These Are the 16 Best Shopping Items of the Year, Period

As 2023 comes to a close, I've been thinking about where fashion is headed next year—from the major runway trends to the next big sneakers and more. I've also been reflecting on the year in fashion, including the state of luxury fashion, the buys that reached cult status, and the season-defining pieces that everyone was shopping for. All of this led me to think more closely about the year in shopping and the very best items that were really worth adding to your wardrobe.

My top picks include everything from the affordable sneakers that only seem to be gaining momentum to the pieces from under-the-radar It-girl brands that are suddenly everywhere to the investment buys that truly feel worthy of their price tags. Ahead are the best shopping items of 2023 that are so good they deserve a spot in your closet long beyond the end of the year.

Adidas Samba Sneakers

For another year in a row, Adidas Sambas are dominating the sneaker space. This year, the black shoes with white stripes are the winner.

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag

One of the key designer bags of the year? The Bottega Veneta Andiamo, which multiple Who What Wear editors have invested in.

J.Crew Lady Jacket

J.Crew made a major comeback in 2023 with pieces that tap into what people are shopping. The top buy of the year? The sophisticated Lady Jackets.

The Row Margaux Bag

While many bags from The Row were huge in 2023, the Margaux bag in size 15 takes the top billing. The tote is functional and practical while also tapping into the elevated minimalism of the fashion house.

Tory Burch Pierced Shoes

The Toryssance and the new cool of Tory Burch made the label one of the most talked-about brands of the year. The perpetually sold-out pierced shoes are the It item everyone is snapping up.

Flore Flore Tops

Flore Flore is putting a new spin on staples with its tanks and tees that are a favorite of celebs like Kendall Jenner.

Wales Bonner x Adidas Sneakers

Yet another pair of Sambas made the list in the form of the Wales Bonner x Adidas sneakers. While they are sold out in nearly every size at traditional retailers, you can still order them from sneaker marketplaces like StockX.

Cartier Panthère Watch

Cartier took over as the most in-demand jewelry brand for watches among women, with hot demand for styles such as the Baignoire and Tank Américaine. Despite the rise of those silhouettes, the Panthère is the top watch buy of 2023.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

Another sneaker style made the cut for 2023: the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s. Similar to the Sambas, they tap into the resurgence of retro styles.

High Sport Kick Flare Pants

No pair of pants has sparked conversations in the fashion space quite like the High Sport kick flare pants. The much-discussed pants have been conversed about everywhere from Substack to Chloë Sevigny's Instagram and deserve all of the hype.

Alaïa Ballet Flats

Alaïa's ballet flats are the shoes that were practically impossible to track down in 2023 and remain one of the hottest shoes to own.

Posse Pencil Skirt

The moment Sofia Richie Grainge wore this Posse skirt and vest during her wedding weekend, it sold out immediately. Luckily, the brand has now restocked it.

Prada Floral Shoes

Prada's flower-embellished heels were perhaps the most photographed shoes on the street style scene during the spring/summer 2024 shows and remain a coveted item in the closets of fashion editors and industry insiders.

Jil Sander Swimsuit

This summer, the logo one-piece swimsuit from Jil Sander was snapped on the most stylish vacations of the season and sold out everywhere. The good news? You can order it again.

Loro Piana Summer Charms Walk Loafers

Loro Piana rose to a new height of buzz in 2023—as did the brand's cult Summer Charms Walk loafers.

Charlotte Chesnais Bracelet

Charlotte Chesnais took top billing in the jewelry space with the brand's Trip Bracelet—most often styled over a cult watch.