Everyday
Dec 27, 2019

Of Everything I Bought This Year, These 8 Pieces Were the Best, Hands Down

by Allyson Payer

I don't know about you, but I acquired a lot of stuff this year. I guess it comes with the territory when you're a fashion editor and basically shop for a living. Even though I always make an effort to shop wisely, I admit to making regrettable purchases from time to time. But I'm here to talk about the zero-regret ones that I've worn over and over this year.

Relatively speaking, narrowing this list down to seven items was a challenge, but those are the restraints I put on myself, so I adhered. I do love a good investment buy (especially when it's something I can wear on repeat, like a bag), but some of my best buys of the year were less than $100 and can be worn just as much.

Scroll to shop my smartest purchases of 2019. You'll find everything from the It bag I've been carrying constantly this winter to the Zara jacket I seriously can't believe I hesitated to buy.

Levi's Dad Jeans ($98)

I acquired a lot of jeans this year, but I have a special place in my heart for these Levi's. At 5'4", I need jeans that are the perfect not-too-cropped, not-to-long length that I can wear with a variety of shoe styles. These fit the bill, and despite being 100% cotton, they're ridiculously comfortable.

Loewe Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots ($750)

Not only are these functional, but they look even cooler on. I've always been bored by all-weather boots, but leave it to Loewe to turn something utilitarian into something beautiful. My favorite easy way to wear them is with wide-leg, high-waisted trousers or jeans and a cropped cardigan.

Le Specs Fire Starter Round-Acetate Sunglasses ($43)

I've worn my fair share of "weird" sunglasses, but this year, I wanted to go back to something a little more classic. These are still cool and youthful, but they have the added benefit of going with everything I wear, and they're quite flattering. (I find that a lot of sunglasses don't look great on me.)

Staud Olive Dress ($235)

I never thought I'd wear a bubble dress again, but here we are. On the hanger, this LBD could easily be mistaken for some sort of mini parachute, but it looks quite chic on. Since I'm pretty short, I love that I can adjust the length both at the neck and at the hem.

Wandler Georgia Zebra-Print Leather Bag ~~( $1060)~~ $742

After seeing this bag on so many stylish women during fashion month this past fall, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'm so glad I chose it as my big bag purchase of the year, as I've worn it over and over. It always matches, even if it doesn't.

Shop a Similar Style for Less

Wandler Anna Bag ~~( $860)~~ $516

Zara Cropped Fleece Coat ($90)

I bought this in a darker camel color at the end of last winter, and I ended up wearing it almost every day in February and March. It's so cozy and the perfect length.

Totême The Wide Shaft Boot black ($890)

I had to have these beautiful boots from the moment I saw them. Unlike many tall boots, you can wear them over jeans and pants that are a little loose, thanks to the slouchy wide shaft. It's not surprising they sold out immediately, but Totême is regularly restocking them.

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Of Everything I Bought This Year, These 8 Pieces Were the Best, Hands Down

Levi's Dad Jeans

Loewe Lug-Sole Chelsea Boots

Le Specs Fire Starter Sunglasses

Staud Olive Dress

Nanushka Trench Dress

Wandler Georgia Bag

Zara Crop Fleece Coat

Totême The Wide Shaft Boot