I’m a Fashion Editor & Here’s What I’m Buying This Year

Before you roll your eyes and scroll down, hear me out! The dickey is the savior for layering fanatics who don’t want to feel like Joey Tribbiani asking, “Could I be wearing any more clothes?” from November until March. It also sounds much cooler when you call it a mock collar. I’ll wear mine layered under white button-downs (quite unlike the one pictured above) and also try it with printed floral dresses (again, underneath). Knowing I can leave my scarf at home but still keep my neck and chest warm, without letting people know I’m wearing a fake shirt? TBH, I don’t hate it.

Save: & Other Stories Chunky Ribbed Knit Snood ($59)

Splurge: Tibi Cozette Alpaca-Blend Turtleneck Sweater Dickey ($265)

My closet is packed with blazers I hardly wear, so I’m going to drop some cash on a belted jacket—that I’ll actually wear. Note: It must have buttons and should preferably be of the safari jacket iteration (a style that, fun fact, was made fashionable by Yves Saint Laurent) because I intend to wear this jacket as a shirt, at least in winter when it will keep me warm under a wool overcoat. Come spring, it will be just light enough for outdoor use.

Save: & Other Stories Belted Patch Pocket Tweed Jacket ($149)

Splurge: A.P.C. Balmoral Jacket ($635)

I laughed, I cried and I left the theater after seeing Little Women with a very strong urge to acquire a white blouse with voluminous sleeves and a touch of lace at the collar. Nearly every character wore one (from Laurie to Jo and even Amy), and rather than feeling dated, the tops were the epitome of Victorian chic. Which is, admittedly, an aesthetic I didn’t even know I could ever be into.

Save: Treasure & Bond Puff Sleeve Textured Blouse ($69)

Splurge: Frame Long Puff Sleeve Silk Blouse ($325)

The power suit is glorious in all its iterations, which is why I’m ready to toss aside the trousers and fully embrace an ’80s skirt suit, but only if a mini is involved. A little bit Clueless and a lot of Working Girl, these two-pieces look brilliantly nostalgic when worn as is. But I’m 99.9 percent sure I’ll pair that blazer with light-wash jeans for a day at the office and rock the miniskirt with a T-shirt and tights for a night out. Oh, and if it’s not black and white, I’m not interested in it.

Save: & Other Stories Tailored Gingham Blazer ($179); Gingham Mini Skirt ($69)

Splurge: L’Agence Adette Collarless Blazer ($450); Livia Mini Skirt ($325)

After years of lugging a laptop all around Manhattan in a tote bag (along with a notebook, a water bottle, 12 to 15 lip products and my gym clothes plus sneakers), my back and shoulders are begging for a break. So I’m forcing myself to lighten my load in a very expensive way: by acquiring a cute bag that’s just too small to hold my MacBook. I can still toss a pair of leggings and a sports bra in these guys, plus my reusable coffee cup, but I *hope* the abbreviated tote will encourage me to leave the laptop where it belongs, which is at the office.

Save: Staud Mini Shirley Tote ($275; $177)

Splurge: Boyy Lotus 28 Snake-Effect Leather Tote ($975)

I am so damn tired of not being able to wear my combat boots with every single pair of jeans I own. Some of my jeans are too long and make the clunky boots look awkward, while others are too wide and aren’t quite balanced out by the lace-up detail. Yes, I sound like a spoiled brat, but I expect the utmost versatility from the pieces in my wardrobe. Why can’t they just get along like old friends? A polished pair of booties, though? You can wear those with almost every length of pants—especially if they offer the illusion of slender ankles (which is a weird trick I’ve learned for finding your most flattering boots). Rather than going the boring route with basic black, I’m trying a dark shade of maroon, oxblood or burgundy, all of which can be worn with any shade of blue denim, in addition to black and faded gray. Versatility achieved.

Save: Mango Moc Croc Kitten Heel Boots ($60)

Splurge: Nomasei Aria Ankle Boots in Stretch Napa ($440)

It might only be the start of January, but I already have my sights set on spring. And I’d like to usher in my second-favorite season with a new mid-weight coat that can protect against light gusts of wind and easily be worn over cashmere or a T-shirt, depending on the day. Bonus points if it comes in a patchwork print or a shiny vinyl material.

Save: Topshop Vinyl Trench Coat ($150; $75)

Splurge: Stand Studio Nino Patchwork Leather Coat ($1,020; $510)

Let’s just put it this way: If it’s designed by Area and adorned with crystals, I want it and I need it. The up-and-coming New York brand has been making waves for a few seasons with its playful but wearable creations and is certainly one to watch in 2020. Whether your budget is slight or very generous, you can indulge in some Area-approved sparkle. Dip a toe in the water with a pair of square hoops or sashay into a party with a diamanté fringe adorning your slingback pumps. I, personally, will be doing the latter.

Save: Area Medium Square Hoop Earrings ($215; $151)

Splurge: Area Crystal Chandelier Slingbacks ($640)