"I consider myself a bit of a pro-shopper. I have a firm grasp on my own personal style and am pretty selective on what comes in or goes out of my closet. And yet, despite my resolute shopping habits and self-proclaimed immunity to traditional ads, I am not immune to fashion influencer recommendations. Yes, that’s right, you heard me admit it: I have been influenced—and more than once, if I’m being honest. But allow me to explain:
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a bit of an investigator at heart. I like getting to the bottom of things and verifying or unveiling the truth—even when the truth in question is whether or not a pair of jeans really are as wonderful as so many social media personalities are claiming them to be. I’ll admit that this “need to know” mentality and subsequent shopping habit has definitely put me in a “curiosity killed the cat” situation more than once. Some of those magical clothing pieces you see rave reviews about online? They’re duds. Or maybe they’re OK, but they’re also—in my humble opinion–overpriced for lackluster quality or an unflattering fit (one pricey peplum top that looked more like something from Target’s maternity section specifically comes to mind.).
But among the duds, some of those magical clothing pieces really do exist. These are the wardrobe essentials that are so beautifully versatile you can wear them year round or the pieces that can’t help but make you smile through their combination of style and practicality. These are the purchases that make you say, “As a matter of fact, yes, I was influenced. And I have zero regrets.”
1. Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Mom Jeans
If you’ve been on the internet at all during the past year, then you’ve probably seen rave reviews for Abercrombie’s mom jeans—and I’m here to add to that cause.
As far as I am concerned, Abercrombie & Fitch mom jeans are the only mom jeans. While I was hesitant at first to trade in my skinny jeans and jump on the loose denim trend, I credit A&F for officially converting me. The quality of these jeans is top notch, they’re comfortable, and they truly sculpt your figure for an ultra-flattering fit. Pair them with boots or sandals, a sweater or a tank top—they are a staple piece that can be worn year-round. I have several pairs and can only say I wish I owned more—a pair for every day of the week, minimum.
2. Target’s A New Day Ribbed Tank
This $8 tank top is an absolute wardrobe essential. After seeing countless editors at The Everygirl pledge their love for this top, I knew I had to try it. After all, all I had to lose was $8.
I purchased this tank in an olive color last summer and am 100% planning on adding more colors to my spring and summer lineup. As someone who works from home, I appreciate the higher neckline for Zoom meetings and love that you can easily pair it with a variety of bottoms (shorts, jeans, skirts, etc.) or layer with a cardigan or jacket for cooler temps. Affordable, size-inclusive, and available in a variety of colors—add to cart now, ladies. You can’t lose.
3. Madewell Kickoff Trainers
I’m not a sneaker girl—I’m really not. But sneakers are one of those things you just kind of have to own. Last spring, I saw these trainers repeatedly on (you guessed it) Instagram and was instantly drawn to their aesthetic.
Despite not being a sneaker girl, I could appreciate that these shoes looked sharp—and not only sharp but also practical. As someone who has flat feet, I appreciate how these sneakers are both incredibly structured and comfortable. Plus, standing at a mere 5 feet 3 inches on a good day, I secretly love the extra lift from the cushioned souls. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend these shoes for intense workout sessions, I can personally attest that they are the perfect companion for coffee runs and long walks.
Kiel James Patrick Sweatshirts
I’m going to clue you in on a little secret: If you’ve ever seen a social media influencer post a photo of themselves wearing a sweater that is quintessentially perfect for a particular holiday or season, there is a good chance that they purchased said sweater from Kiel James Patrick (their Big Cozy Leaf Sweater and Home-Alone-themed McCallister sweater both sell out every single year). Instagram first introduced me to the brand a couple of years ago and I have since become a religious KJP shopper. Their clothing is high quality, and every time I wear one of their pieces (seriously—every single time), I get a compliment on what I’m wearing.
This graphic sweatshirt is no exception. This top was one of my first KJP purchases and is one I grab for time and time again. It’s cute and lightweight while still being warm, and the cabincore graphic design is just as seasonally appropriate for summer as it is for winter. Is it the most fashion-forward item in my closet? Probably not. Is it one of my favorites? Absolutely.
