There are a few wardrobe staples many of us live in this time of year, including cute sandals and adorable tops. Honestly, could you even imagine getting through the next few months without them? They are the ultimate go-tos to pair with jeans, shorts, linen trousers, skirts, and so on. Nordstrom consistently offers an A+ assortment of these categories, and the latest summer 2026 drop is stellar. Naturally, I curated an edit of the best sandals and shirts to buy at Nordstrom this season.

As I eluded to above, it's all about versatility when it comes to these items. Basically, the silhouettes need to pair seamlessly with a range of other wardrobe basics. For example, a great pair of heeled flip-flops and a satin blouse that could be dressed up with trousers or down with jeans. You'll find pieces like this below, along with other chic flat sandals, button-up shirts, darling tees, and more.

Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

As we head into summer, which is short-lived in New York, I still find myself partial to a shorts or pant option when getting dressed. Yes, it's easy to throw on a dress, but I find it's sometimes easier to commute in a top and pants. It's the same for many of my girlfriends, as they all are asking for good tops to invest in.

Sometimes in the office with blasting AC, it's just easier to feel good and polished in a top that you can layer easily. Also, in New York weather, a top can translate throughout seasons better than dresses, which are always tricky with this finicky back-and-forth rain versus sunshine versus snow. I love that, depending on the day, plans, or meeting, you have different options to choose from that can be styled in a variety of ways that make it appropriate. Here are my favorite tops to wear with my jeans and trousers.

Halter Top

This halter top by Azeeza is truly my favorite new top. Throw on a jean jacket to the office, wear it out to dinner after work, pair it with linen white pants… The list goes on. This style is so specific to summer, and that's what makes it so fun.

Button-Down Shirt

The button-down works for all seasons. It's just about finding the best ones for the summer months. Bonus: Thrown over a swimsuit, it's even more multifunctional. I've been loving this Almina Concept one and the brand's white flowy pants.

Gingham Top

Gingham everything! This one is more of a jacket, but I style it as a top, and I'm stopped every time I wear it. I love this print for the warmer months.

Ruffle Top

The ruffle Henri Top is a category all its own. Many have tried to mimic, but I don't think the fit is elite for any brand other than Dôen. Sorry!

Jacket as a Top

I'm making the case for a spring jacket as a top. This one also has an adorable matching camisole to wear underneath.

Classic Black Top

A classic black top is a must-have—all different styles, all different aesthetics. You can never go wrong with investing in a black top, in my opinion. It always comes in handy.

Floral Top

As if it wasn't obvious, I'm all about florals. I love the print for spring and summer, and it instantly boosts my mood to get to the office.

Tailored Top

It took me a while to get into this style, but it is polished and chic and can be worn with trousers, jeans, and shorts.

White Top

A white top is always needed. I also love lace or eyelet detailing as an addition to this.

We've all been there—running late and frazzled with the idea of trying to find something to wear. It's on those days when I take a deep breath and reach for two tried-and-true pieces that I know will get me out the door in style no matter the season: a button-down shirt and a pair of jeans. Throw on these classic basics along with occasion-appropriate shoes, a bag, and outerwear and you're good to go in 10 minutes or less.

To get you prepared for those future rushed mornings, I've rounded up seven easy looks that show exactly how to pull off the no-brainer outfit formula. I highly recommend making a mental note of each chic outfit idea and stocking up your closet with the pieces that speak to you most in completing the look. This season, it will be all about adding ballet flats, kitten heels, or loafers alongside timeless bags. Scroll on to study up on the inspiring button-down-shirt–and-denim ensembles and to shop each look.

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It may sound too easy, but dressing to look, well, wealthy, is sometimes as easy as adding one rich-looking piece to your outfit. This year, there's a specific trend that helps you achieve that in an instant, and it was just worn by an undisputable expert in dressing rich: Jennifer Lopez.

While out in Hollywood for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! yesterday, Lopez chose to wear a satin button-down shirt with her high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and platform shoes. A satin shirt adds a dressy elegance to anything it's paired with, and calls to mind Tom Ford-era Gucci, which came to define '90s fashion in more ways than one.

If you're thinking that the satin button-down trend is a bit too dressy for you, I urge you to try it anyway, as the coolest way to wear it in 2026 is with something more casual, such as poplin or linen pull-on pants, a knee skirt and flip-flops, or even track shorts. A shirt made of satin will make you look rich, no matter what—trust me. With that, keep scrolling to see J.Lo's look and to shop some of the prettiest satin button-downs on the internet.

