A Few Pieces I’ll Wear for Life

When I first started revamping my wardrobe, my goal was to buy pieces I’d wear for life.

But I’ve learned that it takes time to really know your style. As I look back, there aren’t many pieces I bought two years ago that I’ve kept or would buy again.

Over time, I’ve gotten a better sense of my taste and the pieces I gravitate toward. Here are three that I’ve worn plenty, and could see myself wearing for life:

Buck Mason Chore Coat

I found this at Urban Jungle in Bushwick in late 2023. While I was trying it on, someone walked by and said, “That jacket was made for you.” It was in perfect condition too. Oh also it was only $12. It was an instant cop.

There’s so much to love about this coat. First, it’s functional. It has the 3 pocket design because it’s a chore coat. For example, now it’s my go-to travel coat because I can stash my passport, tickets, and receipts easily. Second, it’s versatile. I’ve worn it to conferences with black trousers, but I’ve also thrown it on with sweats for a Trader Joe’s grocery run. It combines the durability of a chore coat with the polish of a blazer. Absolute steal of a piece. And did I mention it was only $12?

3Sixteen Black Leather Side Zip Boots

NYC-based brand 3Sixteen dropped these boots in January 2024, and they sold out instantly. They’ve lived in my head rent free ever since.

When I saw they were restocking in April of last year, around my birthday, I figured it’d be the perfect gift to myself.

The boots dropped on Thursday at noon. I remember it distinctly because I was in Austin, Texas, at a customer onsite inside a construction trailer. At 11:59 AM, I told the team I needed a quick bathroom break. I stepped into the trailer bathroom, pulled out my phone, and bought the boots the second they dropped. At 12:05, all the boots were sold out. I bought them just in time.

I rarely buy pieces at retail, most of my wardrobe is vintage or secondhand, these boots are easily my most expensive clothing purchase, yet since I’ve worn them at least three times a week since buying them. The cost per wear is low.

I brush them after every wear and clean and shine them often. They’re comfortable, go with everything, and elevate every outfit. It’s a timeless style that won’t go out of fashion.

What I learned from these boots is I love pieces that are versatile and look better they more you wear it. They’re developing a rich patina, softening around the ankle.

Jil Sander Straight Raw Denim Jean

Like many fashion mfs, selvedge denim was my gateway into the menswear.

I spotted these at my local Crossroads Trading, hanging on the wall. I must’ve stared at them for five straight minutes. The wash was perfect, the cut was exactly what I was looking for, and the size looked right. I tried them on and they were slightly loose at the waist, but I knew my tailor could handle that.

When I looked them up, I found they retail for an eye watering $1100. They were selling them for 60$ at Crossroads. Sometimes I wonder who’s out here buying luxury pieces and donating them in perfect condition. This is up there in one of my best thrift finds.

Just like the boots, what I love about these jeans is how they elevate any outfit, and with raw denim, the fades and wear patterns develop uniquely over time. They only get better the more I wear them.