For years, I’ve been trying to convince myself and everyone around me that I’m not a “luxury shoe” girl. But I’m here to report that I’ve failed. The truth is I’ll almost never choose a sneaker over a classic leather loafer. The loafer has been an It shoe for years now, and though many iterations have come and gone, the timelessness of this forever style remains.
Franco Sarto has been a shoe haven for me while I continue my never-ending hunt for the most stylish footwear. This season, I haven’t been able to stop wearing the brand’s Carolynn Loafer. A crinkled patent loafer finished with smooth tassels, the Carolynn is elevating my wardrobe to luxury levels. Franco Sarto Creative Director Gionata Pagni creates every shoe with “the vision of the woman wearing it and the world she will wear it in” in mind, and this careful consideration—not to mention the high-quality materials and timeless designs—is precisely why I turn to this brand season after season. If you’re in the market for the best loafers that will stand the test of time, keep scrolling to see the Carolynn and more styles I’m loving at the moment.
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 30 fashion and beauty finds on their current wish list.
This weekend, while taking a break from online shopping for work, I decided to do some in-person shopping for some much-needed fall inspiration. Sure, it was 90° with a dew point of one million, but my excitement for cashmere couldn’t be stopped. One glance at the window displays at Banana Republic on 5th Avenue, and I knew my September budget was toast. Its fall collection is what anti-trend dreams are made of: a plethora of cashmere, herringbone everything, and brown suede accessories. After perusing this jackpot of fall essentials, I knew I needed to share my findings. If you’re in the market for high-quality, luxe fall staples with an approachable price point, I’ve got every item you need below. Keep scrolling to shop my current favorites from the collection.
Those who attend fashion week know this to be all too true: The days are long, but the week still seems to fly by in a split second. Now that New York Fashion Week has come to an official close, what better way to dish on everything that happened than through the lens of our very own editors? Throughout the past seven days, we saw a stunning array of spring 2024 collections, but despite the clothing that was the week’s primary objective, our team also indulged in a lot of incredible meals, took approximately 100 Uber, train, and bus rides, and, of course, wore plenty of trend-forward outfits throughout it all.
The week had us all up and down the isle of Manhattan and even over the river into Brooklyn and Roosevelt Island. We snapped plenty of pictures, texted plenty of group chats, and posted a veritable Instagram blitz on our feeds. Suffice it to say that our screen time has shot up to a scary degree. In other words, we did a lot. If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life of a fashion editor attending NYFW is like, you’re about to get a taste because I tasked each attendee on our fashion team with reporting on the highlights of each day, from their favorite runway look to the pop culture thing that everyone was talking about to what they ate, drank, and wore. Continue on to read team Who What Wear’s fashion-week highlight reel.
What I’m about to say may blow your mind: Makeup doesn’t have to be expensive to yield impressive results. Yes, you read that correctly. Wondering how I know this? I’ve been doing research on the best products on the market, and I’ve landed on some gems. Case in point: this lip plumper from TikTok-viral brand SheGlam. I’ve actually been reaching for it so often that I’ve put some of my pricer lippies back in the drawer. It plumps up my lips without any stinging or burning, and it also has coconut oil for the most irresistibly juicy pout. I’m shopping it in all shades (I’ve specifically been eyeing Pink Flamingo, Hot Stuff, and First Crush) and also grabbing some for my sister and my besties because, you know, why not share the love? I was so impressed by this viral must-have that I’ve done a full edit of the brand’s absolute best including lip gloss, eye shadow, and more. Keep reading to shop this magical lip plumper and the rest of my editor-approved beauty buys. (Psst: They’re all under $10.)