The Rich-Looking Shirt Trend on Jennifer Lopez

On Jennifer Lopez: Prada sunglasses

Shop Satin Button-Downs

As an editor on a budget who has a penchant for all things The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, I am constantly keeping an eye out for pieces that fit the bill without breaking the bank. Enter Zara with a stellar selection that has the exact designer vibe I am looking for just in time for spring and summer 2026. Not only will the designs and the styling have you doing a double take and taking notes, but you will also be surprised by the price point, as everything comes in at under $150.

I rounded up the rich-looking standouts from the collection. Think everything from understated tank tops to statement silhouettes, cool pants, sleek sandals, effortless dresses, designer-looking jeans, and much more. If you click on a look that you love, the Zara site is great at breaking down how to shop each piece. I highly recommend purchasing your favorite picks as soon as possible since they are bound to sell out fast.

Shop Incredibly Chic Designer-Inspired Zara Picks

There's no denying that lace-trim shorts have taken over our screens and closets since growing in popularity over the past year. Naturally, Zara has its hand in the mix with a chic array of lace-trim shorts options in a variety of colors and styles. One such pair caught my attention thanks to the effortless styling that features three key pieces: an oversize white button-down shirt, ivory lace-trim shorts, and metallic gold kitten-heel sandals. The easy yet stylish summer look is a no-brainer for a variety of occasions since it feels elevated and dressed up yet it leans casual enough of for less formal moments.

Below, I shopped out the look and included a solid list of other lace-trim shorts from Zara that deserve your attention. If the main shorts featured in the look caught your eye, don't hesitate to buy them, as they are bound to sell out fast. Keep scrolling to check out and shop the standout three-piece summer outfit idea.

The Effortless 3-Piece Zara Outfit

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Shop More Chic Lace-Trim Shorts From Zara

I think we've seen enough Kaia Gerber outfits at this point to conclude that she really likes jeans. When she's spotted by the paparazzi (which is quite frequently), she's often wearing jeans. One of the many things to love about Gerber's low-key, classic-yet-forward aesthetic is that it's quite accessible, which undoubtedly has a lot to do with her devotion to denim.

Gerber's latest paparazzi spotting came this week as she was walking to dinner at Matsuhisa in Los Angeles with her friend Jake Shane. I'd be remiss not to mention that they were carrying matching burgundy Chanel Maxi Flapbags—a celebrity-favorite It bag this season. With her Chanel tote, Gerber wore a pair of low-rise dark denim jeans and one of summer's prettiest shirt trends, a silky cowl-neck top. Gerber's silky top added a late-'90s vibe to her outfit, and if there's anything Gerber seems to love as much as jeans, it's '90s fashion.

The beauty of silky cowl-neck tops is that they effortlessly dress up jeans and make them appropriate for a night out in an instant, even if you're wearing flats, as Gerber did for her dinner date. Since you already own jeans, keep scrolling for Kaia Gerber outfit inspiration and to shop the prettiest shirt trend to wear with your denim this summer.

As Seen on Kaia Gerber

On Kaia Gerber: Chanel Maxi Flapbag ($9300); Repetto by Kaia Gerber Kaia Ballet Flats ($440)

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Shop More Silky Cowl-Neck Tops

I'll be forever loyal to everything black when it comes to my closet, but there's one other color that has piqued my interest over the past year, especially for spring and summer 2026: brown. I know I'm not alone in this since I have spotted fashion people from London to Paris to Helsinki, incorporating the equally chic and classic hue into their other wardrobes. Thankfully, the best retailers got the message and there is an endless selection of standout brown pieces for the season.

With the visual outfit inspiration above in mind, I rounded up 31 stylish brown picks from the likes of Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and Gap. The selection includes tops, dresses, shoes, skirts, bags, jackets, and pants. All can seamlessly be added to your closet to create a set of effortless looks that are guaranteed to get you compliments. Keep scrolling to get shopping.

Shop Chic Brown Pieces for Spring and Summer 2026

Since I started working in fashion over a decade ago, I have called New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston home. No matter my home base, it's been abundantly clear that fashion people love to shop—myself included. With spring in full swing, I have spent many hours scouring my favorite online retailers for fresh picks that would make a great addition to my ever-evolving wardrobe. My taste often tends to be much bigger than my budget, but I still find so much joy in the hunt for chic, standout pieces

Ahead, you can check out a highly curated list of finds that I have my eye on right now for spring 2026. This includes everything from effortless basic tops and sleek shoes to cool jeans, elevated outerwear, fun pants, and so much more. Keep scrolling to shop all 25 of my picks. There are some investment-worthy pieces, but over half come in at under $100.

