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
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
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.
Shop a Similar Style for Less
Le Specs Fire Starter Sunglasses
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
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.
Nanushka Trench Dress
Shop a Similar Style for Less
Wandler Georgia Bag
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
Zara Crop Fleece Coat
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
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.
Shop a Similar Style for Less
Next up, the winter shoes wise celebrities wore in the '90s.
-
I'm a Luxury Fashion Director—These Are the Only Designer Buys That Matter for SummerFrom Miu Miu to Alaïa.
-
Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Are Hosting Big-Deal Sales RN—Do Your WorstAnd do it fast.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 35 Swimsuits You Need to Know About in 2024From bikinis to maillots.
-
I'm Prepping for My Trip to Havana—39 Items on My Shopping Wish ListI want it all.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This SpringChic as always.
-
This Beloved British Brand Just Arrived in NYC—12 Items I Tried On and LovedIt's even Kate Middleton–approved.
-
I Objectively Have Enough Shoes, But Then I Saw These On-Trend Styles From Nordstrom, Zara, and ShopbopThey're all under $300, too.
