16 Fashion Brands We Couldn't Live Without This Year

As 2019 is coming to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on the best of what happened in fashion from the last year. There have been plenty of year-defining trends from chunky necklaces to reinvented knits to lug-sole boots but also unforgettable celeb outfits that went viral. Who can forget Katie Holmes's iconic cashmere sweater look from the streets in NYC?

When it comes down to what we were actually wearing this year, I was curious to find out the fashion brands that had the biggest impact on our personal wardrobes. Ahead, Team Who What Wear is weighing in about the fashion labels we couldn’t live without and why each of them is too good to pass up. From the handmade bags our editor in chief can’t stop wearing to Scandinavian label that exploded this year to the denim brand every editor in our office owns (and many more), these are the brands we couldn't live without this year. 

Where Totême really shines is its ability to breathe new life into wardrobe essentials, adding modern tailoring and special details to clothes that make them feel more elevated and luxurious than your average basics. Its designs are exactly what I want to wear to the office every day to feel polished.

Shop Totême:

Australian label Matteau designs beautiful resort wear that I wear on repeat, whether or not I'm traveling somewhere for vacation. I recently fell in love with this flowy, ankle-grazing dress that perfectly taps into the billowy dress trend that will be huge in 2020.

Shop Matteau:

"Hayward bags are special. I have a whole purse wall in my house and find myself reaching for a Hayward bag the majority of the time. I love that they're a luxury alternative if you don't want the logo bag every other girl is carrying. They're also handmade in a beautiful studio in the center of NYC, so you know you're getting a quality item that will last."

Shop Hayward:

Shop Hayward:

"Yes, I may be slightly biased. It's easy to wear a brand all the time if you have a fully stocked studio with samples mere steps away from your desk, but Who What Wear Collection is the gift that keeps giving. There's new stuff every month, and I always find some pieces that are aligned with my personal style. I love mixing in the affordable items with my more contemporary and designer pieces."

Shop Who What Wear Collection:

"Seeing as I live in basics, I couldn't have lived without Agolde this year. I have the pinch jeans in two colors, a baggier style in ecru, and the brand's perfect white tank—and I wore them all more than I'd like to admit."

Shop Agolde:

"Not many brands possess this power, but even just a few Nanushka items can seriously transform an entire wardrobe. It's hard to pick favorites, but I can't pretend like this skirt isn't one of the best things I bought all year."

Shop Nanushka:

"BY FAR has become one of my go-tos for investment-worthy accessories. Its fun sandals were pretty much all I wore this summer, and I wear this embossed bag and these boots pretty much on a weekly basis."

Shop BY FAR:

"I wore a lot of Ganni this year, like this fun puffy-sleeved top. I got compliments all along the way."

Shop Ganni:

"Cecilie Bahnsen is what fashion dreams are made of. Full disclosure: I only borrowed this dress, but after seeing the intricate detail up close and personal and wearing it for a day, I'm fully determined to own a piece from the brand. She's always a highlight of my trips to Copenhagen Fashion Week and she can spark trends in an instant."

Shop Cecilie Bahnsen:

"I love Silvia Tcherassi because her clothes always make me feel confident and stylish. She never overlooks the details, whether it's fun sleeves, beautiful embroidery, or elegant draping. I own a few of her dresses and tops, but I also loved trying her amazing outwear this year."

Shop Silvia Tcherassi:

"For everyday staples, I always turn to Missoma. Each of its pieces is made with super-high-quality materials, which is perfect for a low-maintenance gal like me who can't be bothered to take off my jewelry even to sleep/shower/swim."

Shop Missoma:

"Nothing works harder in my wardrobe than the items I've added from Aritzia. From the great basics like this cult-favorite tank top to the chic tailored pieces, I've dressed way better this year because of this retailer."

Shop Aritzia:

"French brand Maje has been one of my go-to brands this year, elevating my basics in an effortless way. This pleated check midi skirt has been one of my favorite investments that I wear from day to night. I'm also in love with all its timeless and classic tweed pieces."

Shop Maje:

"I obviously have a thing for Parisian brands because another French label has been winning for me in 2019! This year I seriously fell in love with Ba&sh and its gorgeous selection of high-quality French-girl inspired pieces. This ruffle-collar midi dress is one of my favorites for special work and fashion events."

Shop Ba&sh:

"I've been consistently hitting up R13 for those statement-making street pieces. I'm particularly into the brand's range of distressed outerwear offering to bring that downtown feel to my looks."

Shop R13:

"While it's certainly not a new brand, I've been obsessed with the recent collection from Swedish-based brand Our Legacy for offbeat basics with a twist. If I wear something from this line, I always get compliments. And who doesn't love that, right?"

Shop Our Legacy:

Next, discover the nine-piece 2020 fashion insider wardrobe.