Versace Items That Are And Aren't Worth The Money

Versace is an iconic brand that has become synonymous with luxury. Founded in Milan in 1978 by Gianni Versace, the brand has evolved but stood the test of time, with its distinctive Medusa logo remaining an international symbol of extravagance. However, purchasing items from high-end brands like Versace can confuse those wanting to start the new year in style. So how do you ensure you get the most value for your money? Amanda Wood, a New York-based personal stylist and CEO of The Haute Edit, told The List that when navigating the world of luxury brands, there are three tips you should follow. 

Firstly, Wood says you should consider an item's long-term appeal and "always look for timeless pieces in timeless colors; for these are the pieces that will increase in value, give you a great cost per wear and stand the test of time." Secondly, the fashion expert recommends avoiding pieces that have been heavily faked. "Sadly, counterfeiting will immediately decrease the value of your once beautiful item," cautions Wood. Lastly, purchase wardrobe staples. "Buy the essentials; these are the pieces such as a proper trench coat, a great blazer, or a beautiful satchel bag that will stay in your wardrobe for years and years to come," Wood told The List.

If you've always wanted to shop at Versace but don't know where to start, we've asked fashion experts to guide you through the latest collection. Here's a list of what's worth your hard-earned cash and what's not.

Although Versace's rolled velvet mini dress looks like a fun formal one that oozes Paris Hilton vibes, it's not worth spending $2,525. Instead, you can achieve a similar look with an inexpensive velvet dress from retail chains like Poshmark or Forever 21 and then accessorize your look with high-end pieces if your goal is to achieve a more chic look. Fashion expert Jeffrey Ampratwum has this dress on his not worth it list because "half-sleeve dresses are not at their best in fluorescent colors."

If you spend a large amount of money on a dress, you don't want it to be such a memorable one, and this pink dress looks like the type you post on social media once and then never wear again because it's hard to forget. The fashion experts say it's best to splash your cash on a more versatile dress; that's why luxury stylist Amanda Wood does not consider this a must-have Versace item. "The color is on trend, but this type of velvet is hard to look luxe," says Wood.

Most women struggle to fit all their on-the-go items into big handbags, so it's safe to say you won't regret not purchasing a mini bag for over $1,000. Amanda Wood, a personal stylist for minimalist luxury for over a decade, says another reason you can skip the mini bag is that it "goes in and out of trend so quickly."

Versace's Greca Goddess Clutch, priced at $1,925, and the La Medusa mini bag, priced at $1,525, are two items the fashion experts say are not worth buying. Creative director and fashion photographer Lisa Haukom says Versace's La Medusa mini bag is not worth the purchase because it's "far too small to be practical and unless you are very petite, the proportions of this bag are all wrong."

According to fashion expert Jeffrey Ampratwum, who has also launched his luxury bespoke shoe and handbag company, the Greca Goddess clutch is another mini bag you can skip based on its aesthetic. "The red/pink along with gold accessories rings are not the best combination in this bag," notes Ampratwum.

The pleated skirt originated in ancient Egypt and was an upper-class status symbol (via Harper's Bazaar). Today, this wardrobe staple is well-loved by royal Kate Middleton, now known as Catherine Princess of Wales. Although the pleated skirt remains a relevant sartorial choice for those wanting to pull off a chic and glamorous look, not all pleated skirts were designed equally, and Versace's logo orchid pleated skirt seems to miss the mark. The skirt's color pattern is too busy, and its cut makes it difficult to match with other wardrobe items. For $2,095, fashion expert Amanda wood says it's safe to give this one a miss.

Fashion expert Jeffrey Ampratwum is also not a fan of this Versace piece. "The floral pleated skirt is cut on the bias and may not pair well with any footwear. Boot or shoes," say Ampratwum.

If your heart is still set on purchasing a pleated skirt, take a leaf out of Princess Catherine's style book and opt for more solid colors and a straight hem, making your outfit easier to style.

Finding the perfect winter coat can be overwhelming, especially since during the long cold winter days, there are times when all people see are your outerwear. So when searching for that perfect winter coat, you want both stylish and comfortable. "The versatility of the coat is what makes it a key investment piece," Bojana Sentaler, the founder of Canadian outerwear brand Sentaler told Town & Country. "Especially as a luxury purchase because you can wear it with many different outfits for many different occasions," says Sentaler.

Although Versace's spiked tweed long coat is a quality item, we love it. However, the style is limiting and needs to be more classic to justify the $7,650 price tag. "The silhouette of this coat and dark colors should not be designed together," says fashion expert Jeffrey Ampratwum. "The coat portrays more of a goth look than it does of luxury," he adds. So if you want to channel your inner Wednesday Adams for a long time, go for it, but if you are looking for value for your money and a more versatile coat, give this one a miss.

Most women will spend a lot of money on the right pair of jeans. They are the much-loved wardrobe staple we can not get enough of, but finding the right ones is often a mission. The number one rule of shopping for jeans is that style trumps trends, which means you need to find a pair that flatters your body type and both feel and look good. "When you try on jeans, sit down in them too, make sure they feel comfortable," says deputy editor and fashion features director of British Vogue, Sarah Harris.

Although fashion expert Amanda Wood says Versace's Medusa wide-leg jeans are "very on trend right now," she says these are a trend item you can skip. Reduced from $925 to $462, these are not the most flattering jeans for most women. "The puddle pant length is only flattering on a slimmer, straight-cut pant," says fashion and lifestyle photographer Lisa Haukom. "Sadly, these miss the mark with too much of a good thing – wide leg and length. Way too much fabric here to be practical. Imagine how heavy they must be to walk in!" adds Haukom. These Versace jeans are unflattering if you are a curvy woman. Instead, you should look for "something that is going to hold you in and make you feel like you're going to be able to go throughout your day without ending up with a saggy butt," Los Angeles-based stylist Kat Eves told Today.

Historically reserved for men until the mid-1920s when Coco Chanel incorporated tweed into her collection for women, the tweed jacket has become an iconic signature Chanel luxury item, according to Marie Claire. So why buy a Versace single-breasted blazer tweed blazer when you can buy a Chanel one? Although this $4,875 Versace piece is beautifully made with textured tweed and metallic accents. The round neckline and trims have a very Chanel feel, and the last thing you want to do when splurging on a luxury Versace item is wear something that looks like an imitation of another high-end brand. 

That's why creative director Lisa Haukom says you can skip this Versace piece. "I love a good lady jacket, but this one isn't special enough for the hefty price tag," says Haukom. " If you are going to splurge on this style coat, save your money for a vintage Chanel or go for the more affordable JCrew interpretation," she adds.