5 fashion items that are worth the splurge and 4 that aren’t

It’s easy to overspend when restocking your closet. To smartly allocate your budget, stick to this rule: “If it’s an item you think will look as good on you in five years, it may be worth spending on,” says Jessie
Holeva, editor of TrendHungry.com, a Philadelphia-based fashion site. Not sure which clothes fit the bill? Here are

five pieces to invest in, and four you should buy inexpensively“You can pretty much wear it with anything,”
says Holevaand in any season. The versatile piece tops a flowing dress and feminine blouse as well as it pairs
 with jeans. Low-quality leather can tear and get discolored easily, so getting a high-quality jacket, which starts at about $300, is worth the investment. Pick a neutral color, such as black or brown, in a classic style. A short one with a tailored collar won’t look dated after a few years, explains Holeva. Consider long-lasting lambskin jackets, which look shiny and feel soft. While shelling out on what’s underneath seems like a waste, a bra is actually one of the most important investments, says Ginger Burr, a Boston-based image consultant who works with women over 40. When you wear a well-constructed, properly fitting bra, “lumps and bumps are minimized, your body is brought into balance and you look taller and slimmer,” says Burr, who

recommends women have at least four good bras. Look for ones that don’t fit too snuggly or too loosely around the torso and shoulders. Dump bras with straps that have stretched out with constant wear.A classic pair of dark, straight-leg jeans stays stylish season after season. Pricier denim maintains its shape and color, even after dozens of washes, because it has higher-quality threads and construction. Consider the cost-per-wear price to justify the expense, explains Holeva. “Jeans that cost $150 worn 150 times are only $1 per wear,” she says. Look for pairs that are soft to the touch and made from a medium-thick fabric of at least 98% cotton. Don’t pick washes that are too trendy: “Opt for all-American blue or black jeans,” says Holeva.