I got this question a while back, and I thought it would make a good post! Believe it or not, I do have clothes that are over two years old. I purge often and only keep things I truly love, but the older I get and the more investment purchases I make, the more I save from one year to the next.
To clarify, I realize that it is not unusual for a woman to keep clothes for more than two years. The question was asked of me because of my job. As a fashion blogger, I have to keep things current so I can link to them.
I’m a minimalist by nature, and I tend to wear my favorites over and over, so I don’t keep a lot of clothes in my closet that I’m not wearing regularly. I’m always moving older styles out of my closet to make room for the new, so the items that are more than two years old are things I truly love.
Things I’ve Had For 2 Years Or More (and Still Wear)
Everything I’m linking here was purchased before 2020. Fortunately, I never delete an email. I use gmail, and I just archive the emails I’m finished with. I can always search and find when I purchased something, what size I bought, how much I paid, etc. It comes in very handy in my line of work!
Splendid Kate V-Neck Tee // This tee is verrrry soft and so comfortable. I wash on cold and hang to dry, and it’s still in great shape. Size up, though. It runs really small; I have the medium.
BlankNYC suede moto // I looked back at my emails, and I have had this jacket since December of 2017! Honestly, I would have guessed 2019.
R Minkoff Crossbody // This bag also goes back to 2017. It actually made my Best Buys of 2017. Admittedly, I don’t carry it a ton anymore, but I do still have it because it comes in handy at times. I would carry it more if I hadn’t invested in the taupe YSL camera bag last year. It’s a great bag.
R Minkoff Mules // Wow, 2017 was a great year! I also found these in my Best Buys of 2017. I still look forward to getting these shoes out every fall season. They’re by far my favorite loafer mules ever. They’re so comfy, I love the shape, and really everything about these is spot on. I would love for them to bring them back.
Bernardo front zip leather moto // This jacket came from Trunk Club, also in 2017. It’s finally starting to show wear and tear, but I’m sure I’ll be wearing it again this winter.
Clare V. Leopard Foldover Clutch // I loved this bag from afar for months (maybe years) and I had a dupe that was okay, but I carried it so much that I decided it was worth investing in the real deal. I ordered it on a 30% off Shopbop sale back in 2016, and it has definitely come in handy over the years. It’s the perfect pop to any going-out outfit, whether it’s dressy or casual, and it’s such nice quality.
Burberry Short Finsbridge Quilted Coat // This one also harkens back to 2016! It’s another piece that I look forward to pulling out every year. I will never forget purchasing this jacket because it by far the most I have spent on a single clothing item, but it’s such a classic, and I predicted I’d have it for 10+ years. Well, I’m 5 years in, and I don’t see it going anywhere any time soon.
Tory Burch Miller Sandals // I bought the sand patent in 2016, and I still wear them, although I reach for the light makeup more often these days. They were purchased in 2018, so both of them are well over two years old.
Vince Camuto denim jacket // This denim jacket goes back to 2016 as well. It finally was discontinued this summer, which is such a bummer. I wear it so much, and I hate that I can no longer link it.
KUT from the Kloth Helena denim jacket // And speaking of denim jackets, I guess I haven’t worn this a ton this summer, but my daughter often borrows it. Does that count? I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t worn it more; I just haven’t been reaching for it.
Marc Fisher LTD ‘Yale’ Chelsea Boot // (There’s that leather jacket again!) I purchased these in the fall of 2019, and I think I wore them more last year than I did the year I bought them. I look forward to bringing them out again this season. The shaft isn’t as high as some, but it works, and I like how they keep my skinnies looking modern.
AG Farrah Skinny Ankle Jeans // I’ve had the Farrah in several different washes over the past five years, and the only reason the ones I currently have and wear aren’t more than two year old is that I downsized during the spring of 2020. This is my current favorite pair.
Eileen Fisher dress // I don’t have a link, but this dress is two years old. I bought it during the 2019 Anni Sale, and I wear it to church at least once a month in the summertime.
Paige Mayslie Slim Cargo Pants // These were a 2019 purchase, and I still wear them on repeat pretty much 3 months out of the year. Funny, the denim jacket and Miller sandals in this picture are also tried and true wardrobe staples… and that Everlane tote is still going strong as well. My daughter uses it now, though. Oh, and I still have and wear those Maui Jim sunnies.
Veja Esplar Sneakers // I’ve had these since spring of 2019, and they’re still going strong! I haven’t worn them as much this summer, but I expect they’ll be on rotation again this fall.
Vince Textured V-Neck Sweater // One of my favorite 2019 #NSale purchases is this Vince sweater that I wear a couple times a week during the winter and spring. When I pull my sweaters out of storage in a few weeks, I’m sure I’ll find a few more that are over two years old.