Shop Chic Fashion Finds for Spring 2026

As we start to consider our summer wardrobes each year, it's only natural for dresses to come to mind first. We can always count on brands to release a plethora of pretty dresses each summer, but let's not forget the pretty summer tops. I'd much rather buy a top than a dress because that's what I inevitably end up wearing more often with skirts, shorts, trousers, and jeans.

If you want to shop for pretty new tops and stay on-trend this summer, the style to hone in on is scarf tops. I started seeing the trend last summer when chic dressers were suddenly wearing scarves in a myriad of ways: tying them around their waists, wearing them in their hair, and, yes, wearing them as tops.

Scarf tops run the gamut from an oversize silk scarf folded and worn as a top to a flowy top with an attached scarf to a satin top with a unique print to a draped-neck halter top in a silky fabric. Many pieces can be considered scarf tops. All are trendy, and all are quite pretty. Before all the good ones sell out, I rounded up the prettiest scarf tops on the market. Scroll on to shop my picks.

If there's one bottoms trend that will never get old, it's baggy jeans. I've had the same pair for years, and I always bring them out for the warm seasons. Baggy jeans just have the essence of cool, chic, and fun, which are the exact words I want used when someone describes the way I dress for spring and summer. How am I doing that with a pair of baggy jeans? I'm dressing them up in new, chic ways with the best shirt trends to wear with baggy jeans. When I get dressed, my bottoms tend to be the focal point of an outfit, but now I'm switching things up.

I've been on the hunt for the best shirt trends to wear with baggy jeans, and lucky for me, I've struck fashion gold. Chic dressers on Instagram have paved the way to my new and improved outfits. These looks feature classic tops like polo shirts to innovative and fun trends like shirred tops. Whatever your aesthetic goals may be for the warm weather, keep scrolling for outfit inspiration, discover the best shirt trends to style with baggy jeans, and shop each look.

Polo Shirts

Polo shirts gained popularity again last year, thanks to Miu Miu's previous preppy-forward runway collection. Now, it seems fashion people are not nearly done with styling this preppy shirt trend, and I'm glad about it. I've been sporting polo tops since the weather got warmer, and I want mine to look less dated. What better way to make them look modern and fun than with a pair of baggy jeans? I find that polo shirts and baggy jeans are reminiscent of 90s outfit trends. In 2026, this outfit trend is getting a major refresh. Style your polo shirt with a pair of boots and baggy jeans for an everyday look. For a night outfit, trade those boots for pointed-toe, slingback heels, and put a leather mini bag over your shoulder to complete your look.

Shop Polo Shirts

Baby Tees

Baby tees will never get old in my book. This trend looks best with baggy jeans, to me. This outfit is the ultimate, laid-back, cool girl outfit. It's effortless, chic, and a little intentional, and very model-off-duty. (I always want to give off that vibe, in particular.) This outfit below shows just how cool you can look in such simple pieces. Since the base of your outfit is pretty simple, accessorize with a satin scarf or bandana, a pair of pointed-toe shoes, and a shoulder bag, like this outfit below. It gives a very chic '90s vibe. If you want to dress it up more, just add a leather moto or cinch-waist jacket.

Shop Baby Tees

Prairie Blouses

I'm not much of a boho chic dresser, but prairie tops are changing my mind. I don't think I'll ever go full coquette with my aesthetic, but this shirt trend is opening my mind to new fashion possibilities. They are especially stylish with a pair of baggy jeans. I love the contrast between such a delicate top and such casual bottoms. For a daytime outfit, I recommend styling your prairie top like the look below, with baggy jeans, pointed-toe shoes, and a large leather tote bag. For a night out, trade that big bag for a small shoulder bag and add a light funnel-neck jacket, if the weather permits.

Shop Prairie Tops

Striped Lightweight Sweaters

I love a lightweight sweater during the spring, and it seems other fashion people would agree. When I'm stuck on how to style a pair of baggy jeans, I almost always reach for a lightweight sweater. This season is about lightweight striped sweaters, particularly. They add a fun element to an outfit, especially with different color combinations. Striped sweaters can be easily styled with baggy jeans, as seen below. If you're someone who likes to keep their looks casual, like me, just throw on a pair of pointed-toe, suede boots. If you're trying to dress up on a chillier day, layer a leather jacket over your lightweight sweater and a button-down underneath to look chic and intentional.

