Working in fashion, everyone has their thing, whether it's an extensive collection of vintage jeans or a penchant for shoes. At Who What Wear, for many of us, it's designer bags. For me, it started when Coach bags were everywhere in middle and high school and evolved to my very first adult designer purchase from Vivienne Westwood and eventually to receiving the classic Prada Tessuto nylon tote as a gift a few birthdays ago.

As an editor, I often analyze shopping data, which made me wonder: Which designer bags are our readers buying right now? To answer this, I reviewed a month of data from June 25 to July 25, and the one brand readers shopped the most didn't come as a surprise to me. With nine transactions in a single month, two of which were the Soft Margaux 15, The Row was definitely the front-runner. Our editors love the designs, and since our readers do as well, it makes complete sense. (Clearly we have expensive taste.)

In second place, Loewe had four designer bag sales over the past month. And Gucci, YSL, and Coach followed with three each, while Jacquemus accounted for two. Others with single orders included Zimmermann, Toteme, Tory Burch, Tod's, Strathberry, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Khaite, Jimmy Choo, Isabel Marant, Ferragamo, Dragon Diffusion, DeMellier, Chloé, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Alémais.

Readers shopped these directly from the labels' websites or through retailers like Bloomingdale's, Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, and Shopbop. Below, a look at the designer bags our readers bought over the past month.

Shop Reader-Favorite Designer Bags

The Row Soft Margaux 15

The Row Soft Margaux 12

The Row Park

The Row Sally

The Row Alma

The Row Leila

The Row Agnes 12

Loewe Squeeze

Loewe Anagram Basket

Loewe Dice Pocket

Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Swing

Gucci Paparazzo

Gucci Lady Lunetta

Gucci Jackie 1961

YSL Uptown Pouch

Coach Tabby 36

Coach Tabby 26

Coach Soft Empire 40

Toteme Clip Clutch

Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino

Jacquemus Le Bambola Moyen

Khaite Kye

Balenciaga Rodeo Sling Pochette

DeMellier The Stockholm

Tory Burch Lee Radziwill

Tod's Micro Top-Handle

Strathberry Barra

Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Play

Mulberry Small Boston

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière 25

Lanvin Nano Pencil Cat

Isabel Marant Bolton

Ferragamo Gancini Mini

Dragon Diffusion Castello

Chloé Small Marcie

Burberry Mini Margate

Alémais Limelight Barrel

Jimmy Choo Bon Bon

Zimmermann Goldentime

We all have very different opinions about what makes the perfect foundation, whether you prefer a sheer skin tint or something high-coverage, or a dewy or matte finish. And for me, as someone with a deeper skin tone, making sure the formula I opt for has a wide shade range is at the top of my criteria for what makes a truly good foundation.

I mean, as a beauty writer, I’ve tested a lot of different formulas, all claiming to have amazing coverage and longevity. However, finding a base product with an extensive shade range that won’t leave me looking ashy has been a challenge over the years. But never fear, as I come bearing good news—2026’s foundation selection has more choices than ever for those of us with dark skin. And whether you have dry or oily skin, are looking for an affordable buy or planning to splurge that bit of extra cash on a luxury formula, I've endured years of testing, swatching, and comparing the most popular foundations so that you don’t have to.

Keep scrolling below; I’ve rounded up the nine best foundations to shop in 2026, all of which come approved by a beauty writer with dark skin.

The Best Foundations for Dark Skin

• Best Overall: Fenty Soft'lit Naturally Luminous Foundation, £35
• Best Luxury: Gucci Éternité De Beauté Spf15 Foundation, £51
• Best Affordable: L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, £12
• Best for Dry Skin: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, £54
• Best for Oily Skin: Dior Forever Skin Wear Foundation, £52

The 9 Best Foundations for Dark Skin, According to a Beauty Writer

1. Fenty Beauty Soft'lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation

2. Gucci Éternité De Beauté Spf15 Foundation

3. L'Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

4. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

4. Dior Forever Skin Wear Foundation

5. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

6. Clinique Even Better™ Makeup SPF15 Foundation

7. Refy Skin Base Skin Tint

8. ILIA Beauty Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

9. MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

As fashion editors, it’s our job to be detail-oriented—noticing what people are wearing and what’s starting to define a new season. And since celebrities and their stylists are often among the first to wear the most coveted pieces ahead of time, I decided to take a closer look at the standout designer shoes that have been appearing in their wardrobes so far this summer.

It’s no surprise that I saw a mix of popular summer styles: kitten-heel sandals and ballet flats. Kylie Jenner has been seen in ones from brands such as Amina Muaddi, Maison Margiela, and Manolo Blahnik. Hailey Bieber remains loyal to her Toteme Leather Heeled Flip Flops, while Kendall Jenner continues to expand her ever-growing collection of The Row shoes. Then there are Alexa Chung's Sandy Liang mules, Elsa Hosk's Christopher Esber wedges, and Tessa Thompson's Chloé glass-slipper, Polly Pocket–esque heels.

Ahead, shop the designer shoes celebrities are wearing this summer.

Shop Designer Shoes for Summer 2026

Shop More Designer Shoes

We’ve all heard of those fashion rules we’ve deemed “dated” and arbitrary, but there are some tried-and-true ones we can come back to. Taylor Swift seems to agree. While heading to her go-to recording studio in NYC last night, Swift was spotted wearing an accessory-color trend that I, personally, haven’t worn since middle school. However, she made it look exceptionally cool.

Swift sported a chic beige polo shirt with high-waisted blue jeans, styled with a pair of tan block-heel sandals by Gucci. The aforementioned accessory-color trend she wore was in the form of matching accessories (in this case, cognac leather). Her vintage Chloé Penelope bag was the exact hue of her belt and Gucci sandals. While I know that matching accessories is a somewhat dated fashion rule, people are unsubscribing to the limitations of following and breaking said rules, and Swift is a prime example of what it looks like to just wear what you feel is right. She looks polished, chic, and playful rather than cringy, like I did in middle school.

Keep scrolling to re-create Swift's look if you’re into matching your accessories to your shoes, and shop similar items.

Spotted on Taylor Swift

On Taylor Swift: Gucci Horsebit Leather Platform Sandals ($990); Cartier Love Unlimited Bracelet ($9400)

Get the Look

Shop More Cognac Bags

Shop More Cognac Belts

Shop More Tan Sandals

Last week, my Instagram and TikTok feeds were inundated with photos and videos from Gucci's cruise 2027 show held in the middle of Times Square in New York City. The content opportunities were plentiful: Tom Brady walked the runway, Paris Hilton went brunette, Mariah Carey sat front row, and Gucci imagery co-opted every billboard in the area. It was certainly a spectacle to remember, but as it turns out, the Italian house's sojourn in NYC wasn't limited to one night only.

In conjunction with the show, Gucci has released a limited-edition collection of bags, shoes, and other accessories inspired by New York City. There's the NY Large Tote Bag ($2950), Statue of Liberty Chain Pendant Necklace ($490), Apple Motif Charm ($350), and Borsetto Large Boston Bag ($3100) with a special leather tag featuring the addresses of Gucci's three NYC boutiques.

Only NYC brick-and-mortar stores are stocking the collection: Gucci's Fifth Avenue, Wooster Street, and Meatpacking boutiques as well as Saks Fifth Avenue in midtown and the Bloomingdale's flagship store on 59th Street. If you don't live in New York, don't fret. You can also shop the pieces on Gucci's website.

Shop the Gucci NY Collection

Late on Saturday night, Gucci staged its cruise 2027 show in New York. While many iconic venues and landmarks could have set the stage for the occasion, Gucci chose Times Square as its venue, where the house took over an entire swath of Broadway between 46th and 48th. The setting served as foreshadowing for Creative Director Demna's first cruise collection: a mix of the glam and the gritty in true New Yorker fashion.

