The Best Time To Buy Winter Investment Pieces? Right Now
As a Stylebook reader, the terms cost-per-wear (CPW) and investment piece are probably very familiar to you since many Stylebook contributors reference them frequently. Cost per wear is often used to decide if an item, usually an investment piece, is “worth” its cost. Cost per wear drops as the item is increasingly worn. Investment pieces are typically cornerstones of a wardrobe given their fabric, cut, luxe details, and overall wearability. An increasing number of women prefer investing in fewer, more versatile pieces that can be styled multiple ways to meet their lifestyle needs.
As the name suggests, investment pieces often come with a significant price tag. While they are a smart wardrobe addition they don’t always fit into our budget at the time we want to purchase them. Investment pieces for a winter wardrobe — think fur and cashmere — are typically purchased during the season when our dollars are prioritized for things like holiday presents and gatherings. The good news is that as stores prepare for resort and spring arrivals, winter investment pieces are reduced to make way for new merchandise.
Kiskadee has great selection of winter investment pieces, which are now 50 percent off during their winter sale. If you were eyeing a fur vest or cashmere wrap there is no better time to add one of these versatile pieces to your winter wardrobe—at a significant discount! I styled a few of my favorites with basics from my closet and suggested how each piece could be styled several others ways — driving the cost per wear of each item down while keep your wardrobe fresh, functional, and most of all, fun!
This poncho screams “apres-ski” to me! I love it for a few reasons — the heft of the weave, the neutral color palette, and its restrained volume. The shape of the sleeves, the discreet “V” shape – both at the neckline and created by the fringe at the bottom — and the color blocking draw your eye vertically and lengthens the overall look rather than overpowering it. Pairing it with streamlined basics like distressed straight-leg denim and nude booties keeps proportions in check. Think about this piece with leggings and riding boots for a casual look. Pairing the poncho with cropped, narrow-leg trousers in a heavier fabric (to balance the weight of the poncho) and pointy-toe flats will create a look that’s slightly dressier.
Equal parts practical and glamourous, a fur vest is a cold weather statement piece that will keep you warm throughout the winter without sacrificing style. Its versatility extends from cozy weekend-casual to workplace-appropriate and beyond. Styled with a silk blouse, distressed girlfriend jeans, and booties, the vest adds just the right amount of glamour to a look perfect for weekend brunch or a museum visit. When paired with black culottes, a turtle neck in of-the-moment Bordeaux, and ankle wrap wedges, the look is transformed to workplace appropriate. For evening, think about swapping the turtleneck with a cream, sleeveless shell and adding a pop of color with an oversize clutch or pointy-toe block heels and a statement earring. For a significant dose of glamour, add the fur vest atop a slip dress and a long lariat — a striking but refined nod to 90s dressing.
End-of-season is a great time to purchase a timeless outerwear piece. This Vera Wang vegan leather-accented wool coat is a versatile yet sleek addition to a winter wardrobe. While I love the look of a full- length coat, for me they are too constricting and just uncomfortable. The length of this coat — just above the knee — is flattering and allows for ease of movement. The vegan leather trim around the placket and on the arms adds just the right amount of edge while the “V” that is formed at the neckline when the coat is snapped draws the eye vertically, creating a slim line. I gravitate towards refined looks with an unexpected edge, and this coat fits the bill perfectly.
Blush tones continue to be a favorite accent color this winter and are now part of the “new neutrals” color palette. Pairing blush with cashmere in the form of an accent piece is pretty much cozy perfection and the ultimate in versatility. I draped this over a black sheath dress and added a few thin, gold, layered chains to create a work-appropriate look. Over a turtleneck or sweater with denim, this wrap adds a subtle pop of color, while draping this over a sleeveless or strapless dress for an evening out will keep the winter chill at bay while not overwhelming a dressier look.
