Fashion People Told Me the Pieces They're Buying First in 2023
While I'm not looking to completely transform my style this year, I am ready for a fresh dose of inspiration—designers with a strong point of view, standout pieces to wear with my requisite staples, and some overall newness to keep things interesting. As I'm mapping out the pieces I'll be investing in for 2023, I was curious to find out which items have landed in the shopping carts of the coolest people in fashion, so I turned to some of the best-dressed stylists, editors, and buyers to find out what is arriving in their closets right now.
From the sneaker trend early adopters are wearing to the rising brands to have on your radar such as Attersee and Flore Flore to the designer bags and shoes worth investing in, ahead, see the best 2023 shopping finds according to fashion insiders. I already have some new finds I'm ready to add to my closet.
Alexis Bennett, Commerce Writer, Vogue
Shop Alexis's picks:
"I've been waiting patiently for By Malene Birger's woven handbag to drop. Until then, here are a few other options that are also expertly crafted."
"I'm kicking off the year with a supersized, elevated tote bag. As an editor, I'm constantly schlepping my laptop, a change of clothes, and extra shoes around; so I desperately need something that can hold everything. Plus, it has to be undeniably chic."
Joanna Nikas, Deputy Style Editor, The Cut
Shop Joanna's picks:
"The first item I bought in 2023 were these orange Adidas Samba shoes. Why were they the very first item of 2023, you ask? Because I got a notification early one morning that they were available in my size, and like with most things Sambas, I had to add to my cart quickly. I liked the sole of these too. I've already worn them to add some fun to otherwise subdued office outfits like roomy Comme des Garçons pants and a black Uniqlo top."
"I've also been looking for a denim skirt for a while so decided to get this one from Miaou. I haven't had a chance to wear it out just yet, but I plan on pairing it with knee-high boots and a chunky sweater in the winter. It fits really nicely too, without having to do any alterations."
"Something I haven't bought yet but have my eye on are these Hanifa boots. I've been looking for knee-high boots that would fit my calves, and a coworker let me try hers and they did. I've been thinking about them for a while, so it might be time to take the plunge."
Eliza Huber, Editor, Who What Wear
Shop Eliza's picks:
"I have a few pairs of these rip-resistant Sheertex tights already, but I'll be fully stocking up this year after mood-boarding a shocking amount of tights-clad outfits in recent weeks. Not only do I love wearing them solo à la Bottega Veneta, but I also am a fan of styling them with mini dresses and maxi skirts. I even wear them underneath jeans and trousers to stay warm."
"As much as I adore the Bottega Veneta teardrop earrings, these by Jenny Bird feel much more wearable for someone like me who has semi-sensitive ears. Not only are they an instant outfit maker, this pair along with every pair of Jenny Bird earrings comes with amazing earring backs that are beyond comfortable."
"I was home in Chicago over the holidays just pursuing the shoe salon at Nordstrom when I first saw these Bottega Veneta wedge-heel slingbacks in person, and when I tell you my mouth was agape, I'm far from exaggerating. I love shoes and am often in awe of the artistry involved with making them, but rarely do I come across pairs as stunning and sculptural as these. That being said, once I recover from my holiday spending, these will absolutely be coming home with me, to be worn with jeans, dresses, and skirts alike, for both formal and casual occasions."
Anny Choi, Stylist and Creative Brand Consultant
Shop Anny's picks:
"My style resolution this year is to invest in versatile and timeless eveningwear instead of buying a new dress for every wedding and every cocktail event. This satin Attersee tunic is exactly that: it's minimal enough to style over a pair of good jeans for date night but can also be dressed up for a more formal event with some statement jewelry and a sleek pair of trousers. I know I'll wear this on repeat for years to come!"
"Nothing says 'grown-up working professional' like a beautifully curated desk at home. While I'm guilty of working from my couch most days, I've decided to create a space more conducive to work this year. I'll be upgrading from my array of Post-It notes and notes on the back of old receipts to this impossibly chic customized memo box set from Alisa Bell."
"These nightshirts are one of my most treasured closet staples and I’ll be adding a new color (or two) to my existing collection. My dream is to get seven of these custom fitted in Paris for every day of the week—there are so many good stripes to choose from. Again, I love these nightshirts for their versatility. I wear it as a beach coverup on holiday, I can wear it as a shirtdress to meetings and I can dress it down over a pair of jeans. I haven’t actually worn it to bed but that’s obviously an option too given that it’s a nightshirt!"
"The new year is always a good time to stock up on the basics. I’m always on the lookout for good tees and tanks and these '90s-inspired tanks from Flore Flore have been on my radar for some time now. It gives me major '90s Gwyneth Paltrow vibes and I’m here for it."
MaryKate Boylan, Senior Fashion Editor, Town & Country
Shop MaryKate's picks:
"We had these sunglasses in the office for a shoot and I fell in love. To me, the shape is just perfect and I will wear with literally everything in my closet, so they are well worth the investment!"
"Banana Republic has been looking great lately and they are a great place to shop the classics at a good price. I think this is the perfect wide-leg trouser jean—enough slouch to feel cool and comfortable but equal polish so I can dress them up for work meetings and not feel like it's casual Friday. I'm a firm believer you can wear white in winter so, I'll wear them now with a chunky sweater and loafers, and when it starts to warm up, I'll pair them with a T-shirt and blazer."
"It's a new year, and time for a bag refresh. I've been coveting Prada's Re-Edition mini bag and it feels like the right moment to invest in a classic."
"I've been obsessing over the jackets and coats from London-based brand Liberowe for a little while now, so I think it's finally time to add something to my closet. I'll wear this jacket with a pair of black silk trousers and a camisole for evenings out, and for more of a daytime look, I'll throw it over a white shirt and pair of jeans."
Courtney Grant, Vice President of Buying, Elyse Walker
Shop Courtney's picks:
"Nothing more sophisticated than an evening blazer. The fabrication on this Toteme cinched waist is the chicest."
"I am head over heels for anything in the new Valentino Iconographe print. These boots are no exception."
Indya Brown, Shopping Editor, Who What Wear
Shop Indya's picks:
"This long-skirt–and-belt combo is the one to beat this season. There's a designer version I'd love to add to my closet, but looking over at Musier this skirt comes extremely close for half the price."
"I love that fine jewelry is getting so much attention from the younger crowd now, with Van Cleef and Cartier as two of the cult favorites. With that said I think Buccellati deserves some spotlight too, and I just love their Blossoms. It's more affordable than their other lines but nonetheless exquisite."
"I've been hearing things about this brand and it looks promising. The standout piece for me has been this maxi dress with an elegant open back. Although a glamorous silhouette, the words sleek and cool immediately come to mind."
Next: 5 Trends That Will Be Major in 2023, According to Net-a-Porter
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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