I'm a Shopping Director—These Items Will Make Any 2026 Wardrobe Feel Cool and Current
Everything from the sweater of the moment to an It bag style.
Welcome to Retail Therapy—Who What Wear Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler's digest of everything that matters in shopping. He spends his days uncovering special gems to elevate a wardrobe, and it's all curated right here for you, dear readers. Think of Bobby as your personal shopper, and this is the exclusive list of items that get a yes from him, period.
Happy 2026, fashion friends. I'll keep it simple and to the point here. If you want to add a few fresh pieces to build out your wardrobe this year, I'm here with your Bobby-approved list. The overall theme of this edit is versatility—pieces that can be styled with a range of items already in your wardrobe. Think elevated basics and accessories that are modern but not overly trendy. Below, you'll find everything from the denim cut and color of the moment to a coat that you can wear with everything to cute flats you can dress up or down. Enjoy. Xx, B.
It's the year of the quarter-zip sweater. The opening look (modeled by Bhavitha Mandava) at the Chanel Métiers d’Art pre-fall 2026 runway show in New York featured this trusty piece styled with jeans and two-tone slingbacks. Since then, I haven't been able to get the classic yet modern-feeling basic out of my head. It's like a cool cousin to the V-neck (I still love a V-neck, by the way) and will bring a relevant yet easy spin to any 2026 look.
Styling Pieces
I love a good Adidas sneaker. I mean, who doesn't? This specific pair of low-profile sneakers (a 2026 trend) caught my eye with the toe shape and the mix of neutrals. Picture them with leather trousers and your favorite knit.
Styling Pieces
It's all about dark-wash jeans for 2026. I repeat, dark-wash jeans! And of course, Levi's is a go-to spot to secure a coveted style. This specific cut is a crowd-pleaser in a very-right-now slim-straight silhouette.
Styling Pieces
I've been talking about faux fur a lot over the last few months—whether it's a gorgeous coat or a scarf (like I'm wearing above). In addition to the full-on furry coats, the styles with the faux-fur trim also jump out to me as a gorgeous choice that can elevate any look. You could literally throw this Zara piece over whatever you're wearing and look chic.
Styling Pieces
Preppy dressing dominated the 2026 collections with a focus on pieces like cable-knits, polos, and track jackets styled in inventive ways. This rugby shirt from J.Crew leans into this vibe with the unexpected eyelet collar.
Styling Pieces
With heels, high-vamp styles (those that have more coverage in the upper area) reign supreme. This Reformation pair is stylish yet practical with the lower block heel. I'd try them with fun pants, an oversize sweater, and other fun accessories.
Styling Pieces
The new Gucci It bag officially dropped. Yes, I'm of course referring to the updated take on the Jackie bag. This shoulder style is slimmer and more relaxed. Ugh, just gorgeous. Note that it can also convert into a crossbody style.
Styling Pieces
One of my favorite colors right now is icy blue. It's pretty yet feels cool at the same time. Anine Bing's pale blue knits hit, like this cropped cardigan. I'm into this piece with trousers, but you could style it with anything—jeans, a skirt, a dress, and so on.
Styling Pieces
This textured skirt is forward for the season. It's one of those pieces that just scream fashion person, especially styled with stunning boots and a low-key button-up shirt.
Styling Pieces
A pair of simple yet striking flats rounds out the list. This minimalist pair (without bows) reads very 2026, and the color choice is also where it's at. You'll get a lot of wear out of these flats.
Styling Pieces