The show cemented Gucci's role in the zeitgeist with a lineup of stars both on and off the runway, including names such as Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, and Tom Brady, who walked in the show, and Lindsay Lohan, Laura Harrier, Mariah Carey, and many more, who were in attendance. After the designer's fall/winter 2026 runway debut, we were teeming with curiosity, waiting to see how Demna would translate his new aesthetic vision for the house into a cruise collection, and it's clear that vision is one of high glamour, sex appeal, and loads of '90s references. Ahead, read everything to know about Gucci's cruise 2027 show in New York.

A Times Square Takeover

Marrying high-brow and low-brow taste in a way that only designer Demna could, Gucci descended on none other than Times Square in the heart of midtown Manhattan for its cruise 2027 show. Every screen—normally displaying advertisements of all sorts—was turned into a livestream of the event where models walked the street just below. In place of the usual throng of tourists who crowd Broadway, stylish showgoers were seated clad in their best Gucci attire.

The Gucci Famiglia

Tom Brady! Paris Hilton! Cindy Crawford! One noteworthy celebrity walking the runway would have garnered headlines, but Gucci tends to set the bar high, and even this show outdid itself. The casting call included a host of very familiar faces from across the pop culture spectrum, from the NFL to our Netflix queues.

Star-Studded Arrivals

As if the runway weren't star-studded enough, the front row and arrivals were equally as impressive. Carey, Kim Kardashian, and Lohan were just a few of the A-list names in attendance, wearing their best Gucci ensembles. Harrier was a vision in a white turtleneck minidress and black pumps that recalled Carrie Bradshaw's famous traffic-stopping LBD.

And Now, the Clothes

Now, let's discuss what actually went down on the runway. There were a lot of glam gowns, including the architectural feathered look worn by Crawford, a sheer cape dress on Alex Consani, and Mariacarla Boscono in a one-shouldered feathery concoction. By contrast, many looks closely resembled what you might see the everyday New Yorker wearing just an avenue or two over on 5th: dark denim, slick trench coats, and slim suiting.

Is it just me, or does it seem like every celebrity right now is wearing the same designer bag? Whether they're heading to dinner in L.A., a meeting in NYC, or an event in Cannes, chic dressers are cradling this not-so-subtle style in the crooks of their arms. The bag in question is the Gucci Borsetto.

Debuted as part of the brand's S/S 26 collection, the Borsetto is designed to bridge archival heritage with modern luxury. A key feature that aligns the Borsetto with current trends is its distinctive, coveted east-west silhouette, complemented by long straps. The archival element stems from part of the bag's name, "morsetto," which refers to the Horsebit in Italian. The iconic equestrian hardware sits at the front of the bag, anchored over the brand's instantly recognizable Web stripe, Gucci's signature green-and-red stripe. It comes in large and medium and four colorways—brown suede, black leather, cognac leather, and sand-and-brown GG canvas.

The surge in popularity of the Gucci Borsetto reflects a growing appetite for maximalism, a movement we're seeing more and more as we near the halfway point of 2026. After a long period of logoless designs and quiet luxury aesthetics, the style set appears increasingly drawn to visible branding and statement pieces that express identity and personality. The appeal of the Borsetto lies not in restraint but in recognizability, and its styling feels nostalgic yet fresh—a balance that consumers are seeking.

While stars like Dua Lipa, Alex Consani, and Vittoria Ceretti have been spotted carrying the bag, it's recently become popular among older demographics, including those in their 40s and 60s, such as Demi Moore and Anne Hathaway. Moore has been spotted carrying the bag, which she owns in two different colorways, on multiple occasions and has styled it with everything from a long coat, jeans, and boots to a bomber jacket, tailored trousers, and hardware-adorned pumps. Hathaway, on the other hand, has styled it a bit more casually, pairing it with a letterman jacket, track pants, and loafers.

If you're in the market for an It bag that's declaring that hyperminimalism is out, keep scrolling to shop the Borsetto.

See How Anne Hathaway and Demi Moore Are Styling the Borsetto Bag

Shop the Gucci Borsetto Bag

I know what you’re thinking: Can’t you wear just about any bag with jeans? Sure, you can, but some bags simply look better with jeans than others, matching the classic, casual look of denim to a T. And Demi Moore just wore a new It bag that expertly displayed how perfect a pairing certain bags with jeans can be.

If you keep even just loose tabs on the world of designer It bags, you're probably familiar with the Gucci Jackie Bag, which originated in 1961 and was reissued in 2020. The structured shoulder bag has become a modern-day classic. Under the new creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, the bag has been reimagined once again, in the form of an elongated, subtly slouchy shoulder bag made of soft leather and featuring the same hobo shape and Gucci's signature hardware as the original. Coined the Gucci Jackie Slim Shoulder Bag, the effortlessly cool yet polished look of the bag is the perfect match for jeans, no matter the season or time of day.

Keep scrolling to shop the new It bag and see Moore's look, consisting of a lightweight black coat, sweater, and jeans, complemented by the Gucci Jackie Slim Shoulder Bag and a pair of Boulevard Pumps from the brand.

Jeans + the It Bag on Demi Moore

On Demi Moore: Gucci Jackie Slim Shoulder Bag ($2450) and Boulevard Pumps ($1220)

Shop the Gucci Jackie Slim Shoulder Bag

Interior décor trends may move at a much slower pace than fashion trends do, but every so often, they happen to align perfectly, and spring 2026 is one of the those moments. Animal prints of all kinds have been popping lately, with doe print, zebra print, and snake print bubbling up, but none are reaching quite a fever pitch like tiger print is. This season, designers across fashion and home décor alike are presenting a united front on tiger being the newest It print, and it feels like a fresh evolution of the leopard-print trend that's dominated until now. With that, we're officially introducing tiger print as the It print to know for 2026.

If you open up Pinterest, you'll see the evidence everywhere—images of Rihanna stepping out in a head-to-toe tiger-print moment in Alaïa live next to snapshots of stylized living rooms that feature tiger-print ottomans and area rugs. In the luxury world, Alaïa was one of the first to put tiger on the map this year with printed versions of its beloved ballet flats and Le Click bag, and in the lookbook for Demna's debut Gucci collection, Alex Consani posed in a massive tiger-print fur coat. On the street, fashion people wearing tiger-print coats had a viral moment this past winter. But the trend is only heating up, as designers are using it for swim and beachwear too. I expect the momentum to keep going throughout the year.

Here, discover and shop the rising tiger-print trend that's taking over fashion and home décor in 2026.

If you’re someone who stays attuned to the happenings of the luxury space, you’ll have noticed a marked shift for 2026. No, it’s not a turn away from minimalism or even a departure from branding, but a focus on the one thing that can’t be created overnight: heritage. The biggest designer names out there are showing off their vast expertise, accumulated over decades, and distilled down into the most iconic pieces. This year, the icons are returning, proving that the truly worthwhile It buys are those that can go the distance. And right now, all eyes are on the return of the Gucci Jackie bag.

If there’s one celebrity who can cement the return of an It bag, it’s Hailey Bieber. Stepping out in Beverly Hills recently, she signalled spring’s arrival with a knitwork co-ord of wrap cardigan and fringed midi skirt, but for those in-the-know, it was the bag tucked under her arm that was the real standout. Straight from Demna’s first collection as creative director of Gucci, Hailey Bieber carried the Gucci Jackie Slim, an ode to one of the brand’s most enduring bags. Sixty-plus years since its first creation, we’re hooked once more on the Jackie.

First created back in 1961 under the name Constance, the Jackie bag was later renamed to reflect the extensive collection and consistent sightings of the First Lady of the United States at the time, Jackie Kennedy. A style icon in her own right, Kennedy’s off-duty looks were often accompanied by Gucci’s smooth leather bag. The softened edges, the supple shape and the distinctive yet understated lock closure nodded to the luxurious origins of the bag without being ostentatious. More than six decades on, the style setters of today continue to reach for the iconic style.

