When it's your job to shop for, test out, and review fashion pieces, new items are always hitting your doorstep. Dozens of new pieces come across our desks in the span of a month, so you can imagine that collectively, our entire fashion team has tried hundreds of pieces this year alone. Since it can be downright intimidating to peruse what's out there in the hopes of making a little wardrobe update, we figured we'd do the hard work for you and dish on our fashion obsessions of the past year.
Seeing as we're basically experts when it comes to shopping, we don't take our favorites lightly. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the tops, bags, shoes, and outerwear on our short lists are "it," and once you see how our editors are styling each, I think you'll agree. From the most-worn ankle boots in Kristen's closet to Eliza's It earrings and the dress everyone needs according to Ana, here are the very best fashion items we bought in 2023 and would rebuy in a heartbeat if we had to do it all over again.
Anna LaPlaca, Editor
This year, I finally made my first major designer handbag purchase, and I'm pleased to say I have zero regrets. After many months of analyzing and test-driving several designer bags on the market, I landed on Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag in the small size. I wanted my investment to really do the distance and with the sheer number of ways to carry this bag including over the shoulder, as a crossbody, and top handle, I've already gotten more use out of it than I imagined. The woven leather and gold hardware make everything I wear it with feel so special, and the brand's lifetime warranty is a great added value that not every luxury label offers. All in all, investing in the Andiamo was well worth it for me and I would do it all again if I had to.
I love '90s look of Prada's rectangular Symbole sunglasses, but wanted something a bit different than what everyone else is wearing. Enter this pair that combines a classic slim oval silhouette and a subtle cat-eye shape. As I first saw them online, I knew I wanted to buy them, and they became one of my most-worn items in 2023.
Ana Escalante, Assistant Shopping Editor
"2023 was the year I hopped on the Realisation Par train— notably, their viral Gia dresses. Although I bought three, the amount of times I’ve worn the Havana pattern one is a bit much. From Paris to Seoul to Miami and Porto, this dress came everywhere with me this year. Plus, it’s mom-approved."
"There’s nothing more special than finding a pair of jeans that *really* fit right. No pulling, tugging, or jumping into them. As a plus-size shopper, it’s usually even more of a challenge to find something that looks and feels good. Enter: the Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans. These jeans sit right at the navel and hit right above the ankle. Coming in several different washes perfect for any time of year, trust me when I say I swoop up a new pair every chance I can. My third pair is already en-route."
Editor, Eliza Huber
"I first spotted this hook-and-eye sculpted tunic on the runway at Tory Burch's S/S 23 show and fell hard and fast for it, so much so, that right when it went on sale, I bought the striped version and matching skirt and proceeded to wear it during NYFW. But apparently, that wasn't enough for me, because a few weeks later, after thinking about the black version countless times, I went back to the store and bought it too. Both have gotten so much wear despite the short period of time I've owned them and I know they'll continue to be favorites in my wardrobe for years to come."
"I've been a Liberowe fan girl for years, or really, ever since founder Talia Loubaton started the London-based jacket brand in 2021. I got my first piece in 2022—a red, velvet peplum jacket—and strongly believe that it's one of, if not *the* most beautifully crafted items in my closet. And this year, I was lucky enough to get one of her Rafa jackets, which was her original design. It's all black with velvet details and truly makes every single thing I pair it with look beyond elegant. I've worn it with jeans, dresses, skirts—you name it."
"I know there are a million dupes out there for these viral earrings, but honestly, I've worn these so many times since I bought them at the end of spring, I can't say that I have a single regret about buying the real things. For starters, they are so extremely lightweight, it feels like I'm not wearing earrings at all, which is a surprisingly hard to find quality in earrings and one that I value beyond pretty much everything else. I can wear them all day, day after day, without any pain or irritation—my ears are super sensitive so this isn't true with a lot of my other pairs. All that, plus I strongly believe that they add the perfect finishing touch to every outfit I wear with them. When I was back in Italy a few months after I bought these, I strongly considered investing in a silver pair and now deeply regret not just doing it when I found one of the only pairs left in stock in the entire country at the tiny seasonal store in Portofino."
Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
"My most worn shoes this year were from Reformation and this mule took me everywhere in both Paris and New York. The first wear was a bit difficult but once I broke them in they were my most comfortable pair of heels. Mules are so flattering and this was the perfect pair to slip into."
"Clearly, I have a thing for shoes but my last big purchase of the year was a pair that I'm absolutely obsessed with. I had been looking for a really great pair of pumps to wear for a few months, and love how unique this style feels. It's very comfortable for a pair of heels and goes with everything, even in a striking shade of purple."
Judith Jones, Senior Shopping Editor
"I love a great barn jacket, and this waxed-effect parka from Mango is by far one of my favorites. It has a cool oversize fit with a corduroy collar and a tartan print liner. It’s the perfect piece to wear on crisp winter walks in the country, or styled a la Prada—with an of the moment sheer black skirt in the city. I wouldn’t think twice about re-buying it if I needed to!"
"This fitted crewneck tee is by far one of the most worn pieces in my wardrobe this year. I have styled it with literally everything—from crewneck sweaters and cardigans to maxi skirts and tailored trousers. Simply put, this tee is superior. The fit is perfect, the quality is beautiful, it's sleek, streamlined, and looks luxe. Needless to say. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat."
Kristen Nichols, Associate Special Projects Director
"These boots from By Malene Birger are designed with the most beautifully-sculpted pointed-toe silhouette and pair perfectly with jeans, plus a low kitten heel that make them easy to walk in."
"Attersee is one of the rising designers I can't stop talking about. I purchased the brand's sculpted vest earlier this spring and it was one of my most-worn pieces of the year. The black velvet version was just restocked, which I ordered the moment I was notified."
Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"This back just restocked after being sold out for months, and consider yourself lucky. It's rare for designer bags to be than $1k anymore, but this one is an exception. The size is perfect and I love being able to wear it as a clutch, crossbody, or shoulder bag."
"I ordered these earlier this year and they quickly became my go-to sunglasses. My face is kind of small so oversized shades can be a lot on me, but these are magically so flattering."
Grace O'Connell-Joshua, Assistant Shopping Editor
"I got these frame jeans this year and they have definitely earned the title of my best jeans of the year. Frame is known for high quality denim that you can love for years, so it’s no surprise that a pair from them is one of my most worn. I’m on the petite side and usually whenever I get a pair or jeans or trousers I have to run straight to the tailor. But due to the cropped nature of these, they fit like a glove. The hem hits right above my ankles, making then perfect to wear with a pair of shoes I want to show off. I have a feeling I’ll be putting some miles on these jeans in 2024 as well."
"I’m a huge jewelry lover and if you ask me 2023 was the year of the earring. Every fashion person I know was stocking up on chic, unique earrings to top off their looks. For years I remember everyone reaching for a stud or a hoop, treating the earring almost as an after thought. But in 2023 the earring can make it break your outfit. This year I upped my earring game starting with several pairs from Heaven Mayhew. I particularly find myself wearing the double knot earrings on a weekly basis, they dress up any little black dress or sweater and jeans outfit beautifully."
Yusra Siddiqui, Associate Editor
"Like many, cuffs have been a favorite jewelry piece of mine recently. After lusting for some luxury options, I ended up buying this $60 J.Crew pick and it's been my most-worn jewelry item of 2023. I wore it in the summer with linen sets and layered it over my sweater sleeves this past fall. Seeing exactly how much I wore the gold option, I think it's about time I hit purchase on silver for 2024."
"The perfect long-sleeve T-shirt does exist, and it's from Reformation. I have been on the hunt for years for one that has a relaxed fit and isn't see-through, and this one checks all the boxes. I'd recommend sizing down, as it slightly bigger than expected, but otherwise, it's exactly what I've been looking for. I've worn it tucked into jeans, layered underneath boxy blazers, or as-is over maxi skirts. I own it in both black and white, and am patiently waiting for them to drop it in grey or brown."
"Once again, I am telling everyone to not sleep on J.Crew's cashmere sweaters. They are reasonably priced, come in a variety of colors, and best of all—are impeccably soft. I've had to force myself to reach for other sweaters because I was relying on this one a bit too much. Also, select colors are on sale right now, so consider treating yourself!"
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