That all-consuming desire for the newest, latest and greatest never wanes. It is this very concept, after all, that drives fashion and we hungry, hungry consumers that keep the industry alive.

But what about the pleasure in wearing something deeply familiar? Totally underrated in my opinion. Some of my happiest wardrobe moments stem from times wearing clothing that has already been broken in.

Sure, the Lisa Ho watermelon silk chiffon dress I bought two years ago to wear to my sister’s engagement party felt great the first time but it felt even better when brought it out the next time, and the time after that. Maybe because I could relax in it, knowing how it felt next to my skin and moved as I walked.

Likewise the Jayson Brunsdon black satin dress I wore for my 30th birthday, a gold Cacharel frock purchased for a family event and a black Pierucci tux first worn to a friend’s wedding. All served their original purpose admirably but really came into their own on future wears.

The key of course is to have enough of these special pieces that you’re not calling them into service so often as to become bored. And knowing when to put them away for a season or four.

Sure, we all love wearing something new and shopping for a particular event can be satisfying but avoiding a panic purchase by reaching for a favourite item that has become a part of your life yet still looks as good as it did on the rack is incomparable.

It’s also a great excuse to spend a little more from time to time because generally the pieces you want to keep on wearing have a designer pedigree. Shop wisely and you’ll create a collection of exquisite pieces imbued with happy memories that you really might find yourself wearing forever.

Image credits: Pierucci., Lisa Ho, Jayson Brunsdon.