The exact bag that Hailey Bieber carries is the Jackie Slim, a reconfiguration of the original style launched for spring/summer 2026, which features a shortened shape, creating the illusion of an east-west silhouette. It both updates the bag for current times, whilst remaining true to the distinctive motifs of the Jackie, coming with a vintage patina to the leather to evoke the sense of a treasured vintage find. The renewed adoration for the Jackie has also been confirmed by Kate Moss, who was spotted in Paris pairing a floral print dress with a Jackie 1961 bag. Whilst Bieber and Moss’s looks range from pared-back minimalism to relaxed boho, the Jackie bag nestles easily with both spring styles, bringing a luxurious edge to both looks. Now, the most stylish people around have declared the return of the Gucci Jackie bag. If you’re interested too, scroll on.

Shop the Gucci Jackie Slim Bag

Shop the Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag

Shop More Gucci Bags

Skinny jeans get a bad rep, and for good reason. I, myself, was happy to see them fall out of style in favor of styles with a bit more give. That being said, there are chic ways to reintroduce them into your wardrobe that won't make you look like it's 2013 again. For proof, just see how Laura Harrier styled a pair of Gucci skinny jeans while in Milan during Fashion Week. After analyzing her night-out ensemble, I'm convinced that skinny jeans aren't all bad. All it takes is the right styling, and suddenly, the controversial denim style feels far fresher in 2026.

For a dinner at Baretto celebrating Demna's first Gucci runway show, Harrier donned a look from his pre-fall 2026 collection, including black skinny jeans with a split hem, a cropped leather bomber jacket, and tall horsebit pumps. She finished off the ensemble with one of spring 2026's newest It bags, the Jackie Slim Small Shoulder Bag ($2450). The trick that made her skinny-jeans outfit work? Pairing the black style with classic pumps anchors the trendiness of the denim style, balancing the entire look. The timeless shoe shape also elevates skinny jeans, which can tend to err on the youthful side.

On Laura Harrier: Gucci Jackie Slim Small Shoulder Bag ($2450), Donna Pump ($1220), top, jacket, and jeans

The other trick to making skinny jeans feel sophisticated in 2026 is to opt for a slightly washed black wash instead of anything too light. It gives them the same smart look that cigarette pants possess, but with a touch more casualness, making them perfect for a night out in a chic city like Milan during Fashion Week.

Convinced to stop hating all skinny jeans and welcome certain versions back into your wardrobe? Keep scrolling.

Get Laura's Look

Shop Skinny Jeans

Shop Classic Heels

Last season may have been historic with its many designer debuts, but this Milan Fashion Week is giving us something equally as worthwhile to buzz about: Demna's runway debut at Gucci. After a career-defining run at Balenciaga and establishing his personal codes at Vetements before that, the designer has arrived at the helm of the Italian fashion house. Although the fall/winter 2026 collection isn't technically his first stamp on Gucci, it is his first runway show and therefore a major moment in the brand's new aesthetic direction.

Known for his polarizing perspectives and ultra-futuristic aesthetic, elements of the designer's signatures are appearing at Gucci now, too, but put through the lens of the Gucci woman. Now that we can finally experience the fullness of Demna's creative vision for the house, there's so much to analyze and unpack. Ahead, everything to know about Gucci's fall/winter 2026 show and what to expect from the new Demna era.

Welcome to the Demna Era

While Gucci will always be Gucci, the house continues to be remembered and cherished by the creative director at the helm. There's a clear distinction between, say, Tom Ford–era Gucci and Alessandro Michele–era Gucci, and with Demna's monumental arrival to the helm in 2025, a brand new dawn has begun at the Italian label. After a career-defining run at Balenciaga, the designer put out his debut Gucci collection for spring 2026, but the fall/winter season marks the designer's first official runway moment, and it's offered us even more view into the world he's creating. At first glance, it's one filled with nods to the '90s, loads of sex appeal, and a reverence for his predecessor Ford.

Everyone and Their Mother Walked the Runway

It's always exciting when a noteworthy celebrity walks the runway, but Gucci took its casting to a truly not-before-seen level of star power. Most notably was Kate Moss, who closed the show in a floor-length sequin gown with a iconic logo G-string. Before her came Emily Ratajkowski, Karlie Kloss, Elsa Hosk, Amelia Gray, and Gabbriette.

Tom Ford's Heritage

The collection had strong '90s overtones with looks that felt minimal but striking at the same time with an undeniable sex appeal throughout. It had many lifetime Gucci fans drawing immediate comparisons to the '90s and '00s when Tom Ford was famously at the helm. Logoed G-strings, super-slim suiting, and leather—all hallmarks of Ford's Gucci—were among the standout elements.

All Things Fitted

Get ready to throw out all your baggy clothes—at least, if Demna has any say. The designer took a hard stance on silhouettes: They need be as body-clinging as is logistically possible. These body-aware silhouettes are what Gucci refers to as the "ultimate seamless garments" with pieces cut as close as possible to the body. Through rigorous product development, they feature invisible heat-sealed edges and engineered curved hems, the brand shared in its collection notes.

The New (Old) Bags

It wouldn't be a Gucci collection if there weren't at least one iconic handbag pulled from the brand archives and reinvented. For fall 2026, that was none other than the Gucci Bamboo 1947 Bag. It was updated with a new, sleeker silhouette and a bamboo-shaped handle.

It's official: The new Gucci It bag is here, and top models of the '90s and today are the first to solidify it. The bag I'm referring to is Gucci's Borsetto Bag, a softly structured take on the bowling bag, which continues to be a top handbag trend. The elegantly sporty bag from the brand's S/S 2026 collection comes in two sizes in black leather, dark brown suede, and Gucci's iconic GG canvas. It features long top-handle straps, a detachable shoulder strap, and Gucci's signature horsebit hardware and grosgrain web stripes. The Borsetto has a cool vintage quality to it that pretty much solidifies it as an instant classic.

So, who's wearing it? In the past week alone, Vittoria Ceretti carried it to the Olympics opening ceremony, Alex Consani was spotted with it on her shoulder in NYC, and Kate Moss paired it with jeans in Los Angeles. These incredibly chic models have all proven to have impeccable taste, so if you're feeling influenced to invest in the Gucci Borsetto Bag, it's understandable.

Stay tuned to see which celebrities carry it next, and in the meantime, scroll on to add one to your collection if owning the latest It bags that are worthy of an investment is your goal.

On Vittoria Ceretti: Ferragamo Shearling Coat with Wool Inlay (£10,694); Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag (£2560)

On Alex Consani: Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag (£2560)

On Kate Moss: Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag (£2560)

Shop the Gucci Borsetto Bag

Shop More Gucci It Bags

It's official: The new Gucci It bag is here, and top models of the '90s and today are the first to solidify it. The bag I'm referring to is Gucci's Borsetto Bag, a softly structured take on the bowling bag, which continues to be a top handbag trend. The elegantly sporty bag from the brand's S/S 2026 collection comes in two sizes in black leather, dark brown suede, and Gucci's iconic GG canvas. It features long top-handle straps, a detachable shoulder strap, and Gucci's signature horsebit hardware and grosgrain web stripes. The Borsetto has a cool vintage quality to it that pretty much solidifies it as an instant classic.

So, who's wearing it? In the past week alone, Vittoria Ceretti carried it to the Olympics opening ceremony, Alex Consani was spotted with it on her shoulder in NYC, and Kate Moss paired it with jeans in Los Angeles. These incredibly chic models have all proven to have impeccable taste, so if you're feeling influenced to invest in the Gucci Borsetto Bag, it's understandable.

Stay tuned to see which celebrities carry it next, and in the meantime, scroll on to add one to your collection if owning the latest It bags that are worthy of an investment is your goal.

