I’ve never been a big fan of splurging just for the sake of wearing an overpriced status symbol.  I also don’t love cheap, fast and disposable fashion that gives us momentary satisfaction by following a trend, either. (Most of the time it winds up either at the bottom of our closets or in a landfill.)

I prefer to focus on quality. And of course, that tends to cost more.

But it doesn’t always have to. Which is where real value comes into play. This idea that you’re getting your money’s worth in a way that’s important to you — whether that means something you’ll wear again and again, or an item that you can incorporate into your wardrobe with other pieces easily and reliably, or just something you simply love and makes you feel happy to have on your body.

Those are the pieces we can all use, and the best investment because you’re getting a lot of style bang for your buck. Here are a few that are definitely worth a look.

A goes-with-everything bag

Hobo bags have swerved in and out of fashion for decades, but they’re never completely out of style. And one I love for its dependability and functionality is the Kamila Hobo Bag ($298 on colehaan.com). Its the kind of slouchy-yet-structured design that looks great with jeans, a suit, and fits with daytime and evening looks. It holds just about anything you toss into it, thanks to its interior pockets, and has an adjustable handle that makes carrying a cinch. You’ll never want to stop using it.

A go-anywhere L.B.D.

Yes, we all need one. Whether it’s for a date night, a job interview, or hanging with friends, there’s simply nothing more essential to reach for than a little black dress that’s flattering and simple. Right now I’m loving the Women’s Crinkle Georgette Shift Dress ($135 on macys.com) by Lauren Ralph Lauren. The rounded neckline and ruffle-trimmed tiered skirt convey a sense of fun, but the sleeveless silhouette is a flattering shift, and it’s fully lined. So it truly is a thing you’ll wear to almost any occasion.

A classic wedge

Wear them with shorts and they look sporty. Wear them with a dress and they’re all kinds of feminine. Pair them with trousers and they lend both a little bit of height, and a lot of comfort. Wedges are one of the most useful things you can have in your wardrobe, and the Joanie IV Slide Women’s Wedge Sandal ($97.91 on sorel.com) is a perfect specimen. Its rubber outsole and 3-inch heel won’t leave your feet aching at the end of the day, but will give everything else you’re wearing a boost. And with the exception of the dead of winter, you’ll wear them constantly.

A versatile coat

Some things just never get old. For example, a top layer that you can throw on over everything, three seasons of the year. Exhibit A: The Longline Modern Trench ($199 on garnethill.com), a classic trench coat in a water-resistant, garment-washed cotton-blend twill. I love its extra softness and two-way zip-up in front, and long raglan sleeves. It’s just the thing to wear with, well, absolutely everything, and get your money’s worth over decades.

The Longline Modern Trench from Garnet Hill. (Photo garnethill.com)

The Kamila Hobo Bag from Cole Haan. (Photo colehaan.com)