Cost Per Wear is the principle I adhere to—5 wardrobe investments I'll always appreciate.

      Bettina Looney serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, as well as a stylist, tastemaker, entrepreneur, and creative consultant known for her refined perspective and wide-ranging influence across industries. With a focus on fashion, interiors, and beauty, she effectively transforms style into meaningful substance through her private styling service, The Bettina Looney Edit.

      Lately, I base my decisions on the cost per wear. This concept works for me as my own version of "girl math," offering a logical framework when faced with intimidating price tags. If I can convince myself that I’ll wear a coat 1,001 times before it wears out, the expense feels less like frivolous spending and more akin to a lesson in personal finance—at least concerning my closet’s economics.

      Honestly, I believe the cost per wear principle is effective. Those trousers I don three times a week? They’re the best investment I’ve ever made. The silk dress that’s accompanied me to weddings, dinners, lunches with friends, and vacations? It’s practically earning me money at this point. As I mentally tally these rewears, I grow increasingly confident that I've uncovered a hidden financial strategy.

      This reasoning around cost per wear has influenced my shopping habits. I find myself drawn to items that are likely to be worn frequently. The necklace I wear constantly, the dress that adapts to every event, the top I've worn far more times than I’d like to admit, and the bag that’s practically a tenant in my closet—these are the purchases I never question.

      Assessing the CPW truly aids in determining what’s worth buying and what isn’t.

      **Juju Vera Necklace**

      This necklace has essentially become my go-to accessory. I wear it with everything and it has seen so much use that it stands out as the ultimate cost-per-wear investment. Whether paired with denim during the day or layered over silk for an evening out, it consistently proves its worth in my wardrobe.

      **Shop the Necklace**

      **Juju Vera

      Petra Sterling Silver Shell Necklace in Silver**

      **Juju Vera

      Petra Sterling Silver Shell Necklace in Gold**

      **Tove Dress**

      I genuinely believe that some of the best dresses in my collection are from Tove. This new addition has impressed me with its versatility. Every time I wear it, it reinforces its status as a forever piece in my closet, ringing the cost-per-wear bell each time.

      **Shop the Dress**

      **Tove

      Kezia Draped Lamé Midi Dress**

      **Róhe Top**

      I’ve discovered that this top works as a dress as well, making it an even greater asset in my eyes. It not only meets the CPW criteria but is essentially a two-in-one item that I know I will reach for throughout the season.

      **Shop the Top**

      **Róhe

      Peplum Cotton-Poplin Bustier Top**

      **Toteme Bag**

      I’ve been using this bag non-stop. It’s structured and minimal, and it effortlessly elevates everything I wear. It epitomizes a forever piece, the kind of bag that quickly justifies its value—CPW approved!

      **Shop the Bag**

      **Toteme

      T-Lock Suede Clutch**

      **Toteme

      T-Lock Textured Leather Clutch**

      **TOTEME

      T-Lock Textured-Leather Clutch**

      **Jude Heels**

      Jude kept appearing in my Instagram feed, and I kept wrestling with the decision to buy them! Ultimately, they are worth every penny. These are the most comfortable heels I’ve worn in ages, and I love the peep toe so much that I ended up purchasing them in two different colors. Sure, this slightly lowers the CPW, but honestly, I can’t see myself taking them off for a long time.

      **Shop the Shoes**

      **Jude

      Date Mules in Pink Leather**

      **Jude

      Date Mule in Cacao Suede Leather**

      **Jude

      Date Mule in Red Leather**