24 Pieces That Are Destined for Cult Status in 2020
As we find ourselves on the cusp of a new year—wait, make that a new decade—we've been doing our utmost best to bring you an edit of the trends that will really matter in 2020. After all, anything you buy from this point onwards should see you through next year in its entirety, so we've done our homework so you don't have to.
We've sifted through (quite literally) thousands of catwalk images and scrolled through every new-in section to round up the best buys found on Instagram to find the pieces that are truly trending right now. However, even we can do with a little outside perspective every now and then. As such, we decided to ask four women who work in the fashion world to find out which pieces they think are worth buying into next year.
From the latest in-demand brands to the shoes that feature on not one but two of the edits below, keep scrolling to see the 24 pieces in-the-know women are putting on their wish lists for 2020.
CLAIRE WAKEMAN, INFLUENCER MARKETING SPECIALIST
"Of course they've always been a staple, but cardigans are set to be huge for 2020. Throw in an on-trend polo neckline like the one on this & Other Stories number and I'm sold."
"My wish list would definiely have to include jewellery! I'm on the hunt for a pearl necklace. Wald Berlin have some great (not to mention slightly more affordable) options to choose from."
"A pyjama suit from Daily Sleeper. Ideally in black, as a classic item. However, I'm a little obsessed with the light pink for spring. Is it too much to buy both?"
"What is a wish list without a Chanel bag? A gal can dream, right? The new Chanel 19 bag is the dream. I bought a classic black 2.55 10 years ago and it's been such a great investment."
"I love a leather shirt, trouser, jacket—anything leather, really. It never goes out of fashion. It's a classic staple you can wear year after year. This premium, oversized leather shirt from H&M is up there with the best pieces."
"These have been on my wish list for a couple of years now. I'm hoping 2020 is the year I finally make them mine. In gold—and with the perfect heel height—they're impossible to resist."
MARISSA COX, WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
"I'm in the market for a new everyday bag, and this one ticks all the boxes."
"I'd really like a new pair of gym shoes, and right now, I have my eye on this pair. I love the design (in collaboration with Rick Owens), plus they're made from recycled plastic. Win-win."
"The dress I need for all of my 2020 soirées. It can be worn on its own in summer or in winter with tights and a blazer thrown over."
"I still don't own a decent pair of leather pants. I love this exaggerated-waist style."
BETHANY ROWNTREE, OWNER AND FOUNDER, STUDIO B
"I've just added this brand to my online Studio B offering and I've ensured we're getting this dress in soon. I know I won't be able to resist!"
"I've just added this new jewellery brand online, and it's already had so much love! The cutest gold rings and necklaces with daisy, clover, and yin-yang motifs, plus they're all handmade in Barcelona and don't have many UK stockists. You heard it here first!"
"This dress just makes me want to sing 'candy man, candy man' (though it should be candy woman, as far as I'm concerned). It's in my fave colour combo of pink and red and is so flattering on. Perfect to layer now to cheer up January, and then wear alone once spring warms up."
"I'm getting married in 2020 and lusting after these shoes for the occasion. Rainbow pleated lamé. What more can I say?"
"I'm a sucker for knitwear. You know you'll be wearing until at least April in 2020 (sorry, but it's probably true with our British weather!). Make it super comfy, not too heavy and in a bold colour. This new knit from Gestuz is giving me serious Copenhagen cool-girl/Bowie vibes, which is always a good thing."
"I love a piece you can wear now and later in summer (or dress down for day or up for night). I'm wearing this now with sparkly socks and gold sandals at nighttime and during the day with chunky boots and a polo-neck. Then, come summer, I'll add shades and strappy sandals."
BARBARA MCMILLAN, FOUNDER AND OWNER, HONNA LONDON SLEEPWEAR
"I live in New Balance trainers and I probably don't need another pair, but these are too good to pass up."
"I've been wanting to invest in this brand for a while but haven't found the right style that suits my frame until now. I love the shape of this velvet midi. It's perfect for weddings and party season. It's also named Barbara, so it's a bit of a no-brainer."
"I'm obsessed with finding the perfect cardigans to tuck into high-waisted denim—not too cropped or tight but not too chunky—and this ticks all the right boxes."
"It's not easy to find chic, flat day-to-night shoes, but these are the best I've ever seen."
"It took me a while to warm to loungewear, but now I'm hooked. These are ideal at home or under an oversized trench with the matching jumper or basic white tee, sunnies and trainers."
"I'll be wearing chunky chain bracelets over knitwear with straight-leg denim tucked into slouchy boots."
Opening Images: @venswifestyle, @eniswardrobe, @monikh, @ruerodier
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.