data deep dive
The 6 Most In-Demand Luxury Wardrobe Essentials - Backed by Data
what is timeless?
In a world of constant fashion churn, what actually lasts becomes most fascinating. What's left to wonder is not what brands push as 'timeless', but what people genuinely keep reaching for year after year. What proves to be timeless?
So I dove into the data—analyzing luxury shopping patterns, resale reports, and search trends—to find the pieces that truly stand the test of time. No guesswork, just evidence of what people actually want and keep.
The Shift Toward Investment Dressing
The numbers tell an interesting story. Searches for "investment wardrobe" jumped 78% in the past year, according to Google Trends. Meanwhile, the RealReal's latest report shows people holding onto quality pieces longer, and Rebag's data reveals classic items maintaining up to 90% of their value.
This isn't just fashion theorizing—it's a measurable shift. McKinsey's State of Fashion report confirms that 75% of luxury shoppers now prioritize quality over quantity. We're buying less, but better.
Here's what people are actually investing in right now:
1. The Logo-Free Structured Bag
The data on handbags is particularly telling. While logo-heavy styles cycle in and out of favor, structured bags with minimal branding consistently hold their value. Rebag's analysis shows these pieces maintaining up to 90% of their original price on the resale market.
What's fascinating is the 250% increase in searches for "quiet luxury bags" last year. People aren't just buying differently—they're actively seeking out understated quality.
Brands worth considering
Savette's Symmetry Pochette, with its architectural hardware and clean lines
Everything The Row, of which multiple of its bags sell out consistently despite minimal marketing - such as The Row 90s bag on the right
Pre-loved Hermès Kelly (if budget allows)—still the ultimate investment after all these years
2. The Tailored Coat That Elevates Everything
A well-made coat might be the smartest investment in your wardrobe. Search data shows "luxury wool coat" queries up 300% since 2023, and resale platforms report these pieces maintaining 70-90% of their value.
What stands out in the data is how dramatically outerwear sales have outpaced other categories, with a 54% increase in 2023 alone. People are clearly prioritizing pieces that make an immediate impact.
Worth considering
Khaite's coats bridge the gap between statement piece and everyday essential
The Row's coats bring precise proportions and a flawless drape
Totême has good pieces which somehow look both current and timeless
3. The Quality Knitwear People Actually Wear
The numbers on luxury knitwear tell a compelling story. Sales rose 43% in 2023, while cheaper alternatives saw declining interest. Even more telling: pre-loved designer sweaters from brands like Khaite and The Row maintain about 80% of their retail value.
This suggests people are experiencing the difference quality makes in this category—and they're willing to pay for it.
Worth considering:
Leset's knit sets, which offer versatility beyond what most luxury pieces provide
Khaite's Scarlet cashmere sweater, which combines structure with softness
The Row's Sibel sweater—understated but immediately recognizable for its quality
4. The Tailored Trousers That Work Harder Than Everything Else
The 120% increase in searches for "tailored luxury trousers" reflects a broader return to polished dressing. What's interesting in the resale data is how consistently high-end trousers hold their value (60-80% of retail), especially compared to denim and casual pants.
People seem to be rediscovering the power of a well-cut pair of pants to elevate everything else in their wardrobe.
Worth considering
Khaite always has a strong collection of well-tailored trousers, which somehow look both relaxed and refined
The Row's Zeyn pleated trousers, which drape perfectly from day one
Totême's T-Lock pants, balancing structure with modern ease
5. The Classic Shirt That's More Than Worth It
The humble but architectually formed shirt reveals something interesting in the data. While affordable versions are everywhere, searches for "perfect white shirt" increased 95% last year. People are recognizing that this seemingly simple piece can make or break an outfit.
What's telling is how luxury shirts hold their value on resale platforms compared to trendy tops that quickly lose their appeal.
Worth considering
Most promising upcoming luxury house FFORME has a collection of impeccable shirts.
The Row's Calyx shirt, which feels substantial in a way mass-market versions never do
Totême's Signature shirt, with its precisely calibrated oversized fit
6. The Versatile Dress That Never Sits Unworn
The 140% increase in searches for "luxury knit dress" points to a desire for pieces that bridge casual and formal contexts. The RealReal reports these selling faster than occasion-specific dresses, suggesting people want versatility from their investments.
The 52% growth in minimalist eveningwear sales further confirms this shift toward adaptable luxury rather than single-occasion pieces.
Worth considering
Khaite's dresses, which somehow look both comfortable and sculpted
The Row's midi dresses, which work for nearly any scenario
Leset's Rio dress, offering simple lines with unexpected details
The Real Meaning of Investment Dressing
What all this data points to isn't just a list of 'must-haves'. It's evidence of a fundamental shift in how people approach their wardrobes. The pieces that actually last—both in terms of construction and relevance—aren't the ones with the most hype. They're the ones that solve problems, that work in multiple contexts, that make everything else look better.
If you're building a wardrobe meant to last, these six categories offer the highest return on investment, according to what people actually buy, keep, and value over time.
Here's our round up of best picks for investment dressing that actually prove to last.
