It's a Try-On Haul: Under-$200 New Buys That Were Instant Winners

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As much as I love a good online shopping spree, the reality is that it's impossible to know how something will look IRL. Will it fit the way I want it to? Is the color actually what's shown on the model? What does the fabric feel like? These are just some of the concerns that start to swirl in my head when my finger is hovering over the order button. Since I know I'm not the only one who prefers to sift through reviews and customer photos before making a purchase, I gathered my fellow editors and WWW staffers for our own version of a try-on haul: Who What Wear Collection edition.

Since our namesake line was dreamed up by our editors and staffers, we thought it only fitting to try on the newest pieces from our September drop ourselves and give you our first-person reviews. The latest drop features plenty of stunning knits, eye-catching dresses, and a few trendy basics that we figured you might be on the hunt for ahead of fall because we couldn't wait to get our hands on them ourselves. A handful of editors and multiple racks of samples later, the results are in, and—spoiler—there were plenty of winners.

Ahead, see the evidence of our team's collective try-on haul, including how we're styling the new pieces, our notes on the fit and standout details, and, of course, how you can shop it all. 

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"If I could claim one top as the official going-out top of fall, it'd be this one. It's strapless and sultry but still gives off fall vibes with the knit materials. It's perfect to pair with its matching skirt for a date night or with jeans for drinks with friends." — Anneliese Dominguez, fashion editor, branded content

"Okay, we have to talk about this skirt and bustier. We have seen the knit-set trend bubbling up everywhere, but I've not seen (or worn) any as beautiful as this set. I love the skirt because it's a midi-length cut so that you could wear it to the office. I also love how flattering it is. Unlike other knit sets, which can make you feel like a sausage squeezed into your clothes, this knit allows you to breathe and still be chic. I also love how you can buy the bustier knit top in the same stunning gray hue. Unlike other versions of this trend, the bustier is so comfortable to be in. (Not to mention, the knit itself is high quality.) The only thing I'd recommend is to size it based on your body. For example, I'm a DD cup, so I had to go up a size in the top to make sure I could be cozy." — Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, audience engagement editor

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"Paired with either the Cassandra Bustier or the Anneliese Top, this skirt can't be beat. But don't count out a chunky-knit sweater or sleek turtleneck—you've got options." — Dominguez

"Big 'rich-mom' energy." — Natalie Cantell, senior director, branded content

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

"This knit top is an absolute dream. It's such a special piece that I can see myself wearing casually as I did here with jeans or dressing up with a slip skirt (or, ahem, our Lulu Midi Skirt) and heels for a fall date night. The open neckline is really flattering, and the fabric is on the thicker side and really holds you in in the best way, making this a subtly sultry pick and one you'd be wise to invest in." — Anna LaPlaca, editor

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"This two-tone knit polo is my latest obsession, and I can't say enough good things about it. The fit is perfection, and the soft knit material is a dream. Here, I'm styling it with a pair of wide-leg jeans and slingbacks, but I'm already imagining it paired with some super-baggy trousers moving into fall." — Kristen Nichols, senior editor

"I paired this with combat boots and wide-leg jeans to contrast the preppier feel of the top. The result? A Gen Z–inspired look I do believe Olivia Rodrigo herself might approve of." — Dominguez

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

"This ruched top looks and feels so expensive. It fits perfectly to your shape and is the definition of the type of piece you can dress up or down. I paired mine here with leather pants and printed heels, but I have also worn it with relaxed, baggy denim and Converse for a more casual vibe. From the silky material to the next-level fit, this is one top you do not want to miss." — Lauren Eggertsen, editorial director

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"Let me preface this by saying that I am a sucker for a good black dress. In fact, my favorite thing about fall is that I can bust out my collection of unique black dresses. The first moment I slipped into our Stella Cutout Dress, I knew for sure this dress had a special place in my LBD arsenal.

"First off, the fit is phenomenal. Rarely do I ever try on something that fits both my bust and hips perfectly—it's like this dress is in the sisterhood of the little black dresses. Secondly, it's so soft and comfortable. I did not want to take it off. And lastly, what's so great about this dress is that it's so easy to style and can be worn by anyone. Worn with knee-high boots and a shoulder bag, dressed up with a coat and heels, or styled casually ballet shoes and a tote bag, the styling possibilities for this dress are endless, which is why it's rightfully earned its spot in my LBD rotation." — Fox-Suliaman

"I absolutely love the Stella Cutout Midi Dress because of how simple and chic it is. The cutouts do so much while still being subtle enough for my favorite necklaces and earrings. This is a dress that will be in my closet for years to come just because of how classic it is. You truly can never go wrong with a black midi dress.

"I opted for a single gold chain so that the attention was still on the cutouts. I paired this with a pair of black booties for an all-black look, but I plan to dress it up with printed heels in the future. This dress is honestly so versatile. I can think of a million ways to style it for the fall and winter." — Aniyah Morinia, associate editor, branded content

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(Image credit: @nataliecantell)

"Every season, you have that one top you end up wearing on repeat. There's never a good time to wash it because it works with everything. It manages to be chill but a bit interesting. It looks as good with jeans as it does with a skirt. This, my friends, is that top." — Cantell

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(Image credit: @nataliecantell)

"I love my namesake ruched bra top with the matching skirt, but I've also been wearing it with jeans and a blazer. It's super versatile. I should probably go ahead and order it in black, too." — Allyson Payer, senior editor

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"No, not all bodysuits are created equally. This ribbed wonder adds a touch of polish to really any bottoms you wear it with. Whether you style it with trousers à la Kristen, with jeans like I did, or a slip skirt, it will quickly become one of the most hardworking staples in your arsenal." — LaPlaca

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

"I'm obsessed with this pretty dress. I think it's super versatile, and I can picture myself wearing it to the office or to drinks. I styled it with fun white earrings by Jenny Walton and Zara kitten-heel pumps." — Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

"This is a top that I know I'm going to wear a lot this fall. It's the definition of a basic with a twist. It's the perfect thing to wear simply with high-waisted jeans and boots." — Payer

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(Image credit: @annadominguez)

"This blue shirt is such a beautiful color. I'm excited to wear it more casually—e.g., unbuttoned and with a bra peeking out from underneath. However, it can also function as a stylish and polished work shirt." — Fitzpatrick

"This top has that day-to-night element that I always look for in pieces. Sure, it can be buttoned up and tucked into trousers for an office meeting, but it can also be worn a bit opened and paired with a skirt or jeans for a more casual look." — Dominguez

Next up: I'm Picky About New Trends, But These Items Could Easily Become Closet Staples

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.