'The 3 pieces I'm buying to upgrade my style this year as a fashion editor.'

One of the very few downsides of looking at clothes for a living is coveting a whole lot of things you know you shouldn't buy.

You have to get really strict with yourself about spontaneous purchases, and it helps to develop a vetting system.

Watch: Em Vernem explains the five-second shirt-tucking hack. Post continues below. 

So if I've got to the stage of entering my card details, I like to ask myself these four questions:

Do I already own it?

This reminds me that I probably don't need another white tank, no matter how crisp this new one looks.

Is it addressing a gap in my wardrobe that bothers me?

For example, I don't own a sheer midiskirt, but I can 100 per cent live without one.

Would I wear it tomorrow?

If I wouldn't, then what's the point?

Will it spark joy for years to come? 

I'm trying to be smart about what I spend, especially considering there's so much clothing already in the secondhand market that we should be keeping in the cycle of wear. If I think I can get something vintage instead of brand new, I'm already halfway to the op shop.

But if I can say yes to all these questions, I know I've found a keeper.

In 2025, I'm on the lookout for key items that will see me through the seasons. I'm not interested in chasing passing trends — although I like to look current, I want my outfits to reflect my own personal style and taste; not someone else's.

Here are the three items I'll be investing in to update my wardrobe for the long haul.

A boho blouse.

The other day I was scrolling through my Instagram Saved folder that's dedicated to "style" and realised I've saved several looks featuring a feminine blouse. Whether with an oversized collar, a gingham print or ditzy floral, billowy statement shirts are the piece I can't seem to get past. I know I'll wear one now with denim shorts, a buckle belt and sandals, and in winter with white wide-leg pants and boots.

There are definitely options to be found secondhand, especially reclaimed white cotton blouses from the 1970s and bolder printed options from the 80s. So I'll be checking out my local Salvos and Vinnies and hitting up Depop, too.

Here are some soft blouses I'm loving the look of.

Bohemian Traders Lace Western Blouse, $160.

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Daughters of India Poet Blouse in Red Clay, $169.

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City Chic Sweet Boho Print Top, $99.95.

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Sabo Paras Top, $128.

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A great trench.

I can't believe I've got this far in life without purchasing a trench coat. This definitely falls into the 'gap in my wardrobe that bothers me' category. On a recent episode of Mamamia's fashion podcast Nothing To Wear, The Iconic's Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, told host Leigh Campbell that the trench is as chic as ever for 2025, but it's all about how you layer it. Last year people were styling them with athleisure pieces like track pants, whereas this year it might be over a semi-sheer top or asymmetrical skirt.

I'm looking for an all-rounder in either tan, fawn or denim that'll be great for layering in the shoulder months of Autumn and Spring. As a fan of the oversized look, utility details like large lapels and pockets should lend the slouchiness some shape. Here are three investment-worthy trenches I've found that tick all the boxes (I'm prepared to spend a bit more on a goodie. You know what they say; buy once, buy well.)

Shona Joy Kai Trench Coat, on sale for $240.

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Bronze Snake Lia Trench Mocha, $119.

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Belle & Bloom Wild Skies Denim Trench, $249.

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Minimal Mary-Janes.

Never underestimate the power of a beautiful shoe to lift your entire outfit's game. It's a lesson I've learnt time and time again, and lately I've been feeling the pull towards an elegant ballet flat to give my looks some polish. I have slides, sandals and sneakers covered, but nothing in this class of day-shoe-that-also-does-evening.

The style I'm drawn to is a Mary Jane, both for the comfort factor of the more structured sole, and the classic shape that doesn't seem like it'll date quickly. While the temptation might be to go for something very girly like patent red leather, I think this style looks super cool in muted shades like taupe and chocolate brown, and I'm loving the metallics we're seeing on the market too. Here are a few pairs sitting in my cart!

Tony Bianco Bambi Vanilla Venice, $179.95.

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MNG Round-Toe Ballet Flats with Buckle, $99.95.

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Charles & Keith Studded Crossover Strap Mary-Jane Flats, $93.

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Feature image: Supplied/Instagram@_tamaradavis_ and supplied.