Shop Lightweight Striped Sweaters

Shirred Shirts

The shirred shirt trend had a major moment last summer, and I'm happy to say that it's so back. It's the perfect top to contrast a pair of casual, baggy jeans. Shirred tops always dress up an outfit, IMHO. Even if it's just a T-shirt or simple sleeveless top, the added texture gives an outfit the extra zhuzh you might need for a night out. It's also an easy top to style with any pair of bottoms, but it looks especially chic with a pair of baggy jeans. The look below is proof. If you really want to look cool, juxtapose your outfit even more with a pair of sneakers, similar to this look. If you want to dress up instead, just switch your sneakers for a pair of ballet flats or pointed-toe pumps.

Shop Shirred Shirts

Flowy Button-Down Shirts

I'm a casual dresser most of the time, so a flowy button-down is my go-to when styling a baggy pair of jeans. This spring and summer, I'm prioritizing comfort overall. The warmer seasons in NYC can be overwhelming to get dressed for; the lighter the layers, the better. Flowy button-downs give off an effortless vibe that chic dressers always have, and that's exactly what I'm going for the rest of the season. Try styling your baggy jeans with a pair of boat shoes or suede moccasins, and layer a flowy button-down over a tank top or tee, and complete your look with a woven bag.

If you want to look a bit more dressy, keep the same clothing items on, and trade your shoes for a pair of heeled strappy sandals, and your woven bag for a sleek black East West bag.

Shop Flowy Button-Downs

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, 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 recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Welcome to The Great Try-On—our digest of everything you'll need for your most stylish season yet. The days are getting longer and warmer, and accordingly, we identified the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe, which consists of five practical yet trend-forward hero items. A few of our editors tried on each of these versatile wardrobe builders so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We built individual stories around the five categories we're highlighting, and for each, you will see some of your favorite brands, fresh styling tricks, and outfit ideas aplenty. From the season's chicest basic to the accessory everyone is reaching for, we hope that these photos and the candid reviews of each item will help you shop for a spring wardrobe filled with essentials and of-the-moment pieces you'll wear this season and beyond.

If there's only one trend you take note of this spring, it's bright color. All over the runways, we saw an explosion of vivid and saturated tones that felt like a decisive shift into a new era of fun, maximalist fashion. We'll be the first to admit, though, that leaping into wearing color can be daunting when you're someone who's used to the comfort of a black, white, and beige color palette. So, how do you start wearing color this spring without feeling like you're wearing a costume of someone else's style? It all comes down to a single piece: a colorful top. It sounds simple, and it is. Swapping out your standard white tee for a colored option is a relatively brainless styling choice, but one with a high ROI—even a crewneck tee and jeans will look so forward.

Accordingly, brands are lending colored updates to all manner of top style, so it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trend. From classic staples like tees and button-downs to trendier styles like a knit polo, our editors have already selected their favorite hero items from the spring collections and are lending their first-person feedback, including notes on fit and feel, and of course, their best styling tips. Scroll on to see how the trending tops look on, read their reviews, and shop their exact styles (plus the rest of their looks).

If you're interested in building a forever wardrobe but still want to tap into spring's color trend, this Madewell shirt is guaranteed to be a favorite in your closet this season and beyond. It's all in the name (easy and classic), and just below, WWW Senior Fashion Editor Anna LaPlaca has all the details about it—including fit, feel, and styling tips.

Anna's take on the shirt: "I knew I’d be a fan of this shirt as soon as I saw it hanging on the rack. I mean, is there anything more valuable in a wardrobe than a great button-down shirt? This one came with the same relaxed fit I know and love, but the light pink color felt like a nice (and seasonally-apt) break from my usual lineup of whites, blues, and stripes. I liked that the shade of pink was more of a pastel, watercolor-esque one than a true pink because it made it a no-brainer to style and felt like a baby step into wearing color, especially for someone like me who doesn't do so very often! It proves my point that the easiest way to start wearing more color for the color-averse like me is to opt for saturated versions of your go-to staple. As for the fit, it felt perfectly relaxed and lived-in without needing to size up (I took my standard size of medium), but the volume also didn't feel overwhelming, either."

Styling tips: To make a pink button-down feel especially on-trend for spring 2026, style it with a coordinated knit draped over the shoulders. A sweater shoulder drape with a relaxed button-down shirt naturally leans a bit preppy—another big theme for spring—and when both pieces are in the same color family, layering becomes easy. Finish it off with tailored denim and kitten heels for a classic but forward feel.