In the age of internet fashion, we’re walking the finest line between trendy and timeless. Traditionally, these two categories are the opposite of one another, but they’ve been working hand in hand this season. (Opposites attract, and all that.) Timeless staples have become the buzzy trends to invest in, which might feel wrong to say, but the results are oh so right. Our associate editor, Yusra Siddiqui, is living proof. Using pieces from Banana Republic, she put together two looks that fall perfectly into this season’s “trendy-timeless” category—inspired by The Fall Issue. Here’s how to follow her lead: Instead of investing in a neutral suit, opt for this season’s hottest color trend. (Ahem, it’s red.) Or when reaching for a maxi dress, go bolder with a metallic print and ample accessories. Bottom line? This season, we aren’t afraid to wear bright colors or mix metals, but we’re doing it in a classic way with pieces that will live in our wardrobes forever. Keep scrolling to shop Yusra’s fall looks.
When Gerber’s not putting her comedy chops to the test alongside the greats, you’ll likely find her curled up somewhere with a good book. It’s not out of the norm for her to be rotating between three or four at a time—usually a memoir, a novel, a short story, or a poetry book. She is an enthusiastic consumer of literature, one who will happily ham it up with you about her latest book finds. Recent favorites include Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman, Lucky Dogs by Helen Schulman, and Terminal Boredom by Izumi Suzuki.
“When people think of Kaia Gerber’s Instagram, [I don’t think] they expect to go on and basically see me only talking about books,” she says. Looking for a place to connect with others and start purposeful conversations, Gerber created her own online book club. Each month, she shares a new book with her 9.6 million followers, inviting either the author or a special guest to join her live. “I decided, Why not use this book club as a way to highlight authors and encourage people to read but also as a door or window into conversations that are really difficult to have?” she says. For this reason, she’s quite particular about the titles she chooses each month, basing it on the kind of dialogue she wants to spark. For August, Gerber hosted a live with author Alex Auder to discuss her memoir Don’t Call Me Home, a story that tackles being raised by a Warhol superstar and the intimate bonds of mother-daughter relationships. “I get to have these really incredible authors or people who just have so much insight into these topics. I am a very curious person in my life, and I think it lives in my book club as well,” she adds.
So where does modeling fit into all this? It’s obvious Gerber is leaning more into acting these days, but she is quick to clarify it’s not one or the other. The two can live harmoniously in her life. For the moment, she’s enjoying being more selective with the fashion projects she commits to. “I have fun doing it now because I get to come in and do really special, meaningful things with people that I have really deep, wonderful relationships with,” she says. The Valentino Haute Couture show is one example. Working with longtime friend Hedi Slimane as the face of Celine is another. “I love working with Celine because I really feel like it’s the coolest version of myself, and it’s not at all how cool I am in real life,” she says. Even her fashion choices on the red carpet, for which she collaborates with stylist Danielle Goldberg, are meticulously selected and have intent behind them.
Arguably the best part of being an NYC-based fashion editor is getting to watch the trend cycle evolve in real time. I can take a walk through SoHo and see our trend forecasts become street style in a matter of minutes. But on the flip side, I also get to observe the timeless pieces that exist outside of that cycle. For example, some handbags have a staying power so strong that they instantly bring you back to an iconic ’90s campaign. (Hi, Cindy Crawford.) MCM Worldwide tends to have that effect on me and so many other people. Whether it’s the Reversible Liz Shopper hanging off the arm of someone crossing the street or the Ottomar Weekender Bag being packed into the overhead bin on a flight, MCM pieces are instantly recognizable and never go out of style. With Cindy Crawford as its new face and an all-leather collection on display, MCM was much deserving of one of my deep dives. What did I find? A mix of the classics, fresh styles, and everything in between. Keep scrolling for all the luxury handbags worth investing in this fall.
It’s impossible to discuss MCM’s impact without mentioning the iconic Visetos monogram. This MCM logo on the OG cognac base is where it all started. Since 1976, your favorite celebrities have been wearing some variation of this classic print. The best part? The assortment has only gotten better with time. I mean, have you seen the crescent hobo bag or the mini chain backpack? They can only be described as ’90s nostalgia with a 2023 twist. Pro tip: When your outfit is lacking excitement, add one of these silhouettes to give it some character.
