By Eliza Huber
published
in Buying Guides
(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)
I'm not the type of shopper who buys things and doesn't wear them. Every item in my wardrobe gets plenty of airtime, whether I qualify it as a basic or a statement piece. If it doesn't, I'm quick to bid it farewell. Because of that, it should come as no surprise that the phrase "price per wear" comes out of my mouth a lot. For me, calculating the price of a garment, pair of shoes, or accessory based on how many times I put it to good use makes all the sense in the world. It's kind of my secret to creating a perfect wardrobe, and I'm fully prepared to tell as many people as possible about it.
Rather than explaining it with my own closet, I decided to showcase the price-per-wear shopping method with spring and summer pieces from Aritzia. For hours, I dug into the retailer's offering, going through practically every item that's currently available to shop and hand-selecting the ones that cost the least based on how often they'll get utilized. Of thousands of options, only 30 made the cut, ranging from personally vetted denim to easy dresses. Scroll down to see which pieces from Aritzia I think will, over time, pay for themselves.
Babaton
Forsee Dress
A simple white halter dress that can be worn to a co*cktail event, work, a brunch, or a party in the spring and summer months will always be a responsible buy.
Babaton
Courtship Jacket
I got this cropped blazer about a month ago and have already worn it at least five times. It's a perfect spring topper when the pieces underneath just aren't enough to make your outfit feel complete.
Levi's
Baggy Dad Jean
Every pair of Levi's in my closet gets a lot of wear, but the Baggy Dad style I own (aka this wash) is by far the one I grab the most.
Babaton
Sculpt Knit Savvy Tube Top
Everything in Babaton's Sculpt line feels so much more expensive than it is. This strapless, side-slit top is especially luxe, particularly in this muted color option.
Wilfred
Luminary Poplin Skirt
Whether you're typically a skirt person or not, if you add this white poplin midi into your closet this season, you'll end up wearing it a ton. It's perfect with lightweight sweaters or fitted blazers on chillier days and an easy tee or tank when it's warmer out.
Babaton
Sculpt Knit Leading Top
A high-neck tank just looks so much more put together and chic than a standard scoop-neck option. Don't you think?
Denim Forum
The 90s Cindy Bermuda Denim Short
I was never a Bermuda-shorts person until I actually bought a pair. Now I wear them all the time.
Babaton
Initiate Dress
Ever since I saw Sofia Richie Grainge in a white T-shirt dress from The Row not once but twice, I've been obsessed with the effortless frock.
Citizens of Humanity
Zurie Straight Leg Jean
I got these jeans about four months ago and have worn them at least 20 times since. I've tried a lot of jeans, and these are by far my favorite pair.
G.H.BASS
Whitney Weejun
If you want a pair of everyday flats but aren't a ballet-flat person, try Weejun loafers. They're timeless and comfortable, and they go with everything.
Babaton
Torrent Trench Coat
This trench will live a long life in your wardrobe—guaranteed.
The Group by Babaton
Wellbeing Linen Dress
I've actually been searching for a sort-of shapeless linen dress like this one for summer trips. I love the idea of wearing it with a big sun hat and ballet flats or thong sandals.
Aritzia
Essential Solid Brass Leather Belt
If you're not ready to splurge on a classic belt from The Row or Toteme, this $68 alt is a great leather-and-brass choice that provides the same timeless appearance at a quarter of the price.
Levi's
501 '90s Jean
Too lazy to sort through piles of vintage 501s but still want a pair of jeans you can wear day in and day out for years to come? Try these. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Babaton
Perception Linen Blouse
In the summer, there's no top I wear more often than a simple white linen button-down shirt. They go with absolutely everything and are extremely breathable when the temperatures rise to scorching heights.
Little Moon
Globetrot Linen Pant
Give me a pair of white drawstring linen pants, and I'll wear them 100 ways. In fact, you'll find it challenging to get me to stop wearing them.
Babaton
Kelly Skort
Skorts are everything shorts and miniskirts wish they could be. Just saying.
Babaton
A-List Dress
LBDs are known for being versatile and wearable, but this halter version feels especially so. In fact, I can't think of an occasion that it wouldn't work for.
Wilfred
Regal Vest
Lately, I've found myself replacing all of my simple tops with fitted vests of various styles. They look more professional and intentional. Plus, they're super on-trend.
Wilfred
Cobblestone Chino Pant
The shape of these chinos makes them feel super elevated and eye-catching, making them an obvious choice in a sea of options when it comes to black pants.
Babaton
Worldly Dress
If this dress were in my closet, I know for a fact that I'd default to it at least once a week.
Babaton
Bond Dress
If I were getting married this summer, I'd add this minidress into my wedding wardrobe somewhere and then proceed to wear it on my honeymoon and every weekend after that to brunch, museum dates, etc.
Babaton
Sculpt Knit Advance Top
I'm wholly convinced that this is the best-fitting tank I've ever owned—period.
Aritzia
The Effortless Pant Flex
Aritzia's Effortless Pant is a viral best seller for good reason. These are spectacular pants and you should probably buy a pair in every color.
Contour
Behold Halter Top
Halters might be having a moment right now, but that doesn't mean that when the next big thing comes around, you should ditch them. They're timeless and elegant—keep them forever.
Babaton
Sharpen Skirt
This pencil skirt is giving office-siren, Saint Laurent vibes that I know I'll want to give off for the rest of my life. So yes, it's coming home with me.
Babaton
Pivotal Pant
Yes, I did just find your new everyday pants. You're welcome.
Babaton
Fluid Dress
The fact that this black-and-white sundress hasn't sold out yet is nothing short of a miracle. It will—soon. So act fast and get one before it's too late.
Wilfred
Posh Tube Top
I have this strapless top in black and can't stop thinking about also getting the off-white version. It's really and truly perfect for all occasions and every season.
Babaton
Didi Pleated Skirt
Buy this skirt—you know you want to.
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Eliza Huber
Senior Fashion Editor
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns,Let'sGet a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW'smonthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for'90sPrada and'80sYves Saint Laurent.
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