Shop the shirt: Madewell The Easy Poplin Button-Up Shirt ($88)

The exact shade of light pink is what makes this shirt stand out from the bunch. It's saturated enough to feel fresher than a white shirt but still just as easy to wear. When combined with a relaxed-but-not-too-oversize fit, it's a shirt you'll find yourself reaching for over and over again this spring—trust us.

Want to test the waters with bold, bright color but unsure where to begin? If you're someone who likes the look of a knit polo, this Frame top in a striking shade of cobalt blue needs to be at the very top of your shopping wish list. Get all of the details and see it on WWW Senior Branded Content Editor Aniyah Morinia, below.

Aniyah's take on the top: "All it takes is one scroll through my Instagram to know that my personal style errs on the colorful side. I love sporting bolder shades and mixing hues that you wouldn't typically think to pair together. In this look, we paired this semi-sheer royal blue polo with a long-line suede skirt. As if the royal blue wasn't striking enough, we took the look up a notch by tying a lighter blue button-up shirt around the waist. This styling feels so 2026 despite the subtle nod to the '90s."

Styling tips: Skip the darker neutrals and opt for an ivory or cream-colored skirt that brings a freshness to the bright blue color without competing with it. Better yet, marry it to another spring 2026 trend piece, a column skirt, for added polish. You could even tie a shirt around your waist to soften some of the prep from the shirt's polo collar and lend a relaxed, lived-in feel to the whole look. Lighter neutrals and even pastel blues pair flawlessly here.

Shop the top: Frame The Ribbed Polo Knit Top ($358)

The wide ribbing on this Frame knit polo is one small detail that sets it apart and lends such an elevated feel. That and, of course, the exact shade of cobalt blue make this a standout pick that will have you on the receiving end of so many compliments on it. Just a hunch.

Adding color to your spring wardrobe doesn't need to test the limits of your shopping budget, and this Topshop tee is all the proof we need to provide. Coming in at $17, it's a low-investment piece with a high reward. Just look at our associate fashion editor, Nikki, who's wearing and reviewing it below.

Nikki's take on the shirt: "The one word on every fashion person's lips this spring is 'color.' While it might not sound groundbreaking, for color and spring to be associated, this season feels particularly color-focused, as unexpected pairings of bold shades were all over the spring 2026 runways. I am excited about incorporating royal purple into my wardrobe. In fact, I got an early start during New York Fashion Week by wearing Khaite's Lotus Bag in Amethyst. The love for the color instantly drew me to Topshop's purple tee. The brand perfectly captured the desirable shade of purple, but what truly impressed me was the fit. I love the slim cut and the slightly cropped sleeves, making it a perfect foundational piece. It's versatile enough to be worn on its own or easily layered under a sweater or light jacket."

Styling tips: Don't get intimidated by the purple hue. Instead, styling this like you would any plain white tee is the move. Our first instinct? Tucking it into a pair of relaxed jeans and finishing it with a great belt. Blue jeans totally work here, but there's something so nice about the way the purple tee pops against white denim.

Shop the top: Topshop Everyday Cotton T-Shirt ($17)

Let's be honest, its sub-$20 price point makes this Topshop T-shirt an automatic must-have. That said, the easy crewneck shape and pretty lilac shade are what make it a piece you'll want to start wearing the minute it arrives on your doorstep.

Spring is an interesting season to get dressed for. I find myself sometimes stumped on what tops to wear with my outfits, as I tend to build my looks around my bottoms first. My outfits in the warm weather are very basic. Lately, I've been scrolling several sites that have some interesting tops that I know would make even the most basic of outfits look elevated for spring.

I'm also on a strict budget (unfortunately) and don't want to go overboard with spending for a new spring wardrobe. I'm sure some of you readers can relate. I'm a Gen Zer trying to be somewhat responsible. So, the sites I've been scrolling on are also budget-friendly, but don't worry, each piece still gives off a chic and expensive vibe. If that sounds enticing, keep scrolling to shop various stylish and affordable tops to dress up your spring outfits.

I don't know about you, but I am endlessly perplexed by what to wear during these early spring days, even though I've been on this earth for multiple decades and have been a fashion editor for more than one of them. To say that spring weather is all over the place is an understatement. I live in North Carolina, where today the high temperature is 87 degrees, but tomorrow, it won't reach above 55. Coming up with suitable outfits during this transitional time of year is overwhelming, to say the least. No matter what I choose, I often end up either freezing or sweating.

