21 Classic Fashion Pieces That Are Worth Investing In

Whether worn by the royals (The Duchess of Cambridge and The Queen are both fans) or by the fashion crowd (think Alexa Chung and Kate Moss), the trusty Barbour is still the ultimate in relaxed, practical country chic. Photo: Getty

Burberry's signature check is famed the world over, and its scarf - perhaps due to its accessibility - is still one of its more popular pieces. Photo: Getty

When Yves Saint Laurent first designed the Le Smoking suit, it was nothing short of revolutionary in terms of women's fashion. Previously it was thought inappropriate and unseemly for a woman to wear trousers, but Saint Laurent broke the rules creating a look that was empowering and nonchalantly glamorous.

Diane von Furstenberg first designed the iconic wrap because she wanted a zip-free dress that meant she could leave suitors early in the morning without waking them. Flattering and effortless, the wrap dress will never go out of style. Photo: Getty

Born in the 70s, Cartier's Love Bracelet is a subtle yet feminine jewellery piece that never upstages an outfit, adding an understated elegance.

If you're going to invest in a watch, it would wise to remember that few have remained as consistently desirable and sophisticated as a Rolex. This a piece to hand down to generations to come.

No woman's wardrobe is complete without a Breton and Saint James were the first to offer the famed iconic striped knit. Originally worn by sailors, fishermen and yachtsmen, the style was brought to the fashion world by Coco Chanel, who was a fan of the coast.

Fashionable sunglasses styles come and go, but few have remained as enduringly chic at the Ray-Ban Aviators.

Miuccia Prada first launched her take on the humble backpack in 1984 and it is still the ultimate go-to for those days where a handbag just won't do.

There's something about a camel coat that spells luxury, elegance and timelessness and no one does it better than Max Mara.

Manolo Blahnik's decorative court shoes have become a go-to for women who want to dress up their look without trying hard. It's a true classic.

Whether worn with high-waisted jeans like a 90s style hero or with a floral tea dress and utility boots, a leather jacket adds a rebellious, tough edge to every ensemble.

The Queen has long known the value of Gucci loafers, often pairing them with her midi-length pleated skirts and headscarves. Twenty years on, the fashion world has caught up - its latest backless incarnation are seen on the feet of countless editors every Fashion Week.

Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, James Dean and Johnny Depp were the original poster children for Levi's 501s, a clear indicator of their cool kid allure. Boyish, nonchalant and with a rebellious air, they're the antithesis of groomed, high-maintenance fashion.

Over 30 years have passed since Hermès first created Jane Birkin's namesake bag and it still remains the most exclusive accessory in the world. Shoppers ned a purchase history in an Hermès store just to get started, then staff will meet with you, assess how serious you are about spending, and then you go on their list.

The Fendi baguette bag first found fame in Sex and the City, after Carrie Bradshaw gave it her patronage. It fast become the It bag of the Noughties, and has recently been updated with embellished detailing.

Coco Chanel designed the tweed skirt suit as a way of freeing women from the restrained cinched-in silhouettes of the 50s. Still widely desirable today, the look is still sported by diverse high-profile women from Veronika Heilbrunner and Alexa Chung to Vanessa Paradis and Kendall Jenner.

Classic fashion pieces don't have to be expensive; Converse's Chuck Taylors (named after the US basketball player they were designed for) imbue an understated cool that has stood the test of time.

Kate Moss was the first to wear Calvin Klein's minimalist slip dress back in the 90s. It became a sartorial symbol for laidback, grunge chic and has recently been revived.

Instantly recognisable, Chanel's most iconic bag is yet to lose its allure, thanks its elegant timelessness and versatility.

The trench coat serves as the foundation of the Burberry brand and is as relevant now as it was when the label launched in 1856. Wear yours oversized and with sleeves rolled up for a modern look.