These 21 Items Are Our Best Purchases of 2020 So Far

The New Year is just starting out, and already Who What Wear’s team of editors have been test-driving some recent purchases that have landed in our closets and medicine cabinets. While there are still plenty of trends and beauty drops we’re excited to try out in 2020, we have some favorite items at the top of the year. So what are our best purchases of 2020 so far? From the game-changing affordable bra our editor in chief wears on the regular to the timeless sunglasses that will withstand the trends to the clean beauty brand two editors love for its lip colors, there are plenty of cool picks we’ll be wearing long into the year ahead.

Rounding out my personal list of favorites? A belted faux-fur coat I’ve been living in, a tiger-print minidress and barely there sandals I packed for a recent trip to Costa Rica, and a stunning Pat McGrath eye shadow palette, which I’ve been using for experimental eye colors (think burgundy and electric purple), but also as a trick to achieve super-glowy skin.

Here, see which fashion and beauty items are topping our lists in 2020 and see how we’re wearing them, then shop them for yourself.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Ever since early last year, I've been wanting to get my hands on a belted faux-fur coat and I just added this stunning cream version from Apparis to my closet. I've been wearing it with a minidress and heels like the photo here, but I also love pairing it with a turtleneck and leather pants like the product shot below.

Shop the coat:

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Speaking of minidresses, I just added this tiger-print version from Réalisation Par to my closet. It is the ultimate vacation wardrobe staple, and I packed it for a recent trip to Costa Rica. Another warm-weather essential are these barely there flat sandals from Studio Amelia—a rising brand you need on your radar.

Shop the dress:

Shop the shoes:

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

While I tend to stick to a taupe eye, I've been experimenting more with the colors using the stunning Pat McGrath Mothership VI palette. I especially love the burgundy color for a more dramatic evening look. And perhaps the most-used color in the palette? The shimmery pearl shade that I've been applying in the corners of my eyes and also the high points on face my for a serious glow.

Shop the palette:

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

"I could write an essay about my love for this bra. As a woman who's been wearing a bra for the better part of her life, I can say this is by far the most comfortable one I've ever owned. My other bras are languishing in my drawer because once I tried this on, every other bra felt like a torture device. It's pretty seamless, so I'm able to wear it with most anything that isn't a deep plunge. I also love that it comes in a handful of shades and is ethically produced."

Shop the bra:

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(Image credit: @evachen212)

"Cold and flu season is in full effect in our office, and so I'm all ears on ways to protect myself. Eva Chen posted her flu primer on her IGS, and I promptly purchased this wellness supplement. Of all of her endorsements, it seemed like the pick where you'd most bang for your buck."

Shop the supplements:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

"These sunglasses have been around for a while, but after seeing how good they look on so many different people, I knew I finally needed them. I feel like they're not like the typical It sunglasses that everyone has and then they're not cool anymore. These have staying power."

Shop the sunglasses:

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

"Even though I wear flats all the time, I hardly ever buy them, but this chic pair really struck a chord with me. Although they're not entirely flat (which at 5'4", I'm okay with), they're more comfortable than most flats I've tried. I've been wearing them constantly."

Shop the shoes:

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

"I recently got my hair cut much shorter than I'm used to, and suddenly I'm relying on a lot more heat styling than anticipated. This hair mask is a godsend for sealing my hair cuticles and making every press look shiny, soft, and even professionally done. I'm hooked."

Shop the mask:

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

"I know this serum isn't new or anything, but I just started using it on January 1 and I have to admit that my skin has been so bright and glowy ever since. It smells pretty funky, kind of like smoke (or mezcal), but it's such a powerfully beneficial antioxidant blend that it could smell like death warmed up and I'd still smear it on my face."

Shop the serum:

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

"I recently cut my bangs (new year, new hairdo!), but since my hair is inherently quite frizzy and flat, I like to tame them and add texture by spraying Oribe Flash Form Finishing Spray Wax onto a paddle brush, then brushing it through my strands. One of my best discoveries of the year so far!"

Shop the spray wax:

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(Image credit: @joiedejude)

"I'm trying to take at least 10 minutes of 'me' time to stretch and do yoga in the morning—this seriously soft and stretchy seamless sports bra and leggings set gets me motivated!"

Shop the top:

Shop the leggings:

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(Image credit: @erin_jahns)

"I'm still really on board with a shimmery and glittery eye, but it can be a hard trend to wear on a daily (non–special occasion) basis. Marc Jacobs Beauty just launched a liquid version of their See-Quins eye shadow, which offers the ultimate compromise. I love the doe-foot applicator, which makes application mess-free and foolproof, and the colors are so subtle and shimmery. (Moonstoned is my favorite!) Plus, the formula won't crease or have fallout like other creamy or chunky eye shadow glitters—I'm hooked."

Shop the eye shadow:

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(Image credit: @erin_jahns)

"I thought my love for Kosas couldn't get any stronger than it was in 2019, but after discovering their newest launch, these Wet Lip Oil Glosses, I'm not completely obsessed. Truly, these gloss/oil/stain hybrids are the only thing I want to wear on my lips this year. They offer the perfect punch of color, tons of shine (without the stick), and have great, non-toxic ingredients to boot."

Shop the lip oil:

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

"It was love at first sight for me and this tinted balm. With hydrating hyaluronic acid and a natural blush tint, it makes for the perfect everyday lip product—and I truly won't go anywhere without it now. Plus, the packaging is kind of futuristic which makes applying it a delight."

Shop the lip balm:

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

"This Ganni turtleneck was one of my first buys of the New Year, and I've been wearing it on repeat with all my jeans and trousers. The print is so unique and since it's a neutral color palette, it couldn't be easier to style. My wardrobe is so basics-heavy these days, so I like how this top adds some dimension. Bonus: It's currently on sale."

Shop the turtleneck:

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

"I love my J Brand Jules jeans and have been wearing them nearly every day. They're comfortable and flattering, which is everything you can ask for. I own them in black, but I have my eye on these gray versions next."

Shop the jeans:

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: This Caudalie salicylic acid serum has truly helped my acne. I had a huge, monthlong flare-up in 2018, but it's been fairly smooth sailing while I've been using this. It's gentle but really seems to help keep my acne, which usually pops up around my chin area, at bay. I follow it with a moisturizer and sunscreen."

Shop the serum:

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(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

"I ordered these Nike snake-patterned sneakers around the holidays to refresh my sneaker collection, and I can't get enough of them. To me, they're cool and especially forward with the elevated sole. I can't seem to find my exact pair at the moment, but this similar style is just as fresh."

Shop the sneakers:

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(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)

"I recently treated myself to this versatile Balenciaga bag. I gravitated toward it because of its classic shape (versatile) and the fact that it had a 'B' logo (ahem, my initial). I plan on wearing it on the regular this year. While my specific style appears to be sold out now, there's a variety of similar options still out there in the market."

Shop the bag:

Next, discover the cool bag trend that will be everywhere in 2020.

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Associate Director, Special Projects

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 and runway content as well as 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, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, 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 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.