The category is maximalism. If you’re looking to make an even bigger statement, MCM released the jumbo monogram earlier this year for you. The Maxi Visetos monogram is an enlarged version of the classic Visetos print, and the collection is available in cognac and black colorways. While we’re in the era of stealth wealth, these pieces will truly set you apart from the pack. Onlookers will never have to guess where you got your incredibly cute purse. And truth be told, I love the idea of people seeing me sport a heritage brand. All of the bags from this collection speak for themselves, so I’d style this with a rather neutral look (e.g. relaxed suiting or jeans and T-shirt) to give my accessory the attention that it deserves.
Mode Travia is unlike any collection we’ve seen from MCM. This all-leather collection takes elements from the original Visetos collections such as the traditional black and cognac colorways and the signature Visetos monogram, but it also introduces completely new shapes, shades, and logos. (FYI, the green Mode Travia Tote in Spanish Nappa Leather has my name written all over it.) This collection is for shoppers who are leaning into simplistic designs but don’t want to fully let go of logos. MCM’s new embossed logo style gives us an opportunity to participate in logomania in a more subdued way. Whether you’re wearing the hobo bag or throwing the wallet into your purse, you can do so knowing your items will never go out of style.
You know it’s New York Fashion Week when you see street style photographers crowding random corners of the city and people sprinting out of cabs at an unusually fast pace (even for New Yorkers) dressed in designer looks that feel a bit too much for daytime (again, even for New Yorkers). While many fashion editors look forward to the shows and the new pieces designers have dreamt up for the following season, I’m always just as (if not more) interested to see what the fashion set is wearing to these shows.
Per usual, this year’s attendees stepped out in all of the big fall trends, four of which are proving to reign supreme. I’m breaking them down below along with which jewelry from the Pandora Moments collection I’d style with each trend. The collection features an array of symbols that allow you to personalize your looks, so there’s really no better match when it comes to expressing yourself this fall. Here’s how it’s done.
I find it super difficult to shop for wedding guest outfits any time of year, but the going gets tougher when fall comes around. Now, I love a fall wedding—a romantic ceremony in a chilly setting adds a whimsical element to the whole affair—but finding a dress I won’t freeze in is a difficult task. After September, I usually stick to pantsuits, but with six weddings on my calendar this season, I need a little variety. I decided to challenge myself to find the perfect fall wedding guest dress, and naturally, my first stop was Nordstrom. The retailer came prepared for fall nuptials with silky slip dresses, puff-sleeved midis, and every style in between. Keep scrolling for the dresses that landed in my cart.
I may not be a mom just yet, but as the resident shopping expert of my family, I know a thing or two about purchasing children’s apparel. I’ve bought many baby-shower and birthday gifts, and I’ve learned the hard way that children’s clothes have to be functional, not just fashionable. Who knew that a 6-month-old wouldn’t be into rigid denim? Not me, apparently, but I’ve gotten better over the years, and now I can spot a cute and functional kids collection from a mile away. That’s exactly what happened when I went to purchase pieces from the Gap x LoveShackFancy collaboration for myself—I found the most adorable children’s pieces I’ve ever seen, featuring pink and blue floral patterns, ruffled eyelet details, and so much more. I need every kid I know to wear these pieces as they head back to school. Between you and me, I can’t believe they’re still in stock. Keep scrolling to shop the most covetable children’s collection to date.
Courtesy of Alexander McQueen; Launchmetrics Spotlight/ Bottega Veneta; Courtesy of Saint Laurent; Courtesy of Valentino; Launchmetrics Spotlight/ Remain
One of the largest misconceptions about planetary retrogrades is that they usher chaos into our lives, but that’s not the case. Retrogrades are a chance to do some essential work on ourselves. If any sign is willing to do the heavy lifting to reap the benefits, it’s you, Capricorn. As the 10th sign in the zodiac, you’re known for your ambition, pragmatism, and determination, which will be useful, as your ruling planet, Saturn, is in retrograde until November 4. Because Saturn rules over time, discipline, rules, and tasks and is moving through the dreamy Pisces, this fall will be all about reevaluating the dreams you have for your life—it’s going to serve as a reality check. Now is the time to review how your current habits, communication style, and self-image may keep you from stepping into your dreams. We suggest taking more time to reflect, journal, and reprioritize, but there’s another small shift you can make during this season.