On Vittoria Ceretti: Ferragamo Shearling Coat with Wool Inlay ($15,800); Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag ($3450)

On Alex Consani: Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag ($3450)

On Kate Moss: Gucci Borsetto Large Boston Bag ($3450)

Shop the Gucci Borsetto Bag

Unlike other facets of our wardrobe, the accessories we carry with us throughout the year aren’t as susceptible to climate-related shifts and thermal changes as categories like jeans, jackets, and shoes. However, if the spring 2026 bag trends are any indication, it’s that parting ways with your dependable carry-all that’s served you dutifully for the past few years should be something you take seriously. Why? The influx of new styles available are simply too irresistible.

This is a message coming from someone who could count on one hand the number of bags they own. (Which, for the record, includes a woven leather St. Agni workhorse that doubles as my laptop bag, a supple bucket bag from New Zealand-based label Yu Mei, a vintage Jil Sander clutch and a Mini Kara silver shoulder bag from Tory Burch.) I know what it’s like to watch the seasons come and go and withhold from investing in a designer bag or partaking in a niche aesthetic by purchasing a novel piece of arm candy. Which is all to say that when I tell you just how covetable the key spring 2026 bag trends are, you would benefit from believing me.

So, why this exact moment to step off the sidelines and play the field by courting a fresh style? It comes down to a few factors, with the most important being that this is the season of the mammoth creative director reshuffle that saw numerous designers take the reins and present their debut collections for heritage houses back in September. For weeks now, I’ve been counting down with bated breath for the moment Jonathan Anderson’s new suede bags at Dior land in the French maison’s boutiques, or watched how everyone from Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber tease Matthieu Blazy’s first It bag for Chanel, the dual handle flap bag.

I’ve had an endless amount of time to pore over every still, look and angle presented on the spring 2026 runways and really work out what bag trends will have longevity. And, for the most part, the key spring bag trends are new updates on archival silhouettes, meaning that these pieces are forged with a storied history and proven track record of desirability. Better still, the lag between when the collections were presented and when the designs hit stores has proved opportune for me to mentally compile a wishlist for shapes, cuts and colours I’ll be shopping once they’re available for purchase.

Thankfully, that time is nigh, with many of these trends already trickling in. In the immortal words of Addison Rae, I’ve always wanted more, so scroll on ahead for the 6 biggest 2026 bag trends to covet now.

6 Key Spring Bag Trends for 2026

1. Chain Reaction

Style Notes: Leather straps have somewhat become the handle du jour over the past decade. Now, a bevy of luxuriates are relegating this motif to ready-to-wear, making these black nappa straps exclusive to pieces like a Ludovic De Saint Sernin top or a Khaite belt. Usurping this traditional detail is the prevalence of shiny chains. From Valentino Garavani’s chevron-quilted Panthea shoulder bag to Loewe’s slouchy Squeeze tote, this is a trend that offers a soft and industrial edge to any look. Heavy metal and reflective, indeed.

Shop the Trend:

2. Open Book

Style Notes: On the heels of the quiet luxury aesthetic, discerning shoppers are using even rudimentary styling techniques, like the closing fixtures of their bags, to convey wealth. This trend first began after a herd of Hermès stalwarts thought it novel to wear their Birkins and Kellys with the straps and flaps unfastened. Now, designers are pre-baking this look into their bags, with this undone accent cropping up everywhere from Balenciaga’s Rodeo to Fendi’s new slouchy Way bag. A pickpocket's delight, indeed.

Shop the Trend:

3. Nouveau Suede

Style Notes: Fashion continues to hedge its bets on suede. But instead of the conventional rich chocolate or lighter latte hues, many designers are rendering the texture in a more tropical and botanical colour palette fit for the season at hand. From Ferragamo’s croc-embossed clutch that’s finished in a perfect clementine shade to Australian-based brand Rylan Studio’s royal purple gathered micro tote, these are styles that are bright, airy and indicative of the warmer weather on the horizon.

Shop the Trend:

4. Space Cadets

Style Notes: As a self-identified perennial schleper, I know the plight of lugging around all my worldly possessions in one single bag all too well. Much to the dismay of my already irritated shoulder, spring will bring in a new wave of extra-large tote bags—perfect for anyone who loves carrying everything-the-kitchen-sink at the bottom of their purse or wants to recreate that iconic photo of Ashley Olsen arriving at an airport in Mexico back in 2006 wearing a bag that’s literally half her size.

Shop the Trend:

5. Origami Edges

Style Notes: The Japanese art of origami has long been a source of inspiration for Jonathan Anderson. From Loewe’s Puzzle bag, which emulates the ridges of folded paper, to Dior’s newest Ciagle bag, a style inspired by a Monsieur Dior original dress from 1952, the Northern Irish designer has always found ways of incorporating pleats and clean lines into his accessories. Now, his cohort is taking note. From Prada’s new Passage, a shape that emulates a bag-within-a-bag with a doubled-over front to Saint Laurent’s dimpled Mombasa re-issue, expect to see more sculptural bag shapes come spring.

Shop the Trend:

5. Duchesse Pouches

Style Notes: Fashion has long been obsessed with ladylike purses. Now, they’re turning their attention to duchesse pouches. Most notably a fixture of Prada’s spring/summer 2026 collection, these dainty sacks are accentuated by a soft fabric and ultra-fine strap that’s designed to be worn around your wrist or clutched in the palms of your hands. Because as the winter layers start to shed, shouldn’t the bags we carry get breezier, too?

Shop the Trend:

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I’m infatuated with wearing jeans every day. They’re a staple in everyone’s closet, including the It girls of our generation. I’m so glad denim will never phase out of the trend cycle. Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to dress up my jeans, as I tend to wear them with sneakers because I love easy and comfortable shoes. However, sneakers aren’t exactly the best option for elevating an outfit. Thankfully, my search has ended because the recent outfit Alex Consani wore in NYC solved my dilemma.

Consani dressed up a casual, model-off-duty outfit with a pair of chic loafers instead of sneakers. Her full look consisted of a high-collar, tan jacket layered over an oversize white button-down and a pair of perfectly baggy, distressed jeans. To accessorize, she added a pair of '90s-style sunglasses and a sleek, black Gucci shoulder bag. This outfit is so NYC-cool-girl coded, and her loafers were the absolute right choice to stay comfortable throughout her city trek and to stay stylish overall.

If you’re also looking for ways to dress up your jeans, keep scrolling through to re-create Consani’s look and shop similar items.

Get the Look

Shop More Loafers

Shop More Baggy Jeans

Whether worn in the offices of investment banks, the corridors of preppy private schools or on the feet of off-duty supermodels as they wander through the avenues of Manhattan, there’s no denying that loafers have become one of the most universal footwear trends over the past decade. Because what other shoe could take you from the boardroom to the bar as seamlessly as this pseudo-yuppie staple?

“Loafers sit at a rare intersection of ease and authority,” explains Chili Palmer, the founder of London-based footwear label Lili Curia. “They’re practical and unfussy, but they still carry a sense of polish and intention,” she adds, acknowledging that they “move fluidly between menswear and womenswear, formal and casual, which gives them an alluring flexibility.”

When it comes to investing in a pair, it’s not just a matter of heading down to the high street and picking up the first style that piques your interest. With countless options to choose from—penny! tassel! backless! horsebit! heeled!—it’s important to contemplate the exact effect you want these popular flats to have when wearing them. But, as the likes of Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz can attest, gathered loafers are the most in-demand variation and, by direct correlation, really the only category worth considering.

Whilst items like Gucci’s slip-on Princetown mules or Prada’s chunky Monolith stomper once reigned supreme, our collective shift towards more streamlined and minimalistic shapes has allowed the gathered loafer trend to flourish. For the uninitiated, the shape refers to a low-profile style that features ruching around the toe box and a slim upper. Decisively simplistic, this is an iteration that is elevated in its commitment to a well-crafted and exceptionally sophisticated design.

“Gathered loafers soften what is traditionally a structured silhouette,” Palmer notes. “That tension between formality and delicacy feels very current—there’s an appetite right now for shoes that feel expressive, tactile, and a little romantic, without losing functionality." In fact, the style has become so coveted that it’s quickly becoming conflated with what a conventional loafer should look like, with many luxury brands adopting this shape as their default choice.

