes to curating a responsible and reliable wardrobe these days, it's much less about buying new items every season and more about investing in smarter, longer-lasting buys. We’re talking classics you look forward to pulling out every year rather than short-lived pieces that quickly go out of fashion or don’t have the quality to last beyond a few washes.
Whether your budget stretches to the best of the high street or The Row’s most luxurious pieces, when you’re looking to make these purchases, it just makes environmental, financial and sartorial sense to opt for timeless designs you won’t ever get bored of. For budget-friendlier options, the Who What Wear UK team turns to brands like Arket and Me + Em, which prioritise quality over trends. But if you’ve got money to spend and you’re wanting to know which investment buys are truly worth it, there are three brands that I, and my fellow editors, always recommend.
I tried on Toteme's beautiful camel coat last year—for 2025, there's a new iteration.
Toteme, Khaite and The Row all have one thing in common—their designs never go out of style. If you are looking to invest in staples you can re-wear basically forever, you can be confident shopping at any of the three. Whether it’s an iconic camel coat or a crew-neck grey knit, their minimalistic winter staples transcend decades. There are plenty of completely classic options, and there are also some designs with recognisably elevated details, like Khaite’s famous cinched-waist cardigan or Toteme’s leather-trimmed shearling.
The coats, knits and boots—all pillars of a successful winter wardrobe—are particularly worth investing in, and so below I’ve curated an edit of the very best from the three brands across all three categories. Keep scrolling to enjoy.
1. COATS
The newest colourway of Toteme's iconic scarf coat.
Just so classic.
The silhouette sets this coat apart.
If you want serious luxury, look to the The Rows cashmere coats.
Years on, this remains a fashion person favourite.
A shade that will easily blend with the rest of your wardrobe.
Just look at that collar.
Belted and buttoned—yes please.
No matter the year, this will always feel on trend.
Cosy and chic.
KNITS
The beloved cardigan.
Classic, understated and has already proven its truly timeless.
Just add some baggy jeans and loafers.
Just imagine how soft this is.
Everyone needs a striped jumper in their wardrobe.
The stitching is iconic to Toteme.
I have this and cannot recommend it enough.
With Toteme's innate oversized fit.
For those who adore a splash of colour.
So chic.
BOOTS
Note the subtle stitching on the toe.
Pair with dresses, skirts, tailoring and more.
No matter the year, I spot stylish women wearing The Row's zipped boots.
I predict this pair will move quickly.
Brown suede? Yes, please.
The angled heel is just so good.
The Row knows all about anti-trend wardrobe heroes.
One of the brands most beloved boots.
This pair also comes in a tan version.
I haven't stopped thinking about this pair.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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