If you want to show the world you mean business, what better way than by adopting the power-suiting looks we saw on the fall/winter 2023 runways? Suiting may be a trend that feels as frequent as retrograde, but this season, we saw designers return to ’80s-inspired silhouettes. At Saint Laurent, an oversize white blazer with dramatic shoulder pads was layered over a low-scoop black tank tucked into leather shorts. At Remain, a simple pair of trousers and a button-down were emphasized with the addition of a boxy tan blazer. But it wasn’t just the blazer that was given a more tailored feel. At Valentino and Bottega Veneta, longline coats featured sharp shoulders and nipped-in waists. At Alexander McQueen, the matching suit was made edgier by patterns, materials, and unique styling that came in the form of pinstripe longline coats layered over matching separates, purple leather trench coats, and even suits styled with ties. Each iteration of this trend was a reminder that, with a little reflection and some serious shoulder pads, retrograde can be a breeze for our determined Capricorns.
For Kaelen Haworth—creative consultant, stylist, and visionary behind Absolutely Fabrics—fashion transcends beyond a passion. A Parsons graduate, Haworth embarked on her fashion journey by creating her eponymous fashion line, Kaelen. The brand’s success was undeniable, earning it a coveted spot in the CFDA Incubator and a presence in esteemed retailers like Intermix and Shopbop. Building on this foundation, she launched Second Sight, a direct-to-consumer and size-inclusive brand that exemplified her commitment to accessible and stylish fashion.
Yet Haworth’s path took an unexpected turn, leading her into the world of editorial and celebrity styling in 2020—ultimately highlighting her adaptability and creative flair and showcasing her innate ability to seamlessly move between different facets of the fashion world. This September, Haworth’s journey is set to take another exciting turn with the opening of Absolutely Fabrics in Toronto. This concept store is poised to be more than just a retail destination. It will stock an eclectic mix of designer and vintage pieces, serving as a creative studio space and hosting an array of engaging programming, including trunk shows, shoots, and product-launch events. Absolutely Fabrics is set to become a vibrant hub where fashion enthusiasts can explore, create, and connect.
Haworth’s evolution within the fashion industry is a testament to her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. Listen to the latest episode of Second Life to hear how Haworth decided to take a major leap of faith by pivoting her position within the fashion industry and discover how she plans to evolve Absolutely Fabrics.
When I was a kid, I wanted to dress like my stylish aunts, but I was so finicky about my clothes. They had to be breathable and stretchy enough so I could swing on the monkey bars and fly on the swings at recess, but even at a young age, I wanted to feel stylish in my favorite colors and patterns. If only Posh Peanut existed back then, it would have been my—and my mom’s—saving grace. The celeb- and influencer-approved brand has the most adorable kids’ clothes in a rainbow of colors and endless prints that make for the best outfit combinations. (Psst: It also drops brand-new prints and styles weekly. No, I’m not kidding!) The clothes are super comfy, too—they’re made from a buttery-soft bamboo-derived fabric. And since the brand carries preemie through adult sizes, there are countless matching opportunities (read: cute photo opps) for the whole family. If you’re a parent or a cool aunt or uncle, keep scrolling to see the trendy pieces for the kid in your life (plus a few bonus pieces for yourself).
