All the Fashion Things Anna Wintour Hates (and Those She Loves)

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the many charms of Condé Nast Artistic Director Anna Wintour is that she has strong opinions, and her opinions matter. She is indeed an influencer in every sense of the word. As such, any quote from her that involves an opinion or prediction sends the internet into a mild frenzy.

We've covered quite a bit of Wintour's sartorial likes and dislikes over the years, spanning topics as varied as the athleisure trend she hates to the fashion city she loves. While we could wax poetic about observations like Wintour's aversion to handbags (she rarely carries one) or that she'd never touch the streetwear trend (she's never worn a hoodie), these are the things she's actually said for all the world to hear. Ready for a little Anna Wintour fashion opinions 101?

Keep scrolling to familiarise yourself with some of her likes and dislikes, and shop pieces she'd approve of along the way.

Anna Wintour Hates…

Head-to-Toe Black 

"[I'd never wear] head-to-toe black."—Anna Wintour

Read more here

Wear Instead: Colour

You'd be hard-pressed to find many photos of Wintour wearing all black. Diversify your wardrobe by pairing unexpected colours and opting for a colourful coat or a colourful dress (instead of yet another LBD). 

Shop Our Colourful Picks: 

Anna Wintour Loves…

Recycling Clothes 

"I think it's always fun to have something new, but it doesn't mean that everything you already have in your closet has to be thrown out, you know? Recycle. It's totally ok. I even recommend it." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Shop Our Recycle-Worthy Pick:

Anna Wintour Hates…

Trends 

“Trends is a dirty word.” — Anna Wintour

Read more here and here

Wear Instead: Classic Pieces

While trying trends you love is great, keep the bulk of your wardrobe classic to ensure that it doesn't constantly need updating. 

Shop Our Classic Pick: 

Anna Wintour Loves…

London's Fashion Scene 

"London is always full of imagination and creativity and young designers that lead the way." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Shop Our London Fast-Fashion Pick:

Anna Wintour Hates…

Logomania

"[Phoebe Philo at Céline and J.W.Anderson at Loewe were] very fluid, very anti-branding, very discreet, but a new way to look at clothes." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Wear Instead: Logo-Less Pieces

While logos are having a moment this season, stick to more discreet, un-branded pieces if you're seeking more longevity from your purchases. 

Shop Our Logo-Less Pick: 

Anna Wintour Loves…

House Slipper Shoes 

"That was the one item that I noticed every single model [at Dolce & Gabbana S/S 17] wanted, and I certainly want it." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Shop Our House Slipper Picks:

Anna Wintour Hates…

Nylon

 

"I don't really love nylon."—Anna Wintour

Read more here

Wear Instead: Leather

Unlike nylon, leather looks expensive and luxe. Like nylon, leather can feel athletic and cool (e.g., a pair of track trousers or a bomber jacket), making it a great alternative. 

Shop Our Leather Picks: 

Anna Wintour Loves… 

Gucci 

"[For] the words we keep hearing about—joy and optimism—I really give a lot of credit to Alessandro Michele for being so bold and brilliant with his reset at Gucci." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Shop Our Gucci Pick:

Anna Wintour Hates…

Flourescent Activewear

"Don't forget to wear your sunglasses, especially if the male [tennis] players insist on wearing those ugly fluorescent colours." — Anna Wintour

Read more here

Wear Instead: Neutral-Coloured Activewear

Fluorescent colours come in and out of style, but neutral-hued activewear is here to stay. Want to have a little fun with neutrals? Try a matching set. 

Shop Our Neutral Activewear Pick: 

Do you agree with Wintour's fashion likes and dislikes? Tell us in the comments below!

Opening Image: Getty Images

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.