Ready for a little shopping inspiration? In my mind, the only thing better than a good fashion roundup is one that includes outfit ideas along with it. Fashion editor-approved picks and the styling ideas to match—it’s a win-win, really, and my fellow editors and I are back at it again with our try-on series just in time for a 2021 wardrobe refresh. If you’re familiar with these posts, then just keep scrolling to get your download of the latest affordable shopping picks and how to style them. But if you happen to be new here, then let me fill you in.
We drop new pieces for our Who What Wear line several times a season, and today’s roundup highlights the chic loungewear looks , ribbed knits, and easy sweaters from the latest collection. Even though nothing rings up for more than $40 in this edit, the cool looks our editors put together are making these affordable buys look far pricier. Ahead, see how we each wear our picks, and then shop our favorites if you’re so inspired.
Wearing: Who What Wear High-Rise Belted Pants ($37); Source Unknown Sweetheart Neckline Ribbed Knit ($75); Steve Madden Signal Mule ($175). “I live in leather pants during the winter, so when I spotted these Who What Wear pants, I knew I had to have them. Typically I’m in black or brown leather pants, but these vibrant forest green leather pants are a breath of fresh air to an otherwise typically neutral winter palette. As far as the fit, I’m obsessed with the fact they fit a little lower on my waist than the typical high-waisted leather pant variations you see at Zara (but if that’s not your thing, these pants do come with a belt). I will warn you that they are a more light-weight PU fabric, so for our cold-climate readers, layering with these pants is a must, but I promise you won’t regret adding these pants into your winter wardrobe rotation.”
Wearing: Who What Wear Puff Long Sleeve Turtleneck Top ($25); Wilfred Melina Pants ($148); vintage belt. This pretty turtleneck is like the definition of a special basic. It really couldn’t be any easier to wear—I styled it here with leather pants and a belt—but the puff sleeve details and eye-catching floral print are the perfect elements to spice up any simple winter look. The fabric is also delightfully soft and stretchy making it a comfortable pick, too.
Wearing: Who What Wear Relaxed Fit Trousers ($35); Doên Pomme Sweater ($498). “I’m always on the hunt for pants that aren’t jeans (or sweatpants these days), and this pair was a great decision. They have a very subtle paper bag waistband (which I recommend not covering up when you wear them) and hit at the perfect ankle length for someone who’s on the short side like me. I also loved how surprisingly versatile the caramel color is.”
Wearing: Who What Wear Floral Print Puff Sleeve A-Line Dress ($37); Raen Flatscreen Sunglasses ($75); Jeffrey Campbell boots. “From the neckline to the square shoulders to the ruching this dress really feels like a piece I’d see for triple the price. The thigh slit is really special to showcase a cool pair of boots.”
Wearing: Who What Wear Puff Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck Knit Top ($25) and High-Rise Relaxed Fit Wide Leg Pants ($35). “There’s nothing that’s livening up my look right now quite like this chic statement blouse and pants set! The bold gold and black print is eye-catching yet versatile—easy to style with other neutral hues. The turtleneck blouse is silky soft with subtle puff sleeves—perfect for video meetings or a date night. Throughout winter I’ve been styling it under a chic black overcoat or with a black sweater vest. If you’re looking for an Insta-worthy look to take you seamlessly into spring, this is a winner.”
Wearing: Who What Wear Cardigan ($37); Zara Pants; JW Pei Eva Shoulder Bag ($39). “My favorite part of this cardigans isn’t just that it’s incredibly soft, but it’s thicker than it looks and provides more warmth than you’d think. Plus, the buttons are tortoise-like so you can mix and match with either black or brown”
Wearing: Who What Wear Floral Print Puff Sleeve A-Line Dress ($37). “This dress is so good! It’s comfortable, as the material has good stretch, yet it’s super alluring, because it hugs your curves and has a slit. The material also has a texture to it that makes it look way more expensive than 99% other dresses in this price range. The print is sophisticated, and I love the midi length— a win all around.”
Wearing: Who What Wear Puff Long Sleeve Sweater Dress ($40). “I have a deep obsession with turtlenecks. They make me feel sophisticated, serious, and grown-up. So, obviously, I love this sweater dress. It’s so simple, yet can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It also has some cool subtle design details that make it unique, like puffy shoulders, a tasteful slit, and shiny buttons at the back of the neck. The material is stretchy and soft––it’s on the roomier side, so you might want to go down a size if you want something more form-fitting, which is what I did here.”
Up next: I’m Done with Skinnies, So I’m Fixated On These 4 Pant Trends for 2021