Indeed, designers like The Row and Miu Miu are reaping the benefits of gathered loafers becoming incredibly popular in the mainstream through the success of their own versions, including the Soft Eel loafer and the Buffalo loafer in leather, respectively. And you only need to look at these labels’ adherents for evidence of how chic and polished the best gathered loafers can be.

A perennial street style fixture, Hailey Bieber can often be seen sporting a pair of gathered loafers as the finishing touch to her sensually tailored wardrobe, whilst Kendall Jenner always makes a point to complete her jeans-and-a-nice-top silhouettes with a pair, too.

More recently, whilst attending a promotional event for Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi eschewed all forms of method dressing for a typical ‘East London creative’ ensemble that featured an Arc'teryx windbreaker, pleated white wide-leg trousers and, as the pièce de résistance, Saint Laurent’s well-adored Le Loafers.

Ultimately, as Palmer points out, “a well-made loafer doesn’t belong to a specific era or style, I find that you can be quite free in how you wear them.” Ready to slip into something a little more stylish? Stitched to perfection, cut to be trim and well within the zone of comfort, uncover the best gathered loafers that have earned Who What Wear UK’s tick of approval, ahead.

The 19 Best Gathered Loafers of 2026

• The Overall Best Gathered Loafer: The Row Soft Eel Loafer, £1250
• The Best Designer Gathered Loafer: Saint Laurent Le Loafer Supple, £880
• The Best Leather Gathered Loafer: Reformation Francine Ruched Loafer, £268
• The Best Suede Gathered Loafer: H&M Loafers, £32.99

Vintage fashion has been trending for decades, but lately, there has been a surge in people shopping secondhand luxury pieces, specifically designer bags and pre-loved jewellery. Why? Well, I believe there are several reasons. Firstly, the number of resale sites we have that make it easy to sell and shop secondhand, including Vinted, Depop, Vestiaire and eBay, has made sourcing retro designer pieces more accessible than ever. Then, there's the added appeal of owning a rare gem, especially in the world of fast fashion and algorithm-dictated ads, where everyone on your feed can be wearing the same £30 piece within days of one another.

Vintage accessories can also be more affordable than purchasing new designer jewellery, especially as the prices of gold, silver and diamonds have recently spiked. Plus, designer vintage pieces are often better quality than their modern counterparts; some luxury brands have stopped using high-quality metals in favour of plated alternatives to reduce production costs, though that's not reflected in the hefty price tag. In fact, quite the opposite...

Ever ahead of the curve, Gucci has tapped into this demand for vintage designer jewellery and re-released a timeless piece from its '80s archives, but with a modern twist. Enter the Gucci Play Watch.

What Is the Gucci Play Watch?

Playful by name and nature, it boasts interchangeable faces, which is a unique design feature to encourage self-expression and creativity. The Gucci Play Watch has taken the original concept of the '80s Bezel Play Watch and reimagined it through a contemporary lens. In other words, it's had a few design modifications over the past 40 years, as well as a whopping £2000 price increase.

How do I know this? Well, my generous mum gifted me her original, which my dad bought her one Christmas in the early '80s for under £200. Suffice to say, it would be near impossible to find a luxury designer watch for that price now, even on resale sites.

What Are the Differences Between the 2026 Gucci Play Watch and the Original '80s Design?

The new-generation Gucci Play Watch honours the debut creation. It features a bangle-like strap, round face and interchangeable bezels, much like the '80s classic. However, there are subtle differences. The new version boasts a slightly larger face that measures 28mm, a thicker strap with hinges to make it easier to slip onto the wrist, whereas the original has a fixed slimline bangle. The fastening has also been modified; the click-ball back replaces the classic hook closure.

The gold-plated stainless-steel watch still features the distinct interchangeable bezel faces. However, the material has been refined; it's now made of durable ceramic rather than the former featherlight—yet fragile—acrylic. The new faces have a slight pearlescent shimmer, whereas the original bezels are a bold opaque colour.

Whilst we're on the topic of faces, the new iteration of the Gucci Play Watch has fewer bezels (seven instead of the original 11). Thanks to my mum's safekeeping, I know the original included white, black, lilac, deep purple, light blue, navy blue, burgundy, yellow, pink and red, as well as Gucci's signature green with a red-stripe bezel. The new version only includes the signature green-and-red stripe, as well as block green, red, black, white, lilac and navy blue.

The History of the Gucci Play Watch

Fast forward 40 years from the first launch, and Gucci officially re-released the Play Watch in November 2025, thanks to rising demand for the original. The timepiece was designed to be delicate and playful, and the interchangeable colourful bezels were revolutionary. This distinct feature made the watch a popular design of its time, and it still is, decades later. The hybrid design also bucked tradition, as the bangle strap resembles a bracelet, blurring the lines between functionality and style, although this same multifunctionality is a huge jewellery trend.

Is the Gucci Play Watch in Fashion in 2026?

And, predictably, since its relaunch, the Gucci Play Watch has sold out online at several retailers. Just in case you need further proof that it's in fashion now, just take a look at social media. Content creators, including Mina Hasan, Gloria1211__ and Candice Brathwaite, are going viral for showcasing their vintage timepieces and the sentimental stories behind them, as well as their mission to secure the retro original and tales of hunting down a missing bezel face to complete the set.

Plus, several trusted secondhand retailers, such as eBay, Vinted and DePop, as well as vintage jewellery marketplaces, are selling the '80s original at elevated prices averaging around £450 minimum. If you want in on the new version, shop it below.

Shop the Gucci Play Watch:

Shop Other Gucci Jewellery Pieces:

When it comes to finance and fashion, most of us would agree that our knowledge begins at being able to tell you what the initials IPO stand for, the designers bags worn by Marisa Abela when in costume as Yasmin Kara-Hanani on Industry and being able to quote Carrie Bradshaw when she wrote that “a Prada dress should always be worn with an investment banker”.

However, in the accelerating cost-of-living crisis, there’s certainly been a discernible increase in the valuation of little luxuries, whether it be the Chanel Le Vernis nail polish we buy to save on monthly manicures or the Layla’s Bakery pastry we sweetly treat ourselves to every Saturday morning after a hard week. As a result, there’s been a renewed interest in the best entry-level designer accessories—small leather goods, pouches, bag charms, sunglasses and so forth—as a way to satiate our appetites for luxury items at a more affordable price point.

“These are pieces that allow first-time luxury consumers and customers that have been purchasing for some time who are investing heavily into designer collections to both be a part of the brand, and be a part of the world that that brand creates at a much more attractive price point,” explains Gab Waller, the Los Angeles-based personal shopper and luxury product sourcer.

Having made her reputation in obtaining out-of-stock, incredibly hard-to-find and exceptionally archival designer pieces for the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge, Waller has established herself as a pre-eminent resource for identifying, seeking out and supplying the latest must-have piece. (Chanel purses, Phoebe Philo jackets and Hermès bags, to name a few.)

When asked about the rise in popularity of entry-level designer accessories, Waller tells me that it comes down to two things. “It allows you to be a part of the world of the brand, and it also allows you to create a relationship with that brand,” she adds. “It is very well-known that relationships with your sales assistants will certainly help you get access to the more highly requested and in-demand pieces down the line, so investing in entry-level designer products allows you to tap into the brand whilst also creating a relationship.”

For London-based brand founder and CEO of luxury resale platform Sellier, Hanushka Toni, she tells me that entry-level designer accessories are “a smart and low-pressure way onto the luxury ladder.” Speaking over email, she acknowledges that “whether it’s your first designer treat or a thoughtful add-on to your collection, these pieces deliver craftsmanship, instantly recognisable design, and a touch of brand heritage—all without the scary price tag.”

