What's Good: 31 New Things I Tried That I'm Recommending to Everyone
What's Good is a Who What Wear column where senior editor Kristen Nichols shares her latest fashion and beauty finds.
As an editor, I'm always discovering new brands and trends and often testing out many of them myself. To share some of the latest things that have landed in my closet and makeup bag, I'm introducing my new column, What's Good, where I'm spilling the details on all of the cool finds that I'm wearing IRL. Some are just-dropped items I couldn't wait to try out, while others are staples I've had for years but think are still worth the investment.
As we head into spring, my wardrobe is in a moment of transition, so you'll spot everything from oversize bomber jackets and knee-high boots to satin slip dresses and micro miniskirts—pieces I'm wearing to ease my way into some of the biggest trends of the season. I'm also borrowing styling inspiration from the fall/winter 2022 runways and celeb looks, with my own personal spin. Ahead, dive into 31 fashion and beauty editor recommendations, test-driven by me.
With a new creative director at the helm of Bottega Veneta for the F/W 22 collection, all eyes were on what Matthieu Blazy would send down the runway. His debut was terrific (more on that later), and I'm already taking styling inspiration from the show—specifically, look 47, featuring a long satin dress with a sweater tied at the waist. To make it my own, I added a pair of sock-like knee-high boots and a satin bag.
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I've been on the lookout for a great evening bag, and this piece from Merlette is everything.
I'm perpetually on the hunt for great lip shades and have heard nothing but rave reviews for this liquid lipstick from Dior. It's semi-matte and stays put, but it is still rich and creamy. Oh, and the shade 100 Forever Nude is the perfect '90s-inspired hue. It's so popular that it's sold out practically everywhere, but I found a spot where it's still in stock.
Throughout the pandemic, I did some walking but didn't go to any workout classes and really missed them. I recently started going to Hot Pilates in L.A., and it feels so great to get my body moving again. I've quickly realized that I need to get some new pieces in my workout wardrobe, though. I can't get enough of this perfectly cut bra and these workout tights from Nike, which are truly the best leggings I've ever owned. I've also been test-driving Hoka sneakers after hearing so many incredible things about them, and they really live up to the hype.
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When I say these are the best leggings I own, I'm not exaggerating. They're comfortable, easy to get in and out of, and very flattering. They just went on sale, so I'll be stocking up.
Practically everyone I know is wearing Hoka sneakers for their workouts, and I'm the latest convert.
I watched a viral TikTok about how to pull off Kendall Jenner's slicked-back bun and ordered this Tigi Hair Stick on the spot. It's such a game changer and helps me lock down all of my flyaways.
I have a soft spot for suiting and can't get enough of the slouchy silhouettes that are on the market right now. The Frankie Shop has yet again designed the trend to perfection, with a rich shade of charcoal gray and pieces that are tailored so well. Here, I added a baseball cap and strappy sandals to dress it down, but I would also style it with pointed boots for an office look.
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I'm wearing Studio Amelia sandals from a previous season above, but the just-dropped version is equally stunning.
Yep, another product I spotted on TikTok and ordered immediately. Hailey Bieber shared that this tinted sunscreen is part of her everyday skin prep. Plus, it has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon, so you know it's good. I wanted something with a bit of coverage for days when I don't want to wear foundation, and it's just the right amount of tint. Plus, it's packed with SPF 40 and hyaluronic acid, so it is exactly what I want on my face every single morning.
The moment I spotted this dress from Staud, I knew I needed it in my closet. I've been thinking a lot about the maxi trend that dominated the spring/summer 2022 runways, and this is the perfect piece to test-drive it with. The two-tone finish and slit make the simple lines a bit more directional, and I can imagine wearing it anywhere, from dinner to an event.
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I invested in a pair of Chanel slingbacks years ago, and they remain one of my best purchases to date.
Whenever I want to add a healthy glow to my beauty look, I turn to this bronzing cream from Chanel. The creamy texture blends into skin so well, so I prefer it over other powders I've tried. I've had this in my makeup bag for years and am just now needing a replacement—it really lasts for a long time.
Right now, our editors can't stop talking about the return of the bomber jacket. This time around, we're seeing styles that are oversize and crafted from leather. I've been living in this bomber from COS, which is finished with padded details that make it feel like it was plucked out of the '90s. Here, I was inspired by noughties celeb airport outfits and paired a leather bomber with sleek jeans, ankle boots, and a baseball hat.
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I actually won't leave the house without this incredible lip liner. For me, Pillow Talk is the perfect shade to use as both a liner and all over my lips. Then, I simply add a swipe of Aquaphor for an easy everyday look. It's another '90s-inspired shade I can't get enough of.
I typically don't wear a ton of color, but I couldn't ignore the rainbow knits that are on the market right now. I'm already predicting they will be a huge trend for spring and summer, with brands such as Miu Miu and Alanui dropping cool pieces in their spring collections. Here, I paired a pink knit tank with a micro miniskirt, then added platform slides and a belt bag. Can you tell I'm ready for spring?
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I've been a fan of Nécessaire products for a long time, but I can't get enough of the brand's body exfoliator, especially as we're headed into bare-leg season. This is now a shower staple.
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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.