46 Key 2021 Shopping Buys, Based on Our Editors' Personal Style
Who What Wear’s fashion editors are expert shoppers, and that’s an understatement. After all, it’s our jobs to search runways, retailers, and the internet for the best and the coolest in fashion. With that in mind, I always have a colleague to turn to whether I need to find out the trends that are about to be everywhere, insight about on-the-rise brands, or someone to weigh in about what’s happening at fashion week. My Slack chats are packed with messages to my co-workers about their thoughts on all of the above.
Who What Wear fashion editors each have their own takes on personal style. Some love bold colors and statement prints, while others prefer to stick to neutrals. Then there are some editors who have closets stocked with the latest emerging brands, and others who are always on the vintage hunt. One common theme? Our fashion editor style is constantly evolving as we add new items to our closets or get inspired about what is happening in the fashion world. So what defines our fashion editor style and what do we actually wear? Ahead, get to know our team a little bit more as we weigh in on personal style and our key shopping buys for 2021.
Shop my picks:
With their loose fit, waist ties, and earthy hue, these pants hit on so many trends I love at the moment while still remaining tailored and timeless.
The moment I spotted these in Prada's S/S 21 collection, I knew they would be a key investment buy for my closet.
Turtlenecks are one of the most versatile staples in my closet and recently I've been drawn to sleeveless versions.
I'm wearing sneakers now more than ever, so I'm looking to upgrade to a more directional pair.
Shop Kat's picks:
"Don't ask me to explain why, but I love the slightly off shape of this quirky blazer. The mismatched buttons are just icing on the cake."
"Knit tanks and I are in a long term relationship. No need to pay a fortune to get a great looking one."
"I've been crushing on the reemergence of baby buckles, and this sunny yellow pair is just perfect."
"I can be wearing the oldest sweatshirt, and the addition of this necklace makes it an outfit."
"These sneakers spark a lot of joy, and kind of make me wish I lived in the '70s."
Shop Yusra's picks:
"Spring days can still be a little chilly, so I'll happily be wearing sweater vests over T-shirts. While they may have started off as a trend, they're definitely a closet staple for me now and will be for the foreseeable future."
"Ever since high school I've had a deep love for cool printed pants. Most people might find them hard to style, but I think they add such a fun element to any look and can be worn in a variety of ways if you take the time to play around with them. I've had my eyes on these from Reformation for quite some time."
"I consider my phone an accessory, so I love having a fun case. Wildflower designs my favorites, and I recently just got a new phone and already got two from their latest drop to deck my phone out in style. It's a mood booster, I promise."
"I've beaten my old pair of Nike's to the ground and I think I'm going to finally hop on the new balance train this year. At first, I didn't think I could incorporate a pair of grey sneakers into my everyday wardrobe, but fashion girls have proven me wrong."
Shop Lauren's picks:
"A loud second skin top with any of my favorite jeans will be my uniform this year."
"Relaxed trousers are the only way I plan on easing back into 'real' pants this year."
"I love this top because it's a basic that's been infused with one of my favorite spring trends—bubblegum pink."
Shop Bobby's picks:
"I'm all about a loose blazer to bring sophistication to my laid-back looks."
"Joggers and track pants would definitely be considered one of my key staples this season. I want to mix a modern pair into my rotation this spring."
"Comfy sneakers are a must. I'm into the color-blocked picks right now."
"I basically never do my hair these days, so it's all about a chic baseball hat."
Shop Indya's picks:
"My favorite kind of tops are versatile, but with a quirky twist—Helmut Lang is my go-to for that type of thing. You can wear this top with anything but it's not boring in the slightest."
"I like my pants on the baggy side with a higher waist, and when I saw this my mind immediately started coming up with a million different potential outfits. Cargos are coming back and I’m embracing it full stop."
"Since it’ll be getting warmer soon my mind is already focused on leather jackets. This one is like a new take on it and I appreciate that it's a neutral other than black."
"I joke that Margiela Tabis are a part of the Brooklyn, 'I work in fashion' starter pack; sooo many of my friends have them. Not gonna lie, I thought they were weird until recently when I saw this ballet flat version—now I’m obsessed!"
"Laura Lombardi is always a favorite. Gotta have a gold chain on my neck at all times!"
Shop Erin's picks:
"I can't stop staring at this beautiful top. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but it's a Lebanese label owned by a woman who's a third-generation expert tailor—and it shows."
"The top I'm wearing in this photo is sold out, but the same print is on this lovely mini dress. It's a very Bridgerton print and reminds me of wallpaper in an English country house. What's not to love?"
"I love blazers because they let me get away with wearing jeans and a white tee every single day without looking lazy. I'm truly obsessed with this one in particular by Rag & Bone. It has a standing collar and no lapel, which makes it feel fresher than your average blazer. The army green color is also fantastic."
"If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I wear tons of printed dresses. I consider myself a print connoisseur if you will, so I don't say this lightly: Agua by Agua Bendita has some of the most beautiful patterns in existence."
Shop Allyson's picks:
"Pretty tops in neutral colors make up about 50% of my wardrobe, so this one is right up my alley."
"I love a shoe trend a much to my surprise flatform flip-flops is the one I can't stop thinking about. Of course, Staud made the perfect version of it."
"Will this be the year I finally save up for a Bottega Veneta bag? TBD, but this one is just my speed."
"I'm all about investing in timeless fine jewelry these days. I don't think I'll ever want to take these off once they're in my ears."
Shop Jasmine's picks:
"I live for a statement sleeve top, and this one from Cult Gaia takes the cake. I dream of wearing this top out in the world (whenever it re-opens)."
"Again, I love traditional pieces like slip skirts that come with unique details, and this tie-knot skirt from Christopher Esber has been living in my mind rent-free for quite some time."
"I've loved bucket hats for a hot minute but have yet actually to invest in one; if I did, I'd opt for this black one from Jaquemus as it can be paired with just about anything."
"I own a ton of mini bags, clutches, and crossbody bags, but I have yet to invest in a really great shoulder bag. I love this Staud one because the zebra print is down-right drool-worthy and the beading detail caught my eye on sight."
"Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a sucker for heels, in all their forms, but especially when they come in the form of knee-high boots as stunning as these Brother Vellies x Pyer Moss ones. If life imitates art, then these shoes are the canvas for the entire look."
Shop Judith's picks:
"I love a cute polo top and this one with elevated details is pure perfection. Just look at the back."
"I don't buy jewelry that often but when I do I make sure it's a quality, unique piece that will last a lifetime. I'm a big fan of Alighieri jewelry and these earrings are high up on my wish list."
"I'm finally transitioning my outerwear from heavy coats to lighter jackets. This wool-blend jacket is timeless and perfect for easing into spring."
"I'll never say no to classic ballet flats. This pair is timeless and looks luxe yet comes with an affordable price tag."
"I'm a big fan of Dôen's vintage-inspired dresses and blouses. I always treat myself to a new piece when a new season rolls around. Luckily, spring is just around the corner and I have my eye on this beauty."
Next, discover the 9 things on my 2021 shopping list.
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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