Among the top fashion houses in the industry,Balenciagais paving the way for bold, new styles.

At just 23 years old, Cristobal Balenciaga opened his first fashion house in San Sebastian.

In 1937, he made his debut in the fashion capital of the world: Paris.

Balenciaga HardCrocs

Since then, the Balenciaga brand has consistently been setting trends, not following them.

Designs hailing from Balenciaga are known for being avant-garde and cutting-edge but expensive.

But that just isn’t always the case.

Balenciaga Hourglass Coat

While many Balenciaga productsareworthwhile investments, others don’t live up to expectations.

Here’s a look at what you should skip and what you should consider splurging on.

Its versatility makes it a good option for nearly any occasion.

Balenciaga Trash Bag Pouch

One of the highlights of this item is the material.

Among its warm-weather counterparts likelinen, this fabric was first used during the Renaissance.

The cold-resistant fabric is meant to keep you warm and cozy during those frigid temperatures.

HardCrocs

The material offers great ventilation and is highly durable, so it will last you a long time.

To keep this garment looking great for years, stick to Balenciaga’s care instructions.

It retails at a steep $3,750.

Balenciaga Stan Smith Standard Sneakers

If you haven’t seen it before, well, it looks exactly like you’d picture.

The nylon-lined calfskin pouch is designed just like a drawstring garbage sack.

In that sense, it was a success.

Balenciaga Mini Wallet in red

The pouch retails for $1,790.

There are far more attractive and far less expensive toteson the market.

Worth It: HardCrocs Mule

Like them or not, Crocs aren’t going anywhere soon.

Steroid Boots

In fall 2018, Balenciaga released its first partnership with Crocs.

The unusual shoe was an immediate hit,reportedlyselling out in minutesandbefore its official launch.

The line’s distressed shoe is less versatile and yet more expensive.

Shrunk Puffer in Black

The scuffs, scratches, and overall dismal appearance prevent it from being worn in a professional setting.

And for $800, it should.

Worth it: Envelope Mini Wallet

TheBalenciaga Women’s Envelope Mini Walletis understated but so sophisticated.

Maxi Skirt in Lilac

True to Balenciaga’s legacy, the stitching is precise and will withstand regular use for a long time.

The mini wallet is made from premium calfskin leather and features the timeless Balenciaga logo.

It’s an instant classic.

Bold Earrings in Gold

For $420, you’ll get a luxury wallet doubling as an iconic statement piece.

To care for it, Balenciaga recommends only using a soft cloth to wipe the leather.

The problem with these boots isn’t actually the boots themselves.

Bold Necklace in Gold

Despite the boots' many merits, they aren’t especially unique.

TheBalenciaga Shrunk Puffer, in particular, is both timeless and youthful.

The coat cuts at the waistline and can be adjusted with a drawstring.

Turtleneck Overall in Black

It does run small, so we suggest sizing up for an optimal fit.

From crushed to colorful velvet, it was everywhere.

If worn or used often, velvet can also wear down quickly.

In addition to being difficult to style, the skirt’s length makes it a dust collector.

Plus, this item isn’t exactly easy on the wallet.

The $895Balenciaga Bold Earringscome in shiny brass, which means they will not rust.

With the right kind of care, these earrings could last for many summers of seasonal styling.

Brass is susceptible to tarnishing, so cleaning these earrings is important.

Balenciaga recommends a delicate cleaning regimen of wiping the earrings with a soft cloth.

To add to that, we suggest using a clean microfiber cloth and mild dish soap as needed.

This accessory pairs with the Bold Earrings, but it falls short in ways that really matter.

At $2,850, the simple clasp necklace is more thantriplethe price of the coordinating $895 earrings.

Yes, we double-checked the enormous price tag is indeed correct.

Skip the spendy necklace this time because it’s just not worth it.

As a timeless neutral color, black shows up on the runway every year.

TheBalenciaga Turtleneck Overallis a great combination of business and playfulness.

To keep this fit looking great for a long time, Balenciaga recommends dry cleaning only.

It’s offered in four colors: indigo, pink, bright green, and brown.

Unfortunately, none of these color choices say, “Buy me!”