If your idea of a shopping nightmare is investing in a designer bag or pair of shoes only to see said item become oversaturated and no longer be “cool”, you’ve come to the right piece of content. Designer items are more expensive than ever (a lot more expensive, I might add), so, understandably, they’re purchases that most don’t take lightly. Speaking for myself, I can be a bit impulsive, but not when it comes to luxury items. I think about those long and hard. And the most important criterion that I consider is how timeless my potential purchases are.
If you’re thinking of making a new designer bag or shoe purchase, I’m here to offer a little assistance. I’m highlighting ten bags and ten pairs of shoes that are timeless enough to get years of wear. Keep scrolling to prep yourself for a smart luxury purchase (and shop the timeless options if you’re ready).
The Shoes
Manolo Blahnik Maysale Mules
Manolo Blahnik’s Maysale Mules have been around since 1991, which is a long time for a shoe to be popular. It’s a testament to how timeless and elegant these heels are. They come in several heel heights but I’m partial to the kitten heels.
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale 70mm Buckle Suede Mules
Gucci Jordaan Loafers
Even though Gucci’s Jordaan Loafers have significantly crept up in price over the years, I still think that they’re worth it. I’ve owned mine for probably seven years and they still look chic and elevated—even when they’re a little beat up. Plus, you won’t find a more comfortable pair of loafers.
Gucci
Jordaan Bit Loafers
Gucci
Gucci Jordaan Loafers
Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals
Saint Laurent’s Tribute Sandals have sparked a million imitators, but none compare to the quality of the originals. Next to Hermès Oran Sandals, they’ll forever be the ultimate vacation sandals.
Saint Laurent
Woven Leather Sandal Slides
Saint Laurent
Tribute Mules in Suede
Miu Miu Ballerinas
Miu Miu Ballerinas haven’t been around quite as long as some of the other styles on this list, but they’re well on their way to becoming classics as well. Miu Miu continue to release the instantly recognizable flats in new iterations, with my current favorite being crochet.
Miu Miu
Crochet Bicolor Ballerina Flats
Miu Miu
Leather Ballerina Flats
Chanel Slingback Pumps
There are several iconic Chanel shoes that could’ve made this list, but the Slingback Pumps get my vote. They make every single outfit look more elegant and are surprisingly comfortable.
Chanel
Interlocking CC Logo Leather Slingback Pumps, Size 38
Chanel
Leather Slingback Pumps, Size 37.5
The Row Bare Sandals
There may be newer, trendier The Row shoes out there, but the minimal, versatile Bare Sandals are as good as it gets. You’ll never be scrambling to find a pair of shoes to wear to a wedding or date again—these are it.
The Row
Bare Leather Sandals
Jimmy Choo Romy Pumps
Jimmy Choo
Romy 100 Suede Pumps
Jimmy Choo
Romy 85 Mesh and Leather Pumps
More often than not, when a celebrity wears a pair of pumps on the red carpet it’s Jimmy Choo’s Romy Pumps. They’re as classic and flattering as it gets.
Khaite Dallas Boots
Khaite
Dallas Ankle Boots in Black Suede
Khaite
Dallas Suede Cowboy Boots
Few things in life are guaranteed but something that is is that whenever Khaite Dallas Boots restock, they will sell out. They’ve shown just how chic Western wear can be—even before Beyoncé did.
Toteme Leather Flip-Flops
Toteme’s kitten-heel flip-flops are incredibly simple, and that’s why fashion people love them. They add a certain cool factor to summer outfits with minimal effort.
Toteme
Leather Flip Flops
Toteme
The Flip-Flop Leather Heels
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerinas
Without a doubt the cool-girls ballet flats, Maison Margiela Tabis have a cult following that rivals all the other ballet flats on the market. They’re a bit off-kilter, and that’s what we all love about them. Don’t sleep on the new satin iteration.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballet Flats
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ballet Flats
The Bags
Gucci Jackie Bag
Gucci’s re-invention of popular bags from is archives continues to pay off, with the Jackie Bag being an instant hit. The timeless shoulder bag has countless celebrity fans.
Gucci
Jackie 1961 Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Loewe Puzzle Bag
Loewe’s Puzzle Bag was an instant hit that’s remained popular year after year. It’s spawned many off-shoots, including the sought-after Puzzle Fold Tote. You can be confident with your choice to purchase one as it’s a timeless option that’s perfect for day or night.
Loewe
Puzzle Edge Small Top-Handle Bag in Leather
The Row Half Moon Bag
The Row’s It bags are always nearly impossible to find in stock (ahem, The Margaux), including ones that came out years ago. One of those is the Half Moon Bag, which first graced us with its presence in 2014. The subtly luxurious shoulder bag is one you’ll continue to reach for year after year.
The Row
Half Moon Leather Shoulder Bag
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
Never has the fashion world loved a logo-less bag more than Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo Bag. The braided tote with its subtle signature hardware look incredibly luxurious.
Bottega Veneta
Small Andiamo Intrecciato Leather Chain Bag
Prada Galleria Bag
It’s rare to meet a Prada bag that isn’t utter perfection, but some are more timeless than others. If it’s longevity you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with the Galleria Bag. The structured satchel is as elegant and practical as it gets.
Prada
Medium Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag
Chanel Flap Bag
It’s safe to say that every luxury handbag collector has at least one Chanel Flap Bag in their collection. It’s the most iconic, coveted, and recognizable designer bag on the planet.
Chanel
Chain Shoulder Bag, Quilted Caviar
Khaite Lotus Bag
Khaite’s Lotus Bag is the ultimate throw-it-all-in-and-go bag. I’m partial to the mini size, which still holds a ton despite its small size.
Khaite
Lotus Mini Suede Tote Bag
Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Shoulder Bag
Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Shoulder Bag hasn’t been around for all that long, but I think it’s a instant classic. It’s the perfect option if you want an understated logo bag. Celebs like Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber count themselves as fans.
Saint Laurent
Le 5 à 7 Supple Small Leather Shoulder Bag