Pull the Receipts—These Are the Best Items WWW Readers Bought in 2021

Ever look at your closet and think to yourself, What did I even wear before I bought this piece? For the fashion set, there's at least one piece (such as a basic staple or a statement bag) that is integral to personal style. Of course, what constitutes a great buy depends on the person. Some people live to follow the trends of the moment, while others prefer a good capsule wardrobe. So, what was actually worth buying this year? In order to satisfy my own curiosity, I asked 15 stylish women to share their best fashion buys of 2021. Consider this Spotify Wrapped for shopping.
WHO: Mel Mondigo
How would you describe your personal style?
Minimal chic.
WHO: Remonia Morrison
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is casual chic with a lot of neutral tones, however, I have been incorporating a pop of bold color here and there, and I love to wear pieces that make me feel powerful—like a suit or a structured trench coat.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
The Frankie Shop's Bea Pleated pants are the best-fitting trousers I own. It is well-tailored with an excellent waist-to-hip ratio. It isn't easy to find off-the-rack trousers that perfectly fit my waist and hips. It's a classic piece that I will wear over and over again as the years go by.
WHO: Jana Rose Carrero
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is effortless chic, and at times, it can be playful with an edge.
WHO: Naomi Parris
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as '90s-inspired. I love to mix statement pieces with timeless pieces.
Even though I'm not super big on buying designer pieces with the logo plastered over the product, these Gucci slides have become one of my favorite purchases of the year.
WHO: Megan Furber
How would you describe your personal style?
My everyday style is casual, but I'll never leave the house without a statement piece. I tend to invest in statement pieces because a pair of sparkly Saks Potts pants are just as timeless as a black blazer.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
This bag is the definition of small but mighty. Everyone laughed when I purchased this bag, saying how I would never use it (or fit anything in it) and how they were wrong. It has traveled the country with me, adding a certain je ne sais quoi to surprisingly every look.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
In 2022, I cannot wait for the rise of the back-to-school trend. I have a couple of Ganni knits in my collection that scream this trend, and I'm looking forward to living in an oversize collar shirt and pleated skirt until spring.
WHO: Chiara Perera
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is classic. I always joke and say that I dress like a granddad who turns into a drag queen at night.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
These shoes are the best. After almost a year and a half of not wearing heels, my feet have become a little weak, so these beauties came to the rescue! The prettiest flats make a world of difference during the day and, of course, look fabulous at night.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
I am excited to get into the maxi trend. I have been loving the longer hem, as it makes everything feel more fabulous. If you, like me, love the Olsen twins, then this is the easiest way to emulate their style.
WHO: Richlove Rockson
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual with a dash of elegance.
WHO: Rawan Thaher
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as versatile and colorful. I don't limit myself to a particular aesthetic when it comes to dressing; I'll wear whatever I want as long as it makes me feel good.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
It's great to see that bold colors such as saffron will make an appearance in 2022, as I think it's such a great way to express yourself. While I'm not a fan of red, I can see myself gravitating to pieces with bold colors, whether an accessory or head-to-toe look.
WHO: Diane K.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is constantly evolving based on my feelings. Lately, I have been into "rich auntie vibes," trying to mix statement pieces with chic and timeless pieces.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
This Balenciaga handbag has been my dream bag for two years, and recently I had the chance to buy it on sale. It's a masterpiece that can be worn with just about everything.
WHO: Lina Safi
How would you describe your personal style?
My style could be defined as minimal streetwear. I'm always wearing a mix of tomboy-inspired and classic pieces.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
Honestly, despite graduating from college last year, watching the new season of Gossip Girl has me wanting to wear more the back-to-school wear to reminisce about the good old times during school. I would love to style an outfit with Lacoste's polo shirts, sweaters, and vests.
WHO: Nicole Omuteku
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as sophisticated and modern. I own a lot of pieces with structure and clean lines.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
I'm going to start investing more in statement pieces. For years, I've had the approach to investing more in basics that you wear most often. But lately, my style consists of more exciting pieces.
WHO: Kathryn Zahorak
How would you describe your personal style?
Retro, flirty, natural.
WHO: Shrutika Gavhane
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is a hybrid of minimal and street style–inspired.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
Sneakers are always worth investing in, and these Air Jordans did not disappoint. I love how comfortable the shoes are, and I'm obsessed with the colorway on these shoes.
WHO: Tiffany Daniels
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as an eclectic mix of boho-chic. I wear lots of patterns, texture, color, and artistic statement pieces.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
I've been in love with colorful leather pieces lately; there's something so effortlessly chic about them. I've worn this blazer in more ways than I am proud of, and I've only had it for a few weeks. It is a closet staple and worth every penny!
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
I predict that I will be investing in more pieces with bright and bold colors. I love all things neutral/pastel-toned, but I think bold hues are on-trend now and well into 2022, so I can get on board!
WHO: Justyna Czerniak
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as elegant, but I’m not afraid to go a bit wild sometimes and have fun with my choices.
Can you share two things you bought this year that you feel were worth every penny?
While I love how there are so many great pieces in the world, for me, moderation and simplicity are always my driving forces when shopping. I love buying timeless pieces like this blazer, that I can wear for years to come.
Are there any pieces or trends you predict you'll invest in for 2022?
I saw Prada's silver Cleo bag during my trip to Paris, and I almost bought it. It's now sold out, so I'm waiting for it to come back so I can invest in it for 2022. I have a feeling statement baguettes aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Next: 19 Stylish Readers Share What They're Buying for Winter

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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