I Tried on 10 "Famous" Fashion Items IRL—Here's My Honest Verdict

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

More often than not, what the fashion world crowns an It piece and what we actually want to own are two very different things. As a digital fashion editor, I'm constantly scouring the internet to uncover these buzzy It pieces, and in doing so, I've become acutely aware of all the latest items to earn cult status. What I've learned is that more often than not, these "famous" items tend to not be the most wearable—all for the 'gram, you know?

So I recently made it my mission to test-drive some of the most famous fashion items in person and give them my brutally honest review. Would those Bottega Veneta sandals be comfortable to walk in? Would those Gucci sunglasses look too over-the-top? I went out to a few retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue in search of these beloved garments I'd seen in street style galleries and Instagram feeds galore, and after hauling armfuls of options into my dressing rooms and snapping the pics to prove it, I can honestly tell you which items lived up to their hype and which ones simply didn't translate as well in person.

From the sandals seemingly every fashion person owns to several Insta-famous dresses, scroll down to see the dressing-room shots of what I tried on, and find out which pieces are 100% worth it.

What I'd Buy

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

I've adored Cecilie Bahnsen's frothy tent-like dresses from afar for a while now, and even though fashion's cool girls manage to make them look so good, I fully expected this dress to swallow me whole. The shape is far from body-hugging, but I actually loved the way it fell, and the tie details at the back were a charming touch. I'm officially adding this to my wish list and plan to wear it as the model did with a pair of oxfords.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

So Selena Gomez did not steer me wrong with this glorious Ganni number. The ruched bodice lies in such a lovely way, and the neckline deserves a closer look (so elegant). I also liked that the satin fabric has a bit of stretch in it, which makes it one of the most comfortable cocktail dresses imaginable.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

The perfect leather-looking pants? I think yes. Nanushka's faux-leather pieces are all over the fashion front right now, and after trying on these buttery-soft pants, I can totally see why. They were surprisingly lightweight, and after wearing them around the dressing room, I was less than thrilled to get back into my rigid jeans.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

I'd be lying if I said these were completely comfortable. They sort of pinch in between the toes and are about half an inch higher than I'd like them to be, but I'm still including them in my "would-buy" section since they're obviously very cool and hit on so many current shoe trends like square toes, crisscross straps, and well, anything Bottega Veneta right now.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Hello, dream dress. First of all, anything in a pleated fabric like this is bound to win me over. Secondly, the woven buckle at the back of this dress, which you can sort of see in the mirror's reflection, is incredible. Chocolate brown is not exactly a colour I'd choose for myself, but I was delighted to by how lovely this actually looked.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Okay, out of everything in this edit, I'd buy this dress right away, and that's saying something considering I tried on some lust-worthy items. It's so stunning because it's such a simple dress, yet it's all in the details. Take note of the square neckline and nipped-in waist. I can already imagine styling it with ankle-tie sandals on a trip to Italy.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

This dress makes me feel like a more fun version of myself, and I love that about it. I'd seen this silhouette all over Insta in the stiffer jacquard fabric, but I enjoyed how the satin version softens the drama of the sleeves a bit, so it's definitely more wearable than I thought it would be. Also, the buttons on the neckline and cuffs are even better from up close.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Staud recently came out with a mini version of its beloved Bissett bag, and it's even cuter than the original while still being able to hold a decent amount.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Meet Meghan Markle's favourite handbag brand. Each one of its structured bags is sophisticated, and while Markle herself is a fan of the neutral versions, I thought this wavy checkerboard print felt really fresh and fun.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Retro "granny" glasses are all the rage right now, and I was astonished that this pair didn't make me look bug-eyed. The shape was just the right amount of oversize, and the colour hits on the overarching '70s trend, so I'd say these are all-around winners.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2020 fashion trends you need to know. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.