The Ultimate Guide to Designer Clothes: What’s Worth Buying & What Appreciates in Value

Not all designer clothes are created equal. While some luxury pieces become treasured wardrobe icons—or even appreciate in resale value—others lose appeal quickly after a single season. This guide explains how to navigate the world of designer fashion: what’s worth your investment, which pieces retain or gain value, and how to shop smart for your body and your budget.

We’ll also show you how Tellar.co.uk removes the guesswork from sizing—so your investment pieces actually fit right the first time, no returns, no tailoring disasters.

---

1. What Makes a Designer Item Worth Buying?

There are three core reasons people invest in designer fashion:

• Quality and longevity

• Brand prestige or exclusivity

• Resale value and appreciation

But which items are truly worth it? Focus on pieces that offer a blend of:

• Timeless silhouettes (vs. micro-trends)

• Craftsmanship and premium materials

• Iconic branding or heritage design

• Proven resale history or rarity

---

2. Designer Items That Appreciate in Value

While most fashion depreciates, certain pieces hold—and even grow—in value, especially when well-maintained.

A. Iconic Handbags

Luxury handbags from heritage houses consistently outperform the stock market in terms of resale. Key brands:

• Hermès – Birkin & Kelly bags can double or triple in price, especially in rare leathers or colours.

• Chanel – The Classic Flap and Boy Bags appreciate due to regular price hikes and limited releases.

• Louis Vuitton – Limited-edition collaborations (Yayoi Kusama, Supreme) are strong performers.

Tip: Look for items with original packaging, receipts, and pristine condition to maximise resale potential.

B. Outerwear

High-end coats and jackets with timeless design and recognised labels tend to retain value.

• Max Mara camel coats

• Burberry trench coats (Made in England editions)

• Moncler puffers and Canada Goose parkas

These pieces are especially valuable in colder climates or on resale platforms with seasonal trends.

C. Limited Edition or Archive Pieces

Designer capsules and vintage runs appreciate over time, particularly from:

• Maison Margiela Artisanal collections

• Prada runway pieces (1990s–early 2000s)

• Jean Paul Gaultier archival prints

They’re sought after by collectors and stylists due to rarity and fashion history.

---

3. Designer Items Worth Buying for Longevity (Even If Not Appreciating)

Some designer items don’t rise in resale value—but still offer excellent cost-per-wear and timeless style.

A. Tailored Blazers

A perfectly structured blazer from brands like Saint Laurent, The Row, or Alexander McQueen flatters all figures and elevates any outfit.

Explore our guide:

👉 The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Blazers by Body Type

B. Designer Shoes (Selective)

Avoid delicate seasonal shoes. Focus on:

• Chanel ballet flats

• Gucci loafers

• Manolo Blahnik pumps

  These are perennial bestsellers with high comfort and resale appeal.

C. Cashmere and Wool Staples

Luxury knitwear from Loro Piana, The Row, or Joseph provides both style and durability if properly cared for. Look for:

• Heavy ply (2-ply or higher)

• Combed yarns (less pilling)

• Label transparency on fibre content

---

4. When Not to Invest: Designer Pieces That Depreciate Quickly

Some categories simply don’t hold value:

• Logo-heavy seasonal trends (e.g., Balenciaga logo tees, one-season prints)

• Synthetics or poly blends from luxury brands (quality ≠ label)

• Catwalk-only oddities (hard to wear IRL, poor demand)

Tip: Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s worth buying—invest in design, cut, and versatility, not just brand.

---

5. Designer Fashion by Body Shape & Sizing Realities

Before you splurge, make sure you’re buying what suits you. Many luxury brands design for a narrow size range. For example:

• Céline (old) and Chanel often run small in shoulders and bust.

• The Row and Totême offer oversized styles ideal for tall or column shapes.

• Alexander McQueen tailoring suits hourglass and athletic bodies but can require alteration.

See:

👉 Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

---

6. How to Shop Designer Pieces Smarter

A. Know Your Size Across Brands

Luxury brands are infamous for inconsistent sizing. A UK 10 in one may be a 12 in another.

Enter Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading free sizing tool, which matches your body to 1,500+ brand size charts instantly.

Just enter your bust, waist, and hips—or your size in a known brand—and Tellar tells you your best size in Chanel, Reiss, COS, Arket, and more.

✅ Always free

✅ In-browser, no app needed

✅ Includes petite and tall fit differences

✅ Download a free printable measuring tape

➡️ Create your free profile today

➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup tool

---

7. Where to Buy Investment Designer Fashion

Primary Retailers:

• MatchesFashion

• MyTheresa

• Net-a-Porter

• Harrods / Selfridges

Resale & Appreciation Platforms:

• The RealReal (US)

• Vestiaire Collective (UK/EU)

• Cudoni (UK-based, curated reselling)

• Hardly Ever Worn It

Always check item condition, authenticity certification, and return options—especially for high-value pieces.

---

8. Designer Brands with High Resale or Appreciation Potential

---

9. Care Tips to Preserve Value

To keep your investment piece in top condition:

• Store in dust bags and original boxes

• Use cedar or acid-free paper for knits and leather

• Never hang heavy knitwear—it stretches out

• Clean professionally—dry clean or leather specialist

• Avoid fragrance and makeup transfer—this reduces resale value drastically

---

10. Tellar.co.uk: The Only Sizing Tool You Need for Designer Shopping

Sizing inconsistency is the top reason people return luxury purchases. That’s where Tellar.co.uk helps you shop smart—matching your body or your known brand size to 1,500+ brands in seconds.

No more guesswork. No returns. No tailoring surprises.

🟢 Works for UK, US & European brands

🟢 Get your real size in COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, & more

🟢 Always free, always accurate

🟢 Start now

Plus, explore our Fashion Hub, where we cover everything from:

• Wardrobe investments

• Brand fit breakdowns

• Seasonal and sustainable fashion

• Dressing by body shape

Key reads:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

• What Size Am I in Next?

• UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes

---

Follow Tellar

Stay updated on what to buy, how it fits, and how to build your ultimate wardrobe:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing