I'm an Editor Who's Hard to Impress—9 New Pieces That Get a Yes From Me
I might be a fashion editor, but it might surprise you to learn that I don't shop a whole lot. I know what you're thinking; Isn't that counterintuitive? I liken it to my friend who's a baker and doesn't eat much cake. It's not that you don't enjoy it—the opposite, in fact. The difference is that you don't indulge in it for the sake of it.
For the last 10 years or so, fashion has been my livelihood and my greatest passion. I preview collections before they're released, analyse the runways to pick out the need-to-know trends and scour new-in sections daily, all to bring you the very best that fashion has to offer. As a result, I've become very particular when shopping for myself. For one thing, I have to be in the right mood to shop. Shopping is a big part of my job, which can make doing it on my own time a chore. I also have to be willing to part with some cash. (I was raised to be very money-conscious.) Plus, my increased exposure to fashion means my taste has become all the more specific—something has to really impress me before I'm willing to invest in it. I'm picky, and I don't care who knows it!
That's not to say that everything I buy is an investment—at least, not in terms of cost. I love the high street, and in Britain, we have access to some of the best affordable brands in the world. Although I shop from it, I do so mindfully. And I apply that same mentality to any high-end purchases I'm considering. In the past, I've been swayed into purchasing on name alone, but in my tenure at Who What Wear, I've developed a thicker skin for designer pieces, which allows me to look past the gilded embossing and instead see the piece for what it is and determine whether it's actually worth it.
As you can see, I'm very particular about the clothes I wear, the story they tell, and the impact they have on my life. So why not share my shopping picks with you? These are pieces even a perfectionist can't find fault with. I hope you find something you like and can see yourself wearing for a long time.
See the Shopping Picks That Have Impressed Me
I've been thinking about this co-ord nonstop since I saw it in Arket's new arrivals this week; it reminds me of the pairing Sofia Richie-Grainge wore in the run up to her wedding.
I've been on the hunt for a chic, lightweight jacket that can see me though the spring. I've just found it.
A Savette bag is high, high up on my wish list right now. This brown suede style is nothing short of beautiful.
Dress down with a vest top and slider sandals or elevate with a camisole and heels.
The mesh shoe trend has transitioned from flats to block heels, which I may even prefer! This & Other Stories pair also come in black.
Australian brand Dissh always peaks in popularity in the summer months, and its 2024 collection might just be the strongest I've ever seen from the label. Expect to see it everywhere this month onwards.
Anything from The Row is a luxury but this shirt, in its very elegant pink hue, feels extra special.
I have a few mini getaways planned this summer, so I think it's about time I invested in Longchamp's iconic Le Pliage travel bag.
See Pieces From My Previous Edits
Silky trousers are having a moment; this chocolate-brown pair feel especially luxury.
I have a simple slip dress I want to wear to a wedding next month. This necklace will make it look the pretty part.
I've been losing sleep over Prada's satin mules; thankfully the black iteration I want is finally back in stock.
I wear cardigans and jeans almost daily, so I know I'll get more than enough wear out of H&M's new khaki style.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw this bag in my local Zara store this week; it's perhaps the best the brand has ever done.
Now that spring feels as if it's finally underway, I have the sudden urge to invest in a new dress from one of my favourite brands, Reformation. This style is the one.
Just think how chic this will look with leggings, wide-leg trousers and jeans. Talk about versatile.
An easy skirt to dress up or down. For my first look, I'm thinking a Breton long-sleeve top, tan blazer and slingbacks.
With Nothing Underneath's shirts are legendary—this brand-new red shade is all I can think about wearing.
Skirt suits were big on the LFW runways for autumn/winter 2024—I'm planning on being months ahead of the trend with Mango's version.
I already get so much wear out of the pleated miniskirt I already own, so I know this will be a wise wardrobe investment.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about this gorgeous shoulder bag since I saw it at the Celine press day.
Zara constantly delivers on the affordable shoe front—this pair is next on my list.
I've wanted to invest in a piece from Lié Studio for so long. It has to be this Instagram-famous necklace.
I'm not just an F1 girlie, I'm a McLaren girlie (go Norris!) and I audibly gasped when I saw Reiss's partnership with the brand. Finally merch that doesn't scrimp on style but actually looks chicer than 90% of my wardrobe. This bomber will be mine.
This beautiful jumper also comes in black. Naturally I want both.
I've already found my dream spring dress courtesy of Dôen.
This coat feels special on every level and comes courtesy of one of my favourite brands for 2024.
Slouchy trousers are high on 2024's denim agenda, and Arket's Cloud jeans are a contender for the best on the market.
I've seen this in real life and it's so, so soft. The scarf detail remains key this season, while the camel colour ensures it'll always look timeless. All in all, an excellent cover-up option.
The perfect black ankle boot does exist! Between the kitten heel, squared-off toe and all-round sleek silhouette, these look so high-end.
I've never invested in designer sunglasses (I'm always worry I'll scratch them). This Celine pair, however, are impossible to resist: those Triomphe-emblem arms are on a need-to-know basis.
& Daughter is one of my favourite independent brands, specialising in elevated and classic knitwear. This fair isle cardi rivals any I've seen on the market this season.
I saw this on the arm of my colleague Hannah Almassi and immediately had to know where it was from. Boasting the most sophisticated shade of brown in a sumptuous suede leather, this is what luxury looks like.
I don't usually buy into partywear but I think I have to make an exception for this dress. Featuring gold sequins, velvet bows and a sweetheart neckline, it ticks more dress boxes than I knew were important to me.
Speaking of bows, they're my absolute weakness. I haven't been able to stop thinking about these shoes since I saw them last week.
I've been on the hunt for a sleek black coat, and I've just found it courtesy of independent brand, Almada Label.
This jumper is too beautiful for words and reminds me of the Ganni style that sold out a few years ago. Trust me, I won't let this one pass me by.
Carry the mesh shoe trend into party season with these affordable H&M kitten heels.
This dress comes in several colours, but this taupe tone looks the most expensive.
M&S tailoring always fits me like a glove, so I immediately added this set to basket.
These fit true to size, just like everything I buy from M&S.
DeMellier handbags aren't cheap but they look so premium—at least three times their actual price tags.
I tried this coat on in store and loved it (see above), but decided to wait until payday to buy it, only for it to sell out. Now, it's back, and currently hurtling its way to me.
Upgrade every outfit you wear with these statement (but not too statement) earrings.
M&S cashmere is some of the best on the high street, and I know this striped style will feel relevant in my wardrobe for a long, long time.
I saw this in store and couldn't get over how expensive it looked.
I have plans to wear this gorgeous taffeta skirt with the necklace and draped top above.
I have a few formal occasions on the horizon, and I have my eye on this dress for all of them.
Another winter, another pair of & Other Stories boots that have found their way onto my wish list. The buckle detail may be small, but it makes these knee highs feel so current.
I've decided to treat myself to a new coat this year. This versatile, trend-proof style from H&M is absolutely it.
My favourite dress brand, Ghost, just released a brand-new style (and in my favourite hue to boot!).
This dress as a super-soft teddy texture, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. As per H&M's usual standards, I don't expect this to hang around for long.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
Numbers Don't Lie: These Are the 6 Best-Selling Givenchy Bags of All Time
Receipts have been pulled.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
The Anti–It Bags Fashion People Are Just Really Into
They have major staying power.
By Kristen Nichols
-
I'm Making Some Designer Investments This Year—30 Items I'm Eyeing From MyTheresa
No gatekeeping here.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
Fashion Month Is My Super Bowl: 27 Show-Worthy Picks I'm Adding to the Wish List
Go sports!
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
19 Epic Under-$250 Finds I Just Added to My Mytheresa Cart
Little luxuries.
By Allyson Payer
-
9 Spring Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear Because of Prada and Miu Miu
Influential is an understatement.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Finding Exactly What You Need
Easy-peasy.
By Nayiri Mampourian
-
The First Big Drop of Spring 2024 Has Arrived—8 Items I'm Recommending
These are the most important buys of the season.
By Kristen Nichols