We’re always looking to solve your fashion problems here at Who What Wear, so I thought it was about time we extend a helping hand and see what exactly our readers needed some assistance on. After all, there’s only so much our internal data can show, so why not head to the source? I took to Instagram to ask our 3.9 million followers what fashion questions were on their minds, and they certainly delivered. After sifting through the questions, I was able to narrow it down to 10 common problems that I could offer my editor-approved advice on.
Below, I’ve listed out each of the top problems our readers sent over on Instagram and my solutions to their issues which include shopping picks (of all prices) and outfit inspiration to help alleviate the crisis. Consider this WWW’s very own fashion hotline. From styling the new denim maxi trend to finding an everyday handbag that doesn’t go over their budget, I’ve got a solution for each. Some are style issues even me and my fellow editors have experienced in the past, so I have an inkling you might find a problem you wanted to solve in this list as well. To find out, just keep scrolling.
Problem: Needs help to decide which shoes to wear with wide-leg pants (no boots, please!).
Solution: Luckily for you, we have a story just on the subject. But I’ll break down for you my personal favorites as well.
If you’d prefer additional height with your look, slingback heels are the preferred choice among the fashion set right now—especially a pointed-toe pair. The stylish toes will peak a little out underneath the pant, and I think the look pairs best with a shorter kitten-style heel.
As a petite person, I know it may seem like the wrong idea to pair flats with baggier pants. But thanks to the puddle-pant trend, it’s okay if the pant pools just a tad bit on the bottom. (To avoid too much pooling, the pant hem should hit right above your foot’s sole.)
This option prioritizes comfort, which can balance out the more “professional” look wide-leg trousers can come with. I’d suggest brands like New Balance, Reebok, and Adidas as their most popular sneakers seem to go with just about any pants.
Problem: Doesn’t own an everyday black handbag that can be dressed up or down.
Solution: Depending on the price point, I have some suggestions.
This has been one of our readers’ favorite handbags and for good reason. A lot of the under-$150 handbags I’ve found are either simple and slouchy totes or seem too small for everyday use. This one seems roomy enough to fit all your essentials and due to the luxe-looking quilting, it can easily pair with a going-out look.
Brands like Mansur Gavriel, Staud, and Coach are the ones you should be looking at if you want something that still feels luxurious but doesn’t go over the $1000 mark.
If you’re willing to make a big investment, the Loewe puzzle bag is something that’ll remain in your closet for years to come. It’s slouchy but still has just the right amount of structure, is roomy, and you can forego the long strap when looking to dress things up. Either way, it’s an ideal choice for choosing a designer bag you’ll want major use out of.
Problem: Doesn’t have enough chic workwear.
Solution: It’s going to take some time to build the perfect work wardrobe, but I listed the staples you should most likely start with as a base below.
H&M and J.Crew are our favorites to find easy and accessible workwear that’s still “chic.” But if you’re willing to make more of an investment, brands like The Frankie Shop and Toteme offer timeless and very of-the-moment silhouettes.
For additional workwear advice, we have a whole section dedicated to office fashion.
It doesn’t get more classic than a striped poplin shirt. It’s something me and my fellow editors highly depend on for our office looks. It can be paired with a column maxi skirt, relaxed trousers, and even loose jeans if your office allows them on more casual days. Just add a belt and you’re good to go.
You might already have a basic black blazer in your arsenal, so an elevated take is what you might be missing to up the “chic” factor. This could mean a cinched waist, contrast trim, or even just a color other than black.
Tapered trousers are nice for work, but relaxed wide-leg trousers just add that extra fashion-forward touch.
For months, I lugged my laptop around in a random tote bag I didn’t care for. And after finally investing in a quality and stylish work bag, I realize now that I should’ve done it much sooner. It makes you look (and feel) more polished for work. You don’t have to compromise style for function.
Problem: Unsure which shoes to pair with the long, denim-skirt trend.
Solution: Styling denim skirts isn’t as easy as jeans, but that’s where I come in. I’ve relayed my favorite ways straight from Instagram.
With a denim skirt that doesn’t hit the floor entirely, there’s still room to opt for ballet flats or Mary Janes. To add even more flair, consider a calf-length sock.
Heeled knee-high boots are probably the most commonly paired shoe with denim skirts. With a skirt that has a slit, the boot will peek through the skirt and help to elongate the leg. But I’ve also worn tall boots with full skirts and it pairs just as well.
Opting for simple sneakers that don’t have extra-chunky soles are another ideal match for the denim maxi.
Problem: Doesn’t own an everyday handbag but also has an under-$350 budget.
Solution: Staud is the brand that is should be your go-to destination for bags that are versatile, under-$350, and always have a little added flair to them.
Problem: Always wears neutrals and needs help incorporating color.
Solution: Start slow and small. Instead of starting off with colorful clothes, try to incorporate colorful accessories into your neutral outfits. You may be reluctant to purchase a fun accessory because they don’t seem versatile, but you’ll get plenty of wear out of them once you realize they’re the easy way to incorporate color into a look.
This past NYFW, our editors’ favorite accessory of choice was colorful socks or tights. This is probably the most affordable and low-lift way to incorporate some color into your outfits.
I know what you might be thinking: “How often will I wear these shoes?” But as someone who owns a bright blue pair, it’s more than you think. Wearing an LBD to a wedding? These are the shoes to wear. Want to spice up your tonal suit? Yep, they’ve got you covered. If you’re someone that would rather invest in neutral clothing like the reader above, having a colorful shoe will also add the pop you want without being too distracting.
One of our editors, Eliza Huber, recently brought a bright-green Prada bag. Huber is an avid lover of neutrals but admitted that going with the riskier color choice helped her see color as something she could incorporate into her outfits on the daily basis.
Problem: Unsure of how to wear a vest other than with a suit.
Solution: Resorting to a matching suit may seem like the ultimate option when wearing a vest, but there are plenty of other ways to pick from.
Jeans are the item that just so happens to go with everything—vests included. Opt for wide-leg or straight-leg jeans to keep things more streamlined. If you want to veto the blazer entirely, wear the vest over a long-sleeve top or as-is if you’re comfortable showing some skin.
This time, ditch the blazer and untuck your button-down for a cool and carefree look. It’ll lessen the formality of the vest but with the matching trousers, it’ll still look put together.
I’m all for the tonal look, but mixing and matching is how you get the most out of your wardrobe. Pair a different color of trousers that’s still close in shade to your vest. For example, if your vest is black, wear gray trousers. If your vest is cream, for white.
