The Cost-Per-Wear Edit: Investment Pieces Designed for Longevity

Have you ever paused before buying a garment and considered how often you’ll truly wear it?

Not in a restrictive sense, but with curiosity: Will this piece evolve with my wardrobe? Will it still feel relevant next season?

This is the essence of cost-per-wear, a simple yet powerful way to think about wardrobe investment:

Purchase Price ÷ Number of Wears = True Cost

This OnceWas philosophy has always been part of the design process; combining sustainable materials, trans-seasonal styling, and luxury craftsmanship.

Designing Pieces to Be Worn Season After Season

OnceWas, founded in Melbourne by Belinda Abbott, is renowned for creating investment pieces with intentional longevity. Belinda designs with both feel and function in mind:

“Creating clothing that makes women feel confident, comfortable, and good about themselves is what inspires me. I’m very conscious of how garments will feel on the body; this plays an important part in my design process.” Belinda Abbott

Belinda's goal is not fleeting trends, but garments that transition seamlessly across seasons, occasions, and wardrobe updates. Each silhouette, fabric, and detail is carefully considered to transition through seasons and styling updates, giving garments a life beyond a single wear.

Belinda styling the Rylie Reversaible Faux Fur Jacket.

Trans-Seasonal Wardrobe Examples + Cost-Per-Wear

Have you considered how a single piece can work across your entire wardrobe & how that impacts its real value? Here is an example with 3 of Belinda's favourite pieces from our new arrivals.

Montoya Cropped Leather Straight Leg Pant ($579.95)
Usage: 2 times per month × 8 months × 10 years = 160 wears
Cost per wear: $579.95 ÷ 160 ≈ $3.62

Why it works: Leather softens beautifully over time and can be styled with heels, sandals, sneakers, blazers, or boots; a true trans-seasonal wardrobe staple. Mix and match with your favourite tank top or cozy knit. 

Rhiannon Viscose Nylon Sheer Knit Dress ($399.95)
Usage: 3 times per month × 12 months × 5 years = 180 wears
Cost per wear: $399.95 ÷ 180 ≈ $2.22

Why it works: Breathable, durable, and versatile. Can be layered, belted, or styled with different shoes and outerwear across seasons. Worn to work, then worn to dinner with different shoes and accessories. Your styling options are endless!

Chrysta Faux Fur Rib Detail Bomber ($399.95)
Usage: 2 times per week × 4 weeks × 7 months × 5 years = 280 wears
Cost per wear: $399.95 ÷ 280 ≈ $1.43

Why it works: Outerwear often delivers the strongest wardrobe return. Pairs effortlessly with denim, dresses, tailoring, or even thrown over your gym clothes. OnceWas are known for our timeless Faux Fur Bombers, worn season after season and adored by our loyal customers.

“Although I like to stay aware of international trends, I believe in designing pieces that the wearer can wear season after season in a variety of ways. This approach helps lighten the footprint that fashion leaves on our world.”  Belinda Abbott

By considering both style and estimated usage, these pieces reveal their true value far beyond the price tag.

Fabric Choices That Support Longevity

Cost-per-wear isn’t just about styling; it begins with materials.

OnceWas frequently uses sustainable, natural-based fibres like cupro and viscose for their breathability, durability, and luxurious drape. Fabrics that feel beautiful and move with the body naturally encourage repeat wear, enhancing both style and longevity.

By designing pieces that feel effortless to wear and versatile to style, OnceWas empowers women to enjoy sustainable luxury fashion that truly lasts.

A Gentle Shift in Thinking

Investment dressing isn’t about buying less; it’s about buying better. It’s asking a soft, reflective question before each purchase:

Will I style this differently next season? Will it work across occasions? Will it still feel good next year?

Cost-per-wear reframes your wardrobe not as a collection of fleeting trends, but as a portfolio of intentional pieces. And with garments designed for longevity, each wear strengthens their true value.

OnceWas has always approached clothing this way, creating timeless, luxurious pieces that reward the wearer season after season, and help build a wardrobe that is both stylish and sustainable. 

Do you have any questions? We would love to hear from you. Please e-mail us at hello@oncewas.com.au, DM us on Instagram or visit us at our fortnightly Styling Studio.

OnceWas x

Belinda styling the Rhea Embroidered Tencel Maxi Dress in Black.