My only saving grace during times of awkward weather is having a collection of stylish, versatile basics on hand that I can reach for when I have no clue what to wear. One particularly trendy spring basic I've had my eye on was just worn by Hailey Bieber in L.A.: a sleeveless turtleneck. The trend, which became buzzy after turtlenecks were spotted on the S/S 26 runways of Celine, Loewe, and Ralph Lauren, to name a few, doesn't seem like it would make sense, but here's why it does: Weather can fluctuate throughout the day, especially during spring, so you can slip a jacket or blazer on over your sleeveless turtleneck in the morning, and shed the outerwear later in the day when the temperature and sun are higher. The basic also makes you look like a '90s It girl, which Bieber proved with her chic all-black outfit.

With that, keep scrolling to gather inspiration from Bieber's look, and shop my picks for the chicest sleeveless turtlenecks on the market.

Spring's It Basic on Hailey Bieber

On Hailey Bieber: Lisa Yang Leya Brushed Cashmere Turtleneck Tank ($550); The Row bag; Calvin Klein Collection Anna Mules ($980)

Shop Sleeveless Turtlenecks

If everyone telling you that bootcut jeans are back has motivated you to purchase a pair this season, the next step is obviously figuring out what to wear with them. And that brings me to Bella Hadid. Hadid has stepped out in bootcut jeans on multiple occasions over the past few months, always styled to perfection. So it goes without saying that she's a great source for bootcut-jeans outfit inspiration.

To be honest, bootcut jeans aren't that hard to get wrong, as they work well with a variety of shirt and shoe styles. But if you want to find the most successful pairings for bootcut jeans, you don't need to look any further than the shirt style and heel style Hadid wore for an event for her fragrance brand, Ôrəbella, in Los Angeles over the weekend.

With her slim-fitting, low-rise bootcut jeans, Hadid wore a pretty boho-inspired blouse (featuring a Peter Pan collar, bow, and ruffles) and vintagey cap-toe pumps. Since the romantic boho aesthetic continues to be a trend, and the most recent Chanel collections are steering everyone toward two-tone heels, this outfit combination feels exceedingly fresh and relevant right now. Worn with bootcut jeans, the boho-inspired blouse and vintage-inspired pumps look cool, pretty, and polished.

Keep scrolling to see it on Hadid or yourself and to shop everything you need to re-create it.

The Bootcut-Jeans Outfit on Bella Hadid

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Shop Pretty Boho Blouses

Shop Bootcut Jeans

Shop Vintagey Cap-Toe Heels

For the past few years, oversize button-down shirts have been the backbone of countless outfits. Styled loose over jeans, layered under sweaters, or worn open over tanks, the relaxed silhouette became a go-to for effortless dressing. But in 2026, the pendulum is quietly swinging in the opposite direction. Instead of exaggerated proportions, fashion people are suddenly gravitating toward a more polished alternative that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.

Enter the fitted button-down shirt. With its slightly tailored shape, closer cut through the waist, and more precise structure, the silhouette feels undeniably refined. Worn with dark-wash jeans, tailored trousers, or sleek skirts, a fitted button-down creates the kind of clean, intentional lines that make an outfit look significantly more expensive. It’s the type of subtle shift that fashion insiders tend to adopt first—and once you notice it, it’s everywhere.

What makes the return of fitted button-down shirts especially appealing is how versatile they are. The updated versions aren’t stiff or overly corporate—they’re streamlined, softly tailored, offered in several fabric options, and designed to skim the body in a flattering way. Whether styled half-tucked into denim, layered under a jacket, or buttoned all the way up with polished trousers, the result feels crisp, modern, and unmistakably elevated compared to the oversize styles that dominated for so long.

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + vintage jeans + heels

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + bootcut jeans + sandals

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + cropped pants + kitten heels

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + long skirt + sandals

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + knee-length skirt + pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + low-rise jeans + heels

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + loose trousers + loafers

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + dark-wash jeans + heels

Get the look: Fitted button-down shirt + suede pants + belt + pointed-toe heels

It's rare that an item as simple as a cotton shirt makes as much of an impact on a runway as the shoes, handbags, or outerwear. Typically, a piece like that is forgotten—used as a layering tool rather than a garment worth talking about at length. At Matthieu Blazy's debut show for Chanel last October, though, that's exactly what happened. To the naked eye, the top half of Look 13 was just a shirt, but when you look closer, it becomes much more than that. The shirt—a crisp, white tuxedo-style button-down—was the first item of clothing Gabrielle Chanel borrowed from menswear, the French fashion house lists on the product description for the viral item. Blazy teamed up with heritage French shirtmaker Charvet to make it, adding Chanel's signature chain, pearl-button details, and the brand's name in subtle red, cursive stitching in the process. As a result, they made an heirloom out of a basic that's long been an afterthought—and kick-started a trend that's almost too easy to get in on.

