Adding one of the season's heavy-hitting trends to your wardrobe is thrilling, no doubt about that. Creating cool outfits with said pieces is even better. And earning tons of compliments on them? Well, that's the fashion equivalent of winning the lottery. I know this because I own several very specific fashion items that seem to nail this trendy and compliment-worthy trifecta. I've noticed that nearly every time I step out of the house wearing one of these, I'll earn a kind word or two from someone I encounter, and since I'm pretty enamored with these pieces myself, I thought I'd share.
Below, you'll find the list of fashion trends that have consistently earned me loads of compliments and a flurry of "Where did you get that?" inquiries from friends, coworkers, and strangers alike each time I wear them. The fashion world has crowned these as veritable trends, but I can attest that they are crowd-pleasers IRL, too.
From updated takes on a classic black blazer to pretty studded flats and the sunglasses that rarely leave my face, keep reading to see how I'm wearing each one and peruse my favorite versions of each.
1. Aligne Daphne Long Waisted Blazer
While, yes, a black blazer is pretty basic as far as fashion items go, there's something about a waist-hugging blazer that seems to catch people's eye. I have both a long-sleeved blazer and the sleeveless vest version of this top, both of which always seem to earn a few comments.
2. Demellier New York Tote
London-based DeMellier is the label behind one of the most beloved bags among fashion editors right now thanks to its focus on making handbags that are chic, timeless, and high-quality without the ultra-luxury price tags. Chief among them is the New York tote, a style that's become the brand's breakout hit for its sleek top-handle shape. I own the croc-embossed version that never fails to earn me a kind word or comment whenever I carry it out (which is often).
3. Almina Concept V-Neck Cardigan
Cardigans in and of themselves are a timeless classic, but in recent years, they've been rebranded as a trendier piece, so whenever I wear this hourglass V-neck cardigan, people feel the need to ask about it. I've already convinced at least five friends to order one last winter and now that the brand has restocked the style, I fully expect the influence to grow this coming winter.
4. Tory Burch Studded Flats
Even if I wear a super-simple outfit, I know that if I finish it off with a fun and unique pair of shoes, it will add something eye-catching to my overall look and, more likely than not, earn a few kind words. These Tory Burch studded flats always do just that.
5. J.Crew Cropped Lady Jacket
I can't stop wearing boxy jackets like this with everything from skirts to denim shorts. It's not hard to see why the rich-looking style has become so popular this year—it makes just about any outfit look downright wealthy.
6. Paris Georgia Heart Tank
Another hourglass item! What can I say? There's nothing like a tailored shape to get people talking and the other item that earns compliments for me is my Paris Georgia Heart Tank, which I now own in two different color combinations and plan on ordering in several more.
7. Alexis Bittar Molten Cuff
Maybe it's because cuff bracelets are inherently statement-making or maybe it's because they happen to be trending at the moment, but there's nothing like a large sculptural cuff bracelet to earn drove of "Where did you get that?" inquiries, namely, this Molten Cuff from Alexis Bittar.
8. Lafayette 148 Gramercy Pants
I rarely get compliments on something as basic as a pair of black trousers, but these Lafayette 148 Gramercy Pants are the exception. They're a cigarette-style cut in the most precise and streamlined shape and have the effect of a retro 1950s style, which makes them feel fresher than your average skinny trousers. They're also remarkably comfortable while somehow still being thick enough to hold their shape and look like traditional trousers. Can't speak more highly of them!
9. Linda Farrow Cara Sunglasses
A classic pair of oval sunglasses is virtually timeless, and the frequency with which I wear these '90s-inspired Linda Farrow shades is a testament to their nonstop relevancy. I wear them with literally everything, and that's saying a lot when you consider that I own over 30 pairs of sunglasses (I know, I know). I reach for them over my other pairs because they always make my outfit look more elevated no matter what I'm wearing.