Hear me out for a second: I love trying out the latest makeup looks and beauty trends, but since I live in an extremely expensive city, my budget is quite limited. If you can relate, I highly suggest running to your local CVS ASAP—it’s having a major sale that every beauty lover needs to know about. Here’s the gist: Now through September 16, countless ride-or-die drugstore brands including Revlon, E.l.f. Cosmetics, Milani, Kitsch, and more are discounted during CVS’s Epic Beauty Sale. As if you need another reason to participate, you could earn over $100 in ExtraBucks Rewards for shopping the sale (on top of your savings). If you’re not sure where to start, let’s pretend we’re walking through CVS together. Keep scrolling for my breakdown of four beauty trends and a list of gems I’m picking up to achieve each look.
It’s that time of year again: Summer is drawing to a close, which means brisk fall weather is approaching. Although I love the sunshine, I must admit that I can’t wait to cozy up in some comfy layers and knits, specifically those from Jenni Kayne. The brand does minimalist, versatile pieces just right, and the quality is unmatched. I’ll be shopping the cashmere cardigans for chilly evenings, airy linens for warmer days, and cotton basics for every day. If you also need to refresh your wardrobe for fall, you can use the code LDWEVENT20 for 20% off the whole site (yes, really!) from August 31 to September 4. But if you’re like me and can’t wait to shop, just sign up for the brand’s rewards to get early access on August 30. (Thank me later.) Keep scrolling to see the editor-approved pieces that will take you from hot summer days to brisk fall mornings.
Once a hardcore flats lover, I’m now embracing the chunky-sneaker trend. I’ll admit it took me a few seasons to get on board, but I’ve officially converted to the comfy, albeit trendy, footwear style. It seems like social media agrees with me—my For You Page is inundated with influencers and fashion people wearing fun sneakers with polished outfits. Not to mention, Zappos just released a new line of sneakers from Brooks, appropriately named the Vibes Collection, all of which are playing a major role in my end-of-summer aesthetic. I’m currently styling the Ghost 15, a classic black sneaker with blue detailing, with my signature neutrals, but I’m also taking the plunge with a purple running shoe. Below, I’ve curated four outfits to wear with Brooks sneakers this season, so if you’re searching for ways to style this trend, look no further.
If you like no-makeup makeup, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: A good skin tint is the most essential product to achieve the “my skin but better” look. When I was researching (read: shopping) skin tints on TikTok, the same one kept popping up: the It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint ($28) from Keys Soulcare, a brand created by singer Alicia Keys and dermatologist Renée Snyder, MD. This tint is the ultimate makeup-skincare hybrid—it’s a buildable foundation and concealer, and it also has two of my favorite ingredients: niacinamide and squalane. So yeah, this is really the only product to reach for when you have literally five minutes to get ready but still want to nourish your skin and have that gorgeous lit-from-within glow. The affordable price and impressive 40-shade range also deserve a round of applause. Curious to see how I’d use this product with some of the brand’s other products? Keep scrolling to see the daily ritual you’ll want to copy. By the way, from now until September 18, you can score 15% off any purchase of $85 or more with the code WWW15. (You’re welcome.)
So let’s say you took a trip this summer, and maybe you experienced some sun damage. What can you do to help combat the damage you have inflicted upon yourself, over-the-counter product-wise?
I think a lot of people stop using retinol or retinoids during the summer, which you have to be using SPF if you’re using retinol, but retinol is one of the best things you can do to basically undo sun damage, stimulate cell turnover, retexturize the skin, prevent fine lines, brightening, all of it. It kind of does everything. So reincorporating that into your routine a few days a week, maybe don’t go every day because it can cause irritation, and again, you want to slow build these products that are a little bit more active, a little bit more potent, so a few times a week to help correct sun damage.
Nothing hurts my ego more than when I ask my team if they’ve heard a song from the late ’90s or early 2000s and get nothing but furrowed brows and glassy eyes staring back at me in silence. It’s brutal, and it’s happened more than once. I know I’m not old in the grand scheme of things, but it’s hard not to feel like an elderly person when I’m among my Gen Z team. The thing is I love getting older, and I can’t fathom what it would have been like to grow up without my favorite pop stars. At least my fellow millennial/beauty director extraordinaire Erin Jahns can relate.