The North Face Miss Metro II Water Repellent Hooded Parka // This was another 2019 #NSale purchase. It’s my main winter coat, and this will be the third year in a row I’ve worn it.
Club Monaco Senella booties // These go back to 2018, and they’re my favorite going-out bootie. Granted, they didn’t get much airtime last winter, but I’m excited to wear them again this year.
Theory Relaxed V-Neck Sweater // Ahhh… I knew there were more sweaters. This was a splurge back in 2018 and I wear it several times a week during the cold weather months.
The North Face Laney II Trench Raincoat // My favorite fall/spring raincoat was a 2018 purchase. It’s a classic that I’m sure I’ll have for many more years.
I’m sure there are more, but that’s what I came up with for now! I’m happy to answer questions about sizing or anything else, if you drop them in the comments.
Stay In Touch!
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox. Also, I’d love for you to join my Facebook Group!
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!
33 Responses
I could probably tell hair raising stories of all the items I still have and wear that are over 10 years old! I like classic pieces and rarely keep anything that I buy unless I really love it. Still loving my NF Laney trench, such a good weight and is also cozy, don’t think it will ever go out of style. Purchased the Bernardo leather jacket in saddle which is very pretty from the Rack at end of season this year, can’t wait to wear it but if I could find the exact one you have on in black would love to have it also. Hope your travels are going well and that Caroline is all settled at school, she will be fine!
A bit worried about you all since that area has hurricane/tropical type storms coming! Saying a prayer for you guys! I hope you will be safe!
Thanks, Amy. It should be mostly rain, but will definitely make for a stressful drive. We’re trying to decide if we should leave this afternoon or tomorrow.
It’s fun to see my question as a blog post. The items you kept all seem to be classic pieces that are definitely worth buying quality. I need to keep that in mind while I shop.
What a clever idea for a post. I also have a couple of items you listed– and am still wearing/using like the Paige olive joggers and the Everlane bag. It seems like the high-end items are the ones I keep, too. I need a fall-weight casual trench and am disappointed that the Laney II seems to be sold out everywhere. I may try TNF Westoak City Trench.
Hugs, thoughts and prayers to you and your daughter as you reach this milestone. It is an emotionally challenging time! Three years ago we sent our daughter off to the UK as new teacher to teach in a London high school. She is back again and the adventure created an amazing woman and a very competent teacher.
I loved this post! It really shows where money is well spent. I am currently trying to buy less of higher quality and have already noticed the difference in how things look, hang and how well they last. I bought an investment piece 14 years ago sheep skin coat for winter. This year I thought I should consider replacing…not ready to let it go! I just check it because of this post and it shows very limited signs of wear so one more year!
Loved this post! It makes me hopeful that some of my more pricey purchases will still be relevant in a couple of years. Take care!
I love the Marc Fisher Yale boot! What size do you have? I’m between sizes so am not sure which of my two sizes I should order.
I’m not at home and can’t remember. I think I sized up half.
Hey Sara, correction! I was able to find my receipt in email – they are the 8. I do recall that they fit a tad snug with socks on, but I think they’re pretty true to size.
These are my favorite too because they are classic pieces in classic colors. The common denominator is black and taupe.
Good luck today! I’m wondering if Caroline has a specified amount of time to get her things moved from the vehicles into her dorm room. That is how most of the colleges down here are doing it, especially this year. The excitement in the air will overshadow the gloomy weather. This was an interesting post. I snickered when you referenced buying more investment pieces, the older you get because I am right the opposite. 😉 However, I know that I have items in my closet that are at least 2+ years old.
She had an hour to get everything out of the car, but then we could stay as long as we wanted. It was plenty of time b/c they had so many people helping.
I love my suede moto jacket!!!
This is such a fun post! With all the clothes in and out of your life it is fun to see what gets a more “permanent” home in your closet. This post along with the posts of what you actually wear keep you “real” in my eyes—you’re just a regular person who wears the same thing over and over, just like we do. Knowing that keeps the envy away! 🙂
Your “toddler” items are all fab!Jolynne, you’re a super smart shopper. I’ve been doing a lot less shopping lately, and actually 2017 was a big shopping year for me with lots of favorite purchases I still wear lots. That said, I have several things in my closet that are WAY older. One skirt—2004! I haven’t been wearing it every season…it kind of goes in spurts, but I get compliments every time I wear it. I also have an amazing Michael Kors snake print trench coat from the early “00’s, too. We don’t have a lot of trench coat weather hers, so it doesn’t get all that much wear.
