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Staff Favorites: Cost-Per-Wear Wardrobe Essentials

Our Team Used The Cost-Per-Wear Trick To Round Up Their Most "Worth It" Closet Staples

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Welcome to Problem Solved, a series where we feature trending products that solve common problems and make your life better.

We get it—splurging on yourself in our current economy feels irresponsible. But shelling out upfront to get a little extra mileage out of a product in the long run is actually a good financial decision. Think of it this way: You can buy a $50 purse that falls apart and needs to be replaced after a few months, or you can spend a few hundred dollars on a designer bag that will hold up to years and years of use. 

Even if you agree with us, it can be difficult to determine which name-brand and luxury buys are worth the initial investment. For that reason, we asked our team to share the products that they love and use constantly—and boy, did they deliver. From a pair of denim shorts that have taken over our Top 10 denim lists to a little black dress that’ll never go out of style, shop the 20 products our coworkers own and use constantly. 

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February 8, 2024

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Collections feature quick, easy-to-shop roundups of data-backed products in trending categories. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

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Reformation Muse Tee

$38

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TEAM MEMBER: Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate
Price: $38
Times Worn: ~75
Cost Per Wear: $0.51

Having a go-to tee in your closet opens you up to endless outfit possibilities. Pair it with jeans or throw a blazer on top—there are no wrong choices.

Everlane The Cashmere Boxy Crew Sweater

$198

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TEAM MEMBER: Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate
Price: $198
Times Worn: ~100
Cost Per Wear: $1.98

Sweaters never go out of style, and quality cashmere can last up to 10 years, so this one is a no-brainer.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flared Pant

$118

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TEAM MEMBER: Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate
Price: $118
Times Worn: ~100
Cost Per Wear: $1.18

Designed for yoga but perfect for travel days, these flared lulu pants pair nicely with everything from oversized tees to tunic sweaters.

Vuori Hudson Insulated Jacket

$248

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate
Pricec: $248
Times Worn: ~150
Cost Per Wear: $1.65

Looking for an everyday outerlayer? Get some cool points with this cropped, relaxed style from Vuori.

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank

$68

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TEAM MEMBER: Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate
Price: $68
Times Worn: ~1000
Cost Per Wear: $0.07

Hit the gym or the streets in one of Beyond Yoga's best-selling bra tops. 

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal

$50

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Beth Zerdecki, Co-Owner
Price: $49.95
Times Worn: ~1200
Cost Per Wear: $0.04

Birks have been on the scene for hundreds of years, so we trust that they've perfected the sandal by now.

H&M Fitted Blazer

$40

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Beth Zerdecki, Co-Owner
Price: $39.99
Times Worn: ~300
Cost Per Wear: $0.13

Instantly upgrade any outfit with this fitted blazer; it looks just as good layered over a dress as it does atop a graphic tee. 

AYR The Deep End

$135

Buy Now

TEAM MEMEBER: Beth Zerdecki, Co-Owner
Price: $135
Times Worn: ~90
Cost Per Wear: $1.50

If you're a regular Rank & Style reader, you know how we feel about button-down shirts. If you're new, here's the gist: They're a non-negotiable closet essential.

Theory Demitria Pant

$215

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Beth Zerdecki, Co-Owner
Price: $215
Times Worn: ~90
Cost Per Wear: $2.39

These insanely flattering slacks are the perfect starter style for those interested in trying the wide-leg pant trend. 

Furla Metropolis Crossbody

$348

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Beth Zerdecki, Co-Owner
Price: $348
Times Worn: ~120
Cost Per Wear: $2.90

Everyone needs a functional evening bag to turn to at any time, and Furla's Metropolis bag is just that.

H&M Slim Mom High Ankle Jeans

$25

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Meredith Rimmer, Director of Content & Brand
Price: $25
Times Worn: ~100
Cost Per Wear: $0.25

A pair of jeans inspired by mom's best-fitting silhouette that rings up under $25? Sold.

Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Joggers

$118

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Meredith Rimmer, Director of Content & Brand
Price: $118
Times Worn: ~70
Cost Per Wear: $1.69

With a fabric blend named "Luxtreme," you know these joggers are going to make a regular appearance in your athleisure rotation.

Puma Carina Sneakers

$70

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Meredith Rimmer, Director of Content & Brand
Price: $70
Times Worn: ~200
Cost Per Wear: $0.35

Retro sneakers are trending in 2024, and Puma's Carinas understand the assignment.

Anine Bing Sweatshirt

$200

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Meredith Rimmer, Director of Content & Brand
Price: $200
Times Worn: ~75
Cost Per Wear: $2.67

Preppy, a little sporty, and oh-so-comfortable, Annie Bing's Sweatshirt has your back when you need a low-key layer.

Indah Francesca Mini Dress

$141

$99

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Meredith Rimmer, Director of Content & Brand
Price: $141
Times Worn: ~15
Cost Per Wear: $9.40

Three words: little black dress. The Francesca Mini Dress is ready to take on that role in your wardrobe.

Carbon38 High Rise Legging in Melt

$108

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager
Price: $108
Times Worn: ~120
Cost Per Wear: $0.90

Described as "melt-in-your-skin comfortable," these leggings might be just what you need to feel motivated to get a good sweat in.

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoe

$145

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager
Price: $150
Times Worn: ~175
Cost Per Wear: $0.86

Jog, walk, or run to your heart's content in HOKA's beloved Running Shoe, a pair that has an impressive 2,500+ 5-star reviews on Nordstrom's website.

AGOLDE Parker Long Short

$138

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager
Price: $138
Times Worn: ~100
Cost Per Wear: $1.38

This is a pair of shorts that's been all over our Top 10 lists. Find them in our roundup of the best black denim shorts, white denim shorts, and of course, classic denim shorts. 

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket

$70

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager
Price: $70
Times Worn: ~175
Cost Per Wear: $0.40

A premium down jacket under $80? That's enough of a selling point, but the water-resistant exterior helps seal the deal. 

Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boot

$150

Buy Now

TEAM MEMBER: Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager
Price: $150
Times Worn: ~300
Cost Per Wear: $0.50

Keep your feet warm, cozy, and cute in a classic pair of UGG mini boots. Choose a no-fuss neutral like Chestnut, or opt for a more colorful option like Eve Blue.

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Meet the new anti-aging super-ingredient for body care: quinoa oil.

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