Of course, it would be remiss for me to boast in such broad strokes about the affordability of products that will still set you back hundreds of pounds. It’s not to say that these pieces are inexpensive by any means of the word, but more accessible than the higher end of the spectrum, which can sometimes reach into the thousands. Better still, these are pieces that will still hold their investment for years to come, knowing that you can invest a small amount of money in and still reap the benefits should you ever choose to part ways with the item later down the line.

So, where to start? “Belts, small leather goods, and compact bags from brands known for their materials and construction tend to age beautifully and hold their appeal,” explains Toni. “Scarves and costume jewellery can be fun entry points, but they’re far more trend-led; well-made leather pieces in timeless shapes simply have more staying power.”

Ready to put your money where your mouth is? From coin purses woven in buttery soft intrecciato leather from Bottega Veneta to saccharine bag charms from Miu Miu that will instantly give any tote Mrs Prada’s stamp of approval, uncover the best entry-level designer accessories, ahead.

The Best Entry-Level Designer Accessories, Categorised by Price

Under £250

Under £500

What to Look Out for When Buying Entry-Level Designer Accessories?

“Look to the brands that have built their reputation on [artistry] first and trends second,” explains Toni. These entry-level accessories are often styles that epitomise the DNA of the designer brand, weaving both its personality and market positioning into one singular item that holds its weight, often becoming signatures of the label by direct consequence. For this reason, you should always consider pieces that embody the values and visions of the luxury brand you’re investing in, whether it be Celine’s unfussy French girl attitude, Prada’s cerebral and intellectual approach to Italian design or Loewe’s balmy approach to craft that has been honed over 180 years.

“Miu Miu is a great example for this,” Waller notes. ‘The brand has skyrocketed in demand over the past couple of years, and they really have created a universe in which my clients, in particular, want to be a part of.” By offering signature pieces like its cowboy hat, satin slippers and librarian glasses, at a more attainable level, it allows the everyday, albeit discerning, shopper to partake in this world without spending thousands of dollars.

“It also allows you to wear those highly-coveted pieces on repeat and get your value for your money, as opposed to continuing to save and splurge on a bigger ticket item,” Waller says.

This last point is something that Toni echos, too. “Entry-level accessories let you grow your wardrobe thoughtfully, without the splurge anxiety,” she remarks. “Over time, those smaller investments often get far more wear (and pleasure) than a single high-ticket item that feels too precious to take out of the house. It’s so satisfying to see your little luxury edit come together, filled with pieces that aren’t just pricey but genuinely reflect your style and personality.”

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I know everyone's talking about 2026 being the new 2016, but when it comes to fashion, I'd argue that we're dressing a lot more like it's 1996 than the mid-2010s, when Alessandro Michele's maximalist designs for Gucci shaped the sartorial zeitgeist. This year, an entirely different Gucci era is influencing our style, with references to Tom Ford's decade-long tenure at the Italian house showing up across the 2026 trend landscape. The designer from Texas brought a new kind of sex appeal to the forefront during his time as creative director, and while he officially stepped down from the role over 20 years ago, in 2004, his impact continues to be felt to this day.

Silk blouses and velvet trousers in rich jewel tones, fitted pencil skirts in supple leather fabrics and eye-catching animal prints, and fur-trim coats that lead to rich-looking outfits, no matter what's styled underneath—these are just a few examples of 2026 trends that we have Ford's Gucci portfolio to thank for. In recent months, Hailey Bieber has been seen sporting vintage pieces from his collections to press events, on red carpets, and in L.A. and NYC hot spots on the regular, and local It girls in both cities have followed suit, scoring red velvet pants, black GG-logo bags, and deep-V polo sweaters on The RealReal and eBay. Meanwhile, other celebrities like Elsa Hosk are wearing trends that appear to have been inspired by the designer's most popular creations.

Hailey Bieber is wearing an ice-blue spring/summer 1998 Gucci dress, sourced from The RealList, according to Vogue. The dress has also been seen on Anna Wintour and in the pages of the magazine, in a March 1998 spread shot by Steven Meisel.

Plus, if the spring/summer 2026 shows informed us of anything, it's that Ford's sway on fashion is only just getting started. Haider Ackermann's second collection for Tom Ford brought the same level of sex appeal and drama that the brand's founder presented at Gucci, and Hermès, a brand known to many for its modest and sophisticated approach to dressing, changed its approach, still using its signature leather but developing it into more revealing silhouettes. Mugler, Schiaparelli, Versace, and Coperni, all too integrated sex into their runway designs more than usual, leading us to believe that sensuality's current hold on 2026 fashion will only continue to strengthen as these collections begin to hit stores throughout spring and summer.

Get ahead by scrolling through and shopping six 2026 trends that were inspired by Tom Ford's Gucci era.

2026 Trends Inspired by Tom Ford's Gucci Era

1. Silk Blouses

A vibrant silk blouse is probably 2026's most talked-about trend that ties back to Ford's time at Gucci, with Hosk and Bieber both donning the trend recently (Hosk in turquoise and Bieber in emerald green). Hosk's brand, Helsa, even released a similar version in a variety of colors, many of which are already selling out, as is popular UK-based label Aligne's take, which comes in an icy blue. Gucci's exact blue silk blouse is one of Ford's most well-known creations, with everyone from Kate Moss to Madonna wearing it in the '90s.

2. Fur-Collar Coats

Look around—everyone is either desperately searching for or already wearing the 2026 fur-trim trend, be it in the form of a long coat or a cropped jacket. Nearly every brand is playing around with the sophisticated detail, adding it to collars, hems, and cuffs to add an elegance to their outerwear offerings, but real ones will remember how prominent this coat style was in the '90s, with Ford debuting version after version at his runway shows for Gucci. My favorite? This white wrap coat from the house's fall 1996 collection.

3. Velvet Trousers

The Tom Ford Gucci–inspired trend that I'm currently hunting down with the more fervor is a pair of velvet trousers. Though, if I could find the original red pair that was worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1996 MTV VMAs for a good price, I wouldn't complain about it. He designed the pant trend in a number of styles and colors, with the best ones being made in rich shades, like red, sapphire blue, and deep purple.

4. Leather Pencil Skirts

Of all the skirt trends being talked about in 2026, leather pencil skirts are by far the most worn, particularly with knee-high boots. Bieber actually wore one in this fashion at the end of 2025, likely sparking the outfit formula to become one of winter's most popular. You can't go wrong with a classic black leather version, but opting for one in suede or embossed leather is far from wrong.

5. Sexy Knee-High Boots

If you're going to lean into this year's leather pencil skirt trend, then you'll need a pair of sleek, knee-high stiletto boots to wear with it. For the full Gucci effect, try the brand's current-season logo-covered Bombshell Boot, which is guaranteed to earn you compliments, or, for a subtler take, Reformation's Claudette boot in either burgundy or tan is foolproof.

6. Ostrich Leather

For the first time in a long time, the animal print of the year isn't the same one as the year before, aka leopard print. By now, a leopard skirt or coat is more of a classic wardrobe item than a trendy staple, leaving room for a newcomer (or fashion returner) to take its spot at the top of fashion's food chain. The animal print in question? Ostrich print, and like all the buzzy pieces on this list, it has ties to Ford's Gucci era. For spring/summer 1998, Ford played around with the embossed pattern, featuring it on knee-length coats and pencil skirts alike.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I adore a good pair of loafers. Versatile, timeless, and effortlessly elegant, I throw mine on for every occasion. Whether I need to dress up my jeans for the office, or I’m using them to polish up my jumper and midi skirt for dinner, I just can’t get enough of this sleek footwear style. But don’t just take it from me. From Gucci to YSL, it seems that all of the chicest celeb street-style and influencer outfits feature a pair of loafers of some sort. However, a few months ago, I started to notice one specific pair that fashion people and celebrities alike couldn't get enough of. Enter The Row’s Eel Loafers.

Of course, when I went to look at them myself, they were completely out of stock. However, they're finally back for 2026.