I’m kicking myself for never buying that VC jean jacket!!! Most of my clients own it, lol. I did find similar ones at Dillards and Bloomingdales, but I’m pretty sure the styling is a little different. I may take the plunge and buy the AG one this fall.
if that black moto jacket is real leather, should one expect it to last only a few years before showing “wear and tear”? I was under the impression that leather jackets lasted indefinitely. So far I only “go faux,” since I live in north Texas and I’m not a big coat person anyway, but I might splurge if I thought it would last practically forever. Not so sure I would take the plunge for only a few years. I looked and looked for something similar to that taupe suede moto jacket but so far haven’t had any luck.
I was surprised to see you say you wear the two sweaters multiple times per week in the winter given the size of your wardrobe.
I found this post very interesting!
Leather eventually starts showing some wear around the edges, but I suppose it’s part of the charm. Also, it wasn’t a super high quality leather jacket. I’d be happy to get 5-7 years out of it.
Great finds to have around for years more. I love all you styled. I have many clothes that I’ve had for years. I always wondered how bloggers could afford to buy new every year and I like so many things I have, I’d not want to purge each year. I still love skinny jeans on you. I don’t think we all should be giving them up. I’m not ready to. I’m glad you made it to the college and hope today is a blessed day for you all. We just got dreary, rainy weather today too. Its been so hot and sunny.
PS Last night when I was watching the news and heard about the hurricane/storm heading up the coast, I stopped and said a little prayer for you all.
Thanks, Kathy. I can’t believe that we are doing this drive again in a dang hurricane. It was only a month or so ago that we drove home from Maine in this same situation.
I find this post funny – not at you at myself! I mean, I’m not a fashion blogger, and in 2020 I started working from home, and that has become permanent. (I know I’m lucky. I am living the dream of being able work/live in yoga pants. This dream is a nightmare for the waistline…stretchy pants lie!) I have always kept clothes and only buy new ones when needed – the vast majority of my clothes are 2+ years old. If you buy quality items they really hold up. I do trade out items as they wear out or go really out of fashion. I also keep myself to a rule – anything I purchase needs to “go with” at least 2 outfits I already have. I can’t tell you how many things I have bought that I never wear because they match nothing else I have. I do purge, but I do really try to wear what I have and but new only when I really need to. Of course, if I had a fashion blog it would have to be a shop-your-closet one and it would be really sad after a few posts. LOL!
I really do like all of the reviews – when I do research for new items I do follow your advice/recommendations. It helps!!!
I love this post. I knew you had the denim jacket for a while because you have mentioned it before. It’s nice to know our bloggers hold onto things they really love. I have so many clothes that I wore to work that I really loved and it’s been hard to let things go since retiring. I have done ok with it but have a lot more to eventually let go.
Well,well,I must be a rara avis😂,because I keep things in my closet which are up to ten/fifteen years old!😳I may venture to say that I even keep two coats which are like twenty years old???But they are all coats from an extremely high quality and they’ve been worn and reworn once and again and they are almost like the first day I bought them…I have always prioritized quality over quantity.Guess that’s the secret!😜
Of course, most people do. The question was asked of me because of my job and how many new clothes I purchase each season. 🙂
Yes,I understand.In your case,being a Fashion blogger must imply having lots of clothes to show many different outfits to inspire us, your followers.And it also means having to purge your closet frequently because,otherwise it would be chaotic😂.My best wishes to you and specially to Caroline in this new thrilling time of her life.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Hey Jo-Lynne, you’re in my neck of the woods! Best of luck to your daughter this year. Boston is such a fun place to go to school. My husband works at Harvard and he said it was a zoo yesterday with all of the kids returning. I’m just so happy to see all of the students back!
Just a warning that the drive back without them can be tough. I know she was home alot more than some kids (because I believe she did cyber-school) so it makes sense that it will feel a bit empty without her. It is fun to be able to focus on your younger one for a bit and start a new family dynamic with them. Encourage your younger daughter (subtly of course lol) to communicate with her sister. My girls really got close when the older one left! They would facetime for hours doing that “hang out” thing where they are doing their own things but have facetime open. It was weird to me, but seemed right for this generation. My other advice: let them be the ones to reach out to you. I contacted my kids very little when they were in college. They would often call when they were walking somewhere and even though I know they were just using me to kill time I loved every call.
Hello!
Can you tell me what animal print tee you are wearing with your Vince Camuto blue denim jacket? I love the way it looks with the denim.
Thanks!
Frankie
It’s ATM – from last years Nordstrom sale.
Did you know that Maui Jim has an awesome repair program? You can mail in your sunglasses to replace any damaged part. The prices are very reasonable, certainly much less than a new pair.
Yes! Such a great company.