A fashion expert reveals the pieces to invest in this season - and the ones to save on

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Does a bigger price tag mean better quality? Not necessarily, says fashion stylist Jessica Carroll. These are the pieces that you should always invest in...and the ones where you can save your pennies. 

SPEND

Yes, £600 for a bag is a lot. However, a timeless style made by craftspeople (like this Aspinal tote) will stay with you for ever, so it’s worth the investment. Also, plastic bags become tatty over time, but real leather looks cooler the more worn in it gets. 

SAVE

As one of the hardest workers in our wardrobe, trainers take a battering and, unlike other shoes, can’t usually be resoled, no matter how much they cost. That’s why these affordable Miu Miu dupes should go straight in your basket during your next food shop. 

SPEND

White T-shirts aren’t boring. In fact, if you invest in a good quality piece it can instantly elevate an outfit. YOU’s fashion director Sophie Dearden-Howell swears by the thick cotton and boxy cut of this Cos design. 

SAVE

What’s the longest you have gone without scratching, breaking or losing a pair of sunglasses? For me, it’s a couple of months. When you can get on-trend and affordable options (with UV protection!) for under £60, there’s no point buying designer. 

SAVE

Cheap denim with designer clout? Easy. For that quality feel, choose styles with a high cotton content, and go for a dark wash, which looks more expensive. 

SAVE

Nothing elevates a look like a chic belt and a decent leather one won’t bankrupt you. This piece is a dupe for Déhanche’s viral style. 

SPEND

For shapewear guaranteed to boost your outfit and confidence, too, it has to be the OG Skims. Three words: worth every penny. 

SPEND

Not just warmer and more breathable than polyester, a wool coat has a more structured finish. It’s also one item that really shows when it has cost a lot of money.

SAVE

With gold beyond most of our budgets (hello, over £3,000 an ounce), the savvy money is on pieces made with PVD plating, which don’t tarnish and look just as expensive as the real deal. 

SPEND

A forever dress can be styled up or down for any occasion. Although this one is purse friendly, the right dress is always worth splurging on. 

SPEND

We can’t lie, great-fitting kit is one of the gym’s biggest motivators. In other words, sack those saggy trackie bottoms. 

SAVE

You could spend hundreds on designer loafers and they would probably only last as long as this well-priced 100 per cent leather pair by M&S. 

SAVE

A Barbour-inspired wax-look jacket for under £50? Unheard of! Plus, unlike the original, this one’s washable so will stay looking its best no matter what. 

SPEND

Ankle boots in a neutral colour with a comfy kitten heel never go out of style, making a quality pair an investment piece.

SAVE

A cashmere knit that costs £800 still won’t be bobble-proof or moth-resistant. So get this cult high-street one instead. 

SPEND

The right glasses will take an outfit from bland to fashion-forward. And, when you’re sporting them every day, their cost per wear is extremely low, meaning a stylish pair is actually a snip.