Now, I must admit, I’ve always been a firm believer that loafers can look expensive at any price point. However, the craftsmanship and quality of The Row’s Eel loafers are undeniable. And after spotting this sleek designer pair on the likes of style icon Alexa Chung, I’m very much considering investing in them. Artisanally-crafted from eelskin leather, these shoes are not only created to stand the test of time in your wardrobe, but are a much more sustainable alternative to classic calfskin leather, due to it being a by-product of the fishing industry that reduces waste.

Adorned with a natural pleating effect, they’ll add a subtle texture to your outfits without feeling too out there, perfect for minimalists like myself. Not to mention, there are three elegant shades to choose from. But the thing I love most about them? They’re the type of loafer that can work for the most casual to the dressiest of occasions, meaning you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth of wear from them.

If you, too, are considering investing in The Row’s Eel Loafers, scroll down to see and shop them. Then, take a browse at my edit of other designer loafers that I love.

Shop the Row Eel Loafers

Shop More Designer Loafers I Love

There are many trends resurfacing today that we have Tom Ford to thank for: plunging necklines, sharp tailoring, and cleverly placed hardware, just to name a few. The designer's unapologetic sex appeal, especially during his iconic reign at Gucci during the mid 1990s and early 2000s, set the stage for an attitude that continues to be replicated and interpreted today. In fact, one such item spiking in popularity more than any other right now and it's the return of the satin shirt.

Thirty years on from the Gucci fall/winter 1995 collection that the shirts first showed in, I've noticed a rise in outfits featuring similar styles. The It girls of the moment—including Hailey Bieber and Elsa Hosk—are tapping into the same energy and styling these lustrous silk shirts as going-out tops with just one or two of the buttons fastened to maximize the Tom Ford energy.

On the Gucci F/W 1995 Runway

On Ford's Gucci fall/winter 1995 runway, models Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow were both styled in fitted silk button-downs that were tucked into flared velvet trousers.

On It Girls in 2026

Bieber sourced a teal shirt from the aforementioned Gucci fall 1995 collection which she styled with satin cigarette trousers and heeled mules while doing press in New York for Rhode's Sephora launch.

Elsa Hosk has designed a number of silk shirts for her brand Helsa in a range of vibrant hues like teal, icy blue, and ballet pink.

British label Aligne is likewise behind the trend with a light blue iteration that fashion people have taken to styling with slim trousers.

For a more classic look, try a shirt with a boxier fit that tucks in well to high-rise denim.

For an office-friendly take, use the lustrous finish of a silk shirt to contrast sharp tailoring like underneath a pant suit.

When it comes to effortless styling, however, wearing one with vintage denim and a pair of point-toe heels will never not be relevant.

Over the past year, luxury has been defined by a nostalgic mood, and it’s already laid the foundations for 2026. One of the most defining features of luxury designs is the heritage that they hold, and now, designer brands are leaning into this by digging through the archives to celebrate their history with rediscovered icons. Last year, we saw the return of a series of heritage bags, from Chloé’s Paddington to Balenciaga’s Le City. Now, it’s Gucci’s turn to remind us of its extensive expertise and iconography through the return of the Gucci Horsebit bag.

The double ring and bar that make up the Horsebit motif first appeared on a pair of Gucci loafers in 1953, which would come to be one of the House’s most recognisable pieces, and two years later, the hardware accent was presented on the runways. Since then, the distinctive motif has remained a constant presence in Gucci’s designs. From belts to toe boxes on heels, this luxury iconography has accented a series of the brand’s best pieces, and in turn, came to be layered onto the exterior of one heritage bag that is set to return in a big way for 2026.

The Horsebit bag was first presented over 70 years ago, and since then, various creative directors have had their own take on the style. Under Tom Ford, the style was elongated into an east-west shade with thick straps and an oversized horsebit motif, whilst Alessandro Michele's tenure saw the Horsebit both dramaticised on the 2023 spring/summer shows after returning to its more original form during the 2021 resort collection. Last year, the iconic Gucci bag returned once again, this time in a truer form to the original with a camera bag shape, crossbody strap which can be adjusted for over-the-shoulder wear, and a more subtle horsebit accent. This time, models clutched the Horsebit bag in hand, now with softened leather and an oversized form.

As with each reinvention of the Horsebit bag, the effect of the latest unveiling was immediate. From Alexa Chung to Alex Consani, fashionable people dug through their collections for archival styles and invested in the latest releases, firmly cementing this It bags return. In terms of the latest offerings, the Horsebit comes in a series of sizes from small to large, with smooth leather, soft suede and the bold GG supreme canvas. The style makes for a spacious shoulder bag, with an adjustable strap to wear crossbody or over the shoulder. Inside, you'll find three gussets with a zip pocket and slip pocket to keep treasured essentials close to hand.

If you're ready to invest in an It bag that has already proven its worth over the past 70 year, scroll on to shop the Gucci Horsebit. Plus, you can find more Gucci bags that also have a seriously timeless appeal.

Shop the Gucci Horsebit Bag

Shop More Iconic Gucci Bags

In September, Gucci, under the creative direction of Demna, launched a 38-piece collection. The collection was introduced on Instagram through a series of portraits by Catherine Opie, designed to capture the essence of "Gucciness" through distinct house personas such as The Narcissist, Milanesa, and La VIP. Demna's strategy aimed to build an emotional connection with the brand, focusing on fluidity, character, and renowned design codes.

The following day, the film The Tiger premiered during Milan Fashion Week. The movie starred Demi Moore and was directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn. The models from the portrait series attended, dressed in their respective characters. The presentation of the new collection generated significant buzz among fashion people, with many noting its echoes of Tom Ford's Gucci era. The looks were praised for embracing contradiction—simultaneously maximalist and minimalist, erotic and elegant, lavish and unruly.

Now, four months later, the collection, titled La Famiglia, has dropped, featuring the full range to shop as well as a closer look at the pieces with new campaign images. But before it was made available to the public, a select few A-list celebrities got their hands on it. Demna's fresh vision for the brand immediately materialized on fashion's most photographed women, cementing the collection's real-world impact beyond mere lookbooks or films.

During Paris Fashion Week in October, Kim Kardashian stepped out in Demna's La Bomba No. 2 look, a neutral shearling coat accented with a chain belt styled with crystal-adorned heeled mules. In December, Miley Cyrus embraced the collection's rebellious undertones for the Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere wearing a black strapless sequin gown with a tulle hem. Meanwhile, the same month, Dua Lipa brought Gucci's sleek, archival edge to the streets of New York City, wearing the GG-monogrammed silk shirt with the matching canvas skirt, heeled knee-high boots, and belt.

The essence of La Famiglia lies in its statement pieces, which boldly fuse Gucci's heritage and current vision into a cohesive language, featuring the recognizable GG monogram prominently. Key apparel includes a striking '60s-inspired bright red jacket, a glossed belted coat, and a selection of vibrantly colored floral dresses. Dramatic flair is added with fur-trimmed dresses and shearling coats. The accessories are equally significant, including the newly shaped Bamboo 1947 bag; the reimagined Jackie bag in a modern east-west silhouette; the new Vittoria pumps, which offer a flexible heel, sleek elongated toe, and Horsebit detailing; and the Bombshell pumps, which pay homage to a glamorous past with their silver- or gold-toned heel. Scroll down to discover how celebrities are styling this new Gucci collection and to shop the pieces for yourself.

Celebrities Wearing La Famiglia

Shop the La Famiglia Collection

Every year, alongside my admittedly over-ambitious list of New Year’s resolutions sits an equally hopeful fashion wish list for the year ahead. Writing it down has become something of a ritual; part planning, part manifestation. After all, if it’s on paper, it feels that little bit closer to becoming reality, and for 2026, I decided to shoot for the sartorial stars.

Once I got started, the list quickly took on a life of its own. My luxury bag wish list spans from The Row’s Marlo—an understated sibling to the much-loved Margaux—to Gucci’s newest breakout style, the Giglio. My footwear wish list is equally as curated; Aeyde’s refined ballet flats and Saint Laurent’s endlessly polished loafers are both firmly on my radar. Outerwear and denim wise, Rohe’s now-viral Mandarin jacket and Agolde’s best-selling jeans (cut so well they feel almost bespoke) both earned their place on my list.

