For the longest time, people will swear that their luxury purchase wasn’t just frivolous, but an “investment piece”. And while that can be true in theory, the resale market is not so forgiving. The resale market has developed into a beast of its own, expected to be valued at around $297 billion, according to Fashionphile’s 2024 Ultra-Luxury Resale Report. So some pieces might be able to make up their original resale value, or more, while others might get to half that number. It all comes down to history, brand relevance, and cultural weight. As the stock markets continue to fluctuate in regard to geopolitical tensions, while fashion stays steady and strong, investing in a handbag or watch just might be the way to go. It might just be a cute piece in your wardrobe but if you’re ever thinking of letting it go, you might just make some serious profits when you do. So, here’s our edit of fashion items that we actually consider as “investment pieces”.
Hermes | Birkin
The OG investment piece, this bag ironically appreciates in value the moment you purchase it. Out of all the pieces on this list, the Birkin is the most stable investment item here, consistently sitting at the top of the resale market. This rings true, even for Jane Birkin’s Birkin, which went for $10.1 million back in July 2025. Size, colour, use, and material will ask for different prices; according to reports by Vestiaire Collective, the Birkin 25 saw an increase in interest by 3%, whereas larger bags and the ‘2000s Jean Paul Gaultier shoulder Birkin have been consistently selling out the moment they hit resale sites.
Hermes | Kelly
Similarly, the Hermes Kelly bag is also a comfortable investment piece as the bag continues to be a rare find to purchase. Since 2016, the Mini Kelly has been the bag’s most popular iteration and 10 years later, it continues to stay that way, with resale site Rebag reporting that the Kelly Mini II was its 2025 top-performing handbag, holding 282% of its original retail value
Burberry | Trench Coat
A classic Burberry trench is made to last lifetimes. So as a wardrobe investment, it’s definitely a good deal. When it comes to resale, preloved websites mention the coat holding up to 70% resale value on the classic trench styles. Although not rare nor exclusive to get your hands on, the timeless style means it will continue to be in resale rotations, making it a safe investment piece.
Cartier | Tank Watch
While Cartier is normally known for their jewellery, their watches have had a steady hold on the watch-collecting community. And since 2022, their watches have been boosting in popularity, mainly backed by Gen Z buyers, according to a report by Chrono24. Within this all is the Tank, a Cartier icon. The rectangular design was one of the first to break from the round dials, creating the blueprint for the contemporary watch. This history alone is what makes the timepiece a worthwhile investment.
Chanel | Tweed Coat
Although Chanel produces tweed items every year, a tweed coat can still fetch a good price on the preloved market. This is because of the strong brand DNA associated with a Chanel tweed coat, combined with price increases and inflation. The coat in neutral colours are expected to resell even higher.
Van Cleef & Arpels | Alhambra Collection
High jewellery in general is a worthwhile investment due to the materials used. But with Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection, there is a combination of factors at play here. For starters, their pieces come with exquisite engineering not commonly found in other jewellery. Their setting style, known as Serti Mysterieux, places the stones onto thin gold rails, making the prongs holding them virtually invisible. Combine this rare setting with its timeless design and unique materials, and you can understand why these pieces stay high on the resale market.
Goyard | Saint Louis Tote
With approximately 35 stores in the world, most bags from Goyard become worthwhile resale pieces due to their exclusivity. Currently, the bag taking the charge is the Saint Louis Tote with preloved website Fashionphile reporting that the site saw a 400% increase in searches for the bag. It’s easy to see why. An open tote to carry the world, it is a timeless piece that suits most occasions. But it’s also caught the eyes of most fashion-forward people because the brand doesn’t go heavy on advertising, making their pieces an IYKYK moment.
Rolex | Datejust
The Birkin of watches, Rolex pieces have reportedly outperformed the stock market since 2010. In a study analysing data of pre-owned Rolex sales, the study found that Rolex prices have increased by over 550%, rising from approximately $2,000 (approximately Dhs 7,345) in 2010 to $13,426 (approximately Dhs 49,307) in 2025. Among these sales, the Datejust model was the brand’s most coveted, appreciating at 639%. So if you’re still unsure whether to get the timepiece, just remember that this investment holds better than the S&P 500 while also adding to your style in the best way.
