8 Substack Writers On Their Affordable, Longterm Fashion Favorites
8 Substack Writers On Their Affordable, Longterm Fashion Favorites
The requirements? Owned for 5 years and purchased under $200.
Longevity is a key metric in closet-building. Getting an item for a steal is great, but if it’s dropped off at Goodwill in four months, was it really a purchase worth celebrating? I love looking at the items in my closet that have hung there for five, ten years. And the part that rings that most true: it’s not always the expensive pieces that stand the test of time.
That’s why I tapped some writers on this platform I adore + admire to hear their take on the prompt: What's one item you've had in your closet for at least 5 years and spent less than $200 on?
Immediately, I think of my Dickie’s logging pants sourced from a general store in Vermont. The preloved paint-splattered overalls Ruby and I rescued from the Halloween rack from our favorite vintage store, long closed. My favorite (and highly washable) tshirts from none other than lululemon.
Let’s hear what everyone else went with + leave your own longterm shopping success stories in the comments.
Vivian Chen,
“I've had a pair of tomato red Martininano glove flats for over 5 years. I got them for just over $100 on eBay! (I remember being at the office at the time and scurrying to the bathroom so I could place my bid lol). As long as you get the bottoms soled with a vibram layer, they will last for a looooong time. And the softness of the kid leather is unmatched.”
These are the exact kind of brand I would stalk on Noihsaf, but in the meantime, here are a few on eBay, inspired by Viv.
Also $200, this time in a very classic black.
It’s not a perfect match, but I have lots of friends who swear by Mansur Gavriel AND they’re under $200.
Anna Newton, The Wardrobe Edit
“I bought this Uniqlo Heat Tech roll-neck over 10 years ago now and even though it’s not my most-reached for piece in my wardrobe, it’s something that I’m always grateful to have, especially during the winter season. Turtlenecks were under *everything* in Toteme’s AW show, so I’ll be sticking this under all my outfits for the next few months.”
You can match Anna for $25. And if you’re new to Heat Tech, it’s worth the hype.
Layering with a cashmere turtleneck is my personal definition of luxury. This one is under $60 on eBay.
Or, take your layering game up another level with this striped option from Kule.
Harling Ross,
“My vintage pinstripe overalls!”
Let’s find a few different options because overall sizing can be hell if you can’t try on IRL!
This black pair from TOAST is a little more dressed up, but that’s what makes it an incredible choice for people looking to bring the look into the office.
Super classic, brand new, under $100, and comes in sizes up to 2XL.
, As Seen On
“I can probably count the number of clothing items I've bought in the last two years on both hands, but when I lived in Portland I 100% had a shopping problem. I found this jacket on one of the many many thrifting dates my best friend and I would go on nearly every weekend. I was really into vintage leather jackets at the time and I remember walking into the dark thrift store one Saturday afternoon and closing in on this jacket almost immediately. I loved it, and it fit perfectly, and it costs like $40 dollars. I WAS IN LOVE. I don't wear it as often as I'd love to because it's not warm enough to keep me warm, but it's too warm to wear in the hotter months. There's like a one month window for this jacket but I make sure it earns its keep.”
Like Ochuko, I can’t get enough of vintage leather. Why anyone would buy it new is so beyond me. Here are some secondhand picks.
Sporty and simple! This is under $200.
I’m really into the color on this vintage Frye jacket.
I’m having too much fun with this. I think this will be a whole Tuesday letter very soon. This is vintage Eddie Bauer!
Jess Graves,
“I got a pair of Eyevan sunglasses from the Bergdorf Goodman men's department on sale for about $180 five or so years ago. They're consistently in my rotation due to how pragmatic they are from a sheer comfort perspective. They have super thin arms that give really nicely and don't feel tight on your head after a full day of wear, and the adjustable nose piece ensures I'm not pushing them up all day. They also look great, of course.”
This shape, plus the blue lens…I’m in love. And they’re $200.
Calling all the CBK fans. These are very much in that vein and under $100.
Ruby Smith,
“I've had this bag for six years and it is still in great shape! It's the better version of a tote bag. I like that there is no branding, zip closure, and two handle options. It is definitely one of the most worn items in my closet.”
Rubes bought me this bag years ago for a holiday gift. She’s the more practical of the two of us and of course, the first thing I did was embroider it with a monogram.
I think this busted LL Bean bag is so cool.
The XXL version of Ruby’s pick is this Land’s End bag I’ve been using for weekend trips and LOVING.
Casey Lewis,
“I got my first pair of Porselli ballet flats in Paris in 2017, and ‘I've never looked back’ is such a trite thing to say, but in this case, it's very true! Before buying them, I had spent so much money, cumulatively, on cheap ballet flats, but the quality and construction of these is just so thoughtful, and they look expensive, you know? I have a pair of Repettos, and I like them okay, but I think these are superior. The leather is just super nice, with a really excellent sheen, almost patent but not. I've had them resoled more times than I can count, and I've also bought a few backup pairs because I really do wear them so often. I wore them way before the balletcore moment we're in now, and I'll wear them long after the fad passes.”
Classic and cool—very Casey Lewis-coded.
The shape on this Madewell option is not quite as elegant, but for $100, it’s a pretty good comp.
Or go for a pair of preloved Repettos. These are $50!
Jessica DeFino,
“I bought this cropped, powder blue, faux-Mongolian lamb wool jacket from Forever 21 in 2013 and probably paid about $30 for it. I was 24 and broke in LA! I'm sorry! I don't buy new fast fashion anymore, but I do feel obligated to wear the fast fashion of my youth to death. This piece has somehow lasted over 11 years? And is still going strong?? I've worn it to a wedding over an evening gown, on Halloween as Edie Sedgwick, to my first date with my current boyfriend... It's the most cherished cheap piece of crap in my closet <3”
Here are some secondhand ideas inspired by Jessica’s truly iconic item.
If you’re into vintage fur, this coat is a masterpiece for $250.
Shrimps makes my favorite faux fur. I wore this print in another shape to my wedding reception! This one is under $200 on TRR.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon x
This is a great feature, definitely do more!
I've always considered myself a "good" shopper. Meaning, I generally buy within my means, shop sales, etc. But I have to tell you (and I'll let these other writers know too) that your substack (plus a few others, Harry Styles, Rabbit Fur Coat, Tiffanie Darke, 5 Things, etc) has complete changed the way I shop. I had 3 months of a no-buy (super easy for me in spring/summer bc who cares). Made a wish list of 5-10 new things for fall/winter and 100% stopped buying fast fashion or synthetic garments. When I shop, I shop eBay, TRR or thrift shops. "New" suede jacket? eBay! "New" Prada sweaters? TRR! Anyhow, I just want to let you know that you've made a difference!
I have a black Club Monaco dress that I bought in 1996! and I still wear it!