On Nicole Kidman: Chanel shirt, jeans, shoes, and bag; Omega watch

Funnily enough, the first time we spotted Chanel's tuxedo shirt wasn't on the runway when Blazy's debut collection was unveiled—it was a few minutes before that, when the brand's then-newest ambassador, Nicole Kidman, arrived at The Grand Palais in Paris for the show wearing one of her own. In her effortless way, she styled the untucked shirt with the sleeves rolled up just so and perfectly matched her quilted flap bag with the red "Chanel" embroidery on its front. From there, she added ultra-light-wash trouser jeans and black, pointed-toe pumps, and an elegant Omega timepiece on her right wrist completed the ensemble.

With Chanel's version of the tuxedo shirt finally arriving in U.S. stores this past week (and starring in the window display at the 57th Street store in New York City), the shirt style has, overnight, taken the top spot in fashion from standard poplin button-down shirts. Suddenly, they no longer feel interesting enough, sending everyone I know at least on a hunt to secure a tuxedo shirt (of five) before spring officially arrives. The unexpected ways they were styled at Polo Ralph Lauren's F/W 26 presentation during Paris Fashion Week have only added to the craze.

Ahead, shop the best tuxedo shirts on the market for spring 2026, including Chanel's S/S 26 version by Matthieu Blazy.

Tuxedo Shirt Trend

Shop Chanel's S/S 26 Tuxedo Shirt

Shop Tuxedo Shirts

There's nothing like coming across a chic fashion score that has the power to boost your confidence and transform your closet at once. It's the kind of find that makes you actually want to post that mirror selfie to your feed. I'm a shopping editor, so those are the kinds of pieces that I keep an eye out for while doing my weekly deep dives on the best retailer sites, like Nordstrom, J.Crew, Shopbop, Revolve, Gap, and Madewell. Once I gather a healthy list, I like to share it with friends and loved ones, including our lovely Who What Wear readers.

This time around, I have a solid selection of fashion finds that are guaranteed to be stars in your wardrobe for 2026. Think top-notch jeans, beautiful sweaters, sleek shoes, silky separates, and designer-looking bags, to name a few. I highly recommend you scoop up your favorites from the list of 30 picks below and watch the compliments roll in.

Shop Your 2026 Wardrobe Stars

When it comes to shopping for standout basics, Zara is always one of my first stops. Some may argue that the iconic brand doesn't just have its finger on the pulse; it seems to be able to foresee what we would like before we've clued into it. I love getting a jumpstart on my outfit rotations for any upcoming season. It takes out the guessing game of what I will be regularly wearing. So for spring 2026, I took a stroll through the Zara site for some fresh basics to help round out my closet.

Needless to say, I came across some incredible basics that I couldn't wait to share with you. Think everyday pieces like T-shirts, jeans, trench coats, and loafers, to more of-the-moment finds with sheer fabrics, lace, and other details. Take a moment and keep scrolling to shop 27 of the best basics you'll want to live in for the next three months.

Shop the Best Zara Basics for Spring 2026

There's a reason why fashion people have sworn by Vince for almost 25 years now. The brand is well-known for elevated basics that are both effortless and timeless. I myself am a fan, and each year, the collections keep getting better and better. Vince's spring 2026 collection is no exception. It is filled with standout pieces that can easily be mixed and matched to create a compliment-worthy rotation of outfits that are super easy to pull off.

Ahead, I curated a list of my current favorites that feel classic yet of-the-moment. Think dreamy satin pants, elegant sweaters, luxe outerwear (the suede coat!), stellar tops, and chic shoes and accessories. The various jelly sandal styles, including last year's viral pair, are not to be missed. Keep scrolling to check out and shop 25 chic pieces from the Vince spring 2026 collection.

Shop Vince Spring 2026 Standouts

I'm just going to come out and say it: Going-out tops give shirts a bad rep. Slinky halters made of chain-like mesh, too-tight corsets made of overly shiny polyester, and second-skin bodysuits aren't what I meant when I decided to give the shirt corner of my closet a more exciting refresh. Unfortunately, that's a lot of what's out there when you filter out basics like T-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, and button-downs. Skirts, dresses, and jackets aren't limited in this way, and there are just as many exciting statement options on the market as simple, minimalist ones. Tops, however, don't seem to have as much range—at least not at first glance.

