If there’s one thing about our editors, it’s that we love to shop. It’s practically our job to spend hours online and in-stores scouring every corner of the internet and IRL sales racks to find the best deals. More often than not, we’ll stumble upon something we can’t help but buy ourselves— often supplemented by sending photos of our late-night impulse purchases and thoughtful buys in our Who What Wear Slack channel. (Listen, it’s part of our job description! How could we not!)
Not every purchase is made equal though: there are some things we buy that slowly fade into the back of our closets. But, sometimes, we happen to buy one life-changing item that completely transforms our lives: we can’t stop wearing it, posting about it, or telling everyone we know about it. Now that we’re solidly half-way through 2023, it’s only fair to round-up the best-of-the-best purchases our editors have made this year. From under-$50 Zara tops perfect for a night on the town to party-stealing occasion bags with clay cookies on them, these are the finds Who What Wear editors would buy again in a heartbeat—and most likely, you will too.
“I’m obsessed with this year’s dominant color trend—fiery chili pepper red. I’ve been wearing this chic red Zara top to lean into the trend with jeans and tailored trousers alike. I always get compliments when I wear it—and for $26 you really can’t go wrong.” —Judith Jones, senior market editor
“I’ll admit it – when it comes to denim I can be a tough critic. I pretty much stick to the same denim brands that work for me and never go outside my comfort zone, and while I basically live in reformation tops and dresses I have not really worn many of their jeans or denim pieces. So I tried these reformation jeans a month or two ago and they quickly became my most worn, favorite pair of jeans. They look so elevated and feel so comfortable on, I’m officially obsessed.” —Grace O’Connell Joshua, assistant shopping editor
“These have to, hands down, be one of the best purchases I’ve made this year. Although I’m partial to the hoardes of designer sunglasses I’ve acquired over the years, I constantly reach for my chic Outta Love frames if I’m in a rush. They’re well under $100, meaning I feel so much safer throwing them in my bag or carrying them on the go rather than babying them out of fear that I’ll damage or lose them. They’re the purchase I recommend to people, over and over again.” —Ana Escalante, assistant shopping editor.
“If you’re looking for a thin sweater that layers easily but will actually keep you warm, this lightweight cashmere knit from Éterne is it. It’s no wonder Hailey Bieber wears hers in brown multiple times a week and I have to say the same for how often I reach for mine in gray.” —Anna LaPlaca, fashion editor
“As typical, I was a late bloomer of the 2022 Samba trend, but since buying them earlier this year for my commute shoes, I’ve never looked back. They go with everything and they’re Bella Hadid-approved. Can you ask for anything better?”—A.E.
“I can’t believe I slept so long on buying a pair of Frankie Shop trousers. They’re so modern and chic, and can be dressed up or down. I’ve been living in this uniform featuring a T-shirt and sneakers.” —Bobby Schuessler, market director
“I’ve never been a big dress girl, but after putting on this one from COS, I may be rethinking that choice for myself entirely. I know the word chic is overused in fashion, but that’s exactlyhow I felt when putting this on. It can be worn off or on the shoulder, but I went for the latter. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was a little out of my comfort zone, but I sent it to my friends immediately only to receive compliments and one even replied, “I literally want to buy it for myself.” Maybe it wasn’t that I wasn’t a dress girl, but I hadn’t found the right one to fit my preferences, and this one checks all the boxes. I’m considering this a top purchase of the year so far.” —Yusra Siddiqui, associate fashion editor
“If we’re talking about the most life-affirming and life-altering purchases of 2023, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my beloved Puppets & Puppets cookie bag. While one may be dubious about the mindset that compels one to buy a small handbag with a resin cookie on it, I’m here to tell you that it’s not meant to be a “rational” purchase; it’s purely about le fashion, baby. Though it’s not as “practical” as other purses, I’ve personally found myself turning to it every time I feel I want to add a little flavor to my favorite staples (it adds an element of intrigue to all my ensembles). Plus, it always brings out the most visceral reactions in people that’s quite amusing in a city like New York—either strangers strike up a conversation to talk about how much they love the bag or I get serious side-eyes from people on the subway. Either way, the bag always livens things up and has become my best purchase of the year no doubt.” —Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, fashion editor
“This is my new favorite button-down and I plan on purchasing more of them. The quality is so good—it’s kind of silky as opposed to stiff like some button-downs, and the fit is great. I’ve worn it too many times since I got it.” —Allyson Payer, senior editor
“The earrings that have single-handedly turned me from an “all gold everything” to mixed-metal person. I love how the sculptural shape is weighty but still wearable for every day. I truly wear them with everything from a T-shirt and jeans to a silk dress.” —A.L.
