Welcome to our World's Best Shoppers series, a monthly feature in which we tap into the shopping leaders of the fashion world—the best fashion directors, buyers, and stylists—for sartorial insight on what to buy each season.
What should we buy in 2020? For the fashion-forward among us, it’s a question that is at the forefront of our minds as we move through the first month of the new decade and start to get excited about the fresh new trends and pieces that'll soon be dominating our Insta feeds. It’s also a great time to reassess our wardrobes and start thinking about some smart investments for the year ahead. To get us inspired, we tapped into the world’s best shoppers to see exactly what they’re buying this year. From trending runway-inspired pieces that have true staying power to classic and versatile items that will last you for years to come, scroll below to see what these women—with an eye for fashion—are investing in this year.
Caroline Maguire: Fashion Director, Shopbop
"I am lusting over this cropped blazer from Acne. I love the versatility. Whether it’s wearing a white tee underneath in spring or layering knits in winter, this jacket will get me through every season.”
Shannon Schafer: Senior Fashion Director, Nordstrom
"Soft, romantic tops with voluminous sleeves are a must-have this season. The romantic tops are easily paired with denim for an effortlessly chic look.”
"The blazer continues to be the power player in your wardrobe. It is extremely versatile and can be office casual with a T-shirt and denim or layered over a dress with heels for a night out.”
"Clean denim will work hard in your wardrobe this year. You can dress it up or down. Pair it with a pretty blouse for day-to-night look.”
"Invest in a trench. This classic staple will work hard in your wardrobe and easily pair with almost any outfit.”
"Dresses have sweeping lengths and romantic sleeves this year. This one is great for day to night.”
Lisa Aiken: Fashion & Buying Director, Moda Operandi
"Romantic necklines are a huge trend for S/S 20. We're seeing a lot more minimalist brands take on feminine details. From our S/S 20 trunk shows, the Khaite Maddy ribbed-knit shirt was our overwhelming best seller of the season, and I can't wait to live in this top."
"If you only buy one bag for the season, make it the soft clutch. Daniel Lee’s Cloud bag for Bottega Veneta sparked the trend. Of note is Loewe’s reintroduction of the Flamenco shape in a new clutch silhouette as well as Bottega’s newest iteration of the pouch with a chain handle."
Sasha Skoda: Head of Women's, The RealReal
"If I learned anything from the past decade, it's that Gucci is a smart investment. Although Alessandro Michele is most known for his over-the-top styles, he still wins my heart (and wallet) when it comes to these classic loafers that I'll wear forever… or consign in a year!"
"Nanushka is on my list for top emerging brands and gets bonus points for being sustainable. I love this faux-leather update on a classic style."
"Call me crazy, but new Bottega has me craving old Bottega. The fresh ocher color also feels reminiscent of colors sent down the runway from brands like Jacquemus and Gabriela Hearst."
Rebecca Weisberg: Head of Women's, Verishop
"Eien29, with its effortless tailoring, is one of the new names from our upcoming Korean brand collection. I love the structured shape of this top and how the pale blue makes it more feminine than standard white. I would pair it back with tailored high-rise leather pants.”
"It's all about '90s-style denim silhouettes, and the black wash here feels fresh. The fit is universal; I would pair these with my favorite oversize tee and sneakers for day or boots and a cashmere knit for evening."
"This Asceno halter dress is perfect for my fantasy post-holiday island getaway. Dress it down with a flat sandal or up with gold jewelry and heels."
Aisling McKeefry: Head of Design, Footwear & Accessories, ASOS
"My first pick is this ASOS Design cord suit. I love everything about it—the fact it’s cream, the oversize masculine cut, and the wide leg. Super cool for S/S 20."
"Mules, square toes, and demi wedges are three big trends for S/S 20, and these ASOS Design square-toe wedge mules check all boxes. The perfect shoe whether rocking denim, tailoring, or a dress this summer."
"The '70s are trending hard for spring 2020, and I can’t get enough of an oversize '70s frame, especially in the key color of the season—brown. Perfect for festival season too."
Katie Murphy: VP of Client Services, 11 Honoré
"This cropped leather jacket is my go-to over every dress I own. It’s also a great layering piece for under heavier outwear because it’s not bulky at all.”
"I invested in this emerald cocktail dress to wear to many events I have coming up this season. The quality of the silk and the ease of the drape makes this piece so of the moment but also super classic. I will wear this forever."
Sherri McMullen: Boutique Owner & Buyer, McMullen
"Classic white cotton shirting is a must in every closet. I love this Khaite piece because you can mix and match it with almost anything. It's a trendy take on the classic white shirt. With exaggerated puff sleeves, this style will not go unnoticed.”
"This Mara Hoffman Olla sweater is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. We've paired it with anything from a trench and denim to a funky print skirt for spring. One of many reasons we carry Mara Hoffman at McMullen is because sustainability is built into their brand ethos. Each piece utilizes fabrications that are made to last.”
"The Nina Ricci Gabardine pant is a universal black trouser. I tend to go for a wide-leg fit when I need a piece that can easily transition between seasons. Nina Ricci's styles often fit bodies of all shapes and sizes.”
Up next, 12 insanely easy (and affordable) ways to wear spring 2020's biggest trends right now.
-
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 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23Your definitive guide.
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right NowTake note.
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit FormulaEasy as un, deux, trois.
-
I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 5 Basics on the Streets of ParisEffortless and chic.