Given how lackluster the tops in my closet are compared to every other fashion category, I wasn't about to give up after my first inquiry into the genre came up short. Instead, I dug my heels in, spending hours searching for options with genuine main character energy. Think tassel hems, allover fringe, colorful sequins, and velvet accents that won't feel out now that the holiday season is over. As it turns out, there are plenty of fun tops to offset your basics with in 2026, and to prove it, I curated a shopping list of my 31 favorites. Why should you have to scroll through every retailer's top section when I already did?

Below, find a treasure trove of whimsical tops by the likes of Dries Van Noten, Rosie Assoulin, Valentino, Magda Butrym, and more. No stereotypical going-out tops in sight.

Shop Fun Tops for 2026

If you find yourself engaging with the odd seasonal trend, you'll be all too aware that after a little while, certain once-fresh pieces can start to feel firmly anchored to a particular moment. Take the flannel shirt, for instance. While it undoubtedly brought a welcome lift to autumn wardrobes, its rapid saturation has left it feeling intrinsically tied to last season. As we edge closer to spring, the fashion set is turning its attention to a lighter, more timeless alternative: the classic denim shirt.

The ultimate throw-on layer, the denim shirt sits neatly between a crisp cotton button-down and a lightweight jacket, offering an in-between layer that brings the best of both. It’s relaxed, but not sloppy, whilst the fabrication's utilitarian roots lend it a cool edge.

Whilst I’ll always have a soft spot for a denim-on-denim moment, this spring staple styles well with tailored trousers, taking on a sharper, more considered silhouette. If you want the garment to see you through the warmer months entirely, then a lighter chambray version will serve you well, while this season’s thicker denim iterations offer a little extra warmth that makes them perfect for styling right now.

Unlike brand new trend-led pieces that come and go, denim shirts are a wardrobe constant. That enduring appeal means there’s no shortage of compelling options, from high-street heroes to designer standouts, not to mention the wealth of chic finds waiting to be uncovered second-hand.

Read on to discover my edit of the best denim shirts to invest in now.

Shop Denim Shirts:

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.

Anyone else feel like a new year is a great time to do a little life refresh? I especially like to focus on my wardrobe during this transition—go figure. I'm currently in the mood to do a closet clean-out for 2026, and I'm going to take you through my process.

I start out by going category by category and putting aside all the pieces I am questioning. Think tops, sweaters, denim, pants, shoes, dresses, etc. Basically, I go through anything that's specific to the current and upcoming seasons. Next, I like to store all the pieces that I think will come back around trend-wise, whether for myself or for my daughter. These are usually classic pieces that might feel dated at the moment. Then I think about whether some of the other pieces I have out need to simply be replaced with a more modern take. Once I make the call, I separate them into bags to donate or sell and get straight to shopping for my updated picks.

Ahead, you'll get a glimpse at four of the things I will give the boot to first this year, plus what I will swap them out for.

Getting the Boot: Tailored Pants

Swapping For: Relaxed Pants

Sylvie Mus is my minimalist style muse, and ever since seeing this look on Instagram, I have been sold on relaxed pants, especially in satin and silk. For now, I'm saying goodbye to tailored pants.

Shop Relaxed Pants

Getting the Boot: Half-Zip Pullover Sweaters

Swapping For: V-Neck Sweaters

Later, half-zip sweaters. I am moving on to sleeker pastures thanks to this season's trending V-neck sweaters. Layer one over a white top like Anna Howard here, or wear it on its own—the options are endless. Shop my top picks right now below.

Shop V-Neck Sweaters

Getting the Boot: High-Heeled Shoes

Swapping For: Kitten-Heeled Shoes

I am officially done suffering in high heels. It's all about comfortable low-heeled styles moving forward. Basically, I plan to keep my heels at three inches or under. The best part is you don't have to sacrifice style with a lower heel height. Just look at how Abisola Omole's ensemble turns into a chic statement with her black kitten-heel slingbacks.

Shop Kitten-Heeled Shoes

Getting the Boot: Fitted Button-Down Shirts

Swapping For: Oversize Button-Down Shirts

There is nothing more classic than a button-down shirt. Lately, the more oversize the fit, the better. Not only does this looser fit look more modern, but it also gives it more versatility. Wear one with dark-wash jeans inspired by Clara Dyrhauge, and complete with your favorite shoes depending on the season.