Unless you lived through the girl- and boy-band boom, you can’t fully understand the chokehold these stars still have on us. But beauty brand SHEGLAM clearly does understand, and its new Vinyl Pop Color Palette ($7.49) is proof that we can still live out our Y2K pop-star dreams. “My goal with this makeup was to look like a backup dancer for Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera,” Erin tells me. Here, she breaks down what she used and how to create the ultimate early 2000s vibe.
“I wanted my skin to look baby soft, almost as if I wasn’t wearing a base, but I used the palette to give my eyes, lips, and the high points of my face a subtle shimmer. I used the clear gloss and the neutral-toned shimmer in the center of the palette to create a pretty gleam on my lids and the inner corners of my eyes, and I even tapped a little bit of the shimmer on my lips, which created that frosted lip look that feels so reminiscent of the early 2000s. Since Y2K was the era of super-skinny brows, I opted to leave mine completely alone and rounded everything off with a few coats of the All-In-One Volume & Length Mascara ($5.99) for some extra definition and flutter. I also used the creamy brown pigment for a low-effort cat eye.” — Erin Jahns, beauty director
“I love the array of shades and finishes in the palette. I depend on mixing mattes and shimmers to create a truly dimensional eye that will pop in real life and photos. And this one goes the extra mile with creamy options (in both clear and brown!) to give you even more freedom to play.
“I used the Vinyl Pop Color Palette in Rose Sonata ($7.49) and started with the neutral shade (toward the bottom right) in my creases, then added the maroon-like hue below it in my outer corners and along my lower lash line. To finish, I used the shimmer in the center of the palette on the inner corners of my eyes and brought it all the way into the middle. I also used a tiny bit along my lower lashes and tapped it on my lips. I used the creamy brown as I would a gel liner to create an easy cat eye, and then I circled my finger around the clear pigment, which is shaped a record in the palette, for a soft, glossy effect over my shimmery lids.” — Jahns
“Everyone who knows me knows how much of a mascara snob I am. I love a product with versatility, and the fact that this mascara has two brushes is a big win for me. I wanted more separation and length than volume for this particular look, so I opted to use the curved silicone brush, which gave me tons of control and light definition. I’ll use the fluffier brush when I want tons of dramatic volume. I also appreciated that I got zero flakes or clumps and that this mascara comes in both washable and waterproof formulas.” — Jahns
“I’m very into this look because I’m obviously obsessed with shimmer! I’m so happy it’s having a moment again. I’ve been doing it forever, even when it wasn’t as much of a trend, and I swear it’s the key to brightening up your face and giving your look an eye-catching hint of sparkle with minimal effort. And it doesn’t have to look tacky! I think for a long time, people thought of glitter as juvenile, but when done right, it actually has the opposite effect. I never get more compliments than when I have a little bit of sparkle on my eyes or lips. Try it in a neutral shade like I did if you want something that won’t look too loud.” — Jahns
As I sit here in the throes of a very humid NYC summer, I can’t help but dream about the cooler temperatures of a crisp fall day. We’re going to ignore the fact that I begged for warm weather throughout winter because it’s hard to live in the present when I’m always looking to the sartorial season ahead. Don’t blame me—blame my job (and the fact that my AC unit is on its last leg). But thankfully, we’re already seeing the release of fall collections, a signal that the change in season and a new batch of trends are near.
My mind is already spinning with all the fall looks I’m ready to style. I’m still on board with the “stealth wealth” aesthetic because the outfits require little effort to put together but result in very polished looks. The key pieces include luxe basics (such as the Khaite jeans below), pointed-toe slingbacks, and coordinating suit sets. No one accomplishes this vibe better than our associate director of special projects, Kristen Nichols, so I’ve tapped her to share three fall looks she’s shopping at Saks, including a chic desk-to-drinks ensemble and a pretty date-night outfit. Her looks prove that “less is more” is the only rule of thumb for fall dressing this year. Browse through the videos below and keep scrolling to see where Kristen would wear each look.
