The views expressed in this article are based on my personal experiences and opinions, and do not constitute financial advice. Please do your own research or speak to a licensed financial adviser before making any investment decisions. 

When it comes to investing, the first things that usually come to mind are stocks, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and property. These are the usual suspects, the textbook examples we’re taught to trust when building wealth.

But as someone who doesn’t have a natural interest in finance (property might be my one exception), I’ve always wondered: Are there alternatives? Is there a way to "invest" without diving headfirst into trading apps, market updates and endless financial jargon?

That question came into sharper focus through something more personal. As a fashion lover, I’ve often heard people justify or critique purchases with comments like, “This bag will increase in value” or “This watch is definitely a good investment” or even, “Why are you buying that? It won’t appreciate.” It made me stop and think, is there a way for someone like me, who finds more joy in outfits than in index funds to play the investment game?

The traditional investment mindset

When we think about investing, we tend to picture someone steadily growing their net worth through long-term, low-risk financial vehicles. Think mutual funds, REITs, property or blue-chip stocks, all things rooted in logic, patience and historical data.

These are considered “smart” investments grounded in logic and data and expected to grow over time. They have helped generations gain financial security, plan for retirement and even build legacies.

But they also require patience, consistency, and often a detachment from the items themselves. After all, you don’t see your index fund or bond certificate every day and you don’t “wear” your stocks. The value lies entirely in the returns.

And because of this, anything else is often dismissed as frivolous. Fashion? Handbags? Sneakers? That’s consumption, not investment…right?

The rise of “Wearable Wealth”

That mindset is beginning to shift as unconventional assets gain financial credibility. A new type of investment is making headlines not on Bloomberg, but on TikTok and Instagram. And it's something you can see, touch and even wear: wearable wealth.

I remember a colleague once telling me he spent over S$1,200 on a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 Travis Scott x Fragment sneakers from a reseller, even though the original retail price was just over S$300 on StockX, an online marketplace known for sneaker resales. You could not just walk into a store and buy pieces from this particular collaboration; they dropped in limited quantities, and most people had to try their luck online or place bids through resale platforms. That exclusivity made it highly sought after and drove prices way up. It sounds wild, but he’s a big Travis Scott fan and bought them to wear, not just display. Still, a 400% jump from retail? That sounds a lot like an investment, just not the traditional kind.

Luxury items like watches, designer bags and collectible sneakers are being viewed not just as fashion statements but as potential assets. They offer something stocks don’t. Tangibility and immediate gratification. You can enjoy them while still potentially watching their value rise.

Why is “wearable wealth” trending?

According to a Business Times report, luxury handbags, watches and even classic cars were among the top-performing alternative investments in 2024, some even outpacing traditional assets.

Whether it’s designer bags, limited-edition sneakers or high-end watches, more people are starting to view their style staples as more than just personal indulgences. With resale platforms like StockX, The RealReal and Chrono24 offering price transparency and authentication, tracking the value of your items now feels surprisingly similar to checking stock tickers. And with social media filled with stories of five-figure flips and “grail” collections, it’s no wonder more are buying with both taste and returns in mind.

Take for example clothes, long seen as fleeting trends or depreciating buys, they are now entering the investment chat. While most outfits lose value the moment they hit the racks, certain pieces are defying the odds. Think vintage Chanel jackets, limited-run Nike Dunks and archival Maison Margiela. Items that have appreciated in value over the years and found new life in resale markets. For some, these aren’t just fashion statements; they’re wearable assets with stories stitched into every seam.

In today’s world, investing isn’t just about numbers on a screen. It’s about finding value in the things you love, and sometimes, that value wears leather or ticks with precision like a vintage timepiece.

Spending or investing? Knowing the difference matters

Here’s the tricky part: just because something can increase in value doesn’t always mean it will, or that it’s the most financially sound choice. The resale market is often driven by trends, scarcity and hype. One season’s “it bag” could be next year’s forgotten piece. And unlike traditional investments, items like sneakers or bags aren’t as liquid, you can't offload them instantly without time, effort and platform fees.

That said, for those who genuinely love fashion or collecting, investing in wearable wealth can make sense, emotionally and financially. The key is to treat it like any investment: do your research, understand the market and don’t spend beyond your means. A Rolex or Birkin might hold value, but only if you’d love it even without the resale price tag.

Ultimately, investing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about aligning your money with your values, goals and interests. So, whether you’re buying stocks or sneakers, property or Patek Philippes, what matters is that your investment brings you some kind of return. Financially, emotionally or maybe even both.

Alternative safety nets with lower risk

Wearable wealth, from limited-edition sneakers to vintage designer bags is gaining traction as a stylish way to invest. These tangible assets often hold or even increase in value, turning personal taste into potential profit. But investing doesn’t always have to be something you can wear or show off.

Because while some assets are worn and seen, others work quietly in the background to secure your future. If you value ease and flexibility, consider building your financial foundation with dollarDEX, a platform built with investors in mind. With Zero Platform Fees and Core Solutions tailored to your financial goals, there is something for every investor. Whether you prefer to invest using Cash, SRS, or CPFIS, dollarDEX lets you grow your wealth your way from as low as S$100/month. Alternatively, explore Singlife’s range of investment-linked plans, designed to help you build long-term wealth with flexibility and expert guidance.

At the end of the day, investing comes in many forms.

Notes

1. Source: The Business Times, “Handbags, watches and more: Best performing luxury investments in 2024”, accessed on 29 September 2025.