Consider this my carefully curated 2026 fashion editor wish list—the items I’ll be saving for, thinking about and, with any luck, eventually adding to my wardrobe. Scroll on to shop the pieces I have my eye on for the year ahead.

Shop My 2026 Fashion Editor Wish List

I’ll be the first to admit that my winter wardrobe usually consists of 50 shades of charcoal. Gray is my safety net, my neutral anchor, and—let’s be honest—sometimes a little bit of a snooze. But last week in West Hollywood, Demi Moore officially shattered the "boring gray" narrative at an event for Landman season 2, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Moore arrived at the Pacific Design Center looking like a walking master class in texture play. She paired a cozy, tactile gray mohair polo and matching cardigan with the most unexpected companion: a vibrant orange sequin midi skirt. The skirt featured intricate 3D floral appliqué details that practically hummed against the fuzzy knitwear.

Stylist Brad Goreski chose the look for Moore, sourcing both items from Gucci's fall 2025 collection. It’s a color combination that shouldn't work on paper but feels like the ultimate fashion hack for 2026—bright, bold citrus cutting right through the gloom of a slate-colored winter.

On Ali Larter: Alex Perry dress; Gianvito Rossi shoes

While Moore was busy making gray look exciting, her co-star Ali Larter was also bringing the heat in a lace-trimmed suede lingerie-inspired midi dress from Alex Perry, featuring a paneled bodice, low V-neck, and scalloped black French lace lining the hem and neckline. In a brand-new interview with Who What Wear, Larter opened up about the privilege of playing Landman’s Angela Norris and her own evolution from '90s "super glam" to her current sophisticated aesthetic. Between Moore's sequins and Larter's powerhouse presence, the Landman ladies are officially leading the way on our 2026 style mood board.

On Demi Moore: Gucci sweater set, skirt, and shoes

Re-Create Demi Moore's Outfit

Whilst we await the countdown to 2026, it’s time for a little reflection. Looking back at the previous year, a host of exciting trends arose, newly ingratiated It bags settled into their titles, and a selection of classic buys have spent the past 300-odd days proving their timeless appeal. Now, I’ve spent a few hours sifting through the data to uncover the best-selling pieces of 2025.

As a shopping editor, I spend a considerable amount of time analysing data. Truthfully, it’s a lot more fun than it sounds. I get a certain amount of insight into our readers’ actual shopping habits, from their favourite cashmere jumpers to the investment bags they’ve saved up for. Here at Who What Wear UK, we love a recommendation, so putting this data to use, I can share the actual pieces that have come directly from your (and our) baskets.

Most of the pieces on this best-seller list won’t be surprising. As we spend day in and day out celebrating the best buys around, you may be well acquainted with some of these hero buys already. Think the COS cashmere jumper that holds its place in so many fashion people’s wardrobes, or Agolde’s beloved Pinch waist jeans that consistently sell out. Between the longstanding icons, breakout stars have arrived this year, cutting through the noise and proving already that these pieces are ones we’ll rely on for a very long time.

Looking back, we started the year with the revival of the Saint Laurent Le Loafer, an investment shoe that has all the luxury hallmarks you’d want from a classic piece, and whose popularity has maintained throughout the year. (And I predict it will continue) Moving into spring, light layers replaced our heaviest knits, inviting the likes of Reformation’s Clara Cashmere cardigan back into the fold as a treasured cosy layer. The brand's Balia linen dress then welcomed us into the warmer days, alongside the Free People midi skirt that we spotted on so many stylish people.

Whilst they may not be the most thrilling purchases of the year, our readers continued to bolster their capsule wardrobes with hard-working staples, such as the Clean Cut T-shirt, which paired seamlessly with denim shorts, light skirts and linen wares throughout the summer months. As autumn eased in, we began to layer up with great shirts courtesy of With Nothing Underneath, and light jackets returned from Rohé’s breakout Mandarin jacket to Rise & Fall’s sumptuous suede trench.

When considering the accessories of 2025, it’s been a particularly playful time, with bag handles laden with keychains and tied scarves, but underneath, which bags were our readers reaching for most? For a designer look without the price tag, DeMellier’s assortment of iconic styles shone through, in particular the spacious New York tote. For those ready to invest in luxury, the crowd was split between the breakout Gucci Giglio, which, alongside our readers, is a favourite of both Sienna Miller and Suki Waterhouse. For the classicist, The Row’s understated luxuries continued to appeal, and we watched as Saint Laurent’s Le 5 à 7 bags returned to the fore.

These are just a few top-line insights. If you’re really interested in the 25 best-selling products of 2025, I recommend that you scroll on.

1. COS Chunky Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

2. Gucci Giglio Tote Bag

3. H&M Wide High Jeans

4. Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

5. DeMellier The New York Tote

6. Saint Laurent Le Loafer

7. COS Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

8. Reformation Balia Linen Dress

9. Levi's 501 90's Ankle Jeans

10. The Row Park Tote

11. Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant

12. With Nothing Underneath Denim Shirt

13. Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Trouser

14. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7

15. Agolde 90's Pinch Waist Jeans

16. Free People Lowen Midi Skirt

17. Toteme Mid-Heel Boots

18. Róhe Mandarin Jacket

19. Bottega Veneta Andiamo

20. Rise & Fall Suede Trench Coat

21. Manolo Blahnik Maysale

22. Cartier Baignoire

23. COS Arch Jeans

24. Rise & Fall Cashmere Micro Bandana

25. Adidas Tokyo Trainers

The halls have been decked, the mulled wine is flowing, and the sun, as repellent and objectionable as it sounds, is setting at 4 PM. This can only mean one thing, which is that we’re well and truly in the throes of party season. To some, the festive period is the most wonderful time of year. To others, the chintzy tinsel and bell-laden music played around now is absolutely repellent. Regardless of where you stand on these quintessential displays of merriment, there’s one thing that I’m sure we can all agree on, and that is the fact that winter is not a time to don heels.

With your calendar filling up with parties aplenty, it can be tempting to use the open bars and cocktail events as an excuse to dip into your arsenal of towering heels and wear all the stilettos, kitten-heels, Mary Janes and mock crock pumps that have been desperately waiting for an outing. But in my opinion, the sleet, snow and heavy rainfall that plagues December is not worth risking these decorative styles and, frankly, there are far more superlative options that look just as ornamental and are far more comfortable. Enter: The best ballet flat party shoes.

Indeed, ballet flats are rarely seen worn with opulent little black dresses or fancy maxis. However, after noticing so many style insiders adopt them this year, I’m here to act in their defence and make a case for wearing your pretty satin styles or bow-adorned numbers.

You see, this all began after noticing the rise of tasteful dressers wearing one style in particular—The Row’s Velvet ballet flats.

There’s truly nothing that the Olsen Twins couldn’t convince me to try, and after seeing this sumptuous style finish many stylish outfits, I knew the biggest party fashion trend would be to hold your heels in favour of these generously relaxed numbers.

The luxury label’s own iteration features smooth velvet and a grosgrain ribbon trim that creates a cinched effect when worn, making them resemble something worn by The Nutcracker’s Clara Stahlbaum. (Talk about serving Sugar Plum Fairy realness.)

In fact, these ornate silhouettes still make as much of a statement compared to their taller counterparts, but ensure you won’t chance rolling your ankle or leaving you in pain after several hours on the dance floor. These shoes are already going viral on social media, and after trawling the designer collections and expensive-looking high-street stores, I’ve uncovered several alternatives that are just as elegant.

From Gucci’s sequin-spangled number to a metallic option from Reformation that’s already earned the approval of It girls like Devon Lee Carlson, uncover the best ballet flat party shoes ahead.

Shop the 13 Best Ballet Flats Party Shoes