Every once in a while, spending a little extra money on fashion items that will last you forever can be a smart shopping move. Spending more on fewer items, rather than buying large quantities of cheap goods, can truly pay off over time.

Stylist-to-the-stars Cher Coulter -- who works with some of Hollywood's most fashionable celebrities, including Kate Bosworth, Nicole Richie and Elizabeth Olsen -- shares the wardrobe luxuries that every woman should have in her closet.

1. Outerwear: Black leather jacket
"A black leather jacket is great for throwing over any outfit in spring or fall," says Coulter. Forgo the cheaper pleather materials and spring for the real deal -- the difference is palpable. A 100 per cent leather jacket with minimal hardware can look chic for a lifetime of wear, and a leather jacket with clean lines can be dressed up or down and is an essential wardrobe luxury. The great thing about leather is that the more it's worn, the better it looks. Fit tip: Buy your leather jacket a bit snug. Over time, the leather will give and stretch a little bit to conform to your body shape.

2. Work wear: White oxford shirt
"A crisp white oxford shirt is a must," says Coulter. "Go for a boyfriend-style shirt with no darts and a slim fit." Spending a little extra money on a classic white button-up makes sense. Because these shirts are worn and washed so frequently, a high-quality option is your best bet. Look for Calvin Klein (the reigning king of minimalist basics) shirts at your local department store. Nothing beats the versatility of this style: Worn under sweaters or alone with statement jewelry, this classic take on menswear is quite possibly the chicest wardrobe staple of all time.

3. Accessory: High-quality sunglasses
"High-quality sunglasses with good UV protection are essential," says Coulter. A good-quality pair of shades will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and will have a better fit than budget lenses. Ray-Bans have been popular for decades for good reason: They're stylish, durable and safe for your eyes.

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4. Shoes: Classic black pumps
"To add sophistication and allure to any outfit, classic black pumps are key," says Coulter. Look for an almond-shaped toe (neither pointy nor round) free of details and you'll stay stylish year after year.

5. Fabric: Cashmere
"Cashmere pajamas for winter nights at home are both luxurious and cosy," says Coulter. As the chilly temperatures of winter loom before us, investing in cashmere pajamas is one of the nicest ways you can treat yourself this holiday season. Or for a more practical choice, opt for a cashmere wrap or Pashmina in a neutral colour. Cashmere is the perfect weight -- cosy for winter, but not too heavy for summer -- so you can make use of it all year round. Cashmere sweaters are also a great investment. J.Crew is famous for their cashmere cardigans and, with newly opened J.Crew stores in Canada, this little wardrobe luxury is easier to come by than ever before.


Season to season, much of the clothing we buy is driven by fleeting trends, fast fashion and impulse purchasing. As the saying goes, you truly do get what you pay for -- so it's a smart idea to invest in little wardrobe luxuries that will stand the test of time. Although it can be difficult to justify the extra money spent on high-quality staples, your wallet will thank you in time when you're no longer breaking and buying 10 pairs of sunglasses a year, or patching up elbow after elbow of cheap cardigans. Invest in these five items and you'll be set for years to come!

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