Editors' Picks: The Absolute Best Fashion Items We Bought in 2017
Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: One thing I definitely did not need to buy this year was a new fall coat. So of course, that’s exactly what I bought. But I had to! For starters, it was 50 percent off, plus most of my coats are black and this one is camel with the cool stripe design. It turns even the most basic jeans and sweater outfit into a “look” and I get tons of compliments when I wear it. No regrets! Buy It! Rag & Bone Skye striped wool-blend felt coat, $358; outnet.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: At least one good thing happened in 2017: Sweatpants were rebranded as “joggers,” thereby making them more acceptable to wear in public. I own several pairs joggers, but these are by far the softest and the most stylish, thanks to the vented side ankle cut out. They’re my go-to for weekend morning coffee runs and because they’re so cute, I don’t feel like I was caught in my pajamas when I run into someone I know. Buy It! Chaser Love Knit Vented Drawstring Jogger, $95; chaserbrand.com
Sharon Kanter, Deputy Style Director: This purchase has paid for itself at this point. Not only are these the most comfortable pair of pants I own, but they look 10 times more expensive than they actually are. (Someone actually asked me if they were by Theory!) I pair these with bodysuits, crops, tanks, shirts, and pretty much anything else. And because they hit above the waist, they're incredibly flattering. (And if you're short like me, they also come in a petite version, which I obviously got, too.) Buy It! Express Mid-Rise Jersey Sash Pant, $59.90 (on sale for $39.90); express.com
Alex Apatoff, Deputy Style Director: I spent a lot of time in 2017 wondering why I couldn't find a pair of shoes cute enough to wear with dressy outfits but comfortable enough to commute in. Then in November, I found this genius site and wondered why I wasted so much time searching for the perfect pair when I could just design my own. I had been worried about the price and the commitment of custom shoes: Would they be too expensive? What if they didn't fit? But the quality is excellent, the price is incredibly reasonable and the time I save trying to find the right pair of shoes is so significant, I'm already planning my boot update for 2018. Buy It! Shoes of Prey pointy-toe flat, $129; shopspring.com
Jillian Ruffo, Associate Beauty Editor: Someone should probably remove these jeans from my wardrobe at this point, because I basically wear them every day. I'm obsessed with the light wash and slightly torn look of these jeans, and they couldn't fit better -- to the point where I've bought them in three other shades. Buy It! Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans in Summer Dune, $148; bloomingdales.com
Sharon Kanter, Deputy Style Director: I pride myself on owning items that are highly functional, and this one definitely delivers in that regard. I first spotted it on Instagram and then stalked it for months online before finally grabbing it for myself a few months ago. It's ideal for everything — going to the gym, heading to work, doing errands, etc. — and it has pockets for everything, plus a ton of hidden pockets, too. It's my favorite thing because it simplifies my schlep on the daily. Buy It! Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack, $175; bandier.com.
Colleen Kratofil, Style Writer-Reporter: I got my first pair of Parker Smiths earlier this year and immediately bought two more in the exact same style because I knew these would be my wear (literally) everywhere jeans. Thanks to their incredible stretch, they're the only high-waisted jeans I've found that keep me totally comfortable at all times. (I'm talking comfortable enough to wear on an eight hour flight!) But the really best part is that they never lose their shape. A year-in and they still fit like they're brand new. However, that didn't stop me from putting a pair in blue and white shades on my holiday wish list! Buy It! Parker Smith Bombshell Skinny Jeans in Black Sea, $198; nordstrom.com
Alex Apatoff, Deputy Style Director: I always thought celebrities who swore they had a "style uniform" post-kids were a little sad. Then I had a child and I converted. It's one less thing to think about when you're trying to keep them from rolling off the bed. My everday outfit is a crewneck cashmere sweater, skinnies (I love the Parker Smiths too!) and Keds, And because kids somehow will find a way to smear something sticky on you no matter what, I've become a devotee of affordable cashmere like these sweaters - including this favorite from Gap. Buy It! Gap cashmere crewneck, $89; gap.com
Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: Yes, this leather skirt was a splurge, but before I bought it I purged all the faux leather skirts in my closet, so I felt great about the investment. Now I have one high-quality style that I can wear with everything from boots to sneakers. And the gold stars on this mini add a fresh take to basic black. Buy It! L'Agence Jolie Star-Print Leather Miniskirt, $595; barneys.com
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: After much contemplation and internal struggle, I splurged on my first real designer purchase this year. I'd been looking for a new timeless shoulder bag for months, but once I laid eyes on this chic Gucci style, I couldn't get it out of my mind. After seeing it in person at the Gucci store and doing hours of research online, I finally decided to pull the trigger and invest in this piece. I'm not going to lie -- being my first designer buy, seeing the charge on my credit card bill pained me -- but months later, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It's incredibly versatile, elevates any outfit and despite its smaller size, fits everything I need. Buy It! Gucci GG Marmont Small Quilted Camera Bag, $1,250; neimanmarcus.com
Alex Apatoff, Deputy Style Director: The people who invented these tights were sick of their tights getting ripped to shreds when worn with boots. These not only are a clever solution to an annoying problem, they're also super high-quality: They're really soft, they don't snag or run and that thicker top part of the tights ends right at the top of the leg, so it doesn't show under miniskirts. Buy It! Bootights, $24; amazon.com
Sharon Kanter, Deputy Style Director: I have had my eyes on these boots forever because pretty much every single celeb and all the cool fashionista ladies have them. But I truly didn't know if I wanted to invest my cash in them. When Black Friday came around, I figured "Why not?!" and purchased them for 40 percent off in the store. And they're already paying off: I wear them with jeans (and even leggings) and it makes my outfits look more put together instantly. Plus, they're flats, which means that they're super comfortable and easy when walking around the city all day. Buy It! Stuart Weitzman Allgood Boots, $765 (on sale for $536); stuartweitzman.com.
Alex Apatoff, Deputy Style Director: Another style side effect of having a child is that I spend a lot of time indoors. That has meant a lot of time to catch a glimpse of my reflection while wearing a Day Glo yellow A Phi Mud Olympics 2009 tee. It's not great. Investing a little more in my loungewear has made me feel more human while trapped indoors, and is just a kinder way to live for everyone involved, including my husband (who very diplomatically) never pointed out the holes in my sweats before I got into fancy PJs. Buy It! Eberjey "Giselle" shorty pajamas, $102; journelle.com
Briana Draguca, Style & Beauty Intern: Anyone who knows me knows that I never go without wearing a watch. This Marc Jacobs rose gold watch has been my staple watch since I got it––I wear it every day and feel so incomplete without it! I love the fresh white face and it's simple enough that it never clashes with what I'm wearing and fancy enough to elevate all of my basic pieces. Buy It! Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Analog Quartz Watch, $164.32 (originally $224.99); jet.com
Rag & Bone Wool Coat
Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: One thing I definitely did not need to buy this year was a new fall coat. So of course, that’s exactly what I bought. But I had to! For starters, it was 50 percent off, plus most of my coats are black and this one is camel with the cool stripe design. It turns even the most basic jeans and sweater outfit into a “look” and I get tons of compliments when I wear it. No regrets! Buy It! Rag & Bone Skye striped wool-blend felt coat, $358; outnet.com
The Best Fashion and Accessory Buys of 2017
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