“I’m in love with the oversized pockets on these wide leg jeans. Not to mention they are so comfortable and they’re under $100. On top of that, Warp + Weft is a cute sustainable brand, so this pair of denim really hits all the marks.” —Chichi Offor, associate shopping editor
“Okay, so technically I bought this, but not for myself: I gifted my mother a pair of Margeux slides for Mother’s Day and since then, she’s texted me at least five times thanking me because they’re that comfortable. There’s nothing better than getting a gift for someone you love, especially when it completely changes their lives. I haven’t bit the bullet on getting a pair for myself yet, but truly, I’m eyeing nearly every single style on the website. Ringing in at under $250, nearly all of their ballet-style flats are high-up on my wish list. If I don’t steal my mom’s pair when I’m visiting her next, I’ll have to get my own.” —A.E.
“This is the jewelry brand that every Who What Wear editor is obsessed with. This sculptural pair of earrings has become my go-to for when I want to feel just a little dressed up. They’re the gift that keeps on giving.” —Sierra Mayhew, associate fashion editor
“I love a versatile and classic black dress I can wear year-round. I’ve been wearing this ribbed short-sleeve polo dress on repeat this season with chic slides and kitten heel mules alike. Lately, I’ve been layering a sheer midi skirt underneath it to take the look into the night. The styling possibilities are endless!” —J.J.
“I work from home, so I’m always on the hunt for comfy yet chic staples. I can’t get enough of my cozy sweatshirts from Anine Bing. They are definitely a favorite of mine.” —B.S.
“These are the puddle pants to end them all. I’m not kidding when I say that multiple people have bought these GAP trousers on the spot after inquiring about where I got mine. They’re the perfect amount of slouchy and the fabric is buttery soft. I could seriously live in them (and honestly, I do).” —A.L.
“If I had to choose one item in my closet as my “must-have” for the year, it’s this cashmere sweater from J.Crew. I got it while it was on-sale and I think it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made. It’s incredibly soft and versatile. I wore it all throughout the winter and now always have it thrown on my shoulders for those chillier summer nights.” —Y.S.
“It’s not surprising this bag is sold out almost everywhere. It fits the quiet luxury aesthetic to a T. There’s a larger version as well, which is also beautiful, but I find the clutch version (it comes with a strap) to be the perfect size for everything I need to carry around on a daily basis.” —A.P.
“I got these earlier this year and based on how much I’ve worn them, I have zero regrets. They’re as comfortable and easy to wear as your favorite sneakers, but a bit fancier.” —A.P.
“Every time a girl gets a Chopova Lowena skirt, I feel like an angel gets their wings. I got my first skirt from the British brand a few months ago, and although the price-tag on the higher side, it’s well-worth it: being a sustainable brand, making size-inclusive designer ready-to-wear clothing, and supporting an independent label is nothing to scoff at. Although I got the traditional midi-length option, I’m eyeing this mini as soon as that direct deposit hits.” —A.E.
“While this may seem like a boring shopping pick, it really has been a game-changer in my wardrobe. After all, basics are the most important pieces of them all. I found it through TikTok (guilty!) and now own it in three different colors. It’s extremely soft on the skin, fits onto the body like a glove, and is easy to wear as-is or as a layering piece. I didn’t see shopping from Gap on my 2023 bingo card but here we are, and I’m impressed.” —Y.S.
“I love the fit of this denim vest—not too loose and not too fitted. I was wearing it with black jeans and trousers this winter and am excited to pair it with skirts this summer.”—A.P.
“I originally got this rancher hat for a trip to Miami but you will be seeing me wearing it all over the Hamptons and New York City this summer. I’ve always loved a good wide brim, rancher, and cowboy hat for summer and this one feels so fashionable. Definitely one of my favorite accessories I’ve purchased for summer.” —G.O.J
“I just might have found the most perfect top for summer. The off-the-shoulder silhouette, the puff-sleeve, the bow—for me it’s absolute perfection. I got this top and wore it during my most recent trip to LA, it ended up being the perfect piece for summer.” —S.M.
“While I usually veer towards timeless silhouettes for my handbags, something primal in me came out when I saw this little Rimowa suitcase. I’ve been leaning into untraditional handbag shapes and funky styles in 2023, and for some reason, it felt appropriate to get a sakura pink trunk-style mini bag to carry around while in the city. I’ve gotten stopped not once, but twice wearing the Rimowa cross-body, because people were so fascinated with it. If you’re looking to embrace the main character energy, look no further.” —A.E.
