When it comes to fashion purchases, some inevitably end up in the resale pile, while others become essentials we wear week in and week out. Curious as to which 2019 trends seem to be truly making the grade, I quizzed my fellow editors on their best buys of the year (so far). From It shoes that have proven their merit and must-have bags team Who What Wear can’t live without, along with key investment pieces and exciting affordable finds, these are the best fashion purchases they added to their closets in 2019. Go on to see how our editors are wearing the pieces, and shop all 23 of them for yourself.
"Manu Atelier is the accessories brand I can't stop talking about, and these strappy shoes have quickly become essentials in my closet. The low kitten heel makes them super comfortable, while the nude shade means they're versatile enough to wear with just about everything I own."
"I get more questions about this top than practically any other piece I wear. White tops and jeans are one of my go-to outfit formulas, but the puffy sleeves make this crisp button-down feel more fashion forward than your standard shirt."
"I'm always looking for pieces to add to my closet that will be staples that can withstand the trends of the moment. This Matteau swimsuit might just be the best one I own, and it's certainly something I'll have in my wardrobe for years to come. For those looking for something a little more colorful, this also comes in a beautiful purple shade."
Shop the matching high-waist bikini bottoms ($135).
"I always stick to one pair of sunglasses at a time, and I never change it up until I've found a style I like enough to replace my old ones. So far, these have had a long run that's looking like it might last (at least) until 2020. I love them so much!"
"I've worn these Chanel slides to death since I bought them, and I see no signs of that slowing down any time soon. They're just so easy to throw on with any outfit, and are the perfect middle ground between casual and polished."
"I'd been eyeing the suiting separates from Korean brand Low Classic ever since I spotted my stylish friend Angela wearing them on her Instagram. So when the tailored trousers went on sale, I snapped them up as soon as my fingers could click 'add to cart'. I can happily report that the fit is just as good as I'd anticipated."
"After trying a handful of different loose-fitting jeans and feeling frustrated each time, I nearly called off the search and resigned myself to never landing on the perfect pair. That is, until I slipped into a pair of Agolde's popular Mid-Rise '90s Loose-Fit Jeans. With just enough room throughout the leg, they still have a structured fit and read more like a roomier straight-leg jean."
"When the entire Who What Wear office, plus a ton of buzzy celebs are into the same affordable basic, you know it has to be good. And boy, does this knit tank live up to its hype. The highlights are its appealing square neckline, its thick material that holds everything in place, and its super-comfortable fit. That, and I've gotten nonstop compliments and inquiries each time I wear it (something I can't say for the rest of my plain tanks). I have the cropped version in white and black, but now I'm convinced I need the full-length versions, too."
"Who knew patent-blue kitten heels go with everything? By Far has a way of designing into the perfect intersection of trend and versatility. I also wear my brown croc baguette bag by the brand nonstop.There's a reason every fashion girl waits patiently to see the new product drops, and the contemporary price point makes a purchase that much easier."
"This necklace is beyond dreamy. Fashion girls love a stylish branding moment, and what better way to do it than with your initials in pearls? Since it's a lariat necklace, I have to wear it with either a super-high or super-low neckline to get the proportions right, but whenever I do, it's always a mega hit."
"So you might not think a lime-green satin bucket hat is crazy versatile, but hear me out: The handful of times I've popped this hat on my head as a last-minute addition, I've been thoroughly rewarded with heaps of compliments. This hat is unapologetically happy, and I think it makes people smile just to look at it. My pool outfit provides a fantastic example: a brown tank with brown crochet bikini bottoms is a bit of a yawn on its own, but add this spectacular topper and you've got the makings of an Instagram."
"Another hat! This one serves a completely different purpose, though. I wear this guy every single day on my walk to work because it goes with everything, provides a ton of shade, and can withstand being shoved into a purse (and a suitcase) without losing its shape. Some retailers like Outdoor Voices started carrying it, but I'll tell you my secret: You can get it directly from the brand's site for $30 cheaper!"
"This top is my new summer go-to. It's the perfect blend of the oversaturated prairie-top trend we saw last summer and the simple white tank fashion girls are loving right now. It's fitted in all the right places, and the little bow gives off a vintage lingerie vibe that I'm very into."
"Women wearing men's swim trunks as shorts. That's pretty much all you need to know. This trend is one I was antsy to jump on for many reasons, but the fact that they're more comfortable than any tight jean shorts I own is reason enough for me to wear these on repeat."
"A bag that barely fits your phone is only worth buying if it's this cute. Carry it as a top-handle, or throw on the strap for a more practical approach. Either way, this bag is a must-have you'll carry for seasons to come."
"Snakeskin is obviously a very big trend right now, but I also find it to be one of the most timeless and versatile animal prints. I've been wearing these with everything from black dresses to jeans and tees."
"My friend's jeans are cute, too, but I'm going to make a bold statement and say these Levi's are my favorite denim purchase of the year. The fit is so good, and they're shockingly soft and comfortable, despite being 100% cotton."
"I was reluctant to spend this much money on a hair accessory, but I wear it constantly and it makes me happy, so that surely counts for something."
"I wear these straight-leg Citizens of Humanity jeans nearly every day—they're easy to dress up and down, and they're unquestionably the hardest-working item in my wardrobe. My best fashion buy of 2019 yet!"
"I've worn this dress a ton throughout spring and summer for engagement parties, bridal showers, and birthday parties galore. The cherry on the top? It's become a celebrity favorite too."
"These may just be the most photographed sandals on Instagram, and it goes without saying that I've already worn them to death since the day they were first released."
"I love this little Emily Levine bag I bought a couple of months ago. Her bags are all handmade and naturally dyed, so they're super special—not to mention super chic."
"I'm obsessed with my Doen Mary Janes. Sadly, a lot of other people love them, too, so they're perpetually sold out on the brand's site. However, this Sophia Webster pair